Chapter 12
77
55 vouchers
I had the best sleep last night after my weekend away. Being back at the cabin always relaxes me, and the fresh air is a killer sedative.
Janice is already in when I arrive, and she looks a little too happy for a Monday morning. I drop my things on my desk, then I turn everything on and sit down. As my email opens, so does the door to Declan’s office.
“Good morning, Janice. Jayne.” Declan stands near his door as Lucas steps out behind him. Declan looks positively confident this morning, while his brother looks a little agitated.
“Good morning, Mr. Hale. Thank you for the invitation on Friday. I can’t wait.” Janice beams from behind her desk, and I look back to my email to try and figure out what she is talking about.
There’s an email titled “Office Appreciation Party.” I quickly scan it, only partly aware of their continuing conversation.
“Jayne?” Janice startles me out of my concentration.
“I’m sorry. I was just reading the email. What did you say?” My cheeks tingle as everyone’s eyes fall on me. Declan and Lucas are now standing closer to my desk.
“Can you make it on Friday? I’ll take any reason to dress up fancy. I think you’ll really enjoy it.” Janice’s voice is brimming with excitement, and I look to see both of my bosses intently waiting for my reply.
I look back at my computer and click my acceptance. “Just accepted,” I answer as I smile back up at everyone. Janice claps her hands briefly, then turns back to her computer to start her work.
“That’s great news. We’re happy you can make it.” Declan’s confidence visually increases, but Lucas is still more reserved than I have ever seen him.
I take a mental inventory of my wardrobe. Maybe I should get something new if this is going to be an extravagant affair. I have heard of the restaurant they are taking us to. It’s high–end and difficult to get a reservation. I want to make sure, for a work affair, I don’t go overboard. Not that I would. It’d be more likely 1 would be underdressed. My style is pretty casual, but I have been meaning to pick up some nicer outfits after my first paycheck.
It’s weird how quickly my thoughts drift to wanting to impress them. Both of them. Not in an overt way–but I can’t lie to myself. A little part of me wants them to look at me and be surprised. To see me in something that hugs a little tighter, something they didn’t expect.
I stand up and lean into Declan and Lucas’s space to quietly ask their thoughts. I’m not as comfortable with Janice as I am around the two guys. “Can you give me an idea of the dress code? I just want to know if I should go shopping this week. I think I have a decent cocktail dress, but it’s slightly low–cut, and I don’t want to be- inappropriate.”
The word feels stupid as it leaves my mouth. I’m standing between two men who probably don’t use the word inappropriate very often, especially when it comes to a woman in a dress. Still, I’m trying to keep things professional–trying to stay on whatever tightrope I seem to be walking in this place.
Declan’s expression changes briefly as he considers my question.
9:40 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 12
77
55 vouchers
There’s a subtle shift in the air–so small that I almost miss it. His gaze flickers down my body just long enough to feel warm. He schools his features back into place, but the moment isn’t lost on me.
Without a word to either of us, Lucas turns away and, with his fists clenched, walks across the room and into his office, audibly closing his door.
Declan watches him leave, then turns his focus back to me. His voice sounds controlled but calm. “I’m sure it will be fine. Think of it as dinner with friends.”
Friends. The word bounces around in my head, not quite fitting. They’re my bosses. Powerful, intimidating, and charismatic in completely different ways. And me? I’m just the girl Evelyn dragged back into this city, trying to find her footing and stay one step ahead of her past.
Still, there’s something off.
I nod slowly and return to my seat, my thoughts scattered in every direction, and Friday feels like it’s a lifetime away.
As soon as Declan’s door closes, Janice leans slightly toward me from her desk, lowering her voice like we’re co–conspirators in something mildly scandalous. “These appreciation dinners the Hales throw?” She chuckles and shakes her head. “Honey, they’re always something else.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Oh, yes,” she says, eyes bright with memory. “Last year, they booked this private area at a rooftop restaurant uptown. Real fancy–with lights dangling overhead, white tablecloths, a band playing in the main area, the works. You’d think you were stepping into some old Hollywood film. Declan wore this midnight blue suit I’m sure cost more than my car, and Lucas–well, he looked like he belonged in a GQ spread. They really pull out all the stops.”
I try to smile, try to play it cool, but my stomach flutters at the mention of Lucas. I still feel the weight of his stare from earlier, the tightness in the air between us when I mentioned the neckline of my dress.
Janice, oblivious, continues. “They like to make it special. And they’re always gracious–gifts, good food, decent wine. It’s their way of showing appreciation, but I think it’s also how they let off steam. They get to relax a little. You’ll see what I mean when we get there.”
I nod, thankful she doesn’t notice the way my cheeks have flushed.
I need a good night to let off some steam of my own and I’m definitely wearing my dress.
9:40 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 13
