Page 51 of Craving Danger

Samantha

God, I can’t wait for next week. I need a vacation, even if it’s only a week.

As I leave the subway and walk toward work, my phone starts to ring, and seeing it’s Mom, I smile as I answer, “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetie. I can’t wait to pick you up at the airport on Saturday. I was thinking we could start your vacation with a spa day. What do you think?”

My smile widens at the thought of getting a full body massage. “Yes! I’d love that.”

“Great. I’ll make an appointment for us,” Mom says.

“Thanks, Mom.” At the end of the block, I turn right and move closer to the buildings to avoid the other pedestrians before I admit, “I can’t wait to see you and Dad.”

“We miss you too, sweetie. Unfortunately Matt won’t be here. He’s so busy with the new account he landed.”

“Aww, that’s a pity,” I mutter. I haven’t seen my brother since Christmas and make a mental note to give him a call.

When I reach the office, I say, “I have to go, Mom.”

“Okay. Have a good day, sweetie.”

“You too.”

Ending the call, I walk into the building, and after greeting the girls at reception, I take the elevator up to the top floor.

Since I had the panic attack last week, Mr. Vitale hasn’t brought it up. He also hasn’t mentioned anything about my poor performance that day.

Luckily, nothing has gone wrong since, but I’m worried about today. We have to inspect the building he wants to purchase, which means I’ll be alone with him.

Ugh. Why can’t he do the inspection without me?

I’m wearing a gray pantsuit and ballet flats, seeing as my boss told me to wear something comfortable for the day.

When I reach my desk, I place my handbag in the bottom drawer and switch on my computer.

Just as I take a seat, Mr. Vitale comes stalking down the hallway.

Shit.

The phone is still on voicemail, so reception couldn’t warn me.

“Morning, Mr. Vitale. I’ll bring you a coffee now,” I say before I dart in the direction of the kitchen.

“Don’t bother with coffee,” he mutters, then he raises an eyebrow at me. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I quickly grab the tablet I’ll need to take notes and my handbag.

When I reach for the computer, Mr. Vitale says, “Leave it on. Gloria will sit here for the day.”

I nod and have to jog to catch up as he stalks back to the elevator.

When we climb inside, I put a safe space between us and switch on the tablet so I can get the notepad ready.

“We’ll be escorted by two guards, but they’ll take a different vehicle,” Mr. Vitale mentions.

Of course, the man will have bodyguards. He’s a billionaire, after all. I’m just thankful they won’t be riding with us.

The elevator doors slide open, and as we walk to the exit, Mr. Vitale says, “Gloria will spend tomorrow and Friday with you so you can show her how I like things done before you go on vacation.”

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