“I was let go,” I say carefully. “All the interns were let go.”

“Not you,” he says with a smile. “You’ve been selected.”

“Selected?”

“Didn’t Dom tell you?”

“No,” I practically shout. Rein it in, Presley. “Dominic doesn’t tell me anything.”

“That doesn’t really change over time.” Oliver sighs, smirking. “But you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know him better as our new director of operations.”

My heart skips a beat. He can’t be serious. “Director . . .”

“You’ve been promoted. Congratulations.” Oliver turns and points down the hall to a small office. The door is ajar. If I squint, I can read Director of Operations in bold print on the placard. “That’s your shiny new office.”

I’m speechless. I must really be wearing a funny expression, because Oliver can’t keep it together. He laughs like I’ve told him the best joke he’s heard all year.

“Go put your stuff down. And then go see Dom. He’ll tell you about his decision. And your salary,” he says, poking me playfully in the arm.

I practically run to the little office. It is gorgeous—small but somehow feeling expansive with its tall window overlooking the cityscape. I slide my box of all-things-Presley onto the glass surface of the desk (my desk!) and wander around the room. It’s so pristine . . . so cozy.

I can imagine early mornings, sipping coffee at this desk while scrolling through emails. Bright afternoons, leaning against this window, making calls to clients. Late nights curled up on the love seat, jotting down important things to do the next day in my planner. Joy threatens to overwhelm me, but I have something to deal with first.

I stride purposefully across the office, ignoring the heads turning to watch me march toward my boss’s office. When I open the door without knocking, he’s staring out his own window, his hand on the glass.

He turns, surprised. The light catches his eyelashes and casts dark shadows across his cheekbones. I’m almost dazzled by his beauty.

Almost.

say. It isn’t a question, but

I would laugh, but I’m too . . . pissed? Surprised?

packing,” I say,

interns were let go. You’re not an

me. “But

you were moving into your new

say in a small voice.

caught you when you walked in. I shouldn’t have assumed,” he says in a voice

what was

known,” he says with a teasing smile. “Your work as an intern excelled above all the others. You’re

way

on my waist and his lips brush against mine. The kiss is so warm, so precious. I feel cherished and irreplaceable with every caress of his thumb against my cheek, even if I know that’s not the case. When

for reassurance. “Won’t the others find

stop myself as Michael’s words of advice ring through my head. I can’t fall for his charms. I can’t keep sleeping with him. I need to

I don’t realize I’m shaking until I put my hands on his

him in the eyes. “Well,

we’re both laughing a little too loudly. He kisses me once more on the lips before taking my hand and spinning

to HR. They’re waiting

whisper. I know he can feel my gratitude by the way he smiles and shoos me away.

Daniel and Brienne (oh my God, coworkers!), the reality of the situation finally sinks in. I’m about to take over an entire department of Seattle’s Aspen Hotels, including a team of two assistants

I ask, still

I can barely hear

says, clapping his hands together. Brienne joins in the applause, and I

can hardly process the rest of what they tell me—something about a medical plan, stock options, paid vacation time, and a retirement account. Taking one more deep breath, I nod to everything they say, knowing

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