The lost fleet victoriou.., p.13
The Run In, page 13
The Run In
Copyright © 2017/2023 by Kelly Elliott
Cover Design by: Y’all. That Graphic
Interior Design & Formatting by: Elaine York, Allusion Publishing
Proofing Editor: Erin Quinn-Kong
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
For more information on Kelly and her books, please visit her website www.kellyelliottauthor.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
* * *
Other Books by Kelly Elliott
Chapter One – Saylor
Chapter Two – Mason
Chapter Three – Saylor
Chapter Four – Mason
Chapter Five – Saylor
Chapter Six – Mason
Chapter Seven – Saylor
Chapter Eight – Mason
Chapter Nine – Saylor
Chapter Ten – Mason
Chapter Twelve – Saylor
Chapter Thirteen – Mason
Chapter Fourteen – Saylor
Chapter Fifteen – Mason
Chapter Sixteen – Saylor
Chapter Seventeen – Mason
Chapter Eighteen – Saylor
Chapter Nineteen – Mason
OTHER BOOKS BY KELLY ELLIOTT
COMING SOON
Love in Montana (Meet Me in Montana Spin Off)
Fearless Enough
Cherished Enough June 6, 2023
Brave Enough – August 29, 2023
Daring Enough - November 21, 2023
Loved Enough - February 6, 2024
Forever Enough - April 30, 2024
Enchanted Enough - July 23, 2024
Perfect Enough - October 15, 2024
Devoted Enough - January 7, 2025
Holidaze in Salem
A Bit of Hocus Pocus
A Bit of Holly Jolly
A Bit of Wee Luck
A Bit of Razzle Dazzle – Summer 2023
The Seaside Chronicles
Returning Home
Part of Me
Lost to You
Someone to Love
*Series available on audiobook
Stand Alones
The Journey Home*
Who We Were*
The Playbook*
Made for You*
The Run In (Novella)
*Available on audiobook
Boggy Creek Valley Series
The Butterfly Effect*
Playing with Words*
She’s the One*
Surrender to Me*
Hearts in Motion*
Looking for You*
Surprise Novella TBD
*Available on audiobook
Meet Me in Montana Series
Never Enough
Always Enough
Good Enough
Strong Enough
*Series available on audiobook
Southern Bride Series
Love at First Sight
Delicate Promises
Divided Interests
Lucky in Love
Feels Like Home
Take Me Away
Fool for You
Fated Hearts
*Series vailable on audiobook
Cowboys and Angels Series
Lost Love
Love Profound
Tempting Love
Love Again
Blind Love
This Love
Reckless Love
*Series available on audiobook
Boston Love Series
Searching for Harmony (New Edition Coming 2023)
Fighting for Love (New Edition Coming 2023)
*Series available on audiobook
Austin Singles Series
Seduce Me
Entice Me
Adore Me
*Series available on audiobook
Wanted Series
Wanted*
Saved*
Faithful*
Believe
Cherished*
A Forever Love*
The Wanted Short Stories
All They Wanted
*Available on audiobook
Love Wanted in Texas Series
Spin-off series to the WANTED Series
Without You
Saving You
Holding You
Finding You
Chasing You
Loving You
Entire series available on audiobook
*Please note Loving You combines the last book of the Broken and Love Wanted in Texas series.
Broken Series
Broken*
Broken Dreams*
Broken Promises*
Broken Love
*Available on audiobook
The Journey of Love Series
Unconditional Love
Undeniable Love
Unforgettable Love
*Entire series available on audiobook
With Me Series
Stay With Me
Only With Me
*Series available on audiobook
Speed Series
Ignite
Adrenaline
*Series available on audiobook
COLLABORATIONS
Predestined Hearts (co-written with Kristin Mayer)*
Play Me (co-written with Kristin Mayer)*
Dangerous Temptations (co-written with Kristin Mayer*
*Available on audiobook
CHAPTER ONE
* * *
Saylor
I HEARD THE loud honk of a horn and someone yelling out “Asshole!”, and I looked up from my phone. In that moment, I wished I had followed my own advice about going to Maxwell and Locke a few days earlier so I wouldn’t end up getting lost.
As here I was on my first day.
Lost.
Where in the hell am I?
“Siri, if you don’t tell me where in the hell I am I’m going to throw you!”
“Who, me?” she replied to my threat.
Pulling up my contacts, I dialed the number of my old college friend who currently worked as the accounting manager for Maxwell and Locke. She was the one who originally told me about the job, that they were looking to bring on younger, fresher people to help bring the company into modern times.
“First day jitters?” Mary asked as she answered.
“No. Yes. Hell, I don’t know. I’m lost, and I have ten minutes to get to my meeting with Mason Quinn.”
