Twisted Paths

by L. L. Collins

  I follow the young woman down a long hallway. This office is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and as an architect student, I’ve been in some pretty cool buildings. This company was well known for their modern design, but also for their energy efficient, green work sites and buildings. It’s my dream come true to just be here.

  “Right in here,” she says, leading me into a boardroom that overlooks the city. It’s a breathtaking view. I stand, losing myself in the daydream of working here to begin my career. I picture myself getting an apartment not far from work, enjoying the walk to work with the beautiful mountains as backdrop. Having grown up in Florida, this is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

  I hear the door open behind me, and I turn to see what must be Mr. Gibbons entering the room. He’s a mid 50’s man with salt and pepper hair and an air about him that makes him intimidating, but someone you want to know and be like.

  “Mr. McIntyre?” When I nod and reach my hand out for his, he clasps mine tightly. “I’m John Gibbons. Great to meet you. Your recommendations, field work, and track record are impressive. Please, let’s sit.”

  We sit across from each other at the huge table, and I instantly picture myself in this room, proposing a new multi-million dollar energy efficient building. “So, Carter,” he begins, flipping open the portfolio I’d sent him. “As you know, there are many people that want this internship, and I’m only taking one. While what I’ve seen is impressive to say the least, I want you to tell me why I should pick you for this over anyone else. What can you bring to GSJ Design Associates that will help us as we continue to strive to be number one in a very competitive market?”

  I’m just about to answer him, my speech all prepared, when the door swings open again and I lose all train of thought. Long waves of brown hair surround the most angelic face I’ve ever seen. Large blue eyes look widely at me, then at Mr. Gibbons. She could kill someone with the curves displayed in her tight pencil skirt and low cut blouse.

  I know I’m supposed to say something to prove to this man why I want this job, but my brain cells have disappeared. Mr. Gibbons looks over his shoulder at the woman who has made me stupid and grins. “Ah, thanks for coming in, Julia. Carter McIntyre, meet Julia Gibbons, my daughter. She’s the head of the internship program.”

  Julia smiles, and I almost groan. Straight white teeth gleam at me, her plush lips pulled back in a smile. One small dimple pushes in on her left cheek. Of course she’s his daughter. “Carter. Nice to meet you.” She reaches her hand out and clasps mine, and I swear I’ve just been shocked.

  I may want this internship even more than I wanted it before. And I also am very possibly in a whole lot of trouble.

  THE END OF THE TWISTED SERIES.

  COMING SOON, a spinoff standalone Back to the Drawing Board

  Twisted Paths (Twisted #2)

  Perfect Storm—Brad Paisley

  I Did With You—Lady Antebellum

  Roller Coaster—Luke Bryan

  Thinking out Loud—Ed Sheeran

  I’m Not the Only One—Sam Smith

  Say You Love Me—Jessie Ware

  Stay With Me—Sam Smith

  What We Ain’t Got—Jake Owen

  Satellite—Nickelback

  Look At You—Big & Rich

  The Heart Wants What It Wants—Selena Gomez

  Love Her Like She’s Leavin’—Brad Paisley

  We Found Love—Calvin Harris

  I Will Wait—Mumford & Sons

  Chasing Cars—Snow Patrol

  Make You Feel My Love—Adele

  My Everything—Ariana Grande

  The One That Got Away—Jake Owen

  Someone Else Calling You Baby—Luke Bryan

  A Modern Day Prodigal Son—Brantley Gilbert

  Rewind—Rascal Flatts

  Still Fallin—Hunter Hayes

  I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife)—Ben Rue

  Jack Daniels and Jesus—Chase Rice

  Beach Town—Chase Rice

  My Wish—Rascal Flatts

  Nothing Like This—Rascal Flatts

  Let It Go—Gavin DeGraw

  Fire—Ben Rue

  I Remember—Ben Rue

  Photograph—Ed Sheeran

  Goodbye—Chris Young

  Thank you to everyone who has made the last year and a half an amazing journey. Whether you’re a fellow author, blogger, reader, in real life friend, family, or just a support to me in helping make this dream come true, thank you for everything. I’m nothing without those that love and support me. I hope you enjoyed Book #7, the final installment in the Twisted Series. This series was very emotional for me to write and though it is entirely fictional, I just felt that it was very relatable to many situations.

  If you enjoyed the book, please consider leaving a review at your point of purchase. It helps more than you know. Help support indie authors and if you loved it, tell a friend or two. It’s more appreciated than we can express. Support getting new books to choose from and purchase your books, don’t get them for free from a piracy site.

  Be on the lookout for Back to the Drawing Board, a spin off novel about Carter and the path his life takes him on.

  Coming soon to all retailers.