Page 15 of Craving Danger

Chapter 6

Samantha

Ugh, I wish Mr. Vitale would stay out of the office. Last Friday was so peaceful when he didn’t come in.

I roll my shoulders to ease some of the tension while I put together all the documents that will be needed for a meeting on Thursday.

A message from Mr. Vitale pops up on my screen via the internal messaging system, and I give it a disgruntled look.

Keep the schedule clear for the 26thof June and wear something comfortable that day. We’re inspecting a building I’m interested in buying.

Just freaking great. I can’t think of anything worse than spending an entire day alone with Mr. Vitale, and I’ll fall behind with my other work.

Bringing up my emails, I search for the approval from HR for the vacation time I’ve requested. Adding a note to the email, telling him to keep in mind that I’ll be out of the office for the whole week of the Fourth of July, I forward it to Mr. Vitale.

Within seconds, a reply pops up in my inbox.

Make sure all your work is done before you take the week off. In the future, your requests for time off will come directly to me, not HR.

“Yes, sir,” I mumble. “At least he didn’t cancel my vacation days.”

Opening Mr. Vitale’s electronic diary, I block out June twenty-sixth before continuing prepping for the meeting.

The work is so mundane that my thoughts turn to the date I had atParadiso. It was so freaking dull but comforting at the same time.

Doyle is definitely not my cup of tea, but just talking to a man made me feel like I’m not a total hopeless case.

I’ve booked another date for tomorrow night, but this time, I’ll be alone in the room with the man they assign to me.

It’s a huge step I’m not sure I’m ready for. It’s one thing having a drink with a man while we’re surrounded by people, and a whole different scenario being alone in a room with a member of the opposite sex.

Maybe this whole thing is stupid, and I should cancel the appointment.

My fingers keep tapping on the keyboard while my thoughts revolve around the impending date.

I have to admit, I felt so much better after the conversation with Doyle. Not once did a feeling of panic and fear overwhelm me, and I almost felt normal.

That’s all I want. I just want to feel normal and in control of my life again. I want to be able to go on dates like any other woman. I want to believe that not all men are out to hurt me.

Jesus, I just want my old life back.

“Miss Blakely!”

Startling at Mr. Vitale’s sudden appearance next to my desk, I let out a shriek. My hand flies up to cover my mouth, and I gasp from being ripped out of my thoughts.

Is the man trying to give me a freaking heart attack?

His intense gaze is locked on my face, and it feels like he’s trying to pry my deepest, darkest secrets from me with a single look.

Lowering my hand, I suck in a deep breath before saying, “Do you need something, sir?”

He stares at me for a moment longer, which makes me feel like squirming.

“It’s lunchtime. Order the chicken sandwich you got last week.”

“Yes, sir.”

I watch as he stalks back into his office before I slump back in my chair.

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