Page 32 of Wolfish Player (Steamy Latte Reads Collection #2)
THE AUTHOR
HEATHER
T he upcoming book tour for author Magnolia Walton is nothing short of amazing. And I’m not just saying that because I was involved; the creative team truly outdid themselves.
It’s my first day back at work, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s to help support a self-published book I read years ago. A book that’s finally getting the mainstream launch it deserves.
I also couldn’t be happier that I haven’t seen Adrian at all since stepping into this building.
Hopefully I can make it through the entire day…
“Can you adjust the floral chains just a bit more?” I ask one of the interns. “I love the way they’re hanging from the ceiling, but they need to be a bit higher so they won’t hit any guests on the head.”
“On it. Should I make this note for the travel team when they decorate the bookstores?”
“Absolutely.” I nod and he rushes away.
“So glad to see you’re back.” Theresa walks up to me, handing me a coffee. “You’ve been missed a lot.”
“I missed you too, Theresa,” I say. “I burned all my off days, so you don’t have to worry about me going missing again.”
“I doubt that…” She mutters, but then she sighs. “I’m sorry my brother was an asshole to you. I didn’t know you two were dating.”
“We weren’t dating,” I say. It was just sex…
“Well, you know.” She clears her throat. “I hope you won’t take your hatred of him out on me for lunch dates and coffee chats. It was nice having a reader friend here.”
“Wait a minute. You’re his sister?”
“Nope.” She makes an erasing gesture with her hands. “I am not related to Adrian Wolfson at all. Who said that?”
I laugh at her terrible acting. “I won’t take it out on you. Want to buddy read that Preston thriller this week?”
“I was about to beg you to!” She smiles. “I’ll come by your office with a copy later.”
Before I ask her if my transfer request has been approved, she pulls out her cell phone and holds it against her ear.
“This is Theresa at Wolfson,” she says. “Um-hmmm. Be there in five!” She waves at me before rushing away.
Sighing, I pick up a stack of custom canvas bags and begin stuffing them with treats for the readers for the rest of the morning.
Later that afternoon, I head upstairs to my “office” to check on the day’s newest manuscripts.
As I’m organizing them by genre, my heart skips a beat as the elevator pings down the hall.
Without looking up, I can feel Adrian walking my way.
“Good afternoon, Miss Barrett.” His deep voice is directly behind me.
“Mr. Wolfson.”
He moves to my side, waiting for me to look at him, but I don’t give him the satisfaction.
I can’t.
“Is there anything in particular you need from me today, sir?” I ask. “I have a lot to get through.”
“We need to talk.”
“I’ll send you my notes via email.” I pick up a few manuscripts. “Then I’ll let you know when I’m available.”
“I guess with all your time off, you’ve forgotten who the boss here is.”
“I know who he is.” I pick up a pen. “Unfortunately.”
He moves closer, tilting my chin up with his fingertips, sending a flush of warmth through my body.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “And I’ve missed you.”
“You’ve only missed the sex.” I move back before I can make a huge mistake. “I’ll see you via your inbox soon.”
I carry the manuscripts down the hall and step onto the elevator, feeling his heated gaze watch me the entire way.