CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

“Coming into work on a Sunday afternoon is one more sign I need to get a life.”

Keys in hand, Marley Patterson entered RMF Architecture and Design. Fred Carlisle, a founding partner, had asked her to meet him there on her way to her parents’ house for their weekly family dinner. So here she was. Yawning, because Fred’s call had woken her up from a nap.

“Though sleeping the day away in my apartment isn’t much better than being at the office on the weekend.”

Way to go. Talking to myself. Someone besides my sister and brothers will think I’m crazy.

But she needed to do more than work, sleep and occasionally date.

With a flick of a switch, lights illuminated the office. The taupe color scheme appealed to business clients, but the flashes of teal accents drew in homeowners and more artsy types. In order to foster an open environment of community and teamwork, no cubicle walls were allowed. A desk and a drafting table defined each working space. The only offices belonged to the partners, financial staff, and HR department.

Making partner was her goal. Her dream. Her everything.

She’d been striving for that since she graduated college, completed the mandatory internship program, and passed the state’s architect registration examination. Each design gave her additional experience and brought her one step closer. Her family expected her to succeed and to do great things given her grades and test scores were the highest among her siblings. She wouldn’t let them down.

Marley only needed more projects that would bring the necessary visibility, but she could do it. Several women worked at the firm, so someone breaking the glass ceiling was only a matter of time. She would love to be the first female partner.

As Marley placed her keys and purse on her desk and then sat, footsteps sounded.

“Hope you’re enjoying the weekend, Patterson.” Fred wore shorts, a turquoise-striped polo shirt, and tennis shoes. For a guy in his early fifties, he looked younger. He’d never been in the military, but his father had and it had rubbed off on Fred, who wore a buzz cut and called everyone by their surnames. “Thanks for meeting me on such short notice.”

“Not a problem.” Even if she’d been distracted during her drive here and nearly missed a left turn because of worrying over the reason for the meeting. Clients praised her work, so she didn’t think she was in trouble. “So what’s up?”

There. She’d taken control. Well, as much as she could with an unknown situation.

Fred’s grin deepened the laugh lines around his mouth. “You’re a hard worker. Always willing to do extra for RMF.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve been putting in long hours.”

Marley was dating but only casually—since she hadn’t met anyone she wanted to go out with more than twice—so she had the extra time to work. “Just doing what needs to be done.”

“Happy to hear that. Because we need more from you.”

“Okay.” Except it wasn’t. Marley balled her hands. She hated not knowing what he was talking about. That kind of uncertainty, what she’d been feeling since Fred’s phone call earlier today, made her jittery. She flexed her fingers. “Am I being assigned to a new project?”

Fred nodded. “Golden resigned. He’s accepted a position with Curb Appeal.”

Her mouth dropped open. Rhett Golden, a lead architect on partner track, defected to their biggest competitor? RMF was Charleston-based, while Curb Appeal Designs and Engineering had offices across the US and abroad, but the bitter rivalry was well known in local business circles. Shrewd clients often played the two firms off each other. But Rhett leaving...

“I’m shocked.” She forced the words from her tight throat. Rhett was as much a part of RMF as the three founding partners. He’d trained her. They’d worked together on projects. The guy talked about RMF as if he were a lifer. She hadn’t seen him around the office lately, but that was nothing new given the number of projects he worked on. “Rhett quitting makes zero sense.”

“We feel the same way, but the move was...a monetary one.”

Wait, what?

Rhett talked about being debt-free after paying off his college loans and mortgage. He’d mentioned saving money for his kids’ college funds and retirement. He didn’t seem the type to leave a stable and enjoyable position for a larger salary.

“I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Rhett’s not the first to jump ship, but we hope he’ll be the last.” Fred leaned against her desk. “His departure, however, leaves a gap. One we want you to fill.”

Anticipation shot through Marley’s body to her fingertips. She’d been itching for more responsibility to help her get closer to her goal. “I’m ready.”

“Excellent, because tomorrow morning is the kick-off meeting for one of Rhett’s projects. That’s why I wanted to speak with you today. We need you to take over.”

Marley was known for being practical and cautious. She’d learned spontaneity and risk-taking could lead to disappointment and heartbreak. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d squealed or acted rashly, but she was wiggling her toes like crazy now.

