“You seem surprised,” I said.
“That’s because I am.”
“Why would you feel that way?” I asked. “You’ve been a killer temporary employee. You’re a hard worker, talented as hell, and people have loved having you around the office. You’re exactly the kind of person I move mountains to find.”
The tinge of a blush appeared on her cheeks.
“Thanks,” she said. “Just doing what you were paying me to do.”
“And I’d like to keep paying you to do it,” I said. “Listen—I don’t know how much Richie is paying you, but I can guarantee you that I’ll offer more. And the benefits at CooperWare are about the best you’ll find in the city.”
I went on, deciding to treat this like I was trying to make a sale.
“And what’s more, you’ll be working on a project that you care about. I saw the way your face lit up when you were using the VR system. Just think about what that will be like for a disadvantaged kid who’s never had access to technology like that. That’s my plan, and I want you to be a part of it.”
Shayla took another bite of her meal and chewed thoughtfully. I pressed on, not about to let up.
“Think about working with the creative team at CooperWare. You’ll be around likeminded people, in a stimulating environment that most artists can only dream about. And like I told you, I make sure to give my creative the time they need to work on their own projects.”
I decided that was enough for her to consider. I picked up the bottle of ketchup, dumped a small red pool onto my plate, and dipped one of my onion rings into it. My eyes were on Shayla as I popped it into my mouth and chewed, and I could almost see the gears turning in her mind.
“What’s your hesitation?” I asked, after swallowing. “Let me see if I can take care of any doubts you’re having.”
“It’s just…I don’t know. It all sounds great, Colton, really it does. But what will Richie say? He hasn’t exactly been shy in noticing how closely you and I have been working together.”
“You think he’s jealous?”
“No, no,” she said. “It’s not a romantic thing at all. But he’s always taken pride in having taken me under his wing. I don’t think he’d be too happy if I jumped ship.”
“I can see that,” I said. “But that’s part of being in business. Employees come and go all the time for all sorts of reasons. You can’t hang onto them forever. He’s a grown-up—he’ll understand that.”
She nodded slowly. “You’re probably right. But I still feel like I’d be screwing him over. Something about it just doesn’t sit right with me.”
“That means you have a strong sense of loyalty,” I said. “Which is one of the exact reasons I want to bring you into my company. You’re not just some ladder-climber motivated by the next big thing, and I’m not expecting just the higher pay and benefits to be what tips the scales.”
She took another bite. I got the sense this wasn’t going to be resolved over pancakes and onion rings.
“I think I need some time to think it over,” she said.
“Not a problem at all,” I said. “If you want, I’d be happy to bring you along to California. Maybe some sun and sand would help you clear your mind and make a decision.”
The corner of her mouth rose slightly, and I could see that the idea was appealing.
“Warm weather sounds great, but I need to make this decision alone. If I’m with you I might get charmed into it.”
I chuckled. “Fair enough. Then why don’t you take the holidays to mull it over. If you want to join up, then awesome! We can get you ready to go once your two weeks are up. And if not, no hard feelings?”
She gave a quick nod. “Sounds good.”
“Now,” I said. “Let’s eat this food before it gets cold. Nothing worse than soggy onion rings.”
Once we were done eating, I picked up the check and walked Shayla back to her apartment.
“Thanks again,” she said. “For everything. You know as well as anyone that I’m not a holiday person, but this was actually kind of magical, as silly as that sounds.”
“Not silly at all,” I said. “Magic is what the holidays are all about.”
My eyes searched her gorgeous face as we stood in front of her building. Shayla’s perfect lips parted, and I couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her. The kiss was long and delicious and lingering.
When our lips finally separated, Shayla’s eyes lingering on mine, and all I wanted was to do it again. Maybe even take her back up to the apartment for a little more.
“Thank you, Colton,” she said softly.
“Have a wonderful rest of the holidays,” I said. “And I look forward to hearing your decision.”
She gave me one last smile before opening the door to her apartment and stepping back inside. As I stood on the sidewalk surrounded by fresh, glittering snow, I savored the lingering taste of Shayla’s lips on mine.
I couldn’t wait to see her again.
Chapter 14
Shayla
A Week Later
It was the second day of the new year, and I’d made my decision: I wanted to work for Colton.
But my mind hadn’t always been this made up. At first, when I was back in my apartment after the wonderful Christmas we had shared, I was sure that I needed to put as much distance between the two of us as possible. After all, could it really be a smart idea to go work for a man that I was romantically involved with?
On top of that, I was sure that I was under his spell, and potentially not thinking clearly. Colton had an absolutely infectious enthusiasm, and I wanted to give myself time to think about everything without his energy and smile making a case for him.
