The tick-tock of the mini grandfather clock hanging over the electric fireplace reminds me to watch my time. It’s a cold Monday morning in March. I put on a little foundation, mascara, blush and lip gloss as I get ready for work. I want to look professional and confident. I use a hair clip to hold back the sides of my medium length brunette hair so it’s not hanging in my face. This is not my usual ponytail, and the half up half down look isn’t bad. Staring into the mirror I actually think I look pretty for a moment, which is not a regular thing either.
Today is the third meeting of the due diligence process for the merger of two banks. My firm is representing the smaller bank in this merger,Berkley’s. The plan is to meet my boss, Paul Anders, at the Paramount Hotel in Toronto’s midtown at 8:30 for a meeting with the lawyers from Laurier and Stone who are representing the larger bank, E&B Dominion. This is a big deal for me, having just been hired as Paul’s paralegal.
Pulling on an A-line, knee length, navy skirt, white blouse and a blazer I am getting closer to readiness. One quick look in the full-length mirror on the back of the door suggests the reflection staring back is that of a professional. This reminds me of what my mother used to say: “First impressions can be lasting impressions.”
Ready to go, I make my way down the stairs to exit my apartment. I step out onto the street to walk the two blocks to the train. I’ve forgotten my hat, but I am not going to turn back as the transit steps are in view. It’s rush hour, so there are lots of other commuters around me. The sound of the coming train causes the crowd and me to move a little faster. There are rows of people on the platform. Looking up at the clock it’s only 7:30. Even though I have to stop off at the office first to pick up some paperwork I have plenty of time, so I let the crowded train leave while I wait for the next one.
The train begins to pull out and I move closer to the front of the platform, not wanting to get stuck in the flurry of the crowd. As expected I’ll be standing, which I don’t mind since it’s only five stops. I run different scenarios of how the meeting may go through my mind. In no time my stop is announced. As I get closer to the office I see banners overhead advertising The French Royals, an exhibit that is coming in May to the museum. That might be interesting, I think to myself as I walk up two sets of wide steps.
As I had been a history major, I know the show would be right up my alley. Standing at the top of the steps, I look up at the gray sky wondering if the sun will come out today. I run inside and grab the files from Paul’s desk where we left them after our final review on Friday evening. I wave to Molly, the receptionist, as I leave.
Back on the street I pull my scarf tighter around my neck, wishing I had gone back for my hat. I see the Paramount ahead and walk towards one of the revolving doors of the hotel. Checking once more to make sure the files are all in my bag before I go in, I blindly take a step forward and hear a bang. My laptop bag has hit the corner of the revolving door, causing it to come to a sudden halt. I look up, startled, and realize there is a man stuck between the glass panels. I see him staring right at me. His piercing dark blue eyes are not happy. I immediately step back and apologize profusely, as he is now free to exit and hear me, “I’m so sorry, I hope you are okay! I should have been watching where I was going.”
The man, with the air of a prince, looks down at me and I realize how tall he is. His almost black hair is short and layered. He is impeccably dressed and has his coat draped over his arm. I want to tell him, “Its cold outside, put on your coat,” but I don’t. He has a majestic way of reprimanding me without any words, no smile or laugh at the incident, as most others might offer after my genuine apology.
Instead, I get a cool glare. I step aside so that the regal man can leave, and as he does I smile up at him. He stares down at me without any change in his expression. My gaze follows him as he walks down the hotel steps toward a sedan where a driver holds open his door. As he is about to step into the car, I catch him glancing back up at me. Our eyes meet for just a brief moment. I quickly avert mine and turn around to enter the building. I’d better move it or I’ll be late to meet Paul.
Solid Stone – Revolving Door Description:
Violet Cole, a recent university graduate, is rushing to her first important business meeting when she comes face-to-face with a man she finds captivating and intimidating. His penetrating gaze makes her heart pound and her legs tremble. Violet learns that the wealthy and alluring Adam Stone is renowned for his success in the high-powered corporate world. He now consumes all of Violet’s thoughts.
A self-admitted control freak, Adam becomes intrigued by Violet’s untapped beauty and fierce honesty. He is determined to possess all of her. They embark on a passionate odyssey that is exhilarating and tantalizing. As their relationship intensifies, Adam and Violet must confront serious contradictions between them. How far is Violet willing to go to keep their relationship alive? Long-kept secrets are exposed leading to a surprising and explosive climax.
“The Solid Stone series is highly arousing and totally engrossing. You will remember it forever and fantasize about it often.”
