It's Always Been You

chapter three

Chase

"I'm so glad you could join us Chase."

"Me too, thank you for taking me on board. My project in New York just ended so this came along at the perfect time."

"Well you came highly recommended."

I smile before taking a sip of my coffee, falling into a chat easily with Amanda, Claire and another couple of colleagues here.

We are waiting for a few more people to show before we can get started with this first meeting.

Well, I'm waiting for her to arrive.

I spoke to Lucas yesterday after my meeting to hire an interior designer, which to my surprise was none other than Riley Peterson.

Her ideas and designs for the space were so creative and thoughtful, I couldn't not agree with Amanda and Claire to hire her.

I'm sure by now Lucas will have told her I'm back in London, and that I will be working with her. He was thrilled I'm back. I'm happy to be back, with my friends, to my penthouse. I just wish that she would be happy to see me, but I know that's asking for a lot.

Lucas is happy I'm close to his little sister again, so I can keep an eye out for her and keep her safe. Little does he know what happened between us and that she might not even talk to me when she sees me again, but I guess that is something that I will have to deal with.

I spot the door opening to my right and exhale deeply when I see it's just a guy walking through. Why am I so nervous? My palms are fucking sweating as I rub them onto my thighs. It's just Luke's sister, I shouldn't be acting this way.

You know why.

Asif my thoughts have tempted her to appear, in walks the one person that has been on my mind since yesterday. Who am I kidding, when has this woman not been on my mind.

My heart pounds in my chest at how close she is. I can't help it when my eyes roam over her body. She confidently walks into the room looking more beautiful than I remember. Her brunette curls bouncing around her face with every step she takes. She shakes hands with a couple of guys that stop her to introduce themselves, I see the way that everyone is looking at her. Her smile wide and welcoming. Energy radiates off her body and I can't seem to peel my eyes away from watching her every move.

I can only hope she agrees to work with me and together we can create something amazing here. We would make an excellent team.

As if she can feel my presence and my gaze on her, her smile suddenly drops when our eyes connect. It feels like we haven't seen each other in forever. Well, it has been two years, that feels like forever to me. Three seconds must pass before she drops her gaze down and pulls out a seat at the end of the table to sit, no emotion evident on her face. I can't lie and say I didn't feel that small twinge in my chest at her reaction. 

I purse my lips letting a long breath blow through them, reaching down for my pen and notepad ready to take any notes. I sneak small glances at Riley as the meeting gets under way, but to my disappointment she never looks my way once.

After an hour of introductions and assigning jobs out to the correct people, Amanda calls me over.

"Chase, I'd like you to officially meet our interior designer. Riley, please come and meet our architect. He loved your work that you pitched to us."

I catch Riley's eyes widen with Amanda's confession. She excuses herself from the conversation she is having before heading our way.

"You two will be spending lots of time together on this project, I'm sure you will get along perfectly."