“Shit.” I muttered to myself. I couldn’t stand out more if I had actively tried. Stealing my spine, I crossed the floor. Some curious glances followed me all the way to Mason’s office. His office would have been impossible to miss. A plague in front of the door announced his location. I knocked.“If it’s Raleigh, come on in, if it’s Mark, I never want to see you again.” He called out. Frowning, I opened the door and stepped into… Absolute chaos. It looked like a mini hurricane had happened here. Books strewn about, several computers arranged on one corner, wires streaming about. I carefully picked my way through them till I was standing in front of Mason’s desk. He looked up at me, green eyes studying me intently. Then he stood up, rounded the table and to my surprise, wrapped me in a big, bear hug. Mason was extremely handsome. At five feet eight plus my three inch heels, I wasn’t a small woman, but Mason towered over me with about four inches. He had long blond hair, and dark green eyes. He looked like a Viking. Well, if Vikings wore cargo shorts and T-shirts that is. “Is today costume day?” I asked when he pulled away. He threw his head back and laughed. “No. We just like to be comfortable when we work. Plus the weather is like a million degrees.”“Oh.” “Everybody would prefer to be at home in their pajamas if they didn’t have to go out and make a living. Well, why not bring that vibe to the office, hmm?” He asked. “That honestly sounds amazing.” I admitted. He flashed me a grin that I was sure had made hundreds of women swoon. I was proud to say that it did nothing for me. Mason wasn’t anywhere close to Mo’s type. She preferred her men to be more corporate and serious. I was the one who enjoyed the beach grunge, relaxed vibes in my men. It was a surprise then that Mason did nothing for me. I was glad about that. I didn’t want to be attracted to my new quasi-boss. That would create complications I didn’t want at all. “C’mon, let’s go meet everyone.” He walked past me and out of the office. I followed after him. “Everyone, this is Raleigh, she’s a journalist, the good kind. She’s here to discover our secrets including why we wear sweatpants to work. Be nice to her.” He said before leaving me standing before several pairs of curious eyes. “H-hey.” I said nervously. “What shade of lipstick is that? I’ve been experimenting with new makeup products and I think that that color and texture is divine.” Someone said, I turned to see a brunette grinning at me. “I’ll send you the link to the website. It’s thirty dollars. Expensive as f**k but so worth it. I don’t even need to blot it after application.” I replied. “I’m Raleigh, please, call me Leigh.” “I’m Kenzie.” She said, It was like a dam bursting open, everybody came to introduce themselves. Everyone was so nice, welcoming and cheerful. I was so glad I had gotten this opportunity and I knew these two weeks were going to be amazing. “The magic happens downstairs.” Kenzie informed me as she led me to an empty desk. “We call them the bats. They live in perpetual darkness and I once tried to open a window and nearly died from my efforts.” I laughed as I settled into my seat. It was a little bit apart from the rest of the desks, closer to another office with one way glass walls and door. “Whose office is that? I feel weird sitting all the way out here.” Whoever was in there was just going to be staring straight at me whenever they looked up. “That’s Mr. Hunt’s office.” She said, face screwing up. Before she could say more, Mark walked up to us with a stack of documents and dropped them in front of me. “What are those?” Kenzie asked. “Non Disclosure Agreement.” He stated. “If she’s going to be very much around, like in meetings with the boss and all, there are some things she’s going to see or hear that aren’t meant for the public. The bosses will have the final right to go through your written work and be able to remove information they think is vital and delicate. Is that okay with you?” “Of course.” I said quickly. I had expected it, obviously. It was only fair though. I immediately signed my name on all the indicated dotted lines. When I looked up, Mark and Kenzie were staring at me in horror. “What?” “Did you just sign four pages of documents without even going through it or having your lawyer go through it?” Mark asked. “I trust you all.” I grinned. “And it’s a sign that I’m beginning this business relationship with utmost transparency as I hope you are too.” “Mr. Hunt is going to hate her.” Mark said. “Don’t I know it.” Kenzie eyed me curiously. “Who’s that? Who’s Mr. Hunt?” Kenzie chuckled. “Oh, sweetie. There are just some things you have to find out on your own. But don’t be scared, there’s no one in there right now.” She pointed at the office. “Welcome to Sprockets.” “Thank you.” I said. This was already turning out to be so exciting.