“And all this went down at Starbucks?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you didn’t want to work in an office setting?”
“I don’t think I have a choice right now. I need a job with a steady income. When I planned to go ahead with this pregnancy, I didn’t think I’d be losing my biggest account. And that’s another issue. I’ll have to tell him I’m pregnant.”
“You’re right. You have to. But if he’s already impressed with you, I’m sure your pregnancy won’t be an issue. How hot and sexy is this guy?” She grinned.
“Ugh. He’s tall, brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and he has an amazing body from what I could tell. He’s gorgeous.”
“How old is he?”
“I’m not sure. I’d say around our age.”
“Sounds to me like you’re a little smitten with him.” She smirked.
“Well, I don’t know him.” I blushed. “But as far as looks go, I guess you could say that. But it doesn’t matter, anyway. I’m pregnant and there’s no room in my life for a man. No matter how attracted I am to him.”
Grayson
I made Damon park across the street from her building. I didn’t know if she was going out this morning or what. It was a chance I took. When I saw her step out the door and walk down the street, I climbed out of the Escalade and followed behind her, blending in with the crowd of people who were on their way to work. She was even more beautiful up close. She stood about five foot seven with long wavy light brown hair. When she turned around and her baby blue eyes stared into mine, they captivated me. She seemed nice and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why the hell she wanted a kid at her age or the fact that she was single. How was a woman that beautiful not spoken for?
On my way into my office, I stopped at Christine’s desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Rhodes.”
“Good morning, Christine. A woman named Harper Holland is coming in for an interview at two o’clock. If I have anything going on, reschedule it.”
“Okay. An interview? I didn’t know there was an opening available.”
“There wasn’t until about thirty minutes ago.” I smirked. “I want you to call Lawrence down in Human Resources and ask him to come up.”
Walking into my office, I set my briefcase down, took a seat in my chair and stared out at the busy city while I thought about her.
“You wanted to see me, Grayson?”
“Lawrence, yes. Have a seat.” I gestured as I turned my chair around. “I’m hiring a graphic designer this afternoon and I want you to get the paperwork ready.”
“We don’t have an opening for a graphic designer,” he said as his brows furrowed.
“We do now. Her name is Harper Holland, and she’s coming in at two o’clock. She is to get the full-time benefits package.”
“Is she going to be full time?” he asked.
“Probably not but it doesn’t matter. She’s to have the full-time package. Do you understand me?” I arched my brow at him.
“Yes, I understand, Grayson. I’m not sure what you’re doing or why.”
“Let’s just say I’m in a hospitable mood today.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
Chapter 12
Harper
I took a cab to the address on the card that Grayson gave me. As I stepped into the building and took the elevator up to the fifteenth floor, the fluttering in my belly intensified. I was nervous as hell and I shouldn’t have been. We’d already had coffee and shared a muffin this morning. I believed it was the fact that I had to tell him I was pregnant. That could be a total game changer for him, and I needed this job.
The elevator doors opened, and when I stepped out, I saw Grayson standing at the front desk.
“Hello, Mr. Rhodes.”
“Harper.” He turned around with a smile. “Right on time.” He looked at his watch. “Follow me and we’ll go to my office. May I get you anything? Coffee, tea, water?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
We stepped into his office and he shut the door.
“Please, have a seat.” He gestured as he took the seat behind his desk.
“Here is my resume and portfolio.”
He took it from my hands and studied them. I sat there, my hands sweating and my heart racing as I bit down on my bottom lip.
“I see you graduated from NYU with honors. Impressive.” He smiled as he looked up at me. “Your portfolio is outstanding. You’re very good at what you do. What are these?” he asked as he turned to the back pages of my portfolio.
“Just some buildings I designed. I thought I took those out.”
“Are you an architect as well?”
“My major was graphic design, and my minor was architecture.”
“These designs are great. Am I to assume you don’t like architecture?”
“No. I do. It’s just I like graphic design better.”
“I see. Well, you’ve impressed me.” He smirked. “You’re not interested in working full time in an office setting, are you?”
“Not really. I do much better work on my own in my own space.”
“Okay then. How about you come to work for me here at the office two days a week and do the rest of the work at home?”
“Really?” I smiled.
“Yes. Really. But you need to be available if I need you to come in for something and it’s not your scheduled day to be here. Will that be a problem?”
“No. Not at all. Except, there’s something that I need to tell you first.”
“What is it?” He looked at me as he folded his hands.
“I’m pregnant,” I nervously spoke.
“I see. I don’t have a problem with that. We have a great maternity leave package. Let me ask you though, how far along are you? You certainly don’t look pregnant.”
“I’m almost eight weeks.”
“You and your husband must be thrilled.”
“I’m not married.” I looked down.
“Oh. Then you and your boyfriend must be thrilled.”
“The father isn’t in the picture nor will he ever be.”
“I see. Your pregnancy doesn’t change the fact that I would like you to come work for us.” He picked up a pen and wrote something on a piece of paper. “This is the starting salary and you will receive full benefits. Health care, dental, eye care and 401k if you’re interested.”
I looked at the paper and couldn’t believe the figure he wrote. This job would change everything for me.
“This is a very generous offer, Mr. Rhodes.”
“Call me Grayson, and we’re a generous company.” He smiled. “Will you accept the position?”
“Yes. I will definitely accept.” I grinned.
“Excellent. Welcome to Rhodes Enterprises, Harper.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Come in tomorrow morning at nine a.m. and I’ll walk you around and introduce you to everyone and show you your office for the couple days a week you’re here.”