Free Life in a Rut, Love not Included (Love Not Included series Book 1) by J.D. Hollyfield Page B

suburban stand-alone boutiques. I stop for a moment and stare at my past . Literally. I stare at the beautiful window display featuring the outside signage and marketing scheme, all perfect and elegant. Just as I had planned it. The last big thing I gave to Hamilton Corp before my blowout was the marketing plan for the new Macy’s boutiques that were expanding from the Michigan Avenue stores to the nearest southwest suburbs. Now the thought of that day is so dreadful it makes me ill.
    I remember stepping out of a two-hour sales pitch and locking down the new Macy’s boutique proposal. I could feel my body radiating with adrenalin. For weeks I had worked on this project and perfected it exactly to what the clients had been asking for. Their vision in words was my image on paper. No detail missed, and all my bells and whistles attached, I easily landed the signed deal. Shaking hands with the Macy’s marketing board, and walking them out of the office, the restraint not to skip and jump all the way back to my office was strenuous. Things couldn’t have gone better. Not to mention the hefty bonus that came along with making Macy’s extremely happy. I strolled over to Steve’s office, which was down the hall, closest to the presidential suites. Being the son of the president gets you a pretty fancy office and view. His secretary stopped me in front of his door.
    “I’m sorry Ms. Sullivan, but Steve is out of the office. Is there something I can help you with?”
    “Hi Becky. Is Steve in the building or in a meeting?” I wasn’t aware that he had any client meetings offsite that day.
    Becky scrambled up the Post-it note collection on her desk in a nervous fashion. Unsure what her restlessness was all about, I took a peek into Steve’s office and I could tell he had not been in at all that day.
    “Um yes, I’m sorry, Steve is not in. He has a meeting offsite today. He is not expected in until later. Is there anything you want to leave for him, or a message in case he calls in?”
    “No, that’s OK. I can call his cell. Everything OK?” I asked.
    “Yep, thanks. I’ll let him know you came by when he gets in.”
    “Thanks, do that.” I nodded and stepped away, heading back to my office. Not that Becky was ever that cordial but something was up with her today. I brushed her off and went to my office to make celebration plans. This night was going to be huge. First, I made reservations for two at our favorite upscale Fusion Japanese restaurant. This treat was going to be on me due to the extravagant bonus coming my way. Next stop was a department store, because my shoe collection was in major need of a new pair of Manolos, and because nothing says ‘congratulations, you’re awesome,’ like Mr. Blahnik.
    With the Macy’s contract signed, I decided to call it a day. I let Jillian, my assistant, know I was leaving for the day and to forward any important calls to my cell. Then I headed out and spent the next two hours adopting the most beautiful new pair of shoes.
    Satisfaction couldn’t have been any sweeter at that point. The possibilities after this deal were endless. I was in an extra giving mood that day so I also made a pit stop at the lingerie section and picked out a very seductive, very see-through red garment that I knew Steve would definitely approve of. The night was going to be full of celebrations.
    I got home right around two in the afternoon, just in time to catch the latest Golden Girls rerun. My plan was set into action: a little TV, shower, primp, celebration. I dug my keys out of my purse and unlocked the door. I fumbled with the lock because of all my new bags and finally got the door open. I entered the apartment and moved to drop my bags off on the kitchen island. Then I noticed the pile of mail on the counter and began to sort through—mostly junk.
    I paused suddenly as I heard noises coming from the back bedrooms. Knowing I should be alone, my panic began to rise. Who was in the apartment?