Page 9 of Now and Forever
"No," Grayson laughed, which only accentuated his pronounced cheekbones when he did, Golden noticed. "I refuse to believe that someone who is hoping to study opera and consequently perform in renowned opera houses would actually likeBrutalistarchitecture," he sneered the word. "It's basically just nineteen-sixties government buildings. Cold, plain, and ugly as hell."
Now it was her turn to laugh. "It's not that bad. I think they're kind of cool and-" Her words faded as Grayson's eyes cut to the doorway behind her. Turning around on the couch, Golden looked to see Gaige leaning against the door with his arms crossed and a knowing smirk gracing his handsome face.
Golden's whole body went hot as she imagined what she looked like curled up on the couch talking to his father with no doubt a blissful expression plastered on her face.
Ugh, she would never hear the end of it.
Pushing away from the doorframe, Gaige walked over to the couch and grabbed her bag sitting at the end. "Come alongGolden, darling," he reached for her hand with an evil grin. "Let's go work on ourhomework, you know forhigh school," he said emphasizing the words unnecessarily.
Feeling the sting of his accusing words, Golden quickly gathered her things. She avoided looking at Grayson, praying he wouldn't see her embarrassment. If he caught onto her crush for him like his son so evidently did, she would toss herself into a nearby ditch in pure mortification.
With her books in hand, she let Gaige guide her around the couch until he tugged her to his side. Risking a look at Grayson, she was shocked to see his eyes narrow in on her and Gaige's hands. Looking at Gaige, she watched as his mischievous smile brightened.
Dripping with satisfaction, Gaige pulled her out of the room while waving at his father.
Chapter eight
She couldn’t believe she was actually here. Standing in the middle of the lobby, Golden stared down at the compass-like design the gold tiles made on the shining white floor. Last Friday, she got an email confirming she got the job at Rosebank Publishing. She spent the whole weekend in a state of shock as she practically went to every store in Stardust County piecing together a small but tasteful professional wardrobe. And now here she was at her new job on her first day of work.
The sound of heels hitting the tile pulled Golden from her thoughts and she turned to see Malinda coming toward her with a big welcoming smile. "Golden, welcome. I'm so happy to see you."
Golden greeted the woman and followed her along as she introduced her to everyone they passed as they made their way through the building, stopping on each floor to greet people. Golden said hi to reception, three different security officers on their various rounds, and countless junior editors until they finally stopped the tour on the fourth floor.
At first, Golden didn't really think of where she was, she was busy making small talk with a few people on the sales team when she turned and saw the big double doors at the end of the hallway. Panic fluttered in her chest while her stomach suddenly felt like wet cement. Those were the doors tohisoffice. A memory of her and Gaige coming up here once after hours abruptly came back to her.
"Okay, and last but not least let me introduce you to Mr. Rosebank himself," Malinda announced as she spun on her heel in the direction of the ominous double doors.
Golden's pulse quickened with apprehension. "Umm, well, I actually know Mr. Rosebank…" she offered hesitantly, hoping to stymie this meet-greet. At Malinda's confused smile, Golden hurriedly explained. "Gaige, his son, is my best friend and I know Mr. Rosebank."
Understanding lit Malinda's eyes. "Oh, okay. Then that makes sense, I suppose. That must be why Mr. Rosebank moved your position from downstairs to up here with him," she said, and continued walking ahead.
Helpless, Golden couldn't do anything but follow as they made their way past the large secretary's desk, which seemed to guard the two towering doors. As Malinda knocked, Golden replayed the woman's words.
"Wait, what?! What do you mean moved my position?" Golden frantically whispered as they stepped into the large office.
Golden and Malinda entered the office. Large did not quite do the expansive space justice. Wide windows covering one wall framed the panoramic views of downtown Stardust Heights. Amidst the sleek, modern furniture, the subtle art deco touches from throughout the building graced this space as well. From thegeometric patterns adorning the glass partitions to the sleek line accents embedded into the built-in bookshelves it all infused the room with an air of quiet sophistication.
Golden let out a small sigh of relief when she realized the office was empty. Desperate to get things resolved, she turned to Malinda with a nervous smile, silently prodding her to explain.
Confused, Malinda tried to clarify. "Actually, I got a memo early this morning from Mr. Rosebank about the change. You will be working with him directly."
If Golden was the type of woman prone to fainting, she would have done so then and there. Instead, her stomach just churned with anxiety. "But I thought I would get to-"
Malinda's phone dinged and she looked at the screen with a twist of her mouth. "Oh, I really need to go meet the supplier, he's downstairs waiting for me," she sighed. "Just wait in here and Mr. Rosebank will be in shortly. Don't be nervous, you said you met him before so you know he is fine. And welcome again to Rosebank Publishing, we're happy to have you."
Malinda gave her a brief hug and slipped back out through the door leaving Golden in shock and frozen to the spot.
He is fine.She repeated the woman's words in her head. It didn't matter ifhewas fine,shewas not! Golden could hear her heart beating in the eerie silence of the office. What was she going to do? Any minute he would be here. Grayson Rosebank, the man she loved with her entire soul for four straight years, actively repressed for two years, and not to mention the man she made a fool of herself in front of and the man who let her down the most. It was too much.
No. Golden shook her head. She couldn't do this. "I will just tell her I can't-"
The door opened just as she reached out for it and Grayson stepped inside.
It felt like a beautiful rose vine crawling over her skin and encircling her as she beheld him. Yes, there was the satiny finish of the rose but it couldn't take away from the pain of the thorns.
He was powerfully made. Tall and strong, the years of swimming and training made his shoulders impossibly broad. There was a cloak of power and privilege to the man. But not in the annoying way most noted billionaires behaved. No, Grayson Rosebank was the epitome of silent wealth. His presence demanded attention and respect. Maybe even a touch of fear. It was hard to take a silent man's measure. Hard to know what he would and would not do if he rarely broadcasted his movements. Everything about Grayson Rosebank was cool, measured discipline. It was carved into the strong cut of his jaw and the commanding way he carried himself. He was a man to watch out for and a man currently looking directly at her.
His handsome face which she had dreamed about far too much, softened as their gazes met. "Hello, Golden."
