Read Online Ace's Key: Book 1 by Abbie St. Claire - Free Book Online Page A

smiling warmly.
    “Let me be the first to congratulate you as our new Vice
President of Marketing.”
    “Thank you, but I don’t understand.”
    “Ms. Kennedy, when a VP sends me documentation and isn’t even
intelligent enough to remove your information from the files, I don’t need that
person around. I consider that theft and insulting, quite frankly. We’ve known
for some time that Mr. Wicker wasn’t performing and he was difficult to work
with. Welcome to your new position. You’ll find your new comp plan in your
inbox. Emily will report to you and can get you anything you need, and we’ll
update your email, seeing as how Mr. Wicker hacked it as well.” He slipped from
the desk, extended his hand, and when I took it, he winked before exiting the
room.
    I covered my mouth with my hand and sat in a daze of
astonishment. I knew Jim was a ball-buster and a pain, but I never considered
he would be fired, especially for stealing my work. If I’d known giving him my
laptop would accelerate his demise…I’d for certain have done it sooner.
    “Congratulations, Mia,” Emily said behind me. When I turned to
her, she wore the most beautiful smile.
    “Did you know about this?” I asked, approaching her for an
embrace.
    “Yes, but I was sworn to secrecy. They’re hanging your door
plaque today, and I’ve got your list of meetings and appointments for next
week.”
    “Is there anything specific for today?”
    “Champagne in the conference room. Let’s go.”
    We walked arm-in-arm to join the rest of the marketing team in
the conference room all ready to celebrate with mimosas and a brunch buffet.
    For one simple moment, I forgot about Lucas…
    * * *
    “You what?” Claire squealed into the phone.
    “I got Jim’s job. They fired him over the holidays.”
    “We have to celebrate and you know just the place.”
    Shit. I should’ve anticipated she’d want to celebrate at
Bluestone. I’d looked at my phone several times throughout the day, hoping for
a message from him, but only encountered disappointment.
    “Yes, we’ll celebrate at my place. I’ll call Ashley.”
    “Mia?”
    “Claire?”
    “Everything was great last night. What happened? Why are you
shutting him down again? Are you nuts? He’s in to you.”
    “One question at a time. Yes, it was great. He slipped out in
the night without a word. I can’t do the ‘fuck-buddy’ thing, and no, I’m not
nuts.”
    “Without a word, huh?”
    “Yup.”
    On the way home from work, I stopped at the liquor store and
bought liquid encouragement. While I was changing clothes, I heard the chime of
a cell phone. I studied mine, but it wasn’t the one making the noise. After a
bit of searching, I found Ace’s phone between my nightstand and my mattress.
    Damn, I would have to return to Bluestone…like it or not.

 
     
     
    Chapter Thirteen
     
     
    Ace
     
    I listened to her soft, rhythmic breaths and welcomed holding
her in my arms as she slept. I saw her face in the soft glow of light filtering
through the small crack of her window covering. Studying her, I wanted to know
what her dreams consisted of, curious if they included me.
    I found myself treading emotionally deep water. For the first
time since Niccola’s death, I considered what it would be like to be in a
relationship again. Something more substantial than sex. Something… No.
    Internally, I fought that thought process and needed to find
something that would clear my mind.
    Slipping from her bed, I quickly dressed and, for a moment,
considered slipping away, but I felt the pains of guilt flood me like a giant
river overtaking its banks. Mia deserved something more, something real.
Something I couldn’t give her. Spending time with me kept her from finding her
true life, but I was a selfish bastard and couldn’t let go of her.
    Breakfast came to mind. It was only four-thirty, but I decided
to slip to the bar, start the bread for the afternoon crowd, and slip over to
Eatzi’s in time to