Page 144 of Beautiful Storm

Adrian's smile widens. “Something tells me that’s exactly what you would do. You're a strong woman. We’ve all seen your strength and I admire the hell out of you. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You don’t need to suck up anymore though. You’ve earned it. The job is already yours.”

“You know Jake’s going to be pissed off that he’s not getting this role.”

“Yep. I sure do. But do you want to know how much I care?” I curl my fingers into a zero and purse my lips. I know he’s going to have something to say about it, but I also know this team has my back. They won’t cooperate if he’s at the helm.

“And that’s why you’re the boss.” Adrian grins but it’s somewhat nervously.

“I wouldn’t worry about him coming after you. He thought this position belonged to a man. And now it does. How can he argue with that?”

“This position will always be yours. I’m just filling in.”

“Nope, what did I say before? You need to own it. You’re going to be amazing.”

Adrian’s all smiles as he heads back to his office, and when I’m alone an hour later, Luke pops in to say hi.

“What are you doing back? Didn’t you go home?”

“I did, but… ah… how are the stress levels?”

“They’re good, why? Did you come back to lower them? To run around in secret?”

He laughs but there’s an edge to it that’s not usually there.

“What’s going on?”

He walks inside and closes the door behind him before standing tall. And when I note that he didn’t lock it this time, I almost thank him until he speaks. “There’s something I have to tell you but I want you to know—”

My phone rings, cutting Luke off, but I don’t pick it up, my eyes firmly locked on his. “You were saying?”

The call stops, but within seconds my office phone rings and I get a text, making me finally sneak a glance.

Hayley: Call me back ASAP!!!!

My brows furrow as I check the number on my work phone, vaguely recognizing it. I have no idea if it’s Hayley, but I take a chance knowing she’s got the number.

“Sorry, Luke, Hayley says it’s urgent and this might be her.”

“Amelia, wait—”

I press the answer button before he speaks and grimace in apology. He visibly deflates but nods before dropping into the chair opposite me and running a hand through his hair.

“Hello?” I ask, hearing a rushed sigh before Hayley responds.

“Thank God. Preston’s been trying to call you.”

Ugh. I’ve been ignoring his calls. “I have nothing to say to him.”

“You should call him back.”

“What? Why?”

“He said something about a fire from when you were kids and said it was urgent and that he promised not to hurt you.”

“He called you?”

“Yeah, your mom gave him my number.”

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