“Mmm. Mason-hot-as-hell-Quinn.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mary, focus, please. I’m standing in front of Louis Vuitton, and I’m seriously considering going in and spending a large amount of money to combat my anxiety.”
She laughed. “Walk to the corner of fifth and east fifty-seventh street.”
“Okay.”
“Turn left and keep walking down. We’re the large black building on your right.”
“Thank Jesus! I see!” I hit ‘End’ and kept walking. I’d make up for hanging up on her later tonight.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that I had five minutes left. There was no way I was running. First off, I had my favorite pair of heels on, and these black Stuart Weitzman pumps were not made for running. And I had my favorite drink from Starbucks in my hand. A girl had to prioritize, after all.
Weaving in and out of people, I crossed the street and made my way into the building.
Shit. Where are the elevators? Why didn’t I stake all of this out a few days ago? Damn it!
An older gentleman was walking by, and I put on my best smile and asked, “Excuse me, could you point me to the elevators?”
He glared at me like I’d just committed a crime by speaking to him. He pointed, huffed, then rushed out the door.
“Thank you!” I called out after him with a smile on my face, knowing that would annoy the jackass even more.
Adjusting my bag and purse over my shoulder, I turned and headed in the direction he’d pointed, only to find a cute little restaurant.
Ugh! Asshole!
Whirling around, I took a right and then decided to head the other way. The elevators had to be toward the middle of the lobby. I could go left or right—but which way?
“Shit, why is this stressing me out?” I whispered.
Left. No right. No left.
I went right and immediately smacked into someone.
“Motherfucker!” he cried out as I drenched him in my precious soy chai latte.
“Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you!”
“No fucking shit, you didn’t see me!”
Ahh, the people of New York City.
Reaching into my bag, I grabbed a few napkins and attempted to wipe the drink off his expensive-as-hell-looking suit.
“Did you not look where you were going?” he asked in an angry tone.
Not looking up at him, I replied, “Well, were you looking where you were going, asshole?”
When in Rome, right?
He grabbed my wrist, and I gasped at the electric shock that ran through my body. I jerked my eyes up at him and opened my mouth to demand that he let me go, when I stopped.
Holy. Shi t.
The guy standing in front of me was hella good-looking. No. He was more than good-looking. Could someone be beyond good-looking? Handsome wasn’t the right word; he was beyond that too. His warm honey eyes were staring into my hazel ones, and for a moment, it looked like he was just as stunned as I was.
No. No, I knew that look. He was pissed. There was no way a guy that freaking hot would ever look at me with such intensity in his eyes. I was nothing special. My blonde hair was pulled up, and I had decided to go light on my make-up today. Mascara, a light coat of powder, and a hint of blush were all that graced my face.
Yet, he was staring at me with a look I’d never seen before. Then he furrowed his brows.
Oh yeah. He’s pissed.
“Did you just call me an asshole?”
Ugh. He was one of those guys. God forbid a woman speak her mind.
I returned his stare and focused on making my voice strong and clear. “I did, and if you don’t let go of me, my knee’s going to be connecting with your dick in less than five seconds.”
He slowly tilted his head to the side, and the corners of his mouth rose into the sexiest smile I’d ever seen on a man.
My knees wobbled. They freaking wobbled. I thought that only happened in books.
Oddly, when he let go, I missed the warmth of his hand.
“I’m sorry about your suit. I’ll pay to have it cleaned.”
He laughed. “You couldn’t afford it.”
Gag me, I thought. Then I chastised myself for internally saying gag me.
I grinned. “Try me, Mr. Fancy Pants.”
He chuckled and somehow managed to flash me a go to hell look while keeping that sexy smile on his face. How was that even possible?
Dickwad.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I’m late for a meeting.” His voice was dripping with anger.
Squaring my shoulders, I reached into my purse and pulled out one of my old business cards. Thank goodness I still had them on me.
Handing him my card, I sighed. “Listen, I’m very capable of paying to have your damn overpriced suit cleaned. My cell is listed on there. I’m new to the city, but I can meet you at your dry cleaners or whatever. Now if you’ll excuse me, asshat, I’m late for a meeting.”
Turning on my heels, I made my way to the elevator that was now in plain sight. Stupid black doors blended into the damn walls. Who does that? Oh, right, I was in New York City. Apparently they did.
When I pushed the button, asshat was standing next to me, staring at my card. I took a chance and peeked up at him again. He might have been a jerk, but he was a damn good-looking jerk. I was a woman after all. It was my duty to look. And to wipe away the small amount of drool pooling at the corner of my mouth.
I lifted my hand and checked to make sure I wasn’t actually drooling.
