Emerson Moore has recently broken off her engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Nick. Although they work for the same corporation, Emerson is certain they’ll never cross paths again, that is, until Nick is promoted. Faced with a ten-day work conference, Emerson fears she’ll fall into old habits.
Until she meets Soren.
Soren Miltner has never been given anything in life and will do anything to get what he wants. Having only worked as a district manager for six months, he’s already the favorite to take over as regional director. But when he arrives at the conference, his plans to network and charm are forgotten the moment he sees Emerson, and it quickly becomes clear that ten days won’t be enough.
With their relationship on the line, Soren is determined to find a way to keep them together, no matter what. But as an unexpected regional director position opens, the two are forced to face hard truths about love and ambition, while their future together seemingly hinges on one person getting their dream career, and the other losing it all.
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“Fuck,” I say breathlessly. I hop on one foot, trying to shove my feet into stiff leather loafers. My frustration feels like a hundred-pound weight on my chest—a weight that makes me sweat through my dress shirt. I barely make it to the bench in my hallway. It’s easier to jam my sticky skin into the shoe without also maintaining my balance.
“Shit, Em,” Quinn says. “Take a second, God. There’s no rush. You have, like, four hours to get to the airport.”
She sounds annoyed, but I don’t have time today to fight back. She’s helping me out, I remind myself. She’s doing me a favor.
Instead of responding, I focus on getting my shoes on and getting out the door without starting an argument with my little sister. I don’t care if she’s twenty-six. She’s still a baby to me.
“You know, if you’re going to spend that much money on a pair of shoes, they really should fit.”
“They’re Italian leather, Quinn. They must be broken in. That’s how real shoes are supposed to fit.”
I get the left shoe on and stand.
“Not that you would know,” I add under my breath.
I take my trench coat off the hook and slip my arms through the fabric, regretting my choice of everything this morning. I’m too hot, too uncomfortable, and I’m not looking forward to the next few hours. Days, maybe.
“Is that a poor joke, huh? Coming from the woman too cheap to pay me to watch her cat for over a week while she’s off gallivanting around?”
I re-tie the belt of my coat around my waist. I can see the rain and grey sky beyond the glass of my front door. It looks as if it could storm forever. Fall really has begun. I might be hot now, but maybe I should’ve packed more sweaters.
“It’s not a vacation. It’s a work trip. Not that you’d know anything about that, either. And I’m letting you house sit with a fully stocked kitchen and a guest room filled with your favorite beauty products. And I’m bringing you home a present.” I try to keep my teasing light-hearted, but even I can hear the bite to my voice.
I shake my head in my own disapproval. It’s not Quinn’s fault I’m so on edge. It’s not fair to take it out on her.
“Emerson Moore.” She crosses her arms against her chest and gives me the best mom-impression of disappointment I’ve ever seen. “Don’t talk to your only sister like that.”
I sigh. “I know. I know. I’m sorry.” I walk over and stand on my tiptoes to kiss her forehead. “I’m stressed. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
“Corporate America is a disease, you know? Yelling at your baby sister is just a symptom.”
“You remember that when you’re sneaking into my bathroom putting on my La Mer,” I say.
“Fair enough.” She shrugs.
“Ope.” My phone buzzes in my pocket, letting me know my Uber is here. “Gotta go. Love you.”
“I love you.” She wraps her arms around my shoulders, trapping me in a hug until I’m giggling and begging to be released. She kisses my head, then ruffles my hair.
“Ugh, get away.” I comb through the mess the best I can. It’s a strange sensation. My fingers slip through strands, no longer catching my ends on the raised edges of a diamond ring.
“Send me proof of life,” I say, shoving down the memories that surge. The rain pattering against my front door brings me back to that night. It’s like I’m standing on his doorstep again, my heart pounding in my chest, as my entire life falls apart beneath the weight of my own actions.
“I’m starting to think you love this cat more than you love me,” Quinn teases.
I wonder if she can see the sorrow in my eyes. I cough down the pit forming in my throat.
“Oh my god, Em. Tell me you love me more than that cat.”
“Proof of life. Or no presents.” I kiss her cheek, happy to feel her body lean into mine. Quinn is the only person left who’s not disappointed in me. “I love you. More than Steve. Don’t tell anyone, though.”
