Page 4 of Stick to the Plan
LettyGo
Richard - really? Youcan’t just say DICK?
Annabanana
Har har. I can still taste Momma’s soap when you two get started.
LettyGo
oh BLESS HER HEART
Annabanana
you’re using that wrong
Breehive
GIRLS!
LettyGo
sorry. It’s not wrong. Set boundaries and protect yourself. If he gets cheeky, I’ll pop him one.
Breehive
thanks. Love you girls.
“Well, I guess I better get started,” I say to Riley as I set him down. Cranking the radio, I put my latent anger to good use. Systematically moving from room to room, I scrub, dust, vacuum, and change linens. Satisfied that no one can find fault with my home, I check my watch: 3 PM. Plenty of time. Whistling, I head back to my room for a shower and change of clothes before I have to pick up my uninvited guest.
Chapter two
First Impressions
Colin
The laptop bag digs into my shoulder, and my luggage drags across the industrial carpet behind me. I pause for a moment, enjoying the cold air blowing from the vents. My fingers itch to loosen my collar where the material sticks to my neck. Even in early spring, the humidity of central Florida is unbearable.
A woman sits at the large desk in front of the main elevator of C.A. Engineering. She looks up and gives me a cursory inspection as I approach, one eyebrow slightly raised. No doubt my tousled hair and wrinkled suit are to blame. I’d like to see how she looks after almost 10 hours on a plane.
“May I help you?”
“Colin McLeary from the Innovative Solutions Dublin office t’a see Richard Stone.” My Irish brogue sounds extra thick and gravelly from the night of travel.
Her eyes widen in surprise. She probably expected the Dublin executive to be older. Thirty is a little young for a vice president. Then again, maybe it really is just the rumpled suit.
“Mr. Stone will be with you in a moment, Mr. McLeary. He is finishing up the morning staff meeting now.” She tilts her head towards the glass lined conference room just down the aisle.
I smile at the assistant, thank her, and head towards the conference room to wait. The meeting seems to break up as I arrive, I watch the men file out, as the lone woman stays behind. With nothing else to do, I study her.
Her back is to me. Long brunette hair sits in a simple tail. Her posture precise as she stands by the man at the head of the table.That must be Stone she’s talking with and she doesn’t seem to be enjoying the conversation.
She turns towards the door, every movement controlled but graceful. My breath catches as I see her face. Large blue eyes, high but delicate cheekbones, and a jaw that comes to a soft point. Her lips press together tightly, forming a white line around her prominent cupid’s bow. Her looks are a striking mix of strength and femininity.
She instantly draws me in.
Sexy heels click against the floor, her gait smooth. Maybe I misread the situation. I take another look at her dark blue eyes. They sparkle with barely concealed fury. She passes me and I can’t help but admire how her snug skirt hugs her curves with every step.
“You lost, son?”
