Page 70 of Just The Way You Aren't

Although she's been generally patient and polite with me—especially after I mentioned Damien Langley referred me to the shop—that doesn't change the fact that I'm way out of my depth here. Not to mention massively beyond my budget.

"Perhaps you'd like to consider some of last season's selections instead? I believe we still have a few nice things left in back?—"

"That's all right." I shake my head. "I'm on a bit of a schedule, and I'm really just looking today."

"Oh. Very well, then." That smile doesn't budge or falter. "If there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know."

"Thanks." I pretend to peruse the boutique for another minute or two before discreetly slipping out the door.

I shake my head and start walking, still processing the factthat a single dress costs more than my rent. When I find myself standing outside the Langley Building, I realize I've been unconsciously heading here. Maybe I can catch Damien for a quick coffee between meetings—I need to update him on a few last-minute fundraiser details anyway.

I enter the lobby and approach the security desk. "I'm here to see Damien Langley," I tell the guard.

"Name?" he asks, eyeing my flowy skirt with mild skepticism.

"Willow Harper."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but I'm just dropping by for a moment. Could you let his assistant know I'm here?"

The guard makes a call, and a few minutes later, an elegant older woman approaches. "I'm Rhonda, Mr. Langley's assistant," she says warmly. "You must be Willow. I've been following all the press coverage of Mr. Langley's work with Silver Hearts."

I flush slightly. "Oh, the photos from the Alzheimer's benefit?"

"That, and I have to say, I've never seen him this... energized. He actually smiles when he talks about your organization." She winks. "He's in a very important meeting right now—our biggest client. But I'm sure he'd want to see you the moment he's free."

"Oh, I don't want to interrupt. I can come back another time."

"Nonsense. Why don't you come up? You can wait in my office area." She guides me to the elevator. "Between you and me, he's been on edge about this meeting all week. Guardian Productions is... particular."

My stomach tightens. Guardian Productions—the clientAlfred Rothchild's been trying to sabotage, the deal that could make or break Damien's position as CEO. He's told me how crucial this is, how Rothchild keeps trying to convince the board that Damien can't handle the account.

As we exit on the executive floor, I hear raised voices from down the hall.

"That's them now," Rhonda says with a sigh. "They've been at it for an hour already. I brought in homemade cookies for them this morning, but I’m afraid they’re going to be used as projectiles any moment now. I better get back in case they need anything."

"Of course," I say, worried for Damien and his jeopardized deal. "I'll just wait here."

"Make yourself comfortable. The kitchenette is around the corner if you need water or anything."

After Rhonda hurries away, I wander toward the kitchenette, but pause when someone rushes around the corner and crashes right into me.

"Oh!" I gasp as we both stumble.

His phone goes clattering across the floor, and we both reach for it at the same time. I get there first, picking it up to hand it back to him. The screen lights up, showing a photo of an adorable golden retriever puppy as his lockscreen.

"Cute dog," I comment, handing it back to him.

"Thanks. My daughter's new puppy." His expression softens as he glances at the photo. "She sent me about fifty photos today. I told her I'm in important meetings, but she doesn't care."

"I know that feeling," I laugh, pulling out my own phone. "I have four rescue pets myself. I probably take fifty photos a day of them doing absolutely nothing."

"Four?" he says, eyebrows raising. "That's impressive."

"Or insane, depending on who you ask," I reply. "Two cats, two dogs. They're like having permanent toddlers who never grow up."

"My daughter's is the same way," he says, chuckling. "Though to be fair, I'm becoming just as bad. Yesterday I caught myself showing the barista at Starbucks a video of him learning to fetch."

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