Page 45 of Reckless Chance
Hearing footsteps, I look up as Sean emerges from the bedroom, sporting one of his many bespoke, dark-navy suits, a merlot tie, and ornate cufflinks.
“You’re looking hot, bad boy. Can I convince you to skip work today?” I ask while he adjusts his cuffs.
“Unfortunately, no. My calendar is full. I’m scheduled for one-on-one meetings with my department heads. I’m also trying to find out why Rossi’s guys showed up here and which employee is involved with them. I’m sure additional fires will pop up as the day progresses. They always do. What about you?”
“This morning I’ll catch up on work for one of my clients. Then I’m meeting Cassie for lunch at Pinot & Pie. She wants me to see the restaurant’s new décor and try a couple of the recipes that she’s putting on the menu.”
“The design looked impressive on paper. I haven’t had time to stop by yet. Let me know what you think.”
“Okay.”
“If you’re finished by 2:30 p.m., stop by my office. Ron’s going to explain how he’s addressing the safety problems on the show. I plan to make him go through every accident we’velearned about. It would be helpful if you could sit in on that meeting,” he says, giving me a goodbye peck on the cheek as he heads downstairs to his office.
“I’ll be there,” I reply.
“See you later.”
As the door clicks shut, I head to my makeshift office: Sean’s dining table.
Jenny moved most of my clothes and work-related stuff to Sean’s apartment. It saves time—no need for a trip to my suite each morning.
Walter quickly adjusted to my routine as well. A steaming mug of coffee with a small pitcher of cream and a bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with crunchy granola and fresh berries are waiting for me.
Given how much I value freedom and spontaneity, it surprises me how easily I’ve fallen into this comfortable groove with Sean and his life here. My normal self would be happy this is ending soon so my life can return to its two distinct worlds: the serious work one and the fun, no-strings, social one. Instead, I’m inexplicably sad about the inevitable conclusion to my time here.
Huh.
I don’t have time to dwell on my emotions though. A client expects me to send them a draft settlement agreement today. They finally reached an amicable resolution with an injured employee and want me to quickly finalize the agreement. That’s my priority.
Shoot. My laptop’s downstairs. After the interviews yesterday, I worked in my suite instead of returning here. Oh well, I’m not as settled into this life as I thought.
“Walter, please keep my coffee warm. I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab my laptop from downstairs.”
“Of course, ma’am.”
The private elevatormakes for a short ride to my suite. Exiting, I abruptly freeze.
Noooo! This can’t be happening to me. What did I do to piss off the universe?
Staring in shock, I take in the shambles. The bed linens are strewn across the floor, the mattress is askew, the lamps are smashed, and the drawers are open—the few sets of underwear I’d left here are spilling over the edges.
Shit. I’ve been robbed—again.
28
SEAN
Rushing into Lowri’s suite, I’m out of breath. My eyes scan the room searching for her among the security personnel and housekeeping staff who have taken over the messy scene. Panic begins to set in when I don’t see her.
“Where’s my wife? I mean, where’s Lowri?” I call out loudly enough to cause everyone to stop what they’re doing and stare at me.
Daniel, my head of security, walks over. “Mr. Cartwright, she’s in the bathroom collecting herself. This was quite a shock for her.”
“After I check on Lowri, I want a full report. There are too many unexplained incidents happening at the Athena.”
Not waiting for his reply, I quickly stride into the bedroom. Soft sobs are coming from behind the closed bathroom door. My heart sinks. First, she was mugged, and now this.
“Lowri, may I come in?”