Clasping her hands on her lap, she inhaled deeply. “I’m happy to do that.”

Her dad had told her hard work would pay off. It finally was. She couldn’t wait to tell her family about this over dinner.

“You’ll want to tour the site since you haven’t seen it before,” Fred said.

“I’ll be sure to dress appropriately.” An above-the-knee skirt, short-sleeved blouse, and low-heeled pumps should do for a client meeting. Since it was June, a matching jacket wasn’t required due to the heat and humidity. She would make sure to have an extra pair of shoes with her so she could explore the lot.

Somewhere in the office, a phone rang.

That seemed weird for a Sunday.

“There’s one more thing we need to discuss.” Fred’s tone matched the serious gleam in his eyes.

“About the project?”

Fred nodded. “Von Ryan is the contractor.”

Von.

Her pulse spurted, and her palms sweated. His name hadn’t been mentioned in months, but she’d been thinking about him, remembering his devastation the last time they’d spoken. Her breaking up with him two weeks after saying no to his marriage proposal had caught him off-guard. She’d never meant to hurt or embarrass him, but she had.

Badly.

Still, she stood by her decision because his over-the-top flash mob proposal in front of her family and his, complete with a camera crew, showed her Von didn’t know her at all. Not the way a man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her should.

“If working with him will be an issue, I’ll find someone else to take over the project,” Fred said.

“It isn’t an issue for me.” A touch of emotion laced each word. She fought the urge to sigh. She couldn’t allow any personal feelings to come into this. “I haven’t spoken to Von in almost seven months, but he’s as professional as they come. One of the best contractors in the state.” She’d met him working on a project over a year ago, and they’d started dating. “I have no problem working with Von. I, however, can’t speak for

him

.”

Rumor had it that Von’s construction company hadn’t bid on any projects within the Charleston city limits. Had he been trying to avoid her?

Marley hoped not. She only wanted what was best for him. She wasn’t it. They were too different. Opposites, really. Even if she had yet to meet a man who treated her as well as Von had.

Fred’s posture relaxed. “If you’re okay working with Ryan, I’m sure he is, too, but I wanted to leave the choice up to you.”

“I appreciate that.” No one from the firm had known she’d been dating Von because she kept her business life separate from her private one. Her coworkers had only found out when the proposal video went viral. “What do I need to know about the project?”

“It’s a high-end remodel. Rhett’s plans are on his drafting table. They’re still waiting for approval from the county, but that should happen any day.”

“Sounds easy enough.”

Fred nodded. “You may need to be on site more with this one. Randall Starling is the homeowner. We need this project to go smoothly.”

Randall Starling was a local, successful businessman with the Midas touch. “Is this a pet project of his?”

“His new vacation home, but bids are due in August for a multimillion-dollar commercial project. RMF wants that contract. It’s our top priority this summer. You need to show Starling we’re the only firm he should consider.”

She assumed Curb Appeal would bid, too. Did having Rhett on their staff give them an advantage, since he’d created the plans for Mr. Starling’s vacation house? That might make her job harder.

Her confidence wavered, but she kept a smile on her face. “I’ll do my best.”

“We have faith in you,” Fred stated.

She hoped so. “Where is the project located?”

“Indigo Bay.”

Where Von lived. “Close to Charleston.”

“It’s not that far, but if you have early meetings, go ahead and expense a room and meals, so you don’t get caught in traffic and show up late.”

Marley straightened. “I will.”

She’d never been offered that kind of compensation. Granted, her projects had been in Charleston, but the offer told her how important the upcoming Starling commercial project must be to the firm. If she succeeded, she might find herself on partner track sooner than expected.

Fred glanced at his phone. “Review the blueprints tonight. If you have questions, see Ron or Todd before you head to Indigo Bay in the morning.”

The other two partners. She’d had fewer interactions with them since they focused on the commercial side of the business. “Got it.”

“The meeting starts at nine at the house. Leave enough travel time so you’re not late. Starling is a stickler for punctuality. That’s all I have for you.” Fred straightened. “Good luck, Patterson.”

As he made a beeline for the lobby, she headed to Rhett’s drafting table. “Let’s see what you left me, Golden.”

Then she was going to stop by the store to buy champagne on the way to her parents’ house. This was worth celebrating.

Even if it meant seeing Von again, and all the trouble that might bring.