So, I spent the rest of the break thinking the matter over. I went back and forth. One minute being sure that I needed to shoot Colton a quick text and tell him that, while I appreciated the offer, my place was with Richie at Liminal. Then I’d turn around and be convinced in the other direction, that CooperWare was my future, and that I’d be a damn fool to turn down such a generous offer from Colton. After all, his case wasn’t just a bunch of BS—I’d be making more money, have awesome benefits, and be working with a community of artists on projects that I actually cared about.
It was a dream job, through and through. And the only con I could consider was the uncertainty of working for a man that I’d slept with. But that wasn’t enough to make me turn down the offer.
Finally, on New Year’s Eve, at a rooftop bar in midtown with a few friends from work, drink in hand as I watched the fireworks over the East River, I made my decision: I’d go work for Colton.
With the champagne in my head, I was confident as hell about the decision, but by the time January second rolled around and I was actually stepping into the Liminal offices to let Richie know about the news, fresh anxiety formed tight in my gut.
“Hey!” said Richie as I entered the break room. “How were the holidays?”
He was so happy to see me, but all I could think about was the bad news I was about to drop in his lap.
“They were good,” I said vaguely. “Relaxing. How about you?”
“Not bad,” he said. “But I mostly spent them wanting to come back to work. I’ve been speaking with some potential clients for the first quarter, and if even a few of them sign on with us, we’re going to have a killer start to the year.”
I knew I had to tell him right then. Listening to Richie talk about all the work he wanted to do with me, but never would, didn’t feel right at all.
“Listen,” I said. “There’s something I want to talk about with you. Mind if we go to your office?”
He crinkled his brow in confusion. A couple of other employees came into the break room, saying their hellos and pouring themselves coffee.
“What do you want to talk about?” he asked. “I mean, whatever it is, let’s chat about it now. No need to go to the office.”
I glanced over at the other two employees, Mara and Kevin, who were in the m
iddle of some light conversation. They weren’t listening in, but I didn’t feel comfortable in the slightest talking in front of them.
“Let’s go to your office,” I said. “If you wouldn’t mind.”
Richie still appeared confused, but he nodded.
“Sure,” he said. “Let’s go.”
We made our way to his office, and I could feel the tension build with each step we took.
Richie opened the door to his office and let me in first. I slid into the chair, my chest tight and my heart beginning to thud faster.
“So!” he said, his typical enthusiasm tinged with uncertainty. “What’s up?” He plopped into his chair and folded his hands over his small paunch as he propped his feet up on the desk.
There was no easy way to say it, so I went right into it.
“Let me start by saying that my time here with you at Liminal has been the most wonderful and enriching of my career. I don’t know where I’d be without you, Richie.”
The color drained from his face, and his smile disappeared. He knew what was coming. Still, he didn’t say a word.
“I met with Colton over the break, and he told me that he was extremely impressed with the work I’d done for him,” I went on. “And…he told me that he wanted to bring me on board at CooperWare to continue work on the VR project, and whatever he had for me after that. I told him that I’d take the holidays to think about it, and I did. And it wasn’t an easy decision at all. But after some serious thought, I knew that working for Colton would be the best thing for my career.”
There was a tense silence as Richie processed everything that I’d said. I wasn’t sure how he was going to react, but I could already tell that he wasn’t happy about it. Finally, he narrowed his eyes and shook his head.
“I figured something like this was going to happen,” he said, his tone sharp.
“You…did?”
“Yeah, I did,” he said. “I’m not stupid. I could tell right away that Colton had his eye on you.”
“Well,” I said. “He did say that he was paying special attention to my work.”
Richie scoffed and shook his head.
“No,” he said. “That’s not what I’m talking about. I mean that he spent half the workday eyeing you like a piece of meat.”
My eyes went wide. I hadn’t expected him to say something like this—certainly not so directly.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Please, Shayla,” he said. “I know you’re young, but are you telling me you honestly believe he’s bringing you over simply because he thinks you’re some wildly talented employee? He’s bringing you over because he wants to get in your pants.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wanted to shoot something back at him, to defend myself and Colton in some way, but I was speechless.
“It was so obvious!” he went on. “The way he’d come over to your desk and sit on the edge all causal, like he was just dropping in to say hi. But I was right there, watching him shamelessly hit on you. It’s just surprising that you didn’t notice it happening.”
He threw up his hands. “But you know what? That’s not any of my business. You want to put your career prospects in the hands of someone who’s motivated by these sorts of things, you go right ahead—it’s your life, kiddo.”
“That’s not what this is about at all,” I said. “He’s hiring me because of my skills. And because he thinks his company would be a good fit for me.”
Another scoff. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s what he told you. Guys like him know exactly what to say to butter people up and convince them to do what he wants. And you’re falling for it, hook, line, and sinker.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know exactly what I’m talking about,” he said. “I know that you’re about to leave a company that you’ve been with for years for an uncertain thing at a place where the owner has his eye on you. And if you go over there, maybe it’ll work out—who knows? Maybe you’ll have a few great months, and maybe you’ll even end up dating the guy.”
