“Richard played his part, but you closed the deal. That’s what matters on an account like this, so congratulations. You earned that promotion.”

“Thank you Mr. Stansworth.”

“And that’s why I’ve asked you in here today, I was hoping you could give me your opinion on a prospect we’ve been trying to land for a few weeks now.”

I hoped I wasn’t blushing, but I was flattered that Carl trusted me enough to consult me on a pitch I wasn’t even assigned to. “Who’s the client?”

“Michael Cohen, are you familiar?”

Anyone who worked at Waterbridge-Howser would recognize the name; in fact, most of the firms in New York City had been trying to take him on as a client ever since he dropped Ellis-Kravitz as his wealth management firm two months prior. “Of course,” I said. “He owns the most profitable industrial machinery company on the East Coast and is looking to expand cross country. I thought he had already decided to go with Waterbridge-Howser?”

“So did I, but we recently found out that he took a meeting with Watson-James. We’re scheduled for a follow up pitch tomorrow but I think we need to rework our strategy—clearly it didn’t work the first time.”

I hadn’t reviewed the materials, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to suggest anything useful. “I’m not sure I can be of much help,” I admitted.

He opened a desk drawer below him and rummaged around for a minute before producing a thick manila folder. “I wouldn’t have asked for your help if I didn’t think you were capable, Kristen. Just take a look at this file,” he said as he handed the folder to me. “These are the documents from our initial meeting with Cohen. I’d like to hear any ideas you might have on a new approach.”

I browsed the contents of the folder, comparing the initial proposal to the limited knowledge I had of Cohen’s company. Feeling emboldened by Carl’s confidence in me, I decided to point out the first inconsistency that I saw, hoping not to step on any feet. I took a deep breath, formulated my thoughts, and spoke. “The initial approach was strong, the emphasis on his expansion is key. But I think you might benefit from a broader focus on the strongholds he already has on the East Coast. Especially with the risk he’s taking by expanding, we need to reassure him of the solid platform we can build using his current assets. I think we need to show him that we’re invested in the business he’s already built, not just his potential for the future.”

Carl twisted his mouth in apparent consideration, and I began to worry I’d insulted him. I wasn’t used to being consulted on large accounts; Richard was more of a delegator, leaving me to deal with prep work like charts and graphs rather than formulating strategy.

“Where do you think we can best incorporate that information into the follow-up pitch we already have?” Carl asked.

“In my opinion,” I began, clearing my throat nervously, “it should be the first thing you emphasize. It will show him that you respect his company and also make for a smoother transition into the points on expansion.”

He shook his head slowly. “Watson-James is known for tradition. Cohen probably met with them when he realized our approach was future focused. Great catch, Kristen. You may have saved yet another account, keep it up.”

I tried to hold back the beaming smile that was threatening to creep across my face as I handed the folder back to him. “Thank you Mr. Stansworth, let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.”

I left Carl’s office feeling more confident in my job than I ever had while working for Richard. Instead of treating me like his inferior or some prop, Carl treated me like his peer. I had to admit that I’d learned a lot from Richard—mostly by figuring things out on my own—but I had a feeling that working with Carl would be far more hands on. I couldn’t help but think that, although I’d earned my new position at Waterbridge-Howser through hard work, my new career success wouldn’t have been possible had I never met Vincent.

As I approached my desk I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pulled it out to look at it and my stomach did a flip when I saw who it was from: Vincent. We’d been seeing each other for a few weeks now, but I still found myself getting excited every time I heard from him.

All work . . . I’m ready for some play, still on for Skype at 7 your time?

I was relieved to know that he was thinking about me despite how busy he must have been with the launch party. My earlier jealousy was starting to seem irrational—if Vincent wanted casual sex he could have it. It certainly would have been easier than dating, but he was cutting time out of his schedule for me. He was adjusting.

I typed a response. It’s a date, but there might be a little work involved.

Only for you. Talk later.

I smiled as I put my phone away. Vincent might have been a bad boy once, but it seemed that things were changing.

***

On my way home, I ran across Kurt, who was on his way to pick up take-out from a Chinese restaurant nearby. We exchanged a few pleasantries. I told him I worked for a wealth management firm and he told me he worked security. I wasn’t sure what that meant exactly but it wasn’t hard to imagine him being a bouncer with his height and muscles.

