Dominic

My flight to London and the hotel room are booked. Francine has confirmed she can stay in my apartment for a week. I’ll pay double her normal fee as thanks for her trouble. She insisted I didn’t have to, but she’s going the extra mile at the last minute, and there’s no one I trust more to care for my girls.

There’s only one detail left to arrange. I almost buzz Beth, then think better of it and dial Presley’s desk phone myself.

“This is Presley Harper, Operations Department. How can I help you?” she says.

“It’s Dominic. Can you stop by my office for a moment?”

“Oh! Hi, Dominic. Um . . .” In the background is some brief rustling and the sound of keys tapping. “Yes, I’ll be right there.”

in my chair and try to relax. It isn’t long before I hear a knock. I don’t

she’s wearing a simple black sheath dress, but the hint of her curves beneath

behind her as she enters, her brow creased quizzically.

and for anything short of an emergency, I usually just email her, knowing she’ll respond within an hour or two. But this

that. I just had a proposal for you and thought I should extend it in

watches me with those wide blue

like to sit down?”

she lowers herself gracefully into the

avoid giving her the wrong impression. I keep my face and body language neutral, fully leveraging the cold, calculated persona

to scout potential building sites for Aspen’s

board too?” She

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