Naughty, Naughty Prince Charming (Charming 1)

Lucy sighed. This was so not her world.

Spotting a desk, she found herself standing at it, reaching for paper and pen. Why she felt compelled to leave a note, she didn’t know.

Logan, You were right, I will never, ever forget you.

Impulsively, she dug in her purse and applied lipstick before pressing her lips against the paper. Now, where to leave the note…she eyed the kitchen table and planted the note in the center. Without another glance around the room, she darted to the front door.

Chapter Seven

One Year Later

Lucy approached the subway entrance as a cool breeze blew through her hair, sending a chill across her skin. Suppressing a shiver, she rushed down the stairs as she pulled her jacket tighter around her body.

She stepped into one of the cars, trying to focus on the importance of what lay ahead. Today was her first day of work at The Carlson Group. After only one year with a smaller firm, a headhunter had found her and placed her with the major firm. It had happened so fast, her head was still spinning. Oblivious to the rumble of voices and shuffling of bodies in and out of the car, she slipped into a reverie. When Zoe had suggested a celebration night, this time she’d flatly refused. Besides, she’d worked straight through her notice at the old firm, without so much as a breather. Lucy knew not to burn bridges. If she ever needed to return, she wanted an open door.

And she didn’t need a repeat of her fantasy night anyway. Not that she thought any man could duplicate what Logan had done to her. Logan had driven her crazy with desire but he’d also touched her deep inside. Why? She didn’t know. Maybe she never would. And he lingered in her mind like a permanent fixture. That one night had virtually ruined “Red Hot Secrets” for her. Watching Tara get all hot and bothered just didn’t do it for Lucy anymore.

Mentally, she kicked herself for even thinking of Logan again. He’d been a one-night stand, and nothing more. Today was an important day. Logan didn’t belong in her thoughts. Her new job did.

The subway car came to a screeching halt, yanking Lucy abruptly out of her reminiscing. This was her stop. Pulling her shoulders back, she resolved to focus on her career. Making a good impression at Carlson could take her life to that next step forward.

A few minutes later, she entered the lobby of the building housing her new employer, absorbing the elegance all around her. Marble, glass, and expensive art adorned the walls. Despite prior visits, she found herself awed by the unique architecture that rounded the corners of the walls. And the difference between her new employer and her old screamed night and day. Quaint and homey but very low-key, her old firm had a limited budget, which showed in their décor and even choice of buildings.

Carlson was on the top of their game and they displayed it boldly.

Lucy signed in with security and made her way to the elevator. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she watched the flash of each floor number light up. By the time, the elevator opened, she’d talked herself into calmness.

She could do this.

The first thing she saw as she stepped into the lobby elevator was a massive desk. It was shaped like a half-circle and glistened of polished mahogany. Eager to make herself a welcome addition, she quickly marched up to the reception desk and the receptionist she’d met during her interview visits. “Hello, Lori. I’m Lucy Stark. Remember me?”

Lori, who Lucy guessed to be about fifty, peered over the rim of her sliver glasses. “Yes, I remember you.”

Lucy extended her arm across the desk to offer the woman a handshake. “Nice to see you again.”

With a curious look in her eyes, Lori removed her glasses and laid them on the desk. She placed her hand in Lucy’s. “Welcome, Lucy.”

Before the handshake ended, a familiar voice sounded. “You’re here.”

Lucy turned to find Celia Ward, a rather round and overtly friendly woman who happened to be the secretary to the Vice President. “Yes, I’m here. I can hardly believe it.”

“Well, we are thrilled to have you,” Celia said, a blonde curl bouncing out of the clip that had held her hair neatly in a bun. She swiped at it with her hand. “I’m falling apart already,” Celia said. “See how I need you?”

Lucy laughed. She’d already figured out Celia had the ears of the company. She knew everything about everyone. “Somehow I think I’m going to need you a whole lot more than you need me.”

Following Celia down a long hallway, Lucy soon found herself in a small office. It was bare except for a desk, several chairs, and a few miscellaneous office supplies, all of which appeared to be brand-new. The room smelled of new leather.