Page 6 of Infamous Heart

“Who’s with him?”

“What?”

Sofia, I demanded gossip, and I needed it fast.

“The man with Vex, who is he?”

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t know everything that happens in Bossman’s office.”

The sculpture of perfection barely moved as Vex and Bossman traded more words. I nearly tripped over myself as the owner stood, gesturing toward the door. I dashed to the desk, trying to hide my guilt.

“Smooth, real, smooth, Griffin.”

Feet stomped across the lobby to the door leading toward the elevator. I held my breath as if sucking in oxygen might somehow draw attention. Sofia flipped open an appointment book and started running her finger along the page. “I’m pretty sure we can squeeze you in next week.” It wasn’t her first time playing innocent.

“Let me leave Mr. Vex’s card in case Mr. Bossman reconsiders his offer.”

He was only two feet away, but I couldn’t turn my head and make eye contact. I doubled down on my efforts, frozen as if I might be reading the schedule upside down.

“Thank you.” His hand entered my peripheral holding a black card. Sophia quickly accepted, and he stepped around me as he exited the room.

“Give me that card.” I was too slow as she leaned away, out of reach unless I wanted to mount her desk.

“What’s it worth to you?”

“Did you see him? He might very well be the sexiest thing to walk the Earth. Hell, even his cologne.”

“Just his cologne? That’s the sexiest thing?” She couldn’t possibly understand. It’d sound clichéd to mention my heart skipping a beat or butterflies in my stomach. No, it was the sultry quality to his voice that left me wondering how it’d sound first thing in the morning.

“His voice.” It was warmth. “I want him to whisper in my ear.”

“Did you catch his smile?”

Sofia’s questions were awkward, even for her. Then the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I had been duped.

“He’s not standing behind me.”

Sofia wouldn’t receive a Christmas card from me this year.

“Mr. Sexiest Man on Earth, is there anything I can do for you?”

If I didn’t turn, it wasn’t real. Even as he cleared his throat, I refused to accept I had just made a fool of myself in front of him. It was time to prove that the universe ignored allotting me my share of game.

“I’m so sorry, I—” I knocked my story boards across the floor. I couldn’t decide if it was more or less embarrassing if I ignored the obvious mistake. I opted to crawl on my knees and pick up the boards.

The sexiest man on Earth dipped to one knee, grabbing a piece of cardboard covered in color swatches and sample layouts. Standing, he inspected my work. It was bad enough that I made myself appear to be a love-struck puppy, but now he scrutinized my designs.

He stepped closer, hand extended. “Mind if I see the rest?”

Don’t speak. Don’t say anything. You’re an idiot and there is only so much shame you can muster in a single day.

“Yus.” Did I just fail at saying yup? Wow, Griffin.

“You’re not afraid of letting the color rival the photography. The headline treatments, are they period inspired?” I nodded. I couldn’t screw up nodding. I hoped. “The spread for Zipper, that’s genius. The way you incorporated elements of speed into the typography, it feels electric.”

The sexiest man alive complimented my work. I smiled, fearful my mouth would get me in trouble. Asking to sniff another human wasn’t quite socially acceptable.

“This is outstanding. The Beacon is lucky to have you on the staff.” He reached into his pocket and produced another card. Handing it to Sofia, a smile spread across his face. Oh God, the butterflies they were alive and flapping.

---