Chapter 1

VIVIANNE

I’m one bad interview away from packing my bags and moving back home.

The thought churns my stomach as I stare at the chaos of the coffee shop.

“Viv,” Jenna says, cutting through my spiraling thoughts. “Here—your cup of sugar.”

I take the cup, rolling my eyes as I inhale the sweet strawberry scent—one small moment of comfort. A brief return to normal.

“A grande strawberry and crème Frappuccino, just like you wanted.” Jenna scrunches her nose as she carefully sips her venti soy black coffee.

I check my watch. Twenty minutes. That’s all the time I have left before I step into a world I don’t belong in.

Somehow, I landed an interview with Stryder Corp for an assistant manager position. I have no idea how, but this is my last shot.

“So, do you think you’ll get the job?” Jenna asks, her gaze sharp as if she can read my mind.

I sigh, taking a long sip. “Honestly? No. If I don’t get this job, I’ll soon be back in my old bedroom at Momma’s.”

“No way. We’ll figure something out, Viv. You can’t move back in with your mom and deadbeat brother.”

I press my lips together and shake my head. “I just don’t think I can afford to live in the city anymore if I don’t get this position. Might as well admit defeat.”

“You could still get this job. You are really good at what you do—you just have a way with people. Plus, you would show up if the world were literally falling apart,” Jenna says, her voice full of conviction.

I half smile at her. She means well, but I know there’s no chance I’m walking away employed today.

“Thanks for the confidence, Jenna,” I say, standing and running my hands down the skirt of my gray suit.

She rummages through her too-big purse, cursing before pulling out a beanie. I shake my head, smiling as she slips it over her short red curls.

She sighs, standing from her seat. “I’ll see you there.”

“I’ll give you a little head start.”

Perhaps Jenna’s right; I really am amazing with people, and I have a great memory. I would be an asset. Maybe the interview will go well, and I’ll be hired on the spot. Please, I just need someone to hire me.

I take a deep breath and check the time.

Tossing what’s left of my Frappuccino in the trash, I head out, pulling my jacket closer and wrapping my arms around myself.

The walk isn’t far. The sleek gray skyscraper looms ahead, and my lungs shrink with each step, the cool autumn air sending a chill through me.

I push through the doors and head to the security desk. The man sitting there raises an index finger, speaking into a headpiece, his eyes barely visible over the lip of the desk.

My heels click against the tiled floor as I approach, and his gaze narrows as I rest my hands on the smooth surface.

“How can I help you?” he asks, his tone cold as his eyes rake over me.

“I’m here for an interview with Liam Stryder.”

“Top floor. Elevator’s there,” he says, pointing with a sneer and giving my suit one more once-over.

The elevator ride feels endless. When the doors finally open, I’m met with a warm smile from Jenna, seated behind a sleek reception desk.

Hey!” she says brightly.

I’m a smidge jealous of her bright red lips and her smoky eye makeup—both make her green eyes pop. She raises an eyebrow, a playful twinkle in her eyes.

I straighten my posture, resisting the urge to shift my weight.

She types something, then makes a call. “Mr. Stryder, your next interview is here.” After a pause, she smiles. “No problem, sir.” She hangs up.

“Just have a seat over there. Mr. Stryder will see you shortly.” She gives me a quick wink.

I sit at the edge of the couch and check my watch. It’s quiet, except for the shuffling from Jenna’s desk as she moves papers around.

I don’t see anyone else around. Kind of odd for an office that, according to Google, has a huge staff.

Where is everyone? In a back room? Maybe locked in cages in the basement? I smirk at the ridiculous thought.

I sigh, turn off my phone, and slip it into my bag.

Ten minutes pass. Then twenty. Thirty. By forty, my patience is gone.

Just as I’m about to ask Jenna how much longer, two men stride in, laughing like they own the place.

I watch the older man in a pricey suit turn and extend a hand. “See you later, Liam,” he says before moving toward the elevator.

I straighten, expecting to be called back. My pulse kicks up.

“Jenna.” The younger man turns to her instead.

“Yes, sir?” Her cheeks flush—and I don’t blame her. Liam Stryder is hot.

His suit is crisp, tailored to perfection—but just tight enough to show he’s built underneath. His blond hair is slicked back, a few strands falling across his forehead.

I could live my life as those stray hairs and be happy.

“Reschedule the rest of my appointments, please. I’m heading out for the day.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m one of those appointments.

No. Absolutely not. I’ve spent forty-five minutes waiting—I’m not about to be brushed aside.

