Watch Me Walk

{CHASE}

Back at the office, Miss Le Fay is at her desk when I arrive. Although she is on the phone, I feel her eyes watching me as I cross her path. No doubt, she is waiting for my wrath to descend on her for whatever infraction I choose to pick out today.

Instead, I nod and keep walking to my desk, flipping through the messages, and the small pile of documents waiting for my approval. Feeling oddly disinterested, I stand up, looking out at the skyline and the city below; its bustle and noise muted by the glass and height from the street. The view and sound will be much different at The Astley Group.

Everything will be different.

Often, by the time I finish any sort of meeting with Ruzek, I am usually a mass of nerve endings, pulsating and anxious. He knows how to push the buttons of every person who works for him; how to say and do exactly what he needs to get what he wants—be it positive or negative.

Until this very moment, I hadn't realized that.

Meeting with Liam, even though I am on edge, given the premise I am meeting him under, I am still calm.

In my research of his company, and of the man himself, I read over and again of his kindness and generosity of spirit. In fact, other than Ruzek's low opinion of Liam, I haven't read or heard another unkind remark.

Sitting with him, discussing the concepts in my mind for the footwear campaign, I had felt an enthusiasm that had been lacking for a long time. I felt creative again, energized. Liam listened, truly listened, encouraging my thought process with positive reinforcement, and adding ideas of his own.

To my surprise, I liked his concept of teamwork. I wonder what it would be like not to be involved in the daily cutthroat world of Fay Inc. How it will feel to work with people instead of against them. Will it make for a better life? An easier one—of that fact I am certain. Yet, I feel it will be no less challenging.

All I know was, by the time our meeting ends, my reasons for wanting to work for him are no longer all about revenge. I want to feel that enthusiasm—to be proud of the campaigns I create. It is an unexpected situation, yet not unpleasant.

My door slams and I turn, frowning, my thoughts interrupted.

"Ruzek." I regard him pointedly. "Good thing I wasn't with a client."

"Riley told me you were free. She buzzed you, but you didn't answer."

I was so deep in thought I hadn't heard the intercom. That is a first.

"What can I do for you?"

He draws back his shoulders, preparing for an argument. "Where were you this morning? I was looking for you, and you weren't answering your phone, or returning my messages."

"I was on a personal appointment."

"Your assistant said it was a doctor's appointment."

I know he is lying. One thing Miss Le Fay is good at is keeping my secrets. I call his bluff. "Why she would say such a thing, I have no idea. I didn't tell Miss Le Fay where I would be. As I said, it was personal."

He scowls at me, but drop it. He walks around a bit, patting his comb-over; a gesture of his I know well. He is going in for the kill. He pivots to face me. "Why was Nicholas Maxwell here the other day?"

I shrug, moving to sit at my desk so he won't see my smirk. Now, I understand what this is all about.

"Nicholas and I are friends. We were setting up a round of golf."

"He couldn't do that over the phone?"

"He was in the neighborhood. He likes to flirt with Miss Le Fay, and he dropped by in person. Is there a problem?"

"What are you up to?"

I lift my hands in supplication. "I'm up to nothing, Ruzek, except a round of golf and a couple hours outside the office. Dock me if you want." I pick up the stack of documents. "I think if you checked though, you'd see I have a lot of unused vacation time—take the two hours out of there."

"I'm watching you," he warns, turning on his heel, and storming out. The door slams so hard the windows rattle.

I grin at the door. "Watch away, Ruzek. Watch me walk away."

I stretch over the desk, and punch the intercom button.

Miss Le Fay answers, sounding more cautious than usual. "Mr. Hayes?"

"I need a coffee, Miss Le Fay."

"Anything else, sir?"

"A few moments of your time."

She draws in a stuttering breath. "Right away."

I turn my chair back toward the window, and heave a sigh. I can't believe what I am about to do.

I hope I won't fail. God help me—either way.