For the past week, I'd been overly excited to see Declan, ecstatic even. Today, however, was a different story. I dreaded it.The meeting with Declan was by 9am, so Miranda asked me to go right there and not bother going to the office first. That was just what I needed, because I didn't need to see her smug, evil face again telling me, do this Leah, do that Leah, follow Declan around Leah. I was sick of it.I pulled out a black pant suit, wanting to look cold and distant, a look Miranda perfected. I guess I was becoming her after all. The low bun suited my mood perfectly, and I'd decided to not wear any makeup.The cab ride to Declan's company was slow and long. I wished it was longer, but eventually, we slowed to a stop, and it was time for me to face him.I walked in like a lamb for slaughter, wondering how I'd approach him, speak to him, or even look at him. It was so hard, because the last time I saw him, things were so good and he would be expecting THAT Leah. Unfortunately, M

My alarm clock blared, jolting me out of my slumber. I groaned and rolled out of bed reluctantly. I couldn't help the feeling of dread that enveloped me at the thought of the day's events.Marcella had stayed up with me last night, trying to make me feel better. Unfortunately, her long speech expired the moment I opened my eyes.I got ready for work grudgingly. I picked out black jeans and a black knitted sweater, letting my true emotions shine through."Remember to smile today," Marcella called out to me as I walked out of the apartment.I arrived at the office still feeling grumpy and out of sorts. As I made my way to my desk, I spotted Mike standing idly by. I groaned internally; I couldn't deal with this right now.He looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Leah, feeling better?" he asked, trying to strike up a conversation."I'm fine, thanks," I replied, trying to brush him off subtly. I didn't want to talk to anyone, let alone him.From the corner of my eye, I could see Trac

I woke up the next day with a familiar feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. As hard as I tried to dismiss it, it didn't go away. It stayed with me for most of the day, especially when I arrived at the office.My heart almost beat out of my chest every time I saw Miranda, and I jumped anytime someone said my name, scaring off Tracy and Kevin in the process. Unfortunately, my anxiety wasn't enough to scare off Miranda and Mike.Going out with Declan was a tricky situation. He wanted to pick me up from the office, and I didn't want Miranda or anyone else to see him. So, I asked him to pick me up a few blocks away from the office.I stared at the clock impatiently, eager to be on my way. Declan would be here in an hour and my nerves were getting the best of me. My mind traveled to last night, reminding me of how I'd initiated the kiss. I didn't quite understand what it was about Declan that was just so alluring.He was the only man that made it impossible for me to resist him. Th

Declan Samuelson had a way of bringing out the best in me. I had been in an exceptional mood since our picnic date two days ago. I even smiled at Miranda when she gave me her signature death stare.He wasn't one to disappear on a girl after a date either. Declan had checked up on me periodically, calling, texting and even sending flowers. I wasn't sure I deserved him.I had temporarily forgotten about the story, but I had to be in Miranda's office soon for a full report, and I didn't have anything to give her.I got a sense of déjà vu every time I walked into Miranda's office, because it always went the same way. I'd sit down with a scowl on my face, give a report she didn't want, she'd yell at me and I'd leave with an even bigger scowl.Let's get this over with, I thought as I made my way to Miranda's office."Miranda?" Tracy mouthed when I passed her desk.I nodded, and she offered me a sympathetic smile.As always, Miranda had her eyes on her computer. So, I took a seat and w

*Declan*The night of the launch had finally arrived, and I couldn't say I was excited to share my designs with the world. The only thing I could look forward to was holding the beautiful Leah by my side tonight, but it seemed I would be waiting still. It was 5:28 pm and my date was nowhere to be found. Typical that Leah would be fashionably late. I guess nothing is more uninteresting than getting here early.I smiled at the thought. Here I was, wearing my finest tuxedo, waiting for this girl to arrive so I could walk into my own opening. All this and somehow, I wasn't mad. Rather, I was looking forward to seeing just how she planned to steal the show tonight.Crazy, I know, but that's just what seemed to happen around Leah Garcia.I did offer to pick her up, but she unceremoniously declined. Something about keeping things professional, since her boss would be here tonight. Little did she know that I had no intentions of keeping things professional.As I was lost in thought, I h