Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

MARLOW

W hen I arrived at my office, I felt the familiar calm wash over me. My space was swanky and luxurious, just the way I liked it. It was my little sanctuary in the midst of the chaotic city. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork and the furniture was plush and elegant but also comfortable. A large window allowed natural light to flood in, giving the space a sleek and modern feel. The small waiting area which included Kyla's desk was simple and tidy.

I pushed the door open to my office. The view of the bustling city below contrasted with the calm and peaceful atmosphere inside. A plush rug covered the floor between the very small seating area I had in the corner. That was where I liked to brainstorm with a client or chat with Kyla. A bookshelf lined one wall, filled with leather-bound books and photos of some of my clients. Of course, copies of my own book joined the others on the shelves. My office was my sanctuary away from my apartment. I liked working from home, but I felt more accomplished when I was surrounded by the evidence of my success. And it inspired me to push harder.

I put down my bag, turned on my desktop, and lit the candle I always burned. As the subtle scent of the candle filled the air, I settled into my desk chair and got my head into the right space. Kyla was already there, as always, busily managing the "busy work" she claimed to love.

I looked up and that was when I noticed it. On the small table in the corner was a massive flower arrangement. The bouquet was huge, overflowing with vibrant hues of red, orange, pink, and purple. Tall stems of roses and lilies reached out in every direction, towering over the small table the vase was sitting on to the point I had the thought it might be too heavy for the table. Smaller blooms and pretty greenery filled the gaps, creating a lush and extravagant display. The fragrance of the flowers filled the entire room, adding to the sensory overload. I quickly blew out the candle to avoid competing with the flowers.

"Kyla!" I called out as I walked to the flowers.

She popped her head in, grinning like a fool. "Pretty, huh?"

"Did you do this?" I asked.

She laughed. "I put them on the table. They were delivered about a minute after I got here this morning."

"You didn't send them?"

"Marlow, you pay me," she said dryly. "And while you pay me well, you don't pay me the kind of money that would have me sending you bouquets like that. Sorry, I love you, but I would get you a candle or something."

I laughed. "Good point. They're beautiful. Who did send them? The college?"

She pointed to the card I hadn't noticed. "I don't know, but trust me, I was dying to peek."

There was a sleek envelope with gold-embossed letters spelling out my name, along with the words "You're invited…"

Curious, I picked up the envelope and slid my finger under the flap, pulling out an exquisitely designed invitation. The heavy parchment with gold trim and elegant calligraphy reminded me of something a royal would send out for a ball. The edges had delicate floral designs in pretty oranges and yellows, very fall-ish. It had a high-quality feel.

My eyes widened as I read the details.

The Autumn Ball. The details of the event were neatly written in a fancy font. I ran my fingers over the intricate details of the invitation, feeling the weight of its importance. The Autumn Ball was one of the most coveted private events in New York, a gathering of the city's elite. It was the kind of event I had never imagined I'd be invited to, despite my rising status in the Big Apple.

"Is that what I think it is?" Kyla's voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up just as she rushed over, yanking the invitation out of my hand. "Kyla, wait?—"

"Oh my god, it is! The Autumn Ball?" She practically squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Who sent it?"

I shrugged, still in a bit of a daze. "I'm not sure."

Kyla's attention shifted to the flowers. She plucked a small card from among the blooms. "I'm not wasting my time, and I always get what I want. Come to the ball with me. We'll talk about your non-negotiables," she said in an exaggerated whisper.

A warmth spread through me as she read the words. My gaze drifted back to the flowers, unable to stop myself from leaning in and inhaling the scent of a rose.

"This is from Spencer Kane, isn't it?" Kyla asked. "He's wooing you!"

I sighed, slowly shaking my head in disbelief. "Yes, it's from Spencer."

Kyla's face lit up. "Wow! He must really want you to work for him."

I nodded, still processing the extravagant gesture. Spencer Kane was a powerful businessman. His reputation preceded him, and the idea of being sought after by someone of his caliber left me both thrilled and apprehensive. I had of course done more research on him last night, wanting to know what I could be getting into.

"What are you going to wear?" she asked.

"I'm not going."

She looked at me like I had two heads. "What are you talking about? Of course, you're going!"

"No. That would encourage him. I don't want the job. I like what we have here." I put the invitation back on the table, still shocked I actually got to touch one of the coveted invitations.

"You have to go! This is amazing!" Kyla insisted. "You don't have to take the job, but you have to go. Think about the connections you can make."

I shook my head, already feeling the tension build. "I don't know, Kyla. Spending time with Spencer is… complicated. What would Rhett think? He's already lost one friendship because of my divorce. Hooking up with his oldest friend? No way."

