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Easton’s actions had kept me awake part of the night but somewhere around three in the morning, I’d been forced to admit to myself I’d been thrilled he’d come to my defense. Other than my brothers, no one had done that before. But now, I needed to shove the night aside.
A new job.
I’d had several in my life, including working on my parents’ farm when I was too young to work anywhere else. I’d learned the meaning of hard work and getting my hands dirty. I’d never minded in the least, but as I’d gotten older, I’d wanted to be like the other kids, working a fast-food job or even at a clothing store.
The diner had been home for almost the entire four years since I’d arrived. I’d been allowed leniency with going home most summers at least for a few weeks, which had been nice since Ashleigh didn’t need to keep me on.
But this felt like the first real grown-up job I’d been offered. I had sent resumes out to various newspapers but with a creative writing degree, not journalism, I had a feeling none of them would bite. I hadn’t cut ties with Ashleigh just in case this didn’t work out. Somehow, I knew it would.
Even if I couldn’t seem to stop shaking.
After glancing at the vase of roses I’d carefully protected in the passenger seat, surprised they were in the same incredible condition as when I’d received them days before, I sighed. This was my one opportunity to really grasp and accomplish a personal goal, to try to find the darkness that had been pent up inside of me, expressing words that could easily draw people into my ominous world. Maybe I was being a little melodramatic, but it fit the situation.
As I climbed out, I realized I felt more nervous than I’d thought I would. Just being in the man’s world would be so intense. I knew it. I could feel it in my bones. I had a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, my legs feeling useless. My self-confidence was also low, which honestly surprised me. I was going to kick ass and take names later.
Or so I’d told myself a half dozen times.
Every step cautious, I continued to glance at his house. There was no reason to be frightened. His gorgeous estate was far removed from a gothic Victorian mansion that every Hitchcock movie or horror flick had in them. The exterior was well coiffed, the landscape and grass pristine. It was the kind of home I’d purchase, inviting and warm. The man obviously spent a lot of money on a landscaping service to keep his home the nicest one in the neighborhood.
I stood outside, thankful it was early morning and that I’d arrived on time. At least he’d already given me my grade, an A minus. Okay, that had surprised me a little bit since I’d put my heart and soul into the piece, but I knew I still had nuances about crime scenes to learn.
When I approached the front, I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. This time, I was surprised that a lovely older woman opened it instead of the master of the house.
“You must be Mr. Saint’s guest, Sara Adams.”
“Actually, his new employee. I wouldn’t consider myself a guest at all.”
She smiled. “Nonsense. Mr. Saint never has anyone to his house so you must be very special. I’m Milly. Mr. Saint asked if I’d make certain your rooms were ready, and food was purchased.”
“Where is Mr. Saint?”
“At his office in the city.”
“What office?”
She smiled and motioned for me to come in. “He’s the chief financial officer of the Saint Corporation.”
That I hadn’t read or paid any attention to, concentrating instead on seeing if any of the accusations about him and his brothers were true. However, I’d believed his two brothers were in charge of the weapons corporation. Maybe I didn’t know the man at all. “Oh, okay. When will he be back? Should I come later?”
“Nonsense. Come in and Mr. Saint will return later this afternoon. Let’s get you settled.”
In one hand was my lone suitcase. In the other was my duffle holding my most prized possession, my laptop and all its accessories. The house was even more glorious in the daytime, something out of a magazine, not nearly as gothic as I’d envisioned after being in his office. The stairs were curved, the railings made of steel with twisted rope-style posts. Every light fixture was modern yet not cold in design.
As I was led to the second floor, I realized there was a third, which I hadn’t paid attention to before. That must be the floor where his bedroom was located, not that I cared.
Or should even think about.
“Here are your adjoining two rooms complete with a very large bathroom.” Milly opened the door, allowing me to walk inside. I placed my bags on the floor, unable to keep a soft mew from slipping past my lips.
The space was meant for an adult princess, the massive king-sized bed covered in a stunning ivory goose-down comforter. There were two overstuffed leather chairs flanking a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling window, the type you wanted to sit down in front of and read for hours on end. There was a set of French doors leading to what appeared to be a balcony complete with a stunning glass-top iron table, a bright red umbrella, and four chairs with matching red cushions.
I moved to the bathroom next, trying not to squeal. God. I was so used to using a tiny little space with a shower I could barely fit into that the luxuriousness of the incredible room complete with double sinks, a soaking tub, and extra-large walk-in marble shower was mind boggling.
“Oh, my God. The rooms are gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you approve,” she said, her smile widening. “Mr. Saint was meticulous in the design as you’ve likely discovered he is with everything else. Before I show you the office, here is your house key, which will open everything. There is a security system, the keypad located at both the front door and the one inside the kitchen. Please remember to arm and disarm accordingly. I have the code in a note on your desk. Now, let me show you your office.”
“My office.” Just saying the words out loud was thrilling. As she opened another door, waiting to see my reaction, I was unable to hold back a squeal. From the two oversized windows to the massive glass and steel desk and amazing executive leather chair to the bookshelves filled with dozens of incredible smelling books, I was certain I’d died and gone to heaven.
