As soon as Dorothea walked into her office, her phone buzzed. It was Carmen.
“Dorothea, guess what Latham did?”
“What?” Dorothea answered, a little distracted. Wasn’t he just the guy who threw out some flowers?
Carmen’s laughter came through the line, bright and teasing. “I had no idea Latham was this kind of person. I heard from a friend—she’s one of Albert’s secretaries—that Albert’s been absolutely losing it lately.”
Dorothea frowned. “Why?”
“Well, apparently, someone took over the giant screen outside the mall right across from Albert’s office. They played this really in-your-face green promo video. My friend told me Albert thought it was some kind of jab at him, like a jealous boyfriend situation. He got so mad, he ordered his people to negotiate with the ad company. But it turns out whoever paid for it shelled out a ton of money and refused to take it down. They just ignored Albert.”
Carmen paused for dramatic effect. “So, babe, who do you think would pull a stunt like that?”
Dorothea’s lips twitched. “You think it’s Latham? Isn’t that a bit of a stretch? Maybe it’s just a concert ad or something.”
“Dorothea, come on. Albert’s a big shot—what celebrity would go out of their way to mess with him, and pick the building right across from his office? And this singer isn’t even that famous. There’s only one answer.”
Carmen sounded positively gleeful. “I knew it. Latham totally has a secret crush on you. Maybe marrying you was his plan from day one.”
Dorothea’s heart gave a little jolt.
“And didn’t you say you weren’t even sure if you liked Latham? I have a test for you.”
“What kind of test?” Dorothea asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
“Women are emotional. You only sleep with a guy when you really like him. If you ever fantasize about being with him, or if you actually want to, then you’re definitely falling for him.”
Dorothea felt her cheeks get hot.
She couldn’t deny it—she never minded Latham touching her. In fact, every time he got close, her body just seemed to lean toward him without her even realizing it.
Latham was clearly pleased. So Carmen’s on my side, huh?
He called his secretary. “Cindy, can you order two Hermès bags for me? Limited editions if possible.”
By the time he got off work, there were two different colored Hermès bags waiting in the trunk of his car.
He brought them home, looking pretty smug. “Honey, this one’s for Carmen, and the other’s for you. Take your pick. Don’t best friends usually like to match?”
Dorothea glanced at the bags. These were limited editions, not easy to get, and Latham had managed to get two at once.
She didn’t refuse. Carmen really had been looking out for her lately. “Thanks. I’ll let her know you’re thinking of her.”
Latham smiled, a little proud. “No need to thank me. It’s just a little something.”

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