Love By Design Box Set

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Savannah

I woke up early the next day after having gotten home around ten and staying up too late watching a little TV and heating up some leftovers. I arrived at my office bright and early around eight, long before anyone else. Normally, we opened our doors at 8:30. I didn’t expect Bianca to be in until nine, after dropping her daughter off at school. The elevator beeped, and I started to walk onto it when I was caught by surprise. Cassian was already inside. He must have been there already because no one ever beat me to the office.

“Mr. Dane,” I spoke, greeting him with a small smile, stepping to the right side of the elevator and keeping my distance. He nodded in return and clicked the button to the tenth floor. “Did you finish your design for the conference?” Cassian asked looking straight forward as the elevator moved up one, two, three flights.

“I’m almost finished. A few last-minute changes will help and then I’ll be ready.”

“Nice. I’d hoped you’d bring your A-game to this retreat. The best and brightest ideas are what I’m seeking for my client.”

“Then I’m the one for the job.” I remarked.

Looking at our reflections in the gold elevator door, I could see the corner of his mouth twist up in a smirk.

“Is that right?” he answered crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yes.” I said swallowing the lump that suddenly appeared in my throat.

He hit the stop button on the elevator and moved into my space. My breath caught.

“I can’t wait to see what you bring to the trip then and I’ll advise you to remember who you’re talking to Miss Houser. You can’t take constructive criticism and that’s why you’ll have a hard time making it in this business.” He glared, staring directly into my eyes, eventually dropping to my lips and he licked his while staring.

The grimace on my face was replaced with shock at the lustful look in his eyes. “You know as well as I do that I’m the best designer you have here,” I spat, standing firm and placing my hand on my hip.

“Because I want you…” The bell rang and cut him off from finishing his comment. He tugged on his jacket and turned the elevator back on to head up to the offices. I’m not sure if he meant what I think he did. But I needed to talk with Bianca and fast. There were about a million no fraternization clauses in our contracts, so if he meant what I think he meant, that spelled trouble. I also had a personal rule of not getting involved with anyone at work, especially my boss. The amount of hate and dirty looks I would get from the other women would only cause me stress.

The doors opened and he waited for me to step off first.

We both went in opposite directions.

Bianca was sitting at her desk filing paperwork away. “Hey, why are you so early?” I placed my briefcase on the desk and picked up the Starbucks cup filled with a strong latte that she always brought me in the morning.

“I came in early because my mom dropped off Alisha for me. I know you have the big competition next week, and I didn’t want you thinking I was slacking or anything.” Bianca huffed, following me into my office, as I turned on the light. I could tell she felt a type of way about us abruptly ending our call last night. I wouldn’t apologize for not liking Wayne and how he constantly takes advantage of her. Many times I warned her about going back to him after he cheats.

She checked my messages as I hung up my jacket and walked to the bathroom to check that my makeup and hair for the day was on point.

“You wouldn’t believe who I got stuck in the elevator with this morning,” I called out to her.

“Who? And you only have two calls. One from your mom and Mr. Dane just called.”

“Him.”

“Him, who?”

“Dane.”

“What about him?”

“I got stuck in the elevator with Mr. Dane, and now he just left me a voice message. Let me just say it wasn’t a pleasant ride.”

“Savannah, you do realize that man has a crush on you, right?”

I motioned her off with a wave of my hand. “That’s not something that would ever happen.” But I did get the tingles just thinking about it, and the way he looked just moments ago in that elevator had me buzzing.

“I think it will, and you’re going to be in a cabin together for a weekend, so you might as well tell him.”

“Tell him what, Bianca? That my best friend is crazy because she thinks that this pompous jackass would have a crush on little old me? I’m too much for him, honey. Women probably let him run them—but not this girl.”

Bianca burst out in laughter, bent over holding her stomach. “What’s so funny?”

“This whole alpha female, I am woman here me roar bullshit. Savannah, once you admit you think he’s an attractive, successful, intelligent man, who probably can give you back-to-back orgasms, all of your friends and family will be a lot happier.”

“It hasn’t been that long since I’ve had sex.”

She started counting on her fingers and I threw my pen at her. She ducked before it could hit her, and I sat back mentally counting back over the last time I had s*x with a guy I really liked.

“Damn, it’s been over two years since I’ve had sex.”

“Yep. So please do us all a favor, go on this trip and wet your tongue so you can relax a little around here.”

“I’m not sleeping with my boss, Bianca, that would be career suicide. Also, he probably has a million girls he’s dating. Plus, I’d have to beat Amy’s crazy ass if she ever found out.”

“Found out what?” We hear from the door. Cassian’s secretary comes in wearing a skintight dress showcasing the fake boobs that she’s always showing off like they are Rembrandt’s. I’d love to get her in to see my hairstylist though, because the bad blond dye job on her roots was hideous.

“Nothing,” Bianca and I said at the same time.

“What can I help you with Amy?”

She slinks into my office switching her so-called hips that no man wants.

“Mr. Dane wants to see you in his office.”

“Why didn’t he just call me?”

“He tried. The line was busy.”

“Sorry, I must have forgotten to turn it off voicemail.” Bianca stood up to check and walked over to pick up the magazines that she’d left on her desk.

“Are you coming?” Amy inquired, standing near the door looking pissed off.

“Yes, I’ll be there soon. Thanks,” I said as she walked off, and Bianca rolled her eyes, passing me the latest Interior Design magazine.