Our First Embrace. Judy Lynn Hubbard

      “He’ll allow you some time off to move.”

      “No, I wouldn’t dream of asking him.” Nicole shook her head. “As much as I hate staying in a hotel—even one as beautiful as the Lutetia—it’ll be my home for the rest of the week until my off day on Saturday. Okay?”

      “Sure. I understand you want to put your best foot forward.” Monique glanced at the clock. “To that end, we’d better get to work, or the boss will tear into both our hides.”

      “Please, I’ve had enough of that for one day.” Nicole’s groan and distasteful expression coaxed a chuckle from Monique.

      “Come on then, I’ll show you around the rest of the office,” Monique offered, and they strolled out chatting as if they had been friends for years.

      * * *

      Nicole’s rather spacious workstation was just outside of Monique’s office. As Nicole glanced around the office, she felt it really was a designer’s dream. A multitude of lights hung overhead, and windows lined nearly every wall, allowing plenty of natural light.

      “The executive offices and designers are all housed on the sixth floor. The boss likes to keep us close,” Monique informed. “What do you think of your new spot?”

      “It’s perfect. Much more than I expected.” Nicole glanced around in awe. “I thought I’d be locked away in a cubbyhole.”

      “No way. I told you the boss takes care of us—especially the designers.” Monique laughed. “He told me he wanted you to start on the Bettina line.”

      “Yes.” Nicole nodded. “He mentioned that to me, as well.”

      “Hang on a second.” Monique disappeared into her office. Through the glass wall a few feet away, Nicole saw her rummage through papers on her desk until she found a white folder. She returned to Nicole and handed her the folder. “These are some notes, sketches and general info on the line, along with instructions on how to get into your PC where all of this info is located. Your temporary password is in here. You’ll need to change it immediately.”

      “Thanks.” Nicole flipped through the folder. “I can’t wait to get started.”

      “I’ll let you get to it. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Monique squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I know you’re going to do great, Nicole.”

      “Thanks, Monique.”

      Preparing to get settled, Nicole took out pictures of family and placed them on her desk, lovingly fingering one of the silver frames, then opened her portfolio and started setting up her workstation the way she wanted it. Finally, she opened her sketch book, switched on her PC, spread out notes on the Bettina line across her desk and prepared to start work on her first design for Alexander’s. She was determined it was going to knock Alexander James’s socks off.

      * * *

      Two hours later, a little before ten, Monique stopped by her station and tapped her on the shoulder.

      “I forgot to tell you, the boss likes to have staff meetings every Monday at ten. I’ll show you how to set up your calendar when we get back.”

      “Okay.” Nicole stood and picked up a notebook and pen.

      “Use this for notes. It’s easier.” Monique handed her a tablet. “This one is yours. It has our design software on it—the same that’s on your laptop. Feel free to take it home. I take mine everywhere.”

      “Thanks.” Nicole eyed her expensive tablet. “Mr. James doesn’t skimp, does he?”

      “I told you the boss is good to us,” Monique reminded her. “Let’s get going. He hates it when people are late.”

      “Uh yes, I’ve noticed that about him.” Nicole’s fervent whisper provoked a sympathetic smile from Monique as they walked toward the conference room.

      Thankfully, they were the first to arrive at the meeting, save Alexander James, who sat at the head of an enormous oval oak table. He had removed his jacket and had rolled up his shirtsleeves, revealing hair-covered, sinewy forearms. He nodded at them when they entered and then returned his attention to his computer. Nicole and Monique chatted quietly as other staff filed in. Nicole felt the hair on the back of her neck standing up and turned to find a blond woman staring at her with blatant hostility. Where was that coming from?

      “Hey,” Nicole whispered in Monique’s ear. “Who is that woman?”

      Monique glanced in the direction Nicole covertly pointed with a tilt of her head. “Oh, that’s Crystal Danforth. Don’t pay any attention to her.”

      “Did I do something to her?”

      “No, Crystal doesn’t much like anyone, but she is an excellent designer,” Monique grudgingly admitted, “which is why the boss keeps her around.”

      “Oh.” Nicole glanced up and met Alexander’s intense gaze briefly before he busied himself with his computer again.

      “Don’t sweat it.” Monique winked and added, “If she gives you any trouble, she’ll answer to me, and I outrank her.”

      Nicole smiled at Monique’s threat and glanced at Crystal again, who treated her to another hateful stare before focusing her eyes on her tablet.

      So much for not having any enemies in the office. Nicole silently sighed.

      Within ten minutes, the room was full. After everyone was settled in with coffee, juice and pastries, Alexander began the meeting.

      “You all know Victor.” Alex pointed to his brother, who was sitting to his right. “For some reason, he insists on loitering around the office today.”

      Victor smiled. “You know you miss me when I’m not here.”

      “Yeah, right.” Alexander chuckled. “Why are you here today anyway?”

      “Three reasons.” Victor stood. “First, I had to fix your computer for you after you mistreated her,” he reminded his brother with a wink, which caused chuckles from around the room. “Second, I’m doing an upgrade on everyone’s computer.” He laughed at the groans and surveyed the twenty people in the room. “Hey, do you guys want to be state of the art or what? I promise the downtime won’t be long.”

      “Promises, promises,” Monique drawled, drawing Victor’s interest.

      “I always keep my promises,” Victor softly responded.

      “Hmph!” Monique didn’t sound convinced.

      “And three?” Alexander queried, interrupting their banter.

      “I don’t have anything better to do.” Victor sighed and resumed his seat amid laughter.

      “That’s my brother, folks.” Alexander shook his head in mock disgust.

      “You know you love me,” Victor taunted.

      “Be quiet,” Alex admonished and chuckled when Victor made a zipping motion across his lips. “All right, down to business. As you all know, we have a new associate designer, Nicole Carter, who comes to us all the way from New York—albeit a little late.”

      Nicole’s smile faded slightly as he added the latter, and she bit her lower lip to hold in the angry retort that was trying desperately to escape from her mouth. She purposefully brightened her smile in response to the various welcomes from her coworkers before resuming eye contact with Alexander.

      “I know you’ll all make her feel welcome. She’ll be working on the Bettina line, and I’m counting on those of you who are also assigned there to quickly get her up to speed.”

      “She’ll be there in no time, boss,” Monique chimed in, and Nicole shot her a grateful smile.

      “With your help, I’m sure she will.” Alexander nodded