The Guy Next Door

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Pushing away from the desk I swerved my head around the round table, like clones the six lawyers nodded in unison signaling that this contract deal was official. Glancing down at Carrie I watched her scribble her name in a loopy cursive that only a writer could master. Dropping the smooth pen, she flashed me a grin and jumped to her feet.

"Congratulations Carrie and welcome to Weller's Publishing." I beamed and stretched my hand out for her to shake

Squealing excitedly, she pushed my hand aside and launched her small figure at me. Mildly surprised, I wrapped my arms around her petite figure as she bounced in my arms like a pin ball.

To my shock Carrie arrived at my office at eight thirty sharp with a list of demands, the company lawyers weren't too pleased with her preparation. The old croons actually glared at the blonde when she slid the paper across the desk, with a determined glint in her eye and I couldn't have been prouder. Strong through the ninety-five minute meeting, Carrie showed true grit -and stubbornness the lawyers didn't appreciate- and proved that she truly was Wes's sister. Her demand when she first stepped into the room was that I am to be the only editor to work with her, no replacements or inference from any other editor for the two year contract she just signed. I stood by dumbfounded when Carrie refused to back down from that first demand, reluctantly the lawyers agreed and began typing the conditions and terms down with a firm scowl.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity." she gushed, pulling an arms length away I knew she wasn't just spewing out crap just because I technically am her boss now. Her navy blue eyes shimmered with appreciation that could neither be faked or concealed. "I don't know how to repay you."

Waving her off, I spotted the dusty, crony lawyers exiting now that the job was down and the contract was sealed tighter than a nun's legs. "Don't thank me, it's your talent that got you this deal and I expect more amazing work from you."

She nodded, her golden hair bouncing "Of course, I've already began rewriting the story you read."

"Send me the finished chapters to edit when you can and if you have any ideas for a cover send them my way, if all goes to plan you should have your first novel published by July."

Her eyes widened "Seriously?!"

I nodded, watching her eyes shrinking back to their normal size "Summer is the best time to launch a steamy novel like yours."

She ran a shaky hand through her hair as the corners of her mouth stretched into a full, megawatt smile "I never imagined it would go so fast." she mumbled with a shake of her head

"Relax Carrie." Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder I flashed her a reassuring smile "I'll help you through these next few months, you've still got my number right?"

She nodded, her hair bouncing off her shoulders reminding me of a child's.

"Whatever you need, whenever you need it just call me, okay?"

Again she nodded "Thank you."

Collecting the copy of the contract I had to send to Henry, another talented writer signed up would definitely please the elder man -especially when he hears about Carrie's stubbornness. Following my lead, she collected her own papers and started out of the conference room.

"So you're going to work now?" I asked, hoping not to come off too clingy as I not so unnoticeably asked about Wes.

Stuffing the papers into the boho styled bag she nodded, her gaze set downwards much to my relief "Yeah, Dominic is holding down the fort while I'm here."