Then Richie leaned in, his tone grave. “But think about what’ll happen if things go south. He’ll have all the power, and he’ll be free to take away every last thing that he’s given you. And make no mistake, Shayla—I’ve known men like him before. They get what they want, then they get bored, and then they move onto the next thing.”
“You’re wrong,” I said. “He’s not like that.”
I tried to resist, but Richie’s words were having an effect on me. He was speaking to the most singular, precise fear I had about the situation.
“Men like him are all like that. Some are just better at hiding it than others,” Richie spat. “And once he takes away everything he’s so generously given, then what? You’ll be left with nothing. And don’t expect me to have any sympathy if you come crawling back to me. I’m giving you a warning right now, one last chance to think this all over and make the right decision.”
I couldn’t be in the office a moment longer. I needed to get out of there and get some fresh air.
“I’m going for a walk,” I said. “I can’t handle this right now.”
“Do what you have to do,” said Richie. “But know that I’m right. It’s up to you whether you find that out the hard way.”
Chapter 15
Shayla
I’d been prepared for Richie to be upset, to maybe do some sulking, but I wasn’t at all ready for him to come at me as aggressively as he had.
If he’d called me ungrateful, or a striver, or something to that effect, I could’ve taken it. That’s what I was expecting, after all. But what he’d said had cut me right to the core.
And the worst part was that he was right. If I worked for Colton, I’d be, as he said, putting my fate into the hands of a man who I was romantically involved with. Richie didn’t know the whole truth, however, that Colton and I had already slept together. I wondered if he suspected it.
That didn’t matter. What mattered is what Richie had said, and how true it was. How did I know if Colton thought I was as special as he seemed to act? What if this had all been some game he was playing to gain my trust, just to sleep with me? What if his whole mission of getting me into the Christmas spirit was just some game?
I had no idea. Rich, powerful, gorgeous men like him were a subject I didn’t have much experience with. Richie seemed to know their type, however, and had made it very clear what he thought of them.
My walk was a long loop through the neighborhood, and by the time I’d arrived in front of the building where the Liminal offices were, I didn’t feel any better about the matter. But I knew I had to talk with Richie, to let him know that I was sticking to my decision. Whatever consequences that followed, I’d simply have to deal with.
Back in the office, I headed to the break room to grab some coffee, to give myself a few moments more to get a handle on everything. Kevin was in there, flipping through his phone as he finished off his coffee.
“Oh, there you are,” he said, his eyes flicking up to mine.
“What, expecting me?” I asked.
“Not me, but Richie stepped out for a sec, told me that when you came back to tell you to go to his office and wait for him there. Said he had something he wanted to talk to you about.”
My stomach tightened. I imagined him laying into me again, having come up with more reasons why I was being stupid for accepting Colton’s offer. Then again, maybe he’d come around? Maybe he’d had some time to cool off, to accept what I’d told him.
It was worth hoping, anyway.
“Thanks, Kevin,” I said as I left the break room and headed toward Richie’s office.
The door had been propped open a bit, and I stepped inside. The space was empty and quiet, the chair from where Richie had been scolding me now empty. But the computer monitor was illuminated, and on the screen I caught sight of the word “CooperWare” in big letters.
I knew it was nosy to look at someone else�
��s computer when they weren’t around, but I couldn’t help it. I inched closer to the screen and saw that, sure enough, it was the homepage for Colton’s company.
There was something different about the logo, however. Instead of the simple, bold design of before, there’d been a slight change to the font, along with the addition of something small in the bottom-right corner.
I squinted and got closer, a gasp sounding from my lips when I realized what the little extra something was.
It was a Pegasus. And not just any Pegasus—it was the Pegasus that I’d designed, the one I’d accidentally left at Colton’s office back before the holiday break.
I couldn’t believe it. I had to talk to Colton.
After pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dialed up his number and listened to the ring. Before the call could connect, however, a voice spoke from behind me.
“Hey.”
I spun around on my heels, feeling like I’d been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I canceled the call on my phone and shoved it back into my pocket.
Richie stood at the entrance to his office, a soft expression on his face. He slowly walked around me and took a seat at his desk. As soon as he sat down, I pointed an angry, accusing finger at the logo on the screen.
“That…that’s mine!” I said.
“Yeah, I know,” said Richie. “I remember seeing you work on it during your lunch break.”
“And now it’s the freaking logo for Colton’s company?”
Richie furrowed his brow and looked away for a moment. The anger that had overtaken him before was gone. He was calm and collected.
“How did he get it?” he asked. “Did you ever show it to him?”
“Just once,” I said. “It was back when we did the presentation. Remember how I left my stuff in his office? When I got there he’d been going through it, and this was on the screen when I came in.”
“And this is just something you’ve been working on, right?” asked Richie. “Not something that you’ve officially published and has your name on it?”
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