Page 4 of Ardent Desires

Reed’s smile widens, like he’s pleased with himself. “Good girl.”

I force a nod, biting my tongue as he turns and saunters back into his office. The door closes, and I exhale, shoulders slumping. God, I hate him.

I drop into my chair, staring at the pile of documents. This is my life now. Fetching coffee, shuffling paperwork, and dodging creeps like Reed. But then I glance around the office. It’s sleek, modern, all glass and steel, with views of the city skyline. And I remind myself:I’m in New York.I’m working for one of the biggest companies in the country. This is what I wanted. It’s not perfect, but my dreams are closer than ever.

I settle into my chair, cracking open the first file, when Lena walks by.Lena.

Mr. Blackwood’s assistant.

She’s tall, icy blonde, with the sharpest cheekbones I’ve ever seen and the kind of wardrobe you’d expect to see on a runway. Everything about her screamscold. She doesn’t even glance my way as she strides past my desk, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Not that I expected her to. We’ve crossed paths a few times, but it’s always the same—polite, curt, and distant. Like she’s on a whole different level. Which, I guess, she is.

I glance at the clock. 9 a.m. Three hours until I have to meet with Reed. Just enough time to dive into these papers.

I skim through the first few pages, my mind already drifting. Jenna’s voice plays in my head, teasing me about dating. Not that I’ve even thought about it. Who the hell has time for a social life when you’re buried under marketing reports and budget sheets? Not to mention the fact that I’d probably have to fend off guys like Reed.

My phone buzzes again, and I check the screen. A text from Jenna:Don’t forget to eat lunch today, workaholic. And tell Reed to shove it.

I snort, texting back:Will do. Bakery update?

Her reply is almost instant.Sold out of croissants already. You’re missing out.

I smile at the thought of her killing it back in Philly. The bakery’s really taking off, and I’m proud of her. I wish I could be there to help, but I’ve got my own mountains to climb.

Time passes in a blur of numbers, proposals, and contracts. My brain’s barely keeping up, but I’ve got a system now—highlight, summarize, send it up. Rinse and repeat. The clock hits 11:50, and I realize I haven’t eaten. Not that it matters. Reed’s gonna want those papers done by tomorrow, and I need to prep for this noon meeting.

I stack the files neatly, grab my notepad, and head for his office. His door is half-open, and I knock lightly before stepping inside.

“Mr. Reed? You wanted to see me?”

He’s sitting behind his desk, scrolling through emails or stocks or whatever the hell it is he does all day, barely glancing up when I enter. “Yes, Miss Sanders. Sit.”

I take a seat across from him, my notebook ready. Reed finally looks up, his eyes flicking to the clock on the wall. “I’ll be brief. I’m heading up to meet with Mr. Blackwood shortly, but before I go, I need you to prepare a report on those documents. Corporate format. Polished.”

“Of course,” I say, nodding. “Anything specific you’d like me to highlight?”

Reed leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers in that weird way he does. “Just make sure it’s clean and concise. We can’t afford any mistakes right now.”

I nod again, jotting down a few notes. “Understood. I’ll have it ready by tomorrow morning.”

“Good,” Reed says, his eyes lingering on me again, making my skin crawl. “And Miss Sanders?”

I look up from my notepad. “Yes?”

His smile is slow, almost predatory. “You’re doing well here. Keep it up, and who knows? You might just move up the ladder.”

I force a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Reed.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “That’s all. You can go.”

I stand quickly, heading for the door before he can say anything else. As soon as I’m out of his office, I breathe easier. God, that man is exhausting. And creepy as hell.

I head back to my desk, sinking into my chair and staring at the stack of papers again. But instead of diving back into work, I glance around the office. The hum of computers, the quiet conversations, the view of the city beyond the glass windows. This is where I am now. New York. Blackwood Enterprises. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.

For now.

And maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll make it to the top.

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