I scoff, grabbing my bag as I push to my feet.

“That’s just great,” I mutter before I can stop myself.

His sharp gaze lands on me. “Excuse me?”

I square my shoulders. “I was your next appointment. I’ve been out here waiting to meet with you.”

“So reschedule. I’ll meet with you whenever my next available slot is,” he says, shrugging me off.

My jaw ticks. A sharp pang deep in my gut warns me to let it go. But I ignore it.

“No, thanks.” I glance at Jenna before locking eyes with him. His slightly stunned expression almost makes me smile.

I have nothing to lose at this point anyway.

“Like hell I’m rescheduling. I carved out time to meet with you, and if this is how you regard people’s time, then no, thank you.”

I spin on my heel and stalk toward the elevator, jabbing the button.

~Why did I do that?~ Now I really have no choice but to move back home with Momma.

He steps beside me, smirking. My stomach twists.

The elevator dings. I hurry inside and hit the button for the ground floor.

He follows. Again.

Great. Now I’m stuck with him for the eternity it takes to reach the lobby.

A fire in my belly starts to boil, bubbling into frustration. I glance up.

That smirk is still there.

“What?” I snap.

He coughs, amused. “Sorry. I should have handled that better. Let’s start over?”

He meets my gaze, offering his hand. “Hi, I’m Liam Stryder. Pleased to meet you.”

I hesitate, but I can’t help smiling a little as I shake his hand.

“Vivianne Pierce.”

“Well, Vivianne, I’m on my way to a coffee shop about a block from here. If you would like to join me, we can talk about that job.”

“Which one? I usually go to Daily Grind.”

“That’s the one. Do you have a copy of your resume?”

“Yes, in here.” I pat my bag as the doors slide open.

***

At the cafe, he holds the door open.

I head straight for the counter.

As the barista approaches, I ask for a caramel macchiato. He orders a tall black coffee.

I pull out my card, but the barista already has one.

“I’ve got it,” Liam says with a smile that nearly stops my world. He is so gorgeous.

“No, please—”

“Consider it an apology.”

When our drinks arrive, I ask, “Where do you want to sit?”

He gestures to a table, and I follow.

My stomach knots. Insecurities creep in—I’m not the obvious beauty type. My icy blue eyes are too big, my lips too thin.

Jenna, on the other hand, is naturally beautiful.

Even Liam, with his tailored suit, looks like he belongs in a magazine.

He adjusts his watch, peering at me through long, dark lashes with mossy green eyes.

I shove the thoughts aside and focus on what I’m good at—work. I slide my resume across the table.

He picks it up. His face gives nothing away.

“I… You aren’t qualified for the position. Sorry.”

I expected that. Still, my cheeks burn.

“I don’t know how you even got through our vetting process.”

I swallow the sting. “Well, thanks for at least meeting me.” I stand, my pride in pieces.

“Wait.”

I pause.

“So…how long have you lived in New York?” His green eyes lock onto mine, holding a beat too long.

“About a year now. You?”

“All my life. I was born down the street.” He pauses, then tilts his head. “Have you had a chance to fall in love yet? With the city, I mean.”

His smile freezes me.

“Uh, somewhat. I like New York, but…” I shrug. “I think I might have to move back home to Pennsylvania before I even have the chance to love it here.”

I peek up at him, suddenly embarrassed that I said anything.

“Why do you have to move back home?”

I swallow hard. “I can’t afford to stay here. I lost my job last week.”

~And Momma’s sick~,my mind screams the words.

But I can’t tell him that. I can’t tell anyone.

The only reason Jenna knows is because she can read me like a book.

I need this job because, without it, I would have to face the reality of the situation.

A scowl forms on his face.

I sip my coffee, looking away.

“Maybe…,” he starts.

I glance at him.

He hesitates. “I personally have an opening for a position. I need it filled very soon.”

His eyes meet mine. My breath hitches.

I meet his gaze, nerves tightening in my chest. “Okay…what is it?”

“Look, this isn’t something I would normally—” He stops, running a hand through his hair. “I just… You know what? Can I send you the contract?”

He holds my gaze, almost pleading.

“You don’t sound very convincing here, Mr. Stryder.”

A muscle jumps in his jaw. “Call me Liam,” he says. “And I know. It’s just a little difficult to explain. Let me email the contract over. Read it. Let me know what you think.”

Something tightens in my chest.

A job with this much secrecy and hesitation should worry me, but I’m too broke to say no.