XOXO

My hand shakes slightly. “Do you really think that?”

“I know that,” she says in a whisper. “Trust me. You’re on the verge of something incredible and some mind-blowing sex.”

I take her in my arms for an embrace. “I can’t be late for work.”

Pulling back, she straightens the lapels of my jacket. “Go get ‘em. For the record, I’m talking about The Dick, not some client with billions.”

“Since I can now call you, I’ll do that at lunch.”

“Unless you’re busy.” She steps next to me to nudge me in the side with her elbow. “We’re at the point where a good fuck trumps our friendship.”

I nudge her back. “You’re the best roommate I’ve ever had.”

“I won’t tell, Maren,” she promises. “Get out of here.”

I rush down the hallway to grab my purse. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Say hi to your future husband for me,” she calls after me. “Ask him if he has a cousin I can crush on.”

Chapter 34

Arietta

“I know your big secret, Arietta.”

I turn and face Bronwyn. She can’t know. The only two people in Manhattan who know my big secret are Maren and Sinclair. Neither of them would share it with anyone. They both promised me that when I told them what brought me to New York City from Buffalo.

I smile, trying to hide the anxiety that I suddenly feel. “What secret? That I steal peppermints from the bowl you have on your desk? That’s not a secret.”

Her hand dives into the pocket of her black pants. “Open your hand.”

I do, and seconds later a half dozen pink foil-wrapped peppermints land in my palm.

I let out a soft laugh. “Thank you.”

“I was talking about that vintage store you go to.” She tugs on the bottom hem of the red peplum sweater she’s wearing. “I wandered in there last night, and when I told the owner where I work, she mentioned you. You’ve been keeping Past Over all to yourself.”

Silently, I let out a sigh of relief that she’s discovered that secret, which isn’t a secret at all. Whenever one of my co-workers has asked me where I buy my clothes, I tell them. I’ve always thought they asked as a joke. It never bothered me. I’ve always had a preference for vintage clothing.

“You bought that sweater there, didn’t you?” I look it over. It fits her body to a tee.

Her hands drop to her hips. “You know it. It’s the most flattering thing I own now.”

“It looks great on you,” I say honestly. “Did you get anything else while you were there?”

“Just the sweater.” She looks me over. “We should meet up after work and head over there together.”

On any other day, I’d agree to that in a heartbeat, but I plan to buy everything I need to make a celebratory steak dinner complete with champagne cocktails for Sinclair and me.

Once Clarice signs the contract with Modica, I’m hoping to learn more about the compensation I’ll receive for introducing her to Dominick.

If it’s substantial it could change the course of my life.

I have a set plan for where I want to be when I’m twenty-five and thirty-five. A big bonus could get me to those goals sooner.

“I need to get back to my desk.” Bronwyn fills up the coffee mug she brought into the break room. “I can’t believe that today is finally the day!”

It’s all anyone in the office has been talking about all morning. Everyone, except Dominick. He hasn’t arrived yet, and it’s nearing ten.

I’m trying not to let my mind wander to where he might be.

I plant a smile on my lips. “Is Judd excited?”

“That’s an understatement.” She rolls her eyes. “I think he had five cups of coffee before he came to work.”

Judd can’t handle caffeine. His energy level spikes after just one cup.

“At least Clarice isn’t coming in until later this afternoon.” I top up the coffee in my mug. “By then, Judd won’t be bouncing off the walls, and my boss will be here.”

She glances at the clock on the wall. “Dominick’s not here yet?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not yet.”

A slow smile slides over her lips. “He must have celebrated early. I can’t say I’m surprised.”

I don’t say anything. I can tell she’s taking joy in gossiping, so I let her run with it.

As I expected, she leans closer to me. “This was before your time here, but the day Brooks Middlestat signed with Modica, Dominick didn’t get in until just after noon.”

I dump a sugar packet in my coffee and grab a stir stick, even though I never add sugar to my coffee.

Bronwyn giggles. “Judd asked me to call Dominick at eleven that morning to find out where the hell he was. A woman answered. She could barely talk, and the noises she was making...well, I’m pretty sure Dominick was...”

“I get it,” I interrupt. “I’m sure he’ll be here before Clarice arrives to sign the contract.”