“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.

thought I was being let go,” I say.

comical expression of confusion on his face. I

packing,” I

go. You’re not an

Dominic takes slow steps toward me. “But you saw

were moving into your new office. Do you like

a small voice. “But

assumed,” he says in a voice so tender, I almost look over my shoulder to see if his daughters are

okay. I just didn’t know what was going to happen

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

takes a step closer to me. Leaning way

brush against mine. The kiss is so warm, so precious. I feel cherished

his dark eyes for reassurance. “Won’t the others find it unprofessional? I don’t think

charms. I can’t keep sleeping with him. I need to

Dominic murmurs, his lips still inches from mine and his palm on my hip. I don’t realize I’m shaking until I put my hands on his chest, not pushing him away, but

to look him in

kisses me once

HR. They’re waiting for

feel my gratitude by the way he smiles and

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

ask,

can see their mouths moving, but I can barely hear them over the pounding of my heart. They can’t be

Brienne joins in the applause, and I wipe a pesky tear

account. Taking one more deep breath, I nod to everything they say, knowing I’ll have to

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