Page 66 of Forbidden Desire

“Really? That’s awesome. Way more convenient for you.”

“Yeah, the nanny was great while she lasted, but this is better.”

“Nanny?” he looks taken aback. “What nanny?”

I realize it has been a while since we talked. He doesn’t know about my reassignment. It’s just another thing I’ve added to the list of things I’ve been keeping from him.

“Oh, I had a short stint with a nanny. I thought it would be better for Josie, but then…”

I look out the window, twisting my mouth as I debate how I should word the next part.

“Then what?”

“I got reassigned. A new job. The job I wanted.”

“You got the editorial department job?” asks Troy excitedly.

“Mhmm.” I say with a nod.

“Erica, that’s great! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s just been a whirlwind.”

He chews on his bite, looking at me thoughtfully. “What’s that have to do with a nanny?”

“It came with a pay cut. It’s not a big deal. The daycare at work is great. Really.”

“You got ademotion?” he asks, narrowing his voice. “That’s bullshit. You’ve been there for years. That Vallejo guy is really living up to his asshole reputation.”

“He’s notthatbad…” I say with a shrug.

“He sounds a lot like our father.”

I feel oddly defensive, like I should stand up for Marco, but I can’t without raising questions. So, I don’t. Deep down, I know Marco is nothing like my father and that’s what I liked so much about him.

Chapter 32

Marco

“This place is impressive, Marco. I’ll give you that,” says Brock, as we walk the rooftop workspace of my building. I’ve spent the better part of the late morning trying to convince him that he should house one of his many businesses here in my building, making me co-owner. A welcome distraction after my meeting with Erica. So far, so good, but it’s hard to tell with him. He has a good poker face. Almost better than mine.

Brock owns one of the first start up tech companies in New York, passed on from his father to him. With his tech company under my roof, we would be unstoppable not only in tech, but in combining tech and journalism, which is my goal for the newspapers I’ve acquired. He would be the first one to house a business in my building, as all the businesses here are owned by me. It’s a risk, but one I’m willing to take if it means our names together in the business world.

“I’m surprised you have room for me,” he says with a chuckle. “What, with all your business ventures.”

“They’re split between here and the West Coast. I have a few floors to spare you.” I smile cockily.

He shakes his head, taking one last look across the rooftop that’s covered in miniature Zen gardens, covered work areas, and a coffee cart. It’s a common place for the employees of the building to come for their break or get a change of scenery for work. It’s a place I’m most proud of, but hardly visit myself. With the summer heat breaking soon, as the city heads for fall, I’d like to spend more time up here. By the look on Brock’s face, it looks like might want to, too. Maybe my rooftop workspace will be the tipping point.

“Anywhere else to show me?” he asks, as we head back toward the elevators.

“I think you’ve seen just about everything.”

He nods as I press the button for the elevator.

“And what about services for your employees? Childcare? My employees will be expecting that if I do decide to make the move.”

“Of course.” I step into the elevator as he follows in after me. “I can take you there on the way out.”

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