No Strings Attached

Chapter Forty

Six months later... 

"This will be the brand-new executive floor," Norman states proudly, guiding me through the echoing lobby, complete with vibrant vegetation and a massive oak desk placed in the middle of the room for multiple receptionists. The new marble floors shine beneath my heels as Connor Maynard and I follow Norman through the top floor of the new NWPR building. The skyline of downtown LA surrounds this building and despite how much smaller it is than some others, the innovative design alone makes NWPR a stand-out among the rest.

"This is impressive, Norman," Connor compliments, scanning the area.

"How do you like it, Scar?"

"It's wonderful. I like the ambiance."

Norman points to two dark oak double doors. "Back here will be your office."

Connor pats my back encouragingly as Norman opens the doors, clicking them into the magnetic plate to hold them ajar. I walk in, first hit by the amount of sunlight beaming through. My gaze falters at size of the office he's made for me. Like my old one, he's made sure to place floor to ceiling windows along an entire wall, knowing how much I appreciate gazing at other buildings. The décor is the same as the lobby, which is fine by me.

There is a conference table at one end of the room with seven seats, a slim creamy leather couch against the wall beside the kitchen and bar. A large plant the size of a small tree rests beside a massive desk—the same color as the doors.

"By the time you move here and get everything situated, we'll have electronics brought in. A new computer, back-up systems, phones, all that."

I look around in awe. "This is mine?"

"Only the best for our Scarlett," Norman laughs, wrapping an affectionate arm around my shoulders. I chuckle softly, although my body resists giving into his embrace.

"I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything."

Connor claps his hands together. "Say you'll continue making me money. If business continues this way, I'll be able to afford the new yacht I've had my eye on for months."

"You know I will," I reply confidently. I walk towards the window, hearing their voices begin to echo further.

"Scarlett, I'm going to show him the other offices."

I nod, my eyes latched onto the window. "I'll... meet up with you."

Their voices finally fade behind me. I press my fingers to the window, looking past them to the skyscrapers. If I'm being honest with myself, I'm not interested in the skyline.

I nearly said no when Norman asked.

I nearly couldn't do it.

Being this close to him...

I pull my gaze from the window. No. Not today. Not anymore.

My hands leave the glass. I abandon the pull, heading back towards the men. They are near the shiny new elevator when I stride back into the lobby, letting my fingers run down my black dress, smoothing out the stiff material.

"I know you have somewhere to be, Scarlett," Norman says vaguely, although he knows exactly where I'm going.

"Maybe we could have dinner while you're in town?" Connor asks me as we travel down the elevator. "Maddy is so anxious to meet you."

"I'd love to meet your daughter," I say, pretending to give a shit. I don't. It's rare that I give a shit about anything anymore.

"Perfect. I'll call later, see what's a good time for you."