Page 24 of Beck and Call

"Where exactly did he expect you to stay?"

I leveled a glance at her and waited for her to figure it out. When she did her eyes widened like saucers. "Did he ask you to move in with him?"

"That would imply he sought out my opinion. He pretty much told me I was going to live with him, because—" I made air quotes "—it makes logistical sense."

"Tell me he didn't," she demanded.

"I wish I could. Will it be trouble if I stay here with you for a while? At least until I find my own place?"

"No," she blurted out.

"Oh, well, I can find a hotel or something tomorrow," I mumbled. My heart felt like it was in my throat, so it was hard to force the sound out.

"I mean, no I don't want you to find another place. I've been asking you to move in here. It wasn't because I wanted to help you save money. I spend too much time alone, and I've been thinking about getting a cat."

"I'm all for getting a cat," I volunteered.

"But see, if I get a cat alone, then I'm at risk of being a cat lady. You know I won't just get one. What if it needs a friend? I'll be coming home with two at a minimum."

"So me moving in here prevents you from becoming a cat lady? The only thing I foresee is both of us becoming crazy cat ladies. We'll be like those spinsters in Jane Austen novels."

"That's a yes then?" she asked.

"That's a yes," I confirmed.

She squealed. "This is going to be so much fun!"

Her enthusiasm was fairly contagious. I'd be as giddy as she was if it weren't for the fact I had to face Beckett in the morning.

Chapter Nine

Rick was back behind the wheel in the morning and called to let me know he'd be down in front of the building by seven. There weren't any missed calls or texts from Beckett. It was disappointing, but not unexpected.

There were files sitting on the back seat waiting for me to review on the ride to work. It appeared there were meetings all day with Anderson Global executives to finalize the German auto deal. I made a few notes and updated his online calendar. When we arrived at the building I realized I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go. Not only that, but I didn't have any identification to get me to the floor I needed, even if I knew which one that was.

A friendly looking security guard smiled at me as I approached his desk. "How can I help you, miss?"

"Evelyn Holmes. I work for Mr. Anderson. Today is my first day in the office." I handed him my driver's license, which was the best I could do considering Beckett hadn't gone over any of this with me. Probably because he assumed I'd have been with him last night.

"Of course, I was told to expect you." He opened a drawer behind his counter and handed me an electronic key fob. "Human Resources will get your picture taken and give you a badge sometime today. Most of the floors are open, but you'll need the fob to access the executive level on the fortieth floor."

I smiled and accepted the fob. I wasn't sure where I was going to go once I got to the fortieth floor, but I'd figure it out. On the elevator, I pushed the button and held the fob in front of the black electronic reader. It took a second, but the button lit up for the fortieth floor and the doors slid closed.

A minute later and the light stopped on the fortieth floor. I took a deep breath as the doors slid open. A beautiful young woman in a pencil skirt was standing on the other side. "Evie?"

I nodded, and she smiled. "You're really prompt. That's good."

"You're here before me," I pointed out.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it. Mr. Greyson is a much more laid back boss than yours. I'm usually here around eight-thirty to be ready for when he comes in at nine. Mr. Anderson called me last night and asked if I'd come early and help you settle in. I'm Sabrina Lake. It's nice to meet you." She held out her hand, and I shook it.

She turned and led me away from the elevator down a long marble hallway. Her spike heels clacked musically off the floor. Looking over her shoulder, she made sure I was following. My own heels sounded loud and obnoxious to me.

"I wish there was time to give you a tour, but he said he'll need you to join him in a meeting first thing this morning. Once there is a break in his schedule, I'll take you to HR and get your ID and sign your paperwork."

She stopped at a door near the end of the hallway. "This is your office. There is a door inside that links to Mr. Anderson's."

Sabrina handed me a folder. "That's an emergency manual of sorts. There are maps to the nearest coffee shops, in case Mr. Anderson sends you to get him coffee. Phone numbers for myself, HR, and our employee assistance plan, you know in case you are pushed into a breakdown. It's happened."

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