“Yeah?”
“If you need any more rehab, you know where I am.”
She didn’t respond. He heard the tap of her shoes against the wooden floor of the hallway, then a moment later the door opened and then slammed closed.
Cam took a sip of wine, then laughed to himself. Tonight had been interesting. He’d felt a rush of adrenaline like he hadn’t in a long time, even when on the field. His body liked it. Liked her. And he’d completely lied that it was just a kiss.
Because he knew he wanted more.
Chapter Eleven
Good luck today BB – you got this! Joanna xx
Mia smiled down at her phone as she locked her car and walked to the distillery’s main entrance. It was her first day of work and the nerves were setting in. It didn’t help that she’d barely slept that weekend, thanks to a certain NFL player who had lips to die for. She’d spent way too many hours thinking about that kiss. About what might have happened if Michael hadn’t called.
Thanks honey. I’m going in now! Will call you later. Mia xx
She sent the message then pressed the buzzer on the front door, giving her name to the receptionist who answered almost immediately. Nathan – her new boss – had asked her to arrive at 9:30am, then she’d be taken through orientation by an assigned member of staff. This afternoon she would have her first strategy meeting with the board.
She was nervous and excited, and every other feeling she could think of. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed down her skirt and pushed the door open, letting out a sigh when her phone pinged again.
If you get any free samples, remember your favorite cousin, okay? I’m a whiskey convert ;) Joanna
Mia laughed as she walked down the hallway toward the reception desk. An older woman with pretty blue eyes and a white bun was sitting there. A smile lifted her lips as she saw Mia.
And then Mia’s phone rang. Dammit. This thing was a liability.
“I’m sorry,” she told the woman, who hadn’t yet said a word. “I have to have my phone on. I have two boys at school and I’m the only contact for them. Let me just check who it is.”
The woman’s smile didn’t falter. “No problem.”
It wasn’t a number she knew. She didn’t dare reject it, in case it was one of the boys’ schools or teachers. “Hello?” she said, putting the phone to her ear. “Mia Devlin speaking.”
“Hey.”
Her mouth went dry. Just one word and she knew who it was. She’d been thinking about him all weekend, after all. And Cam Hartson had a distinctive voice. Low, almost sexual. Like the whole world could wait while he spoke.
“Um, hi. Can I call you back later? I’m about to start work. Is it about the invoice?” She shot a smile at the receptionist. Sandy, according to her badge.
“It’s not about the invoice. I just wanted to wish you a good first day. But you can call me back later.” Humor curled through his words. “Make sure you do, Mia.”
He disconnected before she could protest that she wasn’t planning on calling him at all. Pushing down the aggravating warmth in her chest that appeared whenever she was near him, Mia slid her phone in her bag and turned back to Sandy.
“Sorry about that.”
“No problem. I know how hard it is to juggle work and family. My three girls are grown up now, but when they were younger, oh boy.” Sandy widened her eyes. “I’m still surprised I have any hair left.” She pulled a file from beneath the counter and slid a plastic pass out. “Here’s your I.D. You’ll need to wear it around your neck at all times while you’re here. It’ll let you through the doors, including the front one, so you won’t have to buzz to get in tomorrow. And your buddy will be down soon to show you around and take you to your meetings with HR and Security. Oh, and has anybody warned you about the coffee?” She lowered her voice, as though it was a huge company secret. “Try and avoid it at all costs. It’s terrible.”
Mia laughed. “So I heard. I’ve already been added to the take out coffee Whatsapp group.”
“That’s good news. I had to find out the hard way. My taste buds have never been the same since.” She looked over Mia’s shoulder, and her grin widened. “Oh, your buddy’s here,” she told her. “You’ll be in safe hands with this one.”
Mia turned to see Becca Hartson walking toward them. She was wearing black pants and a cream shirt, her hair pulled into a high pony tail. “Hi!” she said, leaning forward to hug Mia. “I hope you don’t mind me being the one to take you through orientation. When they sent out an email looking for volunteers, I hit reply immediately.”
There was something so warm about Becca. “Of course I don’t mind. I’m happy to see a friendly face.”
“Great. You got everything you need, Sandy?” Becca asked her.
“Yep.” Sandy nodded. “You can take her now.”