Playing with Power - Book 3: New Adult Office Romance by Adele Huxley Page B

get them yet?”
    “So that’s what the vultures were picking through,” she laughed, looking to the kitchen. Her mind still fuzzy with shock, she felt a little outside herself.
    “Wren, this gives us more than enough runway to really get going.” Wren...has he ever called me that before? “This is just the first step, but it’s a huge, very successful first step.”
    Shaking her head, she leaned forward on her elbows. “I just can’t believe any of this has happened and so quickly.” She looked intently at his face, hoping her expression could convey a fraction of the gratitude she felt. “Thank you for taking a chance on me.”
    “I didn’t take a chance. I gave you an opportunity. You took the chance.” He looked down as if he struggled with wanting to say more. With a soft smile, he looked back at the screen and said, “Why don’t you go celebrate with the guys? I know I pulled you from work but this is special.”
    “I know, I’m glad you did. Talk to you later.”
    She sat in stunned silence, the excitement and disbelief washing over her in waves. A part of her always wondered if Landon’s interest in MyBFC had more to do with her than the merits of the company. Although she knew he was a shrewd businessman, it had always remained a question in the back of her mind. Yet here was an investor, whom she’d never met, who was willing to put down nearly a million dollars...it was mind-blowing. She returned to the kitchen in a happy fog.
    Dennis immediately spotted her. “Talked to Landon?”
    “Yes and he’s not happy with you mister,” she said with a broad grin. Lauren playfully slapped his arm. “You’re in big trouble for scaring me like that!”
    “Ow! I couldn’t think of any other way to get you down here!”
    “Try asking next time! Here, what do have in these baskets then?” Her eyes gravitated to a bottle of pink champagne, condensation building on the chilled bottle. “Let’s crack that open. We need to toast this! I’m sure we have glasses around here somewhere.”
    “Landon sent a little cake, too,” Lev pointed out.
    “Champagne and cake sounds like a perfect lunch,” Lauren said patting him on the shoulder.
     
    Lauren couldn’t stop stupidly grinning on cab ride back. Head floating with champagne and the bewildering feeling that her life just dramatically shifted course yet again, she allowed herself to enjoy this win. I should call Nick! she thought but immediately stopped herself. Instead, she texted Landon.
    Does this mean I can tell people about what we’re doing?
    ...
    Not yet, now while you’re still at StyleSpur.
    Well that sucks, she thought tucking the secret phone away. I really don’t want to keep this from Nick anymore but I guess you can’t be too cautious. I can’t believe this is all happening though. He’s going to be so surprised when I finally do tell him. By then, it’ll be something tangible, something successful I can point to and say, “This is what all the sacrifices built.”
    Her mind wandered back to the MyBFC office where she’d left the three men still partying. I really enjoyed celebrating with those guys. We should really do that more. They all work so hard, it’s kind of on me to make sure they step away and have fun every once in a while. It’s good for morale. I am technically their boss...
    As she closed the door to the cab and walked dreamily to the office she thought, Actually, StyleSpur hasn’t gone out in a long time. Faith and I should really organize something casual, just a night out.
    She tried to collect herself, remembering that she’d left the office in a frenzy. It wouldn’t look good if she came back half drunk and floating on air. Popping two mints in her mouth, fixing a slight scowl on her face, Lauren pushed the door open. Sitting at her desk to the left, Faith’s eyes immediately shot to the door. She leapt to her feet and rushed over.
    “You’re late!” she whispered harshly, grabbing Lauren’s purse