Page 6 of Say You Remember Me
And yeah, I didn’t know how much time had passed, but I should probably come back to earth before something like that happened.
So even though I didn’t want to, I slowed the kiss. When we finally broke apart, both of us were slightly breathless.
The stranger’s dark eyes searched mine, a hint of something more behind his playful smile. “Well, that was unexpected,” he murmured, his voice low.
I couldn’t help but smile back. “Good unexpected, or bad?”
“Definitely good,” he said, his thumb brushing lightly against my waist. “Though I wouldn’t mind knowing who just kissed me.”
I bit my lip, debating whether to reveal my name, but then decided to keep the mystery alive. “Maybe you’ll find out someday,” I teased, stepping back before things could get more complicated.
“I’ll hold you to that,” he said, his eyes promising this wasn’t the last time we’d meet.
With one last smile, I turned and walked back to Sloan, my heart racing as I tried to process what had just happened.
2
MADDIE
Sloan: How’s your first day going? Have you met your boss yet?
I glanceddown at the text Sloan had sent me ten minutes ago as I finished up the tour of my new workspace. Hastings Industries was in one of the newer high-rises in downtown New Haven. The building was sleek, modern, and frankly, a little intimidating. After spending the last few years working as a receptionist in a small, cramped office in Ridgewater, this was a whole new world.
Taking a deep breath, I typed out a reply to Sloan:I haven’t met him yet. Just got back to my desk after a tour. The HR lady says he’ll probably call me in once his meeting is over.
I set my phone down and took in my new surroundings. The office was more impressive than I’d imagined, with its modern décor, state-of-the-art technology, and a sense of efficiency that seemed to permeate the air. My desk was situated right outside Ian Hastings’ corner office, which had floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the park below. The greenery and the cityscape beyond felt almost surreal, like a postcardcome to life. It was the kind of view that made you feel like you’d made it, like maybe—just maybe—things were starting to come together.
And I needed them to come together. This job was more than just a paycheck. It was a fresh start for me and Grant. I glanced at my son’s photo on my desk—a snapshot of him grinning with that gap-toothed smile of his, holding a soccer ball bigger than his head. He was my world, and this job was a chance to give him the stability we both needed.
Marsha, the head of HR, had been wonderful during the tour. She was a middle-aged woman with short, fiery red hair that suited her vibrant personality. From the break room to the conference rooms, she’d shown me everything, even the little things like where the restrooms were—a detail I appreciated since I drank water like a camel.
But what really struck me was the office space I’d be working in. My desk, with its prime location just outside Mr. Hastings’ office, felt like the heart of the operation—like I was Donna, the legal secretary to the great Harvey Spector in my favorite showSuits.
And that view—oh, that view—I still couldn’t believe I’d be working here.
Just as I was about to dive into my email, Marsha appeared at my desk. “Mr. Hastings is finishing up his meeting in the conference room now,” she said with a warm smile. “He’ll probably invite you into his office as soon as he sees you. I’m sure he’d like to get to know you a bit before going over what he needs from you today.”
I nodded, doing my best to keep my cool as a thrill of anticipation shot through me. “Thanks, Marsha.”
As she walked away, I busied myself with getting acquainted with the computer system, trying to ignore the fluttering nervesin my stomach. This was it. My chance to make a good first impression.
A few minutes later, I heard the sound of expensive shoes clicking on the polished floor. Looking up, I saw a group of men in tailored suits leaving the conference room. They looked important, powerful, the kind of people who made big decisions over coffee and conference calls.
My eyes scanned the group, and then?—
My heart stopped.
There he was. The man I’d kissed at the club.
How could this be happening?I wondered as panic surged through me. Of all the people in New Haven, how couldhebe here?
My mind raced, trying to make sense of it, but there was no time to think. He was walking right toward me.
My instinct was to duck my head down, to pretend to be absorbed in my work, praying he wouldn’t notice me. Maybe if I just?—
But instead of hearing him walk past, I felt his presence stop directly in front of my desk.
Oh no. Please no. Please don’t be who I think you are.
