I scowled.
Don’t you know, I don’t like surprises.
I could almost hear his laugh at my response. That beautiful rich laugh that stirred something in my belly I couldn’t describe adequately.
Too bad. I smiled at his answer.
The tiny dots flashed on the screen. I stared at the address that popped up in the text bubble. Where in the hell was that?
I waited for the next message.
Are you already in the car?
I laughed.
; You think I can drop everything right now?
I know you will.
I blushed. The words shot a thrill through my body. How did he do that? I didn’t have to time to shoot back something biting and sexy. Knight was waiting, and the key in my hand would let me in. I tugged my bag over my shoulder and strolled out of the office.
“Ms. Martin, should I tell Kimble you’re headed out?”
I paused in front of the young assistant’s desk. She had a notepad and pen in her hand.
“No, don’t do that. I’ll be back later this afternoon.” Although, I wasn’t sure if that was true. Kimble was probably already interrogating someone about Knight’s past. I’d rather leave him behind than have him tag along on the scavenger hunt. “He knows how to get in touch with me.” I walked briskly past the girl. I spun on my stilettos. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember your name.” I glanced at her. She wasn’t that much younger than me. All my new hires were business school graduates. She had to be at least twenty-two and twice today I had treated her like a fourteen-year old babysitter.
“It’s Val.” She grinned.
“Val? Hmm.” I used to do a better job of remembering the names of everyone on the staff. I had let other things distract me lately. “Thank you, Val. When did you start here?”
“Two months ago, Ms. Martin.”
I pressed my lips together. “Maybe we could have coffee sometime. You can tell me what your goals are with the company.”
“Really?” Her eyes widened to the size of saucers.
“Yes. I think it would be a good idea. Let’s try to schedule that tomorrow.”
She paused as if she was about to curtsy before she was interrupted by the phone. I’d let my mentoring commitments slide. I’d let a lot of things slide since we broke ground on the Crescent Towers.
I tapped the button on the elevator door when Crew hurried toward me.
“You’re leaving?” He looked confused.
“Yes.” I was irritated my whereabouts were suddenly everyone’s concern.
“I’ll ride down with you,” he announced, hopping in the elevator with me. I was jostled to the side.
“What is it?” I still clutched the key in my fist. I didn’t want to let it go.
“I was wondering if we could talk about something personal.”
I was surprised.
“Is it about you and Seraphina?” I kept my voice quiet even though we were alone.