Page 14 of Paradise in Progress
I smile at Victoria before pulling her in for a celebratory hug. “Congratulations to youtoo, Victoria.”
A throat clears beforehisrich tone commands the gathered group. “It’s after nine. Don’t you all have work to do?”
Shaking my head, I ignore him and let his sister send him a glare. Zoe, Victoria, and I move in the direction of our cubicles without another word. Lighting from the office mixed with the golden cast of the New York morning causes my dress to shimmer subtly and bring out the deep emerald hue complimenting my copper-red hair.
A long slit slices up my leg, showing off my lightly bronzed tan—from a bottle, of course—while still being office appropriate. Sleeves meet my wrist in a tight button band while allowing a soft balloon effect up my arms, where it meets the high neckline and trails down the tight-fitting bodice. Everything about this dress screams chic while allowing me to feel like I’m wearing armor gearing up for a long battle in the professional space.
I feel strong. Powerful. Sexy.
Which is why heads turn as we stroll by.
“My brother can’t keep his eyes off of you,” Victoria whispers as we walk around the backside of the section of cubicles where my desk sits.
“He’s probably just contemplating how he’s going to make my life miserable for the next twelve-to-eighteen months since he’s now mybosson this project—or my death.”
Zoe slides across the floor in her desk chair to my side. “Or how he’s going to strip you out of your dress and ravish you on his desk, glass windows, and everything.”
“Ew, that’s my brother,” Victoria says, wrinkling her face in disgust as her body shivers.
“That’s never going to happen,” Victoria and I say at the same time, though my stomach does a weird flip at the visual of that ravishing.
Zoe laughs and replies, “You just wait,” she sing-songs as she rolls back to her desk. Victoria congratulates me again, and before I know it, I’m left alone with my celebratory coffee, still thinking about Zoe’s comment.
Once upon a time, I thought Tristan Nelson was attractive. Who wouldn’t? A small-town girl moves to the big city, finding herself in the same lecture hall as a perfectly polished guy with trendy clothes that look like they were made for him. He’s kept the trimmed beard that frames his chiseled jaw, and his rich brown hair is still styled in his intentionally messy way. Only now he uses more hair products and has upgraded to tailored suits.
Too bad his personality is the complete opposite of his appearance.
The day flew by in a blur of meetings, brainstorming, and sketching. At a quarter to five, Victoria traipses up to my desk, a brimming smile taking over her face. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” she coos.
Spinning in my seat to face her, I get the suspicion that Zoe and Victoria have been up to something all day. They have been eerily quiet, both in person and through our instant messenger chat.
“I still have another hour of work to put in.”
“Nope.” She shakes her head and turns me around to face my computer. “As the owner’s daughter, I’m demanding you shut down, gather your things, and leave the office with me without asking any questions.”
I chuckle. “Oh my gosh, Victoria, you did not just pull the owner’s daughter's card.”
She raises her finger in a matter-of-fact way. “I most certainly did. Now do as I say, or I’ll have Tristan write you a warning.”
I narrow my eyes. “You’re cruel, Victoria Nelson. So cruel.”
She folds her arms across her chest as Zoe laughs from the cube next to me. Victoria is vibrating with giddy energy, and I have a feeling that whatever they have concocted will be quite a delight.
Chapter six
Tristan
We’re four weeks intothe St. Lucia project now. That means, I’ve spent four awkward, tension-filled weeks working closely with Kennedy and her simmering hatred. I still haven’t got a clue why she hates me, but it’s driving me a little crazy. I find myself thinking back to our college days more and more, sifting through memories and trying to find a reason that might explain it. So far, I’ve got nothing.
I mean, was I a preppy asshole in college?
Definitely, but so were all the other guys in our major. It’s not my fault that professors used me and not her. It always seemed like she was trying to make herself invisible, though I have no idea why. It wasn’t my problem then, but it sure feels like my problem now.
“Are you meeting with Kennedy today?” Xander asks as he barges into my office, derailing my train of thought.
Looking up from my computer, where I should have been reviewing the specs for the resort instead of thinking about Kennedy, I watch as he leans against the doorway, tucking his hands into his pockets. “You already know the answer to that.”
“I’m just making sure you're taking this seriously.”
