The blast of warm air hit her the second the automatic doors opened. Lauren then proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach on the marble floors at the corporate headquarters of Global Goods.

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Her black Stuart Weitzman pumps, along with her stockings and the white-marble floor, were covered in the contents of what had been in her stomach.

Lauren wanted to die when another gush forced her once again to empty whatever remained in her stomach. She was mortified beyond words, and so sick she truly didn’t know what to do.

“Derek,” came a male voice.

“Yes, sir?”

“Take care of this. Now.”

Lauren felt dizzy, her head was throbbing, and the back of her throat felt like it was on fire. Ever so slightly, she moved her head to see the man who stood a few feet away from her and the pool of regurgitated espresso.

“You must be Lauren Montgomery. I’m Lucas, Mr. G’s personal assistant. It seems Derek has taken you on one of his infamous shortcuts,” he said.

Lauren thanked the powers above that this wasn’t Mr. Giampalo. At this point, though, would it matter? Whatever first impression she’d hoped to make was ruined. Right now, she wished she was at home with her old-fashioned family. Anywhere but here would be a bonus.

“Lauren, I hope you don’t mind me using your first name; we’re not very formal here,” Lucas said. “If you will allow me, I’ll have Sandra Marie show you where you can clean up and change out of your clothes.”

All Lauren could manage to think of was that she didn’t have a change of clothes with her. And who was Sandra Marie? Lucas must have read her thoughts. “Sandra is my assistant. Now, if you’ll allow me.” He took her arm and gently guided her to the elevator.

“I don’t think,” was all she managed to say before another bout of nausea overtook her, and though her stomach was completely empty, she still felt sick.

“Hang on,” Lucas said.

Before she could protest, the elevator stopped, the doors swished open. “Sandra, Ms. Montgomery has been on a joyride with Derek.”

“You poor thing.” Sandra Marie was not what Lauren expected, though she could have been Mrs. Claus for all she cared. She was older than her mother, with white hair, and she had a glow about her.

Clearing her throat, Lauren managed to say, “I’m so sorry.”

“No, Derek is the one who should be sorry,” Sandra Marie said. “Let’s take it slowly, and we’ll get you cleaned up.”

Lauren nodded, thankful for this woman, more than she could ever express. She followed her to a good-sized bathroom. Inside, it looked like a locker room. “This is for our female staff. Some of us are so busy we stay the night. Let’s get you out of that fancy dress and into the shower.”