Page 29 of The Trouble With Fate (The Forbidden Love 5)

I clear my throat. “Um, yes.”

Then, just like out of the book, he grabs my fingers to inhale my skin. Surely, there’s no scent.

I’m proven wrong.

His body tenses, and for a brief moment, he closes his eyes, then they snap open.

“I meant, have you finished making yourself—”

The door makes a loud sound. Cruz’s timing is impeccable as always. It’s my only chance to escape before doing something else stupid.

“Nice to see you again, Masen,” I say with a straight face. “The pleasure has been all mine.”

Inside the foyer, I shove a granola bar I’d purchased at a snack stand into my mouth for breakfast. Before entering the elevator, I remove my flats and replace them with a pair of heels, ignoring Masen for telling me I shouldn’t wear them. I opt for the ones with the ankle straps, just for a little bit more support. At least I look professional.

I’m still exhausted from no sleep, now on my second cup of coffee as I exit on the fifth floor.

A dark-haired woman is sitting behind the reception desk, dressed nicely in a gray pantsuit. When her eyes fall upon me, she stands up with a warm smile.

“You must be Addison.”

“Yes,” I respond while extending my hand to shake hers. “Here for my first day.”

“I’m Elizabeth but call me Lizzie. I work in reception,” she tells me at the same time while motioning for me to follow her. “So, let’s get you set up. There are back-to-back appointments today, and Dr. Jenner is quite busy. She’s already with a patient.”

“So early?”

“It’s Beverly Hills. Money makes people screwed-up twenty-four seven.”

Lizzie, as she prefers to be called, begins my induction. Everything from a tour of the offices to how to use the coffee machine, and where to find the extra paper for a very temperamental printer.

Since I’m only here part-time, I still have a small desk by the window with a view. It’s nothing special, but a desk to call my own.

There are six people who work in the office, so my primary role is to support the team where needed. Already sitting on my desk is a pile of paperwork. Christine, the lady from accounting, spends an hour with me going through some processes.

By the time lunchtime rolls around, I’m starving. Lizzie offers to take me downstairs to the café to grab a sandwich.

“So, what’s your deal?”

I tilt my head in confusion. “My deal?”

“You know, single, assuming not married since no ring on the finger,” she says quickly.

“Single and not married. Still trying to finish my degree. That’s about it.”

Lizzie offers to pay for our lunch, despite me refusing. She pushes my hand, which is carrying my card, out of the way. “On the company. Dr. Jenner is generous with her employees.”

I thank her but make a mental note to say thank you to Dr. Jenner when I finally get a chance to sit with her.

“Um, so, aren’t you the daughter of Lex Edwards?” Lizzie asks, almost dragging it out like it’s some secret.

“Yes, one of his daughters.”

Lizzie’s eyes bulge as she bites into her turkey sandwich. “Your life must be amazing, not boring like you’re making it out to be.”

A small laugh escapes me. “I have a great family, but trust me, there’s really nothing interesting going on with me.”

Then, the flashback occurs to this morning.

---