Just as Lavinia was about to leave, James took a step toward her and tossed a quick, "Excuse me," to the group he had been with.
At the door, Lavinia had only turned to go when a tall, imposing figure suddenly blocked her path.
Startled, she stepped aside and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Mr. Sterling."
Her avoidance was so obvious it amused James, though he didn't let it show. "Running away the moment you see me? Do I look like a monster?"
"No," she replied quickly. "But staying with you would give the wrong impression."
After all, she hadn't even officially started at Lynelle Research Institute, and yet her name had already been dragged into a whirlwind of online gossip. To make matters worse, her first day at work had stirred up even more trouble.
James seemed unfaze
