Seven Nights of Sin (Penthouse Affair #2) novel Chapter 23

“I was let go,” I say carefully. “All the interns were let go.”

“Not you,” he says with a smile. “You’ve been selected.”

“Selected?”

“Didn’t Dom tell you?”

“No,” I practically shout. Rein it in, Presley. “Dominic doesn’t tell me anything.”

“That doesn’t really change over time.” Oliver sighs, smirking. “But you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know him better as our new director of operations.”

My heart skips a beat. He can’t be serious. “Director . . .”

“You’ve been promoted. Congratulations.” Oliver turns and points down the hall to a small office. The door is ajar. If I squint, I can read Director of Operations in bold print on the placard. “That’s your shiny new office.”

I’m speechless. I must really be wearing a funny expression, because Oliver can’t keep it together. He laughs like I’ve told him the best joke he’s heard all year.

“Go put your stuff down. And then go see Dom. He’ll tell you about his decision. And your salary,” he says, poking me playfully in the arm.

I practically run to the little office. It is gorgeous—small but somehow feeling expansive with its tall window overlooking the cityscape. I slide my box of all-things-Presley onto the glass surface of the desk (my desk!) and wander around the room. It’s so pristine . . . so cozy.

I can imagine early mornings, sipping coffee at this desk while scrolling through emails. Bright afternoons, leaning against this window, making calls to clients. Late nights curled up on the love seat, jotting down important things to do the next day in my planner. Joy threatens to overwhelm me, but I have something to deal with first.

I stride purposefully across the office, ignoring the heads turning to watch me march toward my boss’s office. When I open the door without knocking, he’s staring out his own window, his hand on the glass.

He turns, surprised. The light catches his eyelashes and casts dark shadows across his cheekbones. I’m almost dazzled by his beauty.

Almost.

“I thought I was being let go,” I say. It isn’t a question, but I need answers.

His eyes squint, an almost comical expression of confusion on his face. I would laugh, but I’m too . . . pissed? Surprised? In shock?

“Jordan was packing,” I say, quieter now.

“The interns were let go. You’re not an intern anymore.”

I flush as Dominic takes slow steps toward me. “But you saw me packing up my desk.”

“I thought you were moving into your new office. Do you like it?”

“Yes,” I say in a small voice. “But no one told me.”

“I’m sorry. I thought Oliver caught you when you walked in. I shouldn’t have assumed,” he says in a voice so tender, I almost look over my shoulder to see if his daughters are here.

“It’s okay. I just didn’t know what was going to happen to me.”

“You should have known,” he says with a teasing smile. “Your work as an intern excelled above all the others. You’re diligent, adaptable, bright.”

With every compliment, he takes a step closer to me. Leaning way too close, he reaches over my shoulder and pushes the door closed.

As soon as it clicks shut, his hand settles on my waist and his lips brush against mine. The kiss is so warm, so precious. I feel cherished and irreplaceable with every caress of his thumb against my cheek, even if I know that’s not the case. When he releases me, I’m breathless.