He glanced over at me, and I shot my eyes forward. The doors opened and we both went to opposite sides of the elevator. We were the only two people on it as the door closed, and we both pushed the button for the same floor. Forty-One.
I snapped my head towards him, but he just stood there, stone cold. If I didn’t know any better, I would swear he was holding back a smirk.
“Are you following me?”
He laughed as he glared at me. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Ouch. That hurt more than I wanted to admit.
I could see the instant regret in his eyes.
I huffed and stared straight ahead.
“Jerk,” I mumbled.
He leaned in closer and asked, “What was that?”
Forcing a fake smile, I replied, “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
“First you spill your hot coffee on me…”
Turning to face him, I said, “Tea. It was tea. I don’t drink coffee.”
He smiled slightly. “Whatever the fuck it was, it was hot.”
I grinned, and his brows drew together.
“Then you called me an asshat, threatened to knee my balls, and now you’re calling me a jerk?”
With a tilt of my head, I let my eyes roam slowly over his body before looking back into those dreamy-as-fuck eyes.
“I do believe I called you an asshole first, then an asshat, then a jerk.” With a shrug, I added, “If the shoe fits.”
His eyes turned dark, and I took a step away from him. The way he was looking at me had my heart speeding up and my stomach dropping. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the guy wanted to kiss me.
But then I laughed internally. He had already made the point that he would never be interested. Drawing my eyebrows together, I glared at him.
The elevator doors opened, and I rushed out, leaving him behind me. I suddenly desperately needed air. I had been holding my own with the guy until he’d looked at me like that. I couldn’t tell if it was pure hate or something else entirely. What that something was, I had no clue.
Seeing the receptionist in front of me, I glanced at my watch.
Shit. I’m ten minutes late.
I walked over to her quickly and plastered on a fake smile as she looked up at me.
“Hello, I’m so sorry I’m late. Saylor Night. It’s my first day, and I have a meeting with Mason Quinn.”
She smiled big. “Hi there. Let me tell him know you’re here and—” she paused as she looked over my shoulder. “Oh, good morning Mister—”
“I don’t want to be disturbed.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I saw the asshat walk past.
What. A. Dick.
When I turned back to the receptionist, she had a concerned look on her face. She focused on me and smiled. “He’s not normally like that. I, um, I’m not sure what happened, but he seems pretty mad.”
I rolled my eyes. “He’ll get over it.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Um, yes. Well, let me go ahead and show you where your office is Ms. Night. You’ll be in the office next to Mr. Quinn.”
Oh great. That meant the boss would be watching my every move. He was probably older and thought woman had no place in the office. He’d probably be threatened by the fact that I’d held his position at Smith and Smith before I decided a needed a less stressful job. All of the men under me hated that I was their boss. It was one of the reasons I’d been ready to leave Smith and Smith marketing. Well, a small reason. The main reason I’d left Seattle was my overly-possessive ex who couldn’t seem to accept that we were no longer together. When he’d started acting crazy I knew it was time to leave.
“My name is Lynn,” the woman behind the desk said, “and I’m the receptionist for all of the product managers and the research analysts.”
I nodded. “Oh, I’m sorry I thought you were Mr. Quinn’s assistant.”
She smiled. “Well, I’m the first line of defense. Ashley is actually his receptionist. I’ll introduce you to her since she’ll be working closer to you. But, if you need anything, I’m your receptionist, not Ashley. She’s dedicated to Mr. Quinn only.”
Leaning in closer to me, Lynn whispered, “Everyone in the office thinks they’re having an affair, but don’t let the rumors get to you. Ashley’s super sweet.”
I snarled my lip. “Is he one of those?”
Lynn laughed. “Wait until you meet him.”
“Speaking of, I’m actually late for my meeting with him.”
Waving me off, she said, “He’s running late this morning, so don’t worry. He doesn’t even have to know you were late.”
I gave her a warm smile. I liked Lynn, and I could totally see us becoming friends. I’d have to ask Mary what she knew about Lynn and Ashley.
Lynn led me down the hall and opened a door. “This is your office.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. It’s stunning.”
She giggled behind me. “Yeah, it’s one of the bigger offices.”
Turning to face her, I asked, “Why do I get it?”
With a shrug, she replied, “Mr. Quinn said he wanted his marketing research analyst closer to him. Next to you is another analyst and on the other side of him is one of the product managers. You’ve got the most experience, so I’m guessing that’s why he wants you close by.”
I nodded as I set my purse and computer bag on top of a dark mahogany desk. My old office back at Smith and Smith was half this size and didn’t have a single window. It was dark and dreary—not like this.
“I better take you to meet Ashley,” Lynn said.
