The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2017

“Thanks, but I’m still in the dark about what kind of gig you’re hunting for,” Giselle said, her eyes glittering with a touch of disdain. To her, if Ivy was hustling for a paycheck, then she was no threat at all.

Ivy bowed her head, a guilty flush coloring her cheeks. “I… I haven’t quite figured it out. Just looking for something that fits, you know?”

“Is that so?” Giselle mused, taking a few thoughtful steps before halting in front of Ivy. “Tell you what, I go way back with Colton. When I bump into him later, I’ll put in a good word for you, and maybe he can hook you up with a job or something. How’s that sound?”

For some reason, despite Giselle’s seemingly considerate words, Ivy could not shake off the feeling that the woman before her was terrifying.

There was this nagging sense that made Ivy feel that Giselle was not as benign and straightforward as she appeared. Her motives were beyond Ivy’s comprehension.

“How about a clerical job?” Giselle pondered for a while, then came up with an idea. “Easy work, decent pay. I’ll chat with Colton about it later.”

By now, Ivy realized Giselle was not quite getting the message. She insisted on forcing her ‘kindness,’ regardless of Ivy’s wishes.

needed nor wanted. In

handle

refusal, Giselle’s pleasant

out of the goodness of her heart, even considering whether the job would

woman stepped out of the director’s office, smiling as

woman was Colton’s right-hand assistant, a key contact

assumed Ivy was just another auditionee,

a special guest Colton invited over. Giselle, he’s with another visitor right now, so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait outside for a bit,” the assistant said politely, though Giselle’s

was treated like

quickly put on her understanding smile again. “Oh, Ivy’s a guest

into the office. “Colton’s been waiting a while now.