Kyla planted her hands on her hips, her expression firm. "I think you're getting ahead of yourself, Marlow. It's a job proposition. He's not asking you to go to bed with him. Why are you jumping to conclusions?"

"Whatever, I'm not," I said, trying not to sound defensive. "But I'm worried if I go, I'll ask him to go to bed with me ."

Kyla blinked, then burst into laughter. When she realized I was serious, her laughter faded into thoughtful silence. "Oh." She tapped her finger on her chin thoughtfully. "You have the hots for him? I guess that billboard wasn't kidding."

"Oh no, you saw that?" I asked.

"The publishing company sent me a picture," she said. "Don't change the subject. Are you into this guy?"

"Have you seen the man?" I retorted.

"Vaguely."

"No man has the right to be that hot," I said. "He's tall and lean, with chiseled features that seem sculpted by a master artist. He's got short, dark hair and gorgeous green eyes. Thick lashes. There's just an air about him. You know what I mean?"

She raised an eyebrow with a smile on her lips. "Well, well, Marlow, it seems like you've got it bad for Mr. Kane. Maybe a little flirting at the Autumn Ball wouldn't hurt."

I rolled my eyes at her suggestion. "Working with someone and sleeping with them is a terrible idea."

"Then forget the job and just skip to the fun part," she teased.

I shook my head, trying to push aside the image of Spencer Kane that had embedded itself in my mind. The man was undeniably attractive, but I couldn't let myself be swayed by his looks or his offer. It was too risky.

"No way you can pass up an opportunity like this," Kyla said. "This could boost your career."

"My career is fine," I insisted.

"And so is Spencer, apparently."

Kyla wasn't wrong about the ball. It was a chance to step into a world I had always admired from afar. Connections with the people there could elevate my career to heights I had never even dreamed of.

And Spencer Kane, he was more than just a wealthy businessman. He was charm personified, with a magnetic presence that drew people to him like moths to a flame. He would know everyone. He would introduce me to the right people.

"But wouldn't that be using him?" I asked, mulling over the idea.

Kyla waved off my concern. "It's not using him if you're also considering the job. Just think of it as networking. Plus, you might actually enjoy yourself at the ball. He invited you with some fanfare I might add. I think he wants you there."

I couldn't deny the allure of the opportunity but there was a nagging voice in the back of my mind, reminding me of the potential complications that could arise from getting involved with someone like Spencer Kane. I had worked so hard to establish myself independently, and I didn't want to jeopardize that by getting into any sort of romantic entanglements.

"I'll admit it, I'm attracted to him," I groaned. "He's my brother's friend. This is dangerous territory."

"You don't have to act on your attraction," she said. "I'm attracted to the married guy that runs the coffee stand. I don't do anything about it. You're attracted to a lot of things in life. That's the beauty of being alive."

"But you know how I get when I drink champagne, and if I don't drink, I'm going to look odd."

"So tell yourself no," she said. "Don't allow yourself to think it's a possibility."

I raised my eyebrows. "And what's your grand solution?"

She grinned. "Wear granny panties."

I blinked. "What?"

"It's a foolproof plan. Or," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "we can see if Amazon sells chastity belts?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"Ridiculously right," she countered. "You need to go to this ball, Marlow. It's a huge opportunity, and it sounds like Spencer is serious about this job proposition. And it's free champagne and food."

I sighed, knowing she was right but still feeling the weight of the decision. "Alright, alright. I'll go."

Kyla's face broke into a triumphant smile. "Good. Now, let's figure out what you're going to wear."

"Kyla," I groaned. "I don't even know if I can find a dress that quickly. I struggle to find anything off the rack for a black-tie event. My boobs and butt are not exactly the typical size eight."

"Stop it," she chided. "We've found gowns before. I'll get my laptop and we'll do some online shopping."

As Kyla pulled out her laptop and began searching for the perfect gown, my mind raced with excitement and apprehension. The Autumn Ball was only a few days away, and the thought of attending sent a jolt of nervous energy through me. I couldn't shake the image of Spencer Kane's piercing green eyes from my mind, nor could I ignore the flutter of anticipation that swirled in my stomach at the prospect of what the evening could bring.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Kyla's excited gasp as she found a stunning gown online. She turned the screen toward me, displaying a deep emerald dress that seemed to shimmer with elegance and sophistication. I couldn't help but admire the intricate beading and delicate lace that adorned the gown. The plunging neckline added a touch of allure while still maintaining an air of grace.

"It's perfect," Kyla exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "This color will look amazing on you, Marlow. And with your figure, you'll turn heads for sure."

I bit my lip, feeling anticipation bubbling within me. The idea of wearing such a breathtaking gown to the Autumn Ball was both thrilling and daunting. Could I pull off such a glamorous look? Would I feel out of place among the elite attendees?

Would it matter if I was on Spencer Kane's arm?