Romance: Duplicity (Duplicity New Adult Romance Book 1) by K.T. Knight

CHAPTER ONE

    I feel amazing as I leave my flat for work. Another warm day with hazy sunshine, possibly the last of this Indian Summer. I love London - the excitement, the buzz, the rush, the life - yes, the life!
    Here I feel really alive and today is a day that I can make it happen. Today I'll get noticed. I'm feeling so positive about this. I have spent the entire weekend working on the presentation and I'm radiating confidence as I walk into the office foyer clutching my Starbucks. The lid on the coffee cup wobbles but no worries. Nothing can go wrong today.
    The lift is filling and I make a dash, pushing my laptop bag against the now closing doors. I'm met with scowls for the most part but one guy smirks and steps back to let me in. More people crowd the small compartment and the lift is now packed.
    I'm conscious of my coffee, hoping it won't spill on me or anyone else. It could start a lift war. Coffee carnage at Cathwell. Then suddenly I'm aware of ... it can't be. What is that sticking in my backside? No way. It's a hold-up. Has this guy got a hard-on?
    As quickly as the thought enters my head, he pushes around me as the lift halts at the next floor. A flush creeps across my cheeks and I tilt my head so my hair covers my face. I didn't do anything. What just happened there?
    Just before the lift doors close again I can see the guy striding towards the Senior VP suite. Tall, purposeful, obviously knows his way around. I have never seen him before but we have people coming and going all the time from our overseas offices. Should I feel insulted by his silent introduction? Well if I should, I don't. I clear my throat and smile.
    When I reach my desk Louise is already there. As usual, she's looking for gossip. "You're looking very pleased with yourself Holly, good weekend? Come on, 'fess up!"
    Not a chance, girlfriend. Louise sits at the desk beside me and spends most of her time talking about everyone else.
    "It's a gorgeous day, Lou, and it keeps getting better," I smile. Nosey cow.
    "On the happy pills again?" Lou turns back to her monitor. "I hope you're ready for the big presentation."
    As ready as I'll ever be. This is my big chance.
    ***
    At 10:00 AM sharp we shuffle in for the usual Monday morning team meeting. Today's the day, I've got it all planned. This is when I show the powers that be what I'm really worth.
    I've been acting up for my manager Eve, who is on maternity leave, for the last seven months. I know that the people who matter are impressed with my work. My presentation needs to blow them away. There's a promotion up for grabs and my name's on it.
    Inside the conference room, my earlier confidence evaporates. I close my eyes and take a calming breath. My mouth is dry and my hand shakes as I pour myself a glass of water from the heavy jug.
    Come on, Holly, you can do this. Hold it together.
    I have a sudden urge to bolt from the room. I exhale slowly several times until the feeling passes. I'm not going to let last minute nerves get the better of me.
    My colleagues are pouring coffees and chattering about their weekend exploits. There's hearty laughter from the lads as Mike regales them with the sordid details of his latest hook-up. Sounds like he's been doing the girl from Accounts again. Dopey Dave is wolfing down the Danish pastries, as usual. The familiarity of the scene, the same every Monday morning, restores my calm for the moment.
    The arrival of Bill, Senior VP and our department boss, is the signal for everyone to quieten down and take their positions.
    "Good luck!" Lou mouths across at me.
    Seated already, I'm distracted by Bill and his companion. I have to do a double take at the scene unfolding at the top of the table.
    This cannot be happening. Please let this not be for real.
    The others share my confusion and we eye each other questioningly.
    "Good morning everyone, and what a great morning it is," Bill starts with his trademark cheesy grin. "I have an announcement to make and I'll get