been in Nelson Global Headquarters. Her heart raced as she clutched

Most employees could work their entire careers without setting foot

ng cubicles she came from. It was silent, sleek, and intimidating. Polished marble floors

with icy eyes glanced

Ye

aid crisply. "You'll be working under

h went dry. "I

the receptionist was alre

CEO's

ceiling windows stretched behind his desk, overlooking the city like

suit, reading over a document. His

was deep, smooth, carrying a

show her nerves. "S

ound the desk with measured calm. He was t

me directly. Marketing input on executive strategies,

th respect... I don't think I'm qua

of his lips. "I don't promote people who aren't qualified." He

ever looked at her the way he did now like she was

elson," she said,

ed. "When it's just

ped. She nodded

War

ith a cautious expression. Claire was already seat

nod, then turned to Brad. "Ma

Brad held up a hand. "Stay, Miss A

can't ignore this sudden reassignment. Promoting

mply, flipping through th

ike rumors of favoritism. And this young woman " He stopped, correcting himself. "Miss A

locking onto Mr. Brown's. "If there

at the words, though s

ys been a risk-taker, Brad. But remember

e S

workers had gone home. Claire remained, revi

ctor notes when she felt him move behind her. His colo

red, close enough that his voice

eyes on the papers. "You told

was lower now, soft

suspended moment, they stood too close his hand resting

voice was bar

ing the moment. Brad cursed under hi

eeded air, distance, anything to steady herself. She slipped

Ar

His friend was already sprawled on a leather couch

ou've pulled a little nobody from the lower floors an

arrowed. "Who

cute, isn't she? Don't tell me our mighty

is whiskey wit

that? She'll either be the making of you or the ruin of you.

tened. "Stay awa

x. You know I can't

lingered li

adowing

e collected her tips with a sly smile, but her thoughts weren't on the men drooling in the dark. They were

he walked into an elite charity gala. Her phone buzzed a new me

ree worlds. All

Cliff

icked against the cement as she made her way to her car. She couldn't stop thinking about

against her car,

e man said, his grin s

oze. It

owly, eyes glittering. "I'm JK. Brad's best fri

laire's pulse quicken not fro

e to Brad Nelson meant stepping into a w