Chapter 3: Trapped by a Paycheck

I slammed the $120 Uber receipt down on Mr. Ellison’s desk, my jaw clenched tight.

He squinted at the slip, then at me: “What’s this? You think I don’t know she lives in Maplewood Estates?”

“…Long story,” I muttered, feeling my face flush.

But Mr. Ellison just signed off, grinning like he’d won the lottery.

“I think Autumn Ramirez likes you. Win her over! Her company’s loaded—if she gives us a slice, we’ll have a banner year.”

Truth was, our company wasn’t huge. We took on the jobs big firms didn’t want, and did outsourcing for the ones that did.

No way—Autumn hated me. Why would I throw myself to the wolves?

“Boss, I can’t do this job.”

If you want the business, keep me far away from her. I bit back the rest.

“Already giving up? I’m not asking you to hook up with her—just keep up with her business, stay in touch. If you two hit it off, you’re both single. What’s the harm?”

“Your dad was my mentor, I’ve gotta look out for you.”

I sighed, heart heavy. No personal feelings—just a mountain of bad blood.

Mr. Ellison eyed me, thinking I was angling for a raise: “What, want to see the money first?”

“Fine, I’ll tell HR now—your salary doubles, and if we get more business from Maple Heights, your year-end bonus doubles too.”

Damn, sometimes you have to do it for the paycheck.

Honestly, I’d only stopped renting last year—scraped together a down payment, and the mortgage was crushing me. My savings were gone, and every month felt like survival.

Thinking it over, worst case I just treat her like a queen and flatter her—I’d dealt with plenty of oddball clients before.

Just as I was weighing my options, I spotted a pair of snow-white, long legs heading my way.

From her stride, I knew it was Autumn.

“Hello, Mr. Ellison. I heard Engineer Pierce will be handling project follow-up?”

Boss greeted her with a huge smile: “You came in person—why didn’t you call? I’d have sent Logan down to meet you.”

That’s when I learned Autumn wanted our company to send a liaison to work at Maple Heights, citing project needs and efficiency.

Of course, the boss volunteered me.

When I realized, I mentally cursed the boss and all his ancestors.

He pretended not to notice, grinning and telling me to pack up and get over to Maple Heights ASAP.

“Logan, this is a golden opportunity. Get inside, find out what else we can do, try to land every project!” he whispered.

Damn!

Mr. Ellison would sell his own soul for a profit—and he wasn’t thinking straight!

If Maple Heights’ projects could be won just by me selling my looks, why wouldn’t I start my own company?

If I was that good, why would I work for you?

Just so you eat steak and I get soup?

This job is a trap—I’d rather live on Midwest wind, at least it’s seasonal.

At that moment, Autumn smiled and extended her hand: “Engineer Pierce, I’ll be counting on you for this project.”

She was wearing a stylish suit dress today, pale blue that made her skin look fresh and clear. The tailored cut hugged her figure, and the slit in her skirt flashed those white, slender legs.

Her face was a little round, and when she smiled her eyes curved, the corners of her mouth upturned—just like I remembered. My heart stuttered, then kicked into overdrive.

Almost without thinking, I shook her hand.

Her hand was warm, soft, and familiar. For a second, I was right back in college.

I heard myself say: “Alright, I’ll go pack now.”

I tried to sound cool, but my voice came out way too eager. As I turned to leave, I caught her watching me, a sly smile playing on her lips.