Page 4 of Kiss Me Forever

Chapter Two

Megan

“Wait a second. Youbroke your two-year dry spell with a one-night stand? Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?” Nina practically yelled into the phone.

Oh, why did I tell her? It was eight in the morning, and I was already in front of the office building on LaSalle. My welcome email from Human Resources said to arrive after eight thirty. I didn’t want to go up too early, so to pass the time, I’d called Nina, my best friend and co-conspirator.

“Honestly, I don’t know what got into me.”

“Well, whatever it was, I’m happy for you.”

Looking back, I still wasn't sure how it happened. I'd never had a one-night stand in my whole life. I'd been with my ex since high school until two years ago. After we broke up, I’d been too hurt to date at first. Then I went out with a few guys, but we didn’t get past the kissing stage. But last night, Luke had been charming and such a great dancer. It still felt surreal that I'd gone with him to his penthouse. I was usually careful and a planner, never spontaneous. But last night, I threw caution to the wind. Maybe because he'd been such a great dancer, or maybe because he'd charmed me when he started talking about his niece.

I shook my head. It didn't matter. I was never going to see him again. Even though he'd asked for my number, I was pretty sure he wasn't going to call, although I wasn't an expert at these things. But last night was last night, and today was my first day at the new job.

“Nina, wish me luck, okay? I’m going to go upstairs and sit in the waiting area or something.”

“You’re going to have a great day. They’re lucky to have you.”

“Thanks.”

I was so excited to start something new. It was an internship at one of the most prestigious architecture companies in the country.

I took a selfie, sending it to Aunt Dana. She'd raised me after my parents passed away. My aunt was going through a tough time now, and I wanted to cheer her up a bit. She'd been laid off from her accounting job and had only managed to find something part-time. I'd offered to lend her money, but she wouldn't hear of it because I'd been unemployed until now. But with my paid internship about to begin, I hoped I would be able to change her mind.

I checked my appearance in the tinted window behind the rotating door leading to the inside of the building. I'd dressed sharp in a navy suit and comfortable heels, and I’d straightened my hair.

Rolling my shoulders to release the tension, I pushed the rotating door. Once inside, I walked with determined steps into the gorgeous atrium. I loved the shiny black tiles and sleek reception desk. Donna, the HR manager I’d spoken with earlier this week, told me to go to the seventh floor. There was plenty of activity on the ground floor, though, which wasn’t a big surprise, since there were a lot of offices on these fifty floors. I received a visitor’s badge from the receptionist and then headed to the elevators, pressing the button for the seventh floor.

I got off and looked around, noticing it was pretty quiet. The entrance area was rather sparse. There was a reception desk, but it was empty. Everything was crisp and white, reminding me of a doctor's office. I knew there was more than one business on this floor from what the directory noted downstairs.

"Good morning," a woman said, coming up to me. "I'm Greta. How may I help you?"

"Hi, I'm Megan Pierce," I said. "I'm the new intern for Supreme Architecture."

"One moment," Greta said, "I don't work for them. I’ll be right back with someone who does."

She disappeared into a room a few feet away. It looked like a communal kitchen. There seemed to be a few people inside, getting their coffees and whatnot. I wondered if they were from Supreme Architecture or one of the other companies. I glanced around, feeling immensely lucky to have nabbed this job. The company was renowned and would look good on my résumé. I could imagine myself coming in early every day and getting a start on my tasks before everyone else arrived.

I turned around as I heard footsteps and then froze. Luke was walking toward me with confident, determined strides. His eyes widened. He was wearing a dark blue suit and white shirt with cuff links. He was just as hot now as he was last night.

"Megan," he said curtly, extending a hand. "This is a surprise."

I shook his hand briefly, trying with all my might to ignore the warmth coursing through me.

"You work here?" I asked, hoping that wasn’t the case. It would be hard to see him every day, especially being new on the job. I didn’t want to lose my focus.

He cleared his throat. "I'm the owner of Supreme Architecture, Luke Maxwell. And Greta says you are our newest intern."

I was rooted to my spot. I drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

Oh, this is not good.

"I don't know what to say," I replied eventually.

"Let's go to my office." He pointed toward a narrow corridor.

I walked in front of him. My legs felt shaky, like they weren't able to sustain my weight.

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