Sage

53

When Harry and I left the radio station, the french toast we ate for breakfast was already beginning to wear off, making my stomach grumble and my mouth salivates at the thought of greasy fast food. There weren't many places I was familiar with eating on the northside, but I'm sure Harry could pick something that offered veggie burgers and cajun fries.

I heard a few cameras snap as Harry guided me through the building entrance, rubbing his thumb along the back of my hand as the heat rippled in the air around us. The city was at its busiest part of the day- lunch hour.

I'm grateful when we step into the building, and a gush of air conditioning eases the hot flashes that flared across my face and chest. Sweat darkened the armpit area of Harry's dress shirt, and his tensed forehead was damp as he greeted the front desk receptionist through a tired breath. While I could stand the heat, I learned that he absolutely despises it. It was one of the many things I'd picked up on during the few months we'd lived together.

I hold my hand under my belly, exhaling a deep breath and leaning my head into Harry's shoulder as we step inside the elevator. Although he's sweaty, he still reeks of his Creed Aventus cologne.

"You okay, sweets?" He asks, bringing his arm over my shoulder and running his hand up and down my arm before giving me a soft squeeze.

"I'm hungry," I admit, and he chuckles.

"We can get something to eat after I finish up; I don't have much to do. Just a few contracts."

The elevator door opens, and he slides his hand back into mine as we exit. Our conversation is put on hold when we begin walking down the narrow hallway. Harry greets some of his workers, making passing conversations about deadlines and meetings that need to be rescheduled. He'd gotten a few congratulations on his single release, but they were quickly shut down with business talk.

I noticed the way his voice was slightly more assertive than I'd grown used to. His features became pinched and severe, and his back straightened. A few months ago, I rolled my eyes at the sight. But now, it was kind of turning me on. Clearly, he commanded respect wherever he was, and now I'm starting to see why.

"I won't be long. Hayden should be up soon to bring me the contracts," Harry tells me as we enter his office. He immediately walks toward his desk and plops down in the chair. He clicks the mouse on his computer a few times to impatiently turn it on before tapping his password in.

"Who's Hayden?" I ask while walking toward the large windows that make up the left side of the wall. I pull the sheer curtains back and raise my brows at the breathtaking view he has. I can see the entire city from here.

"My assistant...you sure you don't wanna sit, baby?" He looks up from the screen, a wrinkle between his brows hidden behind the rim of his thick glasses.

"I'm fine; I think it'll be good to stand. What kind of fast food do you have near here?" I change the subject when my stomach growls once more.

"Buckie's, Super Boys, Bamba. Take your pick."

Before I can, the office door encounters a soft knock, making Harry and I snap our attention to it. I grin when I see Gale enter, his brows lifting at my sight as he holds up a stack of papers in one hand and a bouquet of lilac flowers and white roses.

"Ellie! My sweet girl! How've you been?" He greets me in his sharp accent, approaching me to wrap his arm around my shoulder in a quick hug. He tickles my belly softly, "Hey, little Bartholomew,"

"In the two days since I've seen you?" I chuckle at his enthusiastic greeting.

"Hey- you never know what could happen. Two days is a short time...enough to announce the release of a fucking single, " He raises his voice as his eyes widen at Harry, an enthusiastic smile taking over his face. He hands him the stack of papers I assume he collected from his assistant. "Congratu-fucking-lations, man!" he gives Harry the banquet of flowers, taking him by surprise. Before he can say anything, his high-pitched sneeze echoes off the walls.