Page 20 of Meet Me In The Dark

CEO of Kingsley & Co, one of the leading architectural firms in the country.

Lilian stands opposite him, calm as always, shoulders back, chin raised.

“This will cause an argument between us, Tom. You don’t want me as an enemy.”

He covers her hand with both of his and laughs, like her words amused him more than they should have. “Never, Lilian. I value your friendship too much.”

I take a step back, unsure if I should be witnessing this at all, when they both turn and see me.

“Ah, and here she is.” Kingsley throws his arms out. “Ms. Morgan, it’s good to see you again.”

My returning smile is polite, nothing more.

I extend my hand and step closer. “Mr. Kingsley. Likewise.”

Oh, and there it is. That slow sweep of my body.

A smile spreads at the corner of his mouth, and I fight the shudder. “You’ve been doing very impressive work.”

I pause a beat before answering. “Thank you.”

It’s the only thing I can think of saying. I have no idea what game he’s playing, but I know I don’t want to be a piece on his board.

He seems satisfied either way before he glances back at Lilian, nods to her, and walks away without saying another word.

Lilian turns and heads into her office without acknowledging the tension hanging behind him.

After a moment, I follow because I have questions. Lots of them. Both about the invitation in my pocket and whatever the hell just happened.

I sink into the seat across from her. “What was that?”

She taps her pen against the desk, once, then twice. “Tom is trying to steal you from us.”

I cock my head like I didn’t hear her properly. “Sorry, what?”

“I told you this was going to happen. You’re in demand, Celeste.”

I glance toward the hallway where he disappeared seconds ago. “He’s going to offer me a job?”

“He plans to, yes.” She folds her hands in front of her. “It’s international commissions. High-profile clients. He’s working on projects in London, Dubai, and Singapore. Big contracts. Major exposure. If you say yes, your name will be everywhere.”

I should be thrilled.

I should be excited.

Instead, the heavy weight of dread settles in all the places where those feelings should be.

Lilian warned me this day would come. She told me once—quietly, over drinks after a brutal client meeting—that when the Sterling Vista Tower wrappedup, everything would change. And it has. That project transformed everything for me. My name is out there now.

“He came to you first?” I finally ask, chewing my bottom lip as I mull it over.

She nods once. “As a courtesy.”

“And you’re telling me because...?”

“Because you deserve to know. And a man like Tom Kingsley has a certain way of springing things on you. He’s used to getting want he wants.”

It’s rare to see a flicker of anger ignite in her silver gaze. She’s usually so stoic.