When I got inside the apartment, the air was hotter than normal. Riley was laying on the couch as usual but in her work clothes, her bag next to the coffee table. It looked like she plopped down as soon as she made it inside. Must’ve been a hard day at work.

“Yeesh, why is it so hot in here?” I asked.

“The air conditioning is busted and it’s like ninety degrees outside. Thank goodness for global warming and summer, right?” Riley replied, eyes closed and back of her hand resting on her forehead.

“I feel like we should be getting a tan in this heat. Are they going to fix it?”

“Yeah, I called the landlord. He said other people complained and he has a guy already working on it.”

“That’s good news.” I slipped out of my shoes and put on some slippers. Moving on, I asked, “Did you go to work today?”

“I was feeling well enough to go in around noon. But I’m definitely sleeping early tonight. My head’s still congested.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re better.”

“How was your day?” she asked.

“Nothing too exciting. I had a meeting with my new boss. Carl’s much better than Richard—who by the way is starting to be a pain in the ass. He thinks I stole Vincent from him.”

“I saw you hold a poisonous spider.” Her hand leaped from her forehead to point at me. “You definitely deserved Vincent more than he did.”

I shrugged. “He doesn’t know that though. And I’d like to keep it that way.” I dropped my bag beside the kitchen table.

“So, other than work.” She straightened herself on the couch and brushed her strawberry-blonde hair behind her ears. Her blue eyes looked at me carefully. “How are you doing?” she asked delicately.

I leaned against a kitchen chair and shifted my feet. “I’m okay. It’s been on my mind but I feel a lot better and safer since Monday. Vincent’s been out of town but he’s checking up on me regularly, which is nice.”

“That’s good to hear, Kristen. I’m really happy for you. It sounds like Vincent really cares about you.”

He’d been unexpectedly supportive since I told him about Marty. Any other guy would’ve probably made an awkward excuse to avoid me and I wouldn’t blame them. Most people were busy battling their own problems; they weren’t going to fight somebody else’s—no matter how good the sex.

“I think I really care about him.”

She smiled. “As you should. How did things go at his place?”

I felt my cheeks blush. “It was good. He made dinner for us. I found out what an awesome chef he is.”

“A great cook as well? God, I’m not even going to lie to you, Kristen. I’m so jealous.”

I laughed. “Thanks, I guess.”

“So.” Her eyes turned wicked. “Did you get some action?”

I smiled bashfully and tried to look away from her curious eyes.

She beamed and pointed her finger at me again. “I knew it.”

I recounted the rest of the night at Vincent’s place to Riley, only leaving out the most intimate details—which were the ones she wanted to hear most. I could trust her not to tell anyone, but I didn’t feel ready to have a detailed discussion about my newly invigorated sex life. I was still trying to wrap my head around it. After over two years without sex, I’d just had it three times with nipple-pierced bad boy Vincent Sorenson. Blindfolds and multiple orgasms? What could I make of that?

Besides being the best sex of my life.

Riley seemed satisfied with the rundown even without the graphic details. I knew she’d probably prod me again about it later and I’d end up telling her more.

By the time evening rolled around, the heat had died down. I still didn’t hear the whir of the air conditioning but at least the temperature outside had cooled enough to be bearable.

I’d wanted to change into something lighter but only had a pair of pink athletic shorts I had from high school that were clean. I ended up keeping my work blouse on and tying my hair in a ponytail as I carried my dirty clothes to the laundry room located in the basement of our building.

As a precaution, I brought my necklace and hid the taser within the pile of clothes. If Marty decided to show up and hurt me, I could easily subdue him or at least keep him at a distance long enough for me to call the police. That’s if he decided to hurt me. He’d hurt me in the past but I still didn’t know why he was showing up at my doorstep now. Was he here to say he changed? Did he want us to try again? He hadn’t left a message with Riley or given any reason for his surprise visit. He had just asked to see me. The mysterious circumstances worried me.

After putting two loads through the washer and dryer, I was relieved I didn’t have to use the protection items. There hadn’t been anymore Marty incidents since Monday and I was hoping it would stay that way. By the time I got back to the apartment with the last batch from the dryer, the air had cooled. It was still warm though and I brought a glass of ice water into my bedroom for refreshment as I folded my laundry on my bed.