by Maddie James
Her focus was on the hospitality market. She had managed successful campaigns for struggling hotel chains and restaurants, increasing their bottom line with a satisfying return on their investment. Her catchy slogans and inviting interactions with consumers started a buzz in the hotel industry. She knew how to connect with the consumer and do it in such a way they became a part of her marketing team.
This promotion. This raise. Together, they would help her reach a goal—total self-sufficiency and a lease on the brownstone apartment she’d had her eye on. It was small but it could be hers. And hers alone. Finally, a place of her own.
No sharing. No roommates.
Home. Hearth. Hers.
It was a long time coming.
Her cell phone, sitting beside the offer, rattled on Greg’s desk. She glanced and saw her brother’s name pop up. A niggle of concern swept through her. She had just spoken with him an hour ago, so she pushed the button to send the call to voice mail. Parker could wait a few minutes.
She sat up a little taller, straightened the lapels of her Donna Karan jacket, and looked Greg in the eyes. “The position is project director over social media marketing for Walton Waterfront Hotels, the company we just landed a seven-figure promotional contract with, and my duties are to not only oversee the marketing team but investigate and deliver an entire social media strategy within a larger marketing campaign, from email to Twitter and beyond.”
This was beyond her hopes. When they’d landed this contract, she had lobbied to be a part of the project but could only dream that they would trust her with its complete administration. “We are aiming very high-tech, and the goal is to engage the consumer at multiple levels. I will create the marketing plan and execute it and see that my team carries it out. My annual salary will raise by $30K, and if we produce a significant return on investment for Walton, an undisclosed five-figure bonus is mine at the end of the year.” She huffed out a quick breath and glanced again at her phone.
Voicemail message.
Something pinged in her gut.
She jerked back to look at Greg and nodded. “I accept. I definitely accept.”
Too eager? She hoped not.
Greg stood. She followed suit.
Smiling, he thrust out his hand. She took it and they shook.
“Deal?”
“Deal.”
Her phone kicked up another round of vibration.
Greg nodded toward it. “You better take that. Someone is persistent.”
“My brother.”
He arched a brow. “Really? I didn’t know you had a brother.”
“I have two.” Sort of. She snatched the phone off the desk. “I don’t see my family often. They are all in Montana. Better see what he wants.”
She turned toward the door, then paused and looked back. “Greg, there is a chance that I’ll have to run back home for a few days. Family thing. I hope it won’t interfere with the offer.” It was a question, more than a statement.
He grinned. “No problem. As long as you do come back. I expect you’ll need to meet with the Walton execs within a week.”
She squared herself and smiled. That was doable. “Oh, there’s not a chance in hell I won’t be back. I can’t wait to dig into this project.”
“Fabulous. Let Sam know your plans. I’m behind you.” Sam was her supervisor and could be crotchety at times. She was glad Greg had her back.
“Wonderful.” The phone buzzed in her palm. “I have to take this.”
“Check in later?”
“Of course!”
Rushing out of the office, she pushed the talk button. “Parker?”
“Callie. Goddammit. Don’t you ever answer that thing?”
She dismissed that, not liking the sound of his voice. Something queasy and unnerving shot up through her chest and took her breath. Halting, she stared out a window overlooking the Manhattan skyline. “How is Daddy?”
His hesitant sigh met her ears. “Not good, Callie. It’s time to come home.”
****
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ABOUT MADDIE JAMES
Maddie James writes to silence the people in her head—if only they wouldn’t all talk at once!
From flirty contemporary romance to darker erotic titles—often mixed with a dash of suspense or a hint of paranormal—James pens stories that frequently blend a variety of romantic sub-genres. The happily-ever-after, of course, is non-negotiable.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense.” Maddie is the award-winning author of over fifty titles of fiction—from short stories to novels—and a Top 100 Amazon Bestselling Author.
Learn more at http://www.maddiejames.net.
