Page 3 of You & I, Rewritten

I gather my things, turn off my computer and grab my phone to send her a snarky text as I walk down the long, deserted hallway toward the elevator bank.

I hit send and jam my phone in my pocket before pressing the elevator button. When it finally pings open, I step in, and just as the doors are about to close, the manuscript I’ve taken with me comes free of its binding, causing someone’s life’s work to fan across the filthy elevator floor. Rolling my eyes at this day that just keeps getting better and better, I bend down to start gathering them back together when a perfectly manicured, veiny hand pushes a few pages in my direction.

Please be anyone else but him.

I lift my gaze to Graham’s perfect face, which is now radiating with intrigued concern. Probably for my clear mental and physical incompetence. Just kill me now already.

“Here you go.” After handing me the pages, Graham stands, slinging his bag back onto his shoulder and turning to face the now-closed elevator doors. This wasn’t some clichéd movie meet-cute where our hands delicately brushed while looking deep into one another’s eyes. No, this was all common courtesy, filled with the same uncomfortable silence of every elevator ride in the history of elevators.If this guy didn’t think I was a loser before, he most certainly does now.

“Thanks,” I said…at least I think I did? My voice just might have gotten lost within the awkwardness now lingering between us.

As the doors spring open and we both habitually take a step forward to exit the uncomfortable confines of the elevator, I feel compelled to break the silence. Per usual.

“Graham, I just want to reiterate how excited I am to be on this team.” He’s turned to face me full on, and standing here in the deserted parking garage and illuminated by the worst overhead lighting known to man, it feels like the first time I really get to take him in. Graham’s features are dark but inviting. His naturally sun-kissed skin and bright, hazel eyes compliment his full but manicured scruff and effortlessly styled hair that’s the color of smoked ash. He’s alarmingly tall with broad shoulders and long legs, the sharp suit he’s wearing does nothing to hide the impressive physique standing before me.

And those lips…don’t even get me started on those perfect lips that I know are going to send my mind into a delicious tailspin.Reel it in.

“I’ve only spent a few hours with this team, but I can already tell that it’s a great one to be a part of.” I decide to push my luck further while I still have his attention. “I’m sure you’re busy or have a million other plans, but I haven’t eaten all day and I could really use a drink. Want to join me? Klair showed me this really great place that’s just a few blocks away.”

He looks me square in the eye. I swear, everything Graham does appears to be fueled by purpose. But for the first time, his expression softens, ever so slightly…almost as if he’s mentally decided to relax and physically release the tension of having to beonall day.

“I appreciate the offer, truly.” His tone is genuine and light, a welcome change, but I can assume what’s coming next. “Unfortunately, I have plans with my father this evening.”

We’ve reached the point in our walk where it’s time to part, but suddenly, I don’t want this moment, despite it being utterly painful and awkward, to end. He turns back in my direction and for the first time since meeting this organized and capable professional, he flashes me the most dazzling smile I’ve ever seen. Themake you question every infatuation and attraction you’ve ever hadkind.

The kind of smile that screams trouble.

“See you tomorrow, Will.” And for the first time in my life, I’ve been stunned silent and left unwilling to ruin this movie-worthy moment with anything other than a slow wave.

Graham Austin runs a hand through his styled hair, laughs as he gets in his car—a sound that I’m now determined to hear again and again and again—and drives off, leaving me alone with the nagging thought that I just experienced one of those life-changing moments you always hear about.

* * *

“Oh okay, so youarealive?” Klair is sitting on the couch in sweats when I get home, her hair in a massive bun on the top of her head. I set my bag down on the kitchen table and shrug out of my coat, kicking my converse off toward the direction of the front door. “Where the heck did you disappear to out of thin air, without a care in the world of how your best friend was going to make it home after his first day?”

She rolls her eyes at me as I plop myself down next to her, invading her space and sprawling out as far as humanly possible.

“Jesus, Will…I don’t think you could bemoredramatic if you tried!” she says as she forcefully pushes me off of her. “I had a few errands to run that I just wanted to knock out before coming home. Sue me.” She ceremoniously waves her hands to the coffee table, where I’m just now noticing several boxes of pizza and bottles of red wine. “Besides, I couldn’t let your first day on the job go uncelebrated!”

Klair opens the box and serves us each a slice as I uncork the wine and pour us a glass of my favorite pinot.She knows me so well.

“Ugh, thank you so much!” My mouth is salivating at the cheesy deliciousness before me. “I am STARVING.”

We raise our glasses and they clink.

“To first days!” she says, smiling.

“To getting to work with your bestie,” I add, bringing my glass to my lips and taking a much-needed pull of the sweet and oaky wine.

“I’ll drink to that!” Klair adds, joining me in my sip.

After enthusiastically devouring the pizza and helping ourselves to some heavy-handed pours of wine, Klair and I sit back in total contentment. Trying to distract myself with a reality television binge, my mind is still very much in overdrive after the two very different but very intriguing encounters I had with Graham earlier. My first impression of him during our staff meeting, beyond being an absolute stud—and those lips—was that he appeared cold and truly unbothered about how he came across to those around him.

But then we met in the elevator and his entire demeanor seemed…softer? More open? I can’t quite put my finger on it. What I do know is that despite my full day of administrative tasks, meet and greets, and an overall immersion, I haven’t been able to get Graham Austin out of my mind.

“So, what’s the deal with Graham?” I ask, turning to Klair. “Because earlier, you said how he’s one of thekindest souls you’ve ever met, and I’m sorry, but that’s not the vibe I got today. What am I missing?”

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask,” Klair says, turning off the TV. “What do you want to know?”

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