Page 111 of Touch Me

“Fine.” He pouts then shows me his screen with no sign of the picture in his folder.

“Thank you. Now can we get to work, please?”

* * *

After a lunch filledwith everyone looking over my shoulder waiting for Jace to pop out, I’m back at my desk and thankful the day is almost over. Jen and Ashley are currently planning a shopping trip to dress her for thedicking down contestants,as she so eloquently put it. Alex is sending out SOS texts and interrogating his friends as to their current relationship statuses.

Grateful for the conversation no longer including Jace or my sex life, I log into my email and look for anything new that needs immediately addressed. Nothing exciting except an email from Chloe telling me to check out the link below for the news on the gallery opening and suggesting I familiarize myself with the other artists who will have small pieces in the show.

Just as I’m about to click the link, I hear the distinct clicking that signals, unmistakably, that Chloe is near. There’s a chorus of groans from my cohorts as we turn to see her exiting Mark’s office. She looks toward our work area, and when she sees me, she leaves Mark's side after he gives her chin a little squeeze and we hear an audibleclick.

Gag me.

She skips her way over to us. “Hey, Cassie. Do you have a minute?”

“Yes, of course.” I rise to join her, and we take a few steps away from the others.

“So, it seems Mr. Hanley has been very impressed with the work you’ve done on the gallery opening for Stella. As am I. I know the articles you’ve been writing for the weekly issues aren’t exactly what you’re interested in. Like the fall fashion lines or makeup trends but, even so, your articles are well researched and no one knows you could care less about all the fluff you’ve been writing.”

“Wow.” I smile, relieved. “Thank you so much.”

“Even though most of the articles you’ve written about the art world haven’t been published, we’ve taken notice. So on behalf of Mr. Hanley, I’d like to offer you a permanent place on our team. No need to wait for the gallery opening. We know talent when we see it.”

“Oh my god.” My hands fly up to cover my face. “No more fluff?”

“No more fluff. Congratulations, Cassie. Welcome to the team. I’ll have an offer for you to go over first thing tomorrow morning.”

I barrel into her and wrap my arms around her tiny pixie frame. “Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me.”

She pulls back with a laugh. “Nonsense. You did all the work. And you’re very welcome.”

Chloe turns to leave, and as I watch her retreating form, I see Mark standing in his office doorway, hands in his front pockets, with a malicious grin on his face. I rub my arms as the goosebumps pebble my skin. God, that man gives me the creeps.

When I turn to my desk, the best coworkers in the world stand and cheer. They all come toward me and envelop me in the world’s best group hug ever recorded.

Ashley beams. “Look at you, overachiever.”

“Seriously, I’ve never heard of them just offering a job without a posting that six people are fighting for. That says a lot,” Jen adds.

Alex squeezes my hand. “You’re something special, kid.”

“Thank you guys. I couldn't have done it without you.”

“No way. Like Chloe said, you’ve put in the work,” Ashley says.

“No, I mean it. The way you welcomed me into your group and held my hand. I owe this all to you three.”

“I think that means there’s a celebration in order.” Ashley shoves her hands into the air and we all laugh.

“Nachos and margaritas. Tonight. No excuses.” Jen gives the side eye, as if I would back out.

“Definitely. You’ll get no argument from me.” I pull them all in for one more hug.

“And bring that fine piece of ass with you. I could use some inspiration.” Ashley winks when I slap her playfully on the shoulder and shove her back toward her seat.

“No way. I’m not subjecting him to your depravity.”

“I’ll keep the eye fucking to a minimum, I promise.” She raises her two fingers in the air with a playful grin. “Scouts honor.”

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