Blindsided - Chapter 14

Erica yawned and rubbed her eyes before going back to typing out an email. It was three o’clock in the afternoon, and the office building was buzzing with activity, but she could barely keep her eyes open. She wasn’t sure she’d make it to six.

Thanks to Hudson, she hadn’t gotten much sleep and had considered taking a personal day, but there had been too many meetings today. Rescheduling would’ve been a nightmare.

She stopped typing and held her left hand out in front of her. The gorgeous engagement ring shimmered under the overhead lights, and a wave of giddiness hurtled through her body.

Erica couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across her face. For much of the day she kept looking at the jewelry, wondering how long it would take to get used to wearing a ring again. Even though she’d had a feeling Hudson would one day pop the question, this morning she had been caught off guard.

Yet, saying yes came easier than she’d thought it would. After the scare of him being taken to the hospital, she knew then that she didn’t want to waste time on the what-ifs. What if he got hurt? What if he was killed like Kevin?

No. Going forward, she’d focus on appreciating every day they had together.

With one last look, she went back to typing, only to stop seconds later when a knock sounded on her open office door.

“Oh, hey, Allison. Come in. Great job on the presentation this afternoon. You and the team made me proud, and the client loves the new ideas.”

A wide grin spread across the woman’s face as she approached the desk. “I’m glad. I was wondering if you’d heard anything from them. Oh, and here’s some coffee.” She handed one of the two cups in her hand to Erica, and then sipped from the other.

Erica took a careful sip of the steaming brew and moaned. “God, this is right on time, and it’s just the way I like—strong. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“And, yes, Theresa called shortly after she returned to her office, saying that they were pleased with what you guys came up with.” The client was one of their most difficult but one who had been with them for years. “Also, I’m glad you stopped in here. Are you able to create some mock-ups for the New Start lipstick campaign? I know you’re trying to finish up other projects before you head back to New York, but I’d like for you to focus solely on that one if you have to choose. Anything you don’t wrap up, we’ll hand off to someone else.”

“That won’t be a problem, and Edward has been helping with the other two projects,” she said of the assistant manager. “I should have all of my assignments done before the end of the week.”

“That would be fabulous. We’re going to miss you,” Erica said, and meaning every word. No matter the reservations she’d had about Allison personally, no one could deny her talent and work ethic.

Erica yawned again and quickly covered her mouth. “Excuse me. I didn’t get much sleep and can’t seem to stop yawning.”

Allison gasped. “That’s an…engagement ring?” she snapped, a frown on her face before the expression disappeared. She schooled her features so quickly, Erica wondered if she had imagined the displeasure. “Congratulations! When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell everyone? Or did you, and I just didn’t—”

“Stop,” Erica said, laughing. “It just happened this morning, and I haven’t broadcasted it.” She still had to tell Connie, but had wanted Nakia to be the first person to know. The Girl Scout troop was scheduled to return later that day, and Erica couldn’t wait to see her daughter and share the good news.

“So I assume it’s the huge guy who brought you lunch a few weeks ago,” Allison said.

“Yep, that’s him. I wish I would’ve known you were around. I would’ve introduced you to Hudson.”

Allison gave a slight shrug. “No worries. Lucky guy. I hope you two have an amazing life together.” Her words seemed a little forced, but Erica was too happy to care.