My dad had cajoled, pleaded, and even threatened, then accepted my decision. I capitulated to a few of his demands. No walking after dark, a modified security system he would get BAM to install, and twice-a-week check-ins until he was comfortable. Years later, those still happened.
My mom told me a few years after I had moved in that he’d thought I would change my mind, but I never did. I was still in the same space and still loved my little home, much to my dad’s chagrin.
As if he knew I was thinking about him, my phone rang. Smiling, I hit speaker.
“Hi, Dad.”
His rich baritone filled my apartment. “Hello, Gracie-girl. Excited for your first day?”
I chuckled, sipping my coffee. “I am. Nervous too.”
“Don’t be. They’re lucky to have you.”
“It’s three a.m. in BC, Dad. Are you still awake or up early?”
“Still awake. I wanted to wish you well today, baby girl. Let you know I would be thinking of you and how proud I am.”
I smiled at his words. Even across the country, I could feel his love. He was very open with his feelings for us. He and I had always been close. Growing up, he was a hero in my eyes. I still thought so. He was strong and affectionate and had always been a great dad. He was a consummate businessman, his career in the marketing industry legendary. His name was synonymous with excellence, his reputation stellar. He was also known as arrogant and confident—someone you didn’t want to go toe-to-toe with. But to us, his family, he was just Dad. Loving, stern, affectionate, and funny. He worshiped my mother, his love for her evident in his gaze and the way he put her first in every decision. Given their rocky start, theirs was an interesting story with a fairy-tale ending.
Hard to live up to.
I realized my dad had said something and was waiting for my response.
“Sorry, Dad. What did you say?”
“I asked if you needed anything.”
“No. I’m good.”
“You met your boss, right?”
“Yes.”
“He has quite the reputation in intellectual property law.”
“Yes. He was, ah, pretty intense. Very serious. But I’m excited. He seems as if he wants to teach me. He laid out his expectations very clearly.”
“I have no doubt you’re up to the challenge, my girl. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“If he steps out of line, let me know.”
I laughed. “He’s older than me, Dad. I highly doubt a law student doing her articling is his speed. Especially me.”
“You are far more beautiful than you give yourself credit for. All I’m saying is watch it. Watch all of them.”
“They have a very firm nonfraternization clause. I’m not concerned.”
He huffed. “Okay, good. Remember the moves I taught you anyway.”
“Aiden taught me,” I corrected, trying to hide the amusement in my voice.
“I was there. I helped.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you. Have a great first day.”
“I will.”
“Gracie?” he murmured before I could hang up.
“Yes?”
“I love you, my baby girl,” he repeated. “I’m always here.”
“I know, Dad. I love you too.”
He hung up, and I knew he would go back to bed and seek out the comfort of my mother’s embrace. Despite the gruff businesslike exterior he presented to the world, underneath, he was a softy and his family meant the world to him. I knew if I ever needed him, he would be right there, ready to defend or protect.
I smiled as I got ready for the day.
Chapter 2
Grace
I arrived at the office early, eager to start the next chapter of my life. The building was quiet when I arrived, the security desk staffed by an older man with a wide grin. When I gave my name, he checked the list and nodded, handing me a pass card.
“That will get you around until you meet with HR for a permanent one. The elevator is to the right, and you need to use this to get to your floor.”
“Ah, is the staircase open?”
“Six flights of stairs,” he informed me.
“I know.”
He chuckled. “One of those fitness people, are you?”
I was relieved he came up with that idea. “Yes. It’s good exercise.”
“End of the hall. You’ll need to use the pass card to gain access.”
“Great.”
I climbed the steps, hoping Jaxson didn’t require a lot of errands to the main floor. I entered the hallway and headed to Jaxson’s office, somehow not surprised to find the door open. I could hear him moving around in his office as I set down my bag, noticing the new desk and chair in the outer office. I paused in the doorway of his space, watching quietly for a moment. He was studying a sheaf of papers, muttering low under his breath. He held a takeout cup of coffee, the steam wafting in the air as he raised the cup to his full lips, taking a sip. It was impossible not to notice how handsome he was. With the early morning sun coming in the windows, backlighting him, his stature was imposing. Tall and broad, he stood ramrod straight, intensely focused. Today, he wore a charcoal-gray suit, his shirt snow-white against the dark color. A tie with stripes of purple, gray, and black was a splash of color on his broad chest. His hair gleamed in the sunlight, a slight frown creasing his forehead as he studied the documents. The cleft in his chin was deep, and the random idea of wanting to dip my tongue into the divot surprised me. I shook my head to clear that strange thought and lifted my hand to knock on the doorframe.
He glanced up, and we both froze. Our eyes locked, his intense blue meeting my softer hue. I felt a sudden change in the air. It became sharp, focused—powerful. It was as if the rest of the world ceased to exist and there was only him and me left. My heartbeat picked up and my breath caught. He blinked, cocking his head as if to study me.
Then he set back his shoulders and spoke. His voice was detached.
“Ms. VanRyan. Good morning.”
I startled at the sudden change but found my voice.
“Mr. Richards.”
“You’re early.”
“I wanted to make a timely start.”
“I didn’t hear the elevator.”
“Oh, I took the stairs.”
He dropped his gaze to my feet, taking in the low heels I preferred. His eyes ran lazily up my legs, his perusal slow. I felt a catch in my throat as my body suddenly hummed. It felt as if he were touching me with his gaze, burning his way up my body. I tightened my grip on the doorframe, a subtle shudder running through me. I had dressed carefully this morning, wearing a simple blouse in my favorite color of royal blue and a skirt that fell to my knees. It had small kick pleats that moved as I walked, and I liked how it looked. Professional, yet pretty. I had my hair up, and the only jewelry I wore was a pair of earrings my parents had given me when I graduated. Simple pearls with a tiny diamond accent—they were my favorite, and I wore them a lot. I had hoped to make a good impression.
He didn’t say a word, lifting his coffee cup to his lips and draining the liquid.
Our eyes locked once again, and I swore I saw a smile pull at his mouth as he swallowed.