Page 52 of The CEO's Baby

“I did as well. I’ve missed you,” he said.

Once again he held her hand while he drove. He double parked in front of her building.

“I won’t come up, just see you to the door,” he said.

She opened one of the large glass doors and stepped inside, Trace right behind her. The bright lobby was deserted. He escorted her to the elevator and pressed the button.

“Thanks again, I really enjoyed the dancing.”

For a short time she forgot the worry about the pregnancy, her transfer and how they would cope with the future.

He brushed back her hair and held her head for his kiss. His lips were cool for only a moment. The kiss ignited something in both of them and soon Cath was returning his embrace with enthusiasm.

The ding of the elevator arrival intruded.

“Good night, Cath,” he said, giving her a gentle nudge toward the open doors.

She stepped inside and pressed the button for her floor. Her eyes locked with Traces until the door slid shut. Sighing softly, she leaned against one wall, tired and happy.

Monday morning started hectic. Cath had a stack of mail awaiting her and more messages than she wanted to deal with. Her assistant exclaimed how glad she was to see her arrive a little early since the phone hadn’t stopped ringing and it was only eight o’clock. By mid morning, Cath had almost forgotten her weekend.

Around eleven she received an internal call.

“Cath Norris?”

“Yes.”

“This is Phillip McIntyre. If you have a few moments, I’d like to speak with you.”

She didn’t recognize the name. Was this another newly hired manager? Would Trace be introducing him at yet another meeting?

“I have some time now, what is it regarding?” she asked.

“Didn’t Trace tell you? I’m your new boss.”

Cath was stunned. Trace was her boss. Or had been when she left work on Friday. What happened?

“I don’t understand,” she said.

“Today’s my first day. I’m trying to meet all the people reporting to me today. I talked to Thomas before he left for the day.”

“Trace Williams is my boss,” she said slowly. Unless he counted Thomas in Brussels. Technically she reported to the CEO, though her assignment was to assist Thomas.

“Trace thought it best to have another layer of management. I was hired to head up the European Division. My office is the one Mr. Haselton had. I have some time now if you do.”

“I’ll be right there.”

She rose as if in a trance, alternating between bewilderment at the change and fury toward Trace for saying nothing to her. How could he let her walk in today without any warning? He knew this was happening—heck, he’d arranged it. He could have told her last week, or as long ago as he’d contacted this man. Or last night when holding her in his arms.

In light of the delightful time they’d spent last evening, Cath felt doubly betrayed.

Cath knew Haselton’s old office, Ben had been one of the first to be fired when Trace took over. When she reached it, she didn’t recognize the secretary sitting outside the door.

“I’m Cath Norris.”

“Yes, Miss Norris, Mr. McIntyre is expecting you,” the woman said smoothly. “Go right in.”

Cath entered and saw the office had been changed—new furniture, new computer, different layout. Fast work for the man’s first day. Or had it been done last week in anticipation of his arrival?

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