Page 146 of Enthrall Climax
“Maybe they were looking for my design.” It sounded credible.
“I hope you don’t mind,” she said. “I’ve asked to move over here when you go upstairs. I love your view.”
I blinked at her. “That move isn’t happening now.”
“You best tell Mr. Cole’s assistant. Sue was down here ten minutes ago, all ready to help you carry your stuff up.”
I rose out of my chair. “I’ll be right back.”
Hurrying toward the elevator, I counted the seconds until the doors slid open so I could step inside and rally myself. I felt relieved no one else was in here with me. The pressure in my chest verged on crippling.
Stepping onto the executive floor, I saw Sue sitting behind her desk typing away.
She stopped when she noticed me. “I was just looking for you.”
I heard raised voices behind Cameron’s closed office door. It sounded like a heated conversation.
“I’m just going to have a quick chat.” I headed straight for his door.
“You can’t go in there!”
I turned the knob and burst on in, stopping suddenly when I saw Cameron’s dad sitting on the leather couch with Henry beside him. They looked equally surprised to see me.
Sue hurried in behind me and gave the men an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry.”
Henry got up and came toward me. “Mia, are you okay?”
“She just barged in, Mr. Cole,” said Sue.
“That’s okay, Susan. You can leave us now.” He waited for her to shut the door and then asked, “How are you, Mia?”
I felt myself blushing. “I’m looking for Cameron.”
“Come over here,” said Raif, his kind eyes reminding me of his youngest son.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I said, moving closer.
Henry shoved his hands into his pockets. “Cam’s not at work.”
A jolt of uncertainty hit me because he’d told me he was coming in.
“Mia.” Raif gestured to a small box on the table. “Thank you for this. I love it.”
Resting there was a mock-up of my design for Cole Tea’s new brand. It had Raif Cole’s signature swirled along the side, a dark blue oblong creation that reflected a timeless elegance.
Raif beamed at me. “Henry just showed me what he and Cameron put together. Apparently you helped make this happen? And here I thought I’d been forgotten.”
“It was all Mia’s design, Dad,” said Henry.
The hairs prickled on my forearms as I realized my design would be in every store around the world and that Cameron had chosen it after all. “I’m so glad you like it.” Then guilt washed over me. “My friend Kelly has a great design, too. She works in marketing with me.”
Henry smiled. “We’ve still got that competition running. Your design will be for the new brand we’re rolling out for the holidays. It has a nostalgic feel and we’ll utilize the concept in our campaign.”
“Thank you.” I was almost trembling with excitement. I wanted to rush into Cameron’s arms and thank him for this chance. Seeing how happy it was making his dad filled me with pride.
“Want a cup of tea?” asked Raif.
I was going to have to tell him the wedding was off, but now wasn’t the time. “I should get back.”
