Page 25 of Scarred Temptation

“Before you go off halfcocked, we should talk,” my assistant and fabulous junior designer Julie said as she flanked my side and matched my long strides.

“I don’t go off halfcocked.”

“Yes, you do. I’ve seen you.”

“I just can’t believe they offered the promotion to Bob. Of all freaking people. He’s a terrible designer. He’s a horrible person.” I brushed past two other architects, all three of sharing a ‘look’ that spoke volumes. You bet we all knew exactly why Bob had gotten the boost.

“He’s the boss’s nephew,” she said, sighing in a way I felt like doing.

I flew into my cramped office, tossing my purse on the other side of my desk, Julie following.

“Yes, I get it. Nepotism at its finest.” I was blessed to have a partial view of the ocean, which had always served as a wonderful backdrop for creativity. Today the churning waves matched my darkened mood.

“If it’s any consolation, John asked me to find you as soon as you walked into the office.”

I snapped my head in her direction. “Why?”

“Do I look like a mind reader?”

“You and I both know you are completely aware of everything that goes on in this office. That’s one reason I adore working with you. Other than your exemplary design skills of course.” Wouldn’t Bob be the one handling the spanking new project?

Her grin was sly. “I do prefer to keep up with things. Neither one of us likes surprises. Rumor has it there’s a new, very large project in the works and Graham Taylor has been selected over several East Coast firms.”

A heavy breath left my chest. “And just where is this project located?” The last thing I wanted was to do a lot of traveling. I was a homebody and loved my house and this time of year in Charleston.

“Right here.”

“Any details?”

“That I don’t know other than that it involves designing several buildings.”

Folding my arms, I was more than curious. John Taylor, half owner and the nicer of the two bosses had been my mentor from day one, a guy who’d designed some of the most incredible commercial buildings in the south.

While I loved my job, I wished that I could use my creativity in designing something other than all glass and steel for various corporations. “Interesting.”

“He’s waiting,” she added. “Go get ‘em, tiger.”

“Very funny.” I smoothed my hands down my skirt before moving past her. John’s office was at the opposite end of the building, which meant I had to pass by the executive offices, including Bob’s glistening new digs.

The moment I walked by, I felt the heat of his amused glare following me. To hell with him. While he wasn’t the worst designer I’d ever worked with, he was rough around the edges and had issues commanding respect from the others. I couldn’t envision him leading a full team to a volleyball match, let alone to follow through with an intricate design of several buildings while dealing with difficult clients.

But alas, I digressed. Let Bob suffer.

Just to piss him off, I waved before passing by, hoping I appeared cheery instead of feeling as if the storm clouds were ready to crash down.

The light rap on my boss’s door was immediately answered with John ushering me in.

“There you are. I was worried something happened on your way to work.” Even with his ruthless reputation, he’d always been kind to me, nurturing both my skill and my creativity, which had been described as avant garde over the years.

“Just running late. What’s up?” His office often doubled as the beginning for a new project and I could tell today wasn’t any different. On several easels were renderings of buildings, likely a representation of another project either underway or a completely conceptual idea. They were crude, likely done by an artist on the fly to try to sell the project.

Typically, an architect would have already been chosen within the company even before being awarded to the firm.

As I walked closer, I sensed he was paying close attention. I took a couple of minutes going from one to another sketch, finally realizing what I was looking at.

“A medical campus.”

“Yes,” John said as he moved behind me. “And before you ask, these are nothing like what I anticipate will be designed. They are quick sketches I did after being asked a favor.”