Page 137 of Sinner

Could this be something called… love?

CHAPTER 38

Jessica

New jobs were always difficult to start. Just walking in always brought intense nerves. Trying to learn the lay of the land took a few days so by the end of the first week, I’d always been exhausted.

But at least when I walked into the Blackwell Group, I felt a strange sense of pride.

I remained in the waiting room, uncertain what to expect. I had my briefcase with me, including a few additional resumes. I’d snagged several pens and my sketchpad for possible designs.

Was I nervous? Well, of course. Especially after the rather horrifying weekend I’d experienced. He’d insisted I wait until Wednesday to come into Blackwell and I’d almost lost my mind.

But I’d obeyed him.

The thought almost brought an inappropriate giggle.

Xander had remained right by my side, keeping me warm and safe when the police had come to arrest Sam. He’d been close to catatonic by then, only whispering his wife’s name. I still found it so hard to believe he’d been the one to supply information to Dorn. What he hadn’t expected was for Dorn to play both sides. At least Dorn’s fake arrest had started an investigation. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but it would appear the pending charges were legitimate.

He might do some jail time.

Sindom sales had plummeted after the news hit the airwaves the day before. Meanwhile, it had been the opposite with Blackwell. Their sales were soaring, their stocks as well.

What had been almost saddest of all was seeing Elizabeth being arrested on the local news, taken from her home. My guess was she’d never intended on hurting anyone.

I was getting antsy when the door opened to the reception area and Xander walked out, a more than evil grin on his face. I stood, my legs a little shaky. How could that be after the night of passion we’d shared?

“Welcome, Ms. Waldrop. We are very happy to have you working with us.” He stretched out his hand for a shake, winking when he did.

“You are truly an evil man,” I whispered.

“I guess you would know. Then again, you might find out I’m so much more. Are you ready to see your new office?”

“I thought I’d be working in the production facility.”

“Oh, you’ll shift your time back and forth, but you’ll need an office here. Come on. Let’s get you set up.”

As I trailed behind him, I could tell everyone knew we were close. They weren’t impolite, just offering knowing smiles. There was warmth in the air, which was something I hadn’t expected.

He led me down a beautifully decorated hallway and into a stunning office. I had my own picture window with a gorgeous view. The desk was massive, much bigger than I needed, complete with three monitors and an incredible Mac computer.

On the credenza was a bouquet of roses.

I gave him a saucy look and he threw up his hands. “Not from me. Not this time anyway.”

“Hmmm…” I dropped my purse on the desk, gently placing my briefcase on the floor and heading toward the incredible roses. I took a deep whiff and noticed the card. Why were my fingers shaking? It was silly to be nervous about receiving flowers.

When I pulled the card from the envelope, all I could do was smile.

“Who are they from?” he asked.

Oh, wow. I was pleasantly surprised, a little flutter of my heart reminding me I’d once been a little girl looking up to a powerful man.

“Are you jealous?” I purred.

“Maybe,” he growled and sauntered closer. “Confess or you will be punished.”

“Here?”

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