“Welcome to Blend Digital Media, Ms. Solis,” the receptionist greets her.

“Good morning, Kim.”

My stomach drops all the way down to the fucking basement. “Wait, Blend has a branch in Denver?”

The company is big. Huge. They’re my biggest competitors. I had no idea she worked for them. Why didn’t I know that?

Claire turns around, her grin is wide and her eyes crinkle. It’s as if someone just told her she’s won the lottery. “You didn’t receive the invitation to our grand opening?”

God, she’s gloating.

I clear my throat and say, “I heard a rumor they wanted to move west, but why here?”

“The location is convenient. I thought the competition was a little further north from us, I guess you like the building too.”

I look around, wondering if Jonathan Black is in charge.

“So, who is your boss?”

“This is my branch,” she says with a cocky tone. “I made partner.”

She walks away, swaying her hips, owning the floor. The redhead who was in her apartment building yesterday morning changes her to-go mug with another mug. She glances at me after Claire mumbles something and opens her mouth surprised.

Claire turns around and gives me that I hate you glare that I’ve missed for so long. “Go back to your hole, Archer.”

“You’re my competition,” I say, sizing her up.

“More like, I’m here to take over and to take you down,” she says, lifting her chin already owning the place. “I’ll enjoy it.”

No way. There’s no fucking way she’s here, and fuck if this isn’t worse than my Monday. But I won’t let her see this move shakes my core.

“As much as you enjoy licking frosting, Ms. Solis?”

She huffs, turns around, and walks away.

“It’ll be a pleasure to see how you’ll try. I always enjoyed it, Clarice.”

Fuck, can I take her down?

Thirty-Three

Claire

“He’s hot,” Danielle says as we walk away. “And still staring at your ass.”

I ignore her as I pray I don’t trip while he’s still watching. I won this round. For a second, I saw his eyes widen and his breath hitch in worry. Claire one, Emperor Palpatine zero.

“Now I get it,” she says, and I regret telling her who he is.

“Is he still watching?” I ask, hoping he’s gone.

My heart beats fast. I order myself to stop thinking about his perfectly tailored dark suit and how sexy he looks on it.

“Yep, drooling is the exact word to describe what he’s doing,” she says. “He’s in l-o-v-e.”

“Danielle,” I warn her.

Keep going, I order myself.

Do not pay attention to her nonsense. He’s nothing to you.

What if he looks even sexier than he did two years ago?

Who cares?

I don’t.