Dark Favors

“All right, what time is your appointment?” She glanced at the computer screen in front of her. A look of confusion crossed her face. She didn’t see me in the computer, I realized, and she was about to send me away. I couldn’t let that happen.

Normally, I’d mumble something about trying again later and leave, but Fawn had me riled up. Her comments about this being stupid bothered me. I wasn’t about to let something as silly as a scheduling conflict be the reason I couldn’t return this money to Mr. Locke. More importantly, I wasn’t about to let this woman prevent me from seeing my landlord.

I got that he was a bigwig here.

I understood it.

That didn’t mean I didn’t have the right to see him.

“10:30,” slipped out of my mouth before I could start it. The receptionist glanced at her clock and frowned. “I’m running late,” I added. “There was a problem in the parking garage,” I shook my head. “Would you believe the machine wasn’t working? Hank had to come over and manually lift the bar to let me inside!” I held up my hands in faux exasperation, as though this woman was supposed to know who “Hank” was.

“Mr. Locke doesn’t react well to tardiness,” the receptionist bit her lip. “You need to hurry, Miss Reagan.” The woman jerked her head toward the elevator. “Twenty-fifth floor,” she said. “You know the drill.”

I nodded and began walking quickly toward the elevator.

It wasn’t until the doors closed that I realized I’d never told her my name. She’d looked at the computer and based on the time I’d told her, had come to the decision that I must be a Miss Reagan. I wasn’t sure who that was or why Mr. Locke was meeting with her, but I guessed that woman would be pretty displeased when I stole her appointment slot.

I pressed the button for the 25th floor just as another woman began approaching the receptionist desk. Her bright blue dress was the color of Locke’s eyes. She opened her mouth and I could almost make out her name as she spoke to the receptionist. Then, just as the doors were about to close, both of the receptionists and the woman in blue turned and looked at me.

I gave them a wave as the doors closed shut.

Guess they figured out whose appointment I took.

Chapter 3

Paige

Mr. Locke was waiting for me when the doors opened on floor number twenty-five. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised that he was there, or that he’d be waiting to see exactly who showed up.

“Paige,” he said. He wasn’t smiling. For what seemed like the millionth time, I was regretting my decision to do the right thing and bring the money to him. I couldn’t help but feel like it was all a giant set-up. Okay, I obviously shouldn’t have taken someone’s appointment, but I didn’t want to risk being sent away, either.

I stepped out of the elevator and brushed invisible lint off my skirt to avoid looking at him. I could already tell that this floor, like the lobby, was a place a girl like me didn’t belong. It was too pristine, too perfect. I wouldn’t do anything but dirty up this type of place.

Behind him there was another sort of reception desk with an assistant working hard to avoid looking at us. There was also a sitting area of some sort, and hallways extended out from the elevators. I didn’t look at those, though. Instead, I stared at the marble flooring.

“Locke,” I responded, not meeting his eyes.

“Mr. Locke,” he corrected me.

I looked up at him then. Our eyes met and I stared at him for a long minute, wondering what he saw when he looked at me. I didn’t say anything, though, and he let out a sigh.

“Follow me,” he said, and he turned down a large, open hallway. Not following wasn’t an option. As much as I wanted to stomp on the floor, throw his money at him, and run away, I knew that he was the type of man who got what he wanted. Besides, I’d gotten myself this far. I could get myself a little bit farther.

I’d never been in a place like this before. Not on the top floor of a huge building about to head into the office of the company’s owner. This was incredible, and I knew that I’d never have another opportunity like this.

For a second, I forgot who I was and why I was there.

The adrenaline rush from my lie was still pulsing through my veins as I followed Locke into his office. I stood in the center of the room, looking at the wall of windows, the immaculate furniture, and the beautiful paintings on the wall. He closed the door. The click caught my attention and I looked back at him quickly.

Then he locked the door, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

I stood in the center of the office and stared at him. His pecs looked huge. He didn’t have his jacket on, I realized. I’d never seen him in just a shirt and suit pants before. I’d always seen him with the jacket on and now I could see, even through the shirt, that he definitely worked out.

I was too busy gawking at him to notice the huge desk, the chairs, the sofa. I was much too busy scoping him out to notice the art or the open windows or the fact that I was alone with him for the very first time.

“Paige,” he said. This time, his voice was deeper.

Firmer.