Page 14 of No Rings Attached
No one had asked me that before. They always assumed I’d joined the family business because it was expected, or because of the money, or because I lacked the imagination to do anything else.
“Partially,” I said honestly. “But also because I love it. The design work, especially, seeing something go from sketch to finished piece. The expansion—that’s about building something that lasts beyond us.”
Her eyes softened. “That came through in your emails. Your passion for it.”
We continued up to the second floor, and I pointed out the various offices of the luxury costume jewelry arm of the company. “My Uncle Ted runs this whole division. They’re independent from the fine jewelry side Dad and I run, but we collaborate all the time. Each side has their own team of designers, project managers, and staff.”
“I remember you mentioning Ted’s team working on that new line for the holidays.” Ellie paused to peer through one of the windows. “Is that still on track?”
“Yeah, they’re actually ahead of schedule for once.”
Then we headed up to the third floor—my floor—and I felt my nerves ratchet up a notch. This is where we’d be working side-by-side for a week or two.
“How adorable.” Ellie stopped, pressing closer to a window to get a better look. An office was still decorated with Halloween decor from last month—paper hats hanging from the ceiling, a small skeleton propped up in the corner. Every office had large windows both on the outside wall and facing the atrium for maximum natural light.
I moved to stand behind her. “That’s Karen’s office. She goes all out for every holiday. The way she decorates for Christmas is epic.”
Ellie turned her head, and suddenly we were face to face, barely a foot apart. “You do that Halloween event for the kids every year, right?
I cleared my throat and stepped back, to give me breathing room. “Yeah. We invite the whole town. Kids can trick-or-treat at each office, and usually leave with buckets of candy.”
“That would have been fun to see,” Ellie said, lingering another moment on the decorated office, before moving forward. Her voice shifted to something more thoughtful. “And at the end of this month you’ll do the Thanksgiving meal, too?”
I nodded, pleased that she remembered that detail too. “We started it a few years ago. The morning of Thanksgiving, we put out a whole spread, and anyone who might not have a place to go or maybe can’t afford it is welcome to stop by. Last year we served almost a hundred people.”
“That is just one of the reasons why I was so excited to work for Kingsley Jewelry.” She glanced at me with an expression full of warmth. “I loved that you were so community-focused. That it isn’t just about the profit.”
“It matters,” I said simply. My family took pride in being fortunate enough to employ many of the town’s residents and to provide for people who needed it. “This town gave my family everything and we’ll never forget it. It’s part of who we are.”
By the time we made it to my office—passing through an open area that housed the rest of my team, currently empty at this early hour—I couldn’t help but think how normal this felt.
Like she’s always been here.
I opened the door and let her enter first, watching as she took in the space. This was one of my favorite rooms in the building. The same exposed brick walls, the open ductwork, and high ceilings. Windows dominated two walls with thick wooden frames that caught the light in unexpected ways.
My desk sat in front of the windows overlooking the front grassy area where I could catch a glimpse of Main Street, just a street over. I’d set up another desk perpendicular to mine, creating an L-shape that would let us work in the same space without being on top of one another.
“I still can’t get over how amazing this building is,” Ellie said, doing another slow turn. Her expression, reverent.
I loved that she got it.
I gestured to the antique light wood desk I’d set up for her. “Grace found it in one of the storage units and thought you might like it. If it’s not big enough, I can order?—”
“It’s more than fine, Drew.” She crossed to it, running her hand along the polished wood. “I love it. Thank you for thinking of this.”
I let out a long grateful breath and flashed her a smile. “If you need anything, a different chair, pens, sticky notes?—”
“I’ll let you know.” She set her coffee down on the desk like she was claiming the space.
“I wanted you to feel comfortable.” The admission came out more earnestly than I’d intended.
“I already do,” Ellie said softly, meeting my eyes. “Feel comfortable, I mean. This is …” She glanced at the space, then back at me. “This is exactly where I want to be.”
The weight of those words settled between us—more heartfelt than she probably meant them to be.
Chapter Four
DREW
