One Year Later

“Is he busy?” I stop in front of Richard’s assistant’s desk.

“Go on in.” He shakes his head with a smile before returning his attention to his computer screen.

I walk up to Richard’s office door and knock a fist against the wood like I’ve done hundreds of times before. His deep rumble of a voice makes it past the door, and I open it before he has a chance to protest.

“I told you I don’t want to be disturb—” His voice drops off as our eyes connect. The frown on his face quickly morphs into his signature small smile that makes me weak in the knees.

My legs wobble, and I nearly roll my ankle before righting myself

He stands and helps me into my chair before I do something unfortunate like land face-first against the carpet. The way he acts ever since I announced…