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“Sir?”
“I mean Hunter. I’d like that, Hunter.”
“Alright. See you at lunch, Madison,” I replied and set the phone down.
I thought over the entire exchange even as I headed to the gym to get a quick workout in. About an hour later, as I was heading back to my apartment to shower, I decided that I liked this. The day ahead was going to be bloody, but thanks to her, I felt a bit better. I headed in then and was made aware that all the executives had come in early, as I had announced and informed them. I had no interest whatsoever in succumbing to Levi’s blackmail demands, so they would have a field day consoling shareholders and generally handling whatever wind the news of the data breach blew our way.
I was ready, and as soon as I headed in and found the male secretary waiting to replace Madison, I was both sad and relieved at the same time. After informing him of the lunch, which I wasn’t going to miss no matter what, I sat at my desk and immediately got started with work. My phone rang several times with Levi trying to reach me in complete disbelief that I hadn’t succumbed. It made me feel even better, and so when later in the afternoon, the report was published, I brushed it off and joined the rest of the staff in damage control mode.
The worst of it was handled by lunchtime and I was just in time.
Before I left, however, I received a text message from her.
“It will be okay if you cannot make our lunch. I know you’re upset, having a hard day.”
I knew just how worried and remorseful she would feel, and it made me want to see her even more. So, I brushed away her concern.
“I’m fine, see you soon,” I said, and the call came to an end.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Madison
“You need to sleep more,” Emma hounded me. “You should have slept more.”
I ignored her as I put on my makeup and focused on getting it right. After being out of practice for so long and yet trying to look as pretty as possible, I found myself using more swipes than needed. Eventually, I was done and turned around to see her leaning against the door frame with her arms folded across her chest.
“What am I supposed to see?” she asked. “Your face looks the same as always.”
I gave her a look and hurried out of the bathroom because I was running late, and she followed.
“I didn’t mean to be mean; I’m just saying if you want to blow him away, especially now that you are no longer his secretary and therefore don’t have any of those crazy restrictions, then you should do more.”
“This is my style,” I said as I found the dress and blazer I wanted to wear. “Soft and pink. Plus, because of the mistake, his company's being pummeled from every angle today. The fact that he’s even agreeing to meet with me is a miracle. I didn’t even think he would respond when I sent him the message this morning. I was exhausted from all the work, and I couldn't stop thinking about him.”
Sighing, I turned around to face the mirror, and she tsk-tsked.
“Would you stop that?” I complained.
“You're not helping at all. I’m just saying, who knows if you two will see each other after this again. You should wear a dress. That pink dress, remember?”
“The naked dress?” I asked, and she smiled.
“It matches perfectly with your makeup, and it’s not the naked dress. Plus, it’ll be perfect with your hair, which thank God, you're leaving wild and curly rather than tucked away into that hideous bun as always.”
“What would I wear for shoes?” I asked. “I need to be comfortable.”
“Fuck comfort, you're going to meet the love of your life. One afternoon, one lunch. Wear white stripy sandals. Not too high but gorgeous. Or maybe pink. You can take any of mine; we’re the same size.”
I considered what she was saying but still felt reluctant. Today was not a good day for him, and I didn’t want to look as though I was having a blast. The blazer and loafers were sensible and appropriate, plus I was going there to work.
“You could give an excuse that you had a meeting across town for a new studio or something, and that’s why you came dressed up. You could apologize even.”
“That sounds pathetic,” I said, and she was barely unable to hold back her smile. I ignored her and headed to the door. At the last moment, I stopped in my tracks and stared ahead at nothing.
“What is it?” she asked. “Please tell me you’re going to listen to me?”
Groaning, I turned around and hurried back into the apartment.
