Griffin studies me for a second, then lets out a chuckle. “Jesus, Worth. You actually like her.”
“No. I don’t. I don’t even know her.”
The words feel hollow the second they leave my mouth. Two brief interactions, and somehow she’s lodged herself in my mindlike a splinter I can’t dig out. It’s irrational. I don’t do this. I don’tfeelthis anymore.
And yet… There’s something about her that lingers in my subconscious.
I shove the thought down. I’ve got no business mixing work with anything else, let alone this. I have rules for a reason. And beyond that, I’m raising Brianna. I’m not dragging women in and out of her life. I won’t do that to her.
I clear my throat. “It’s all good, Griffin. I’ve got it handled.”
He gives me a long look, nodding once and stands. “Fine. Just remember what I said.” Then he leaves, the office door clicking shut behind him.
The second he’s gone, I reach for the phone on my desk, fingers tightening around the receiver before I can think better of it. I dial the one person who’suncomplicated. The one who never asks questions.
Shaina.
“Come to my office. Lock the door behind you.”
I hang up before she can respond.
Maybe if I burn this out of my system, the way I always do with any type of feeling, I’ll stop thinking about soft curves and wide brown eyes.
9
MYA
It’s my first day at W.H.M. Construction, and I’m nervous as hell.
After receiving Worth’s email, my excitement skyrocketed. I had something real to celebrate.
When Tiana and I went downstairs to share the news, my mom immediately wrapped me in a hug, while Devon clapped my shoulder with a grin.“Congrats, kiddo. They finally came to their senses.”
They did question how I managed to get an offer so late on a Sunday, but I brushed it off. Beggars can’t be choosers. A small part of me wondered if it was a scam—the email had come from a personal account, not the company’s—but I refused to let paranoia ruin the moment.
Since I had to be up early the next morning, we kept our celebration lowkey. Tiana and I went to a lounge, shared an appetizer, and laughed until my cheeks hurt. I definitely didn’t want to risk showing up hungover on my first day.
Now, standing in the lobby of Miller Towers, I’m instantly taken aback. The building is stunning. My pulse jumps with awe.Whoa.
The designer of Miller Towers, Christopher Lowe, is a genius. We studied his work in my Architectural Theory and Design class, and his approach to clean lines, natural light, and sustainability has always been what I look up to most. The way he integrates modern function with eco-conscious choices makes every one of his projects feel alive.
To be here, in a place that carries his signature touch, is surreal.
A uniformed security guard greets me from behind the front desk, his expression professional but kind.
“Hi. It’s my first day. My name is Mya Dessen-Jones.”
The guard flips through a clipboard of papers, his brow furrowing. “Sorry, ma’am. Your name isn’t on the list of new hires.”
My stomach drops.Shoot. Maybe Mr. Miller didn’t have time to notify HR.
Or worse… maybe this was all some bizarre hoax.
I force a smile that feels shaky. “Could you maybe call HR? Just to double-check?”
He nods once. “Give me a moment.”
While he steps aside to make the call, I stand awkwardly in the middle of the lobby, clutching the strap of my bag. Nicely dressed employees stride past me, their shoes pattering against the marble floor. I hear another nervous voice at the second security station—a woman introducing herself as one of the new hires. She’s greeted warmly, handed a badge, and directed towards the elevators.