"What's on today's schedule?" I ask my secretary as I make my way into my office. He hands me a steam cup of coffee from the cafe downstairs as I pass by him. The scent of chocolate and peppermint wafts up from the cup putting a smile on my face. Peppermint mochas, my favorite. "Thanks, Rye."

"No problem, I don't know how you stand the smell of that but it puts a smile on your face every time which makes it worth it." Laughing, I make my way to my closet to store away my purse and hang my jacket. The thing cost me almost a grand. No way am I just going to hang it on the back of my chair for it to get wrinkled. Picking my coffee back up, no way am I leaving this precious treasure behind, I finally take a seat behind my silver and glass desk. It's a bit flashy but that's always been my style. That's why I have millions of fans and followers who support my makeup line.

"Don't worry, one day your pallet will become as sophisticated as mine and you'll understand why the taste of peppermint is just divine." I joke. Rye rolls his eyes at me and turns his attention back to the tablet in his hand. "Please tell me it's not just a ton of meetings today and I can work in the lab today?"

The guilty look that flashes across his face answers the question for me. He nudges a straight lock of bright green hair out of his eyes. I notice today that his hair color matches the seafoam green eyeshadow he's wearing today. It always amuses me when he matches his makeup with his hair. He changes his hair color so often that I'm never sure what he'll look like when I come to work in the morning.

I also love it when he wears makeup from my collections. Seafoam green queen is the name I came up with and it was in our newest collection that was launched two months ago. The launch went so well that tons of people have been wanting to get in touch with me for meetings. Some people want to become partners, others just want to invest, and the worst have been the ones who want to buy my company. The new launch going well along with all the publicity it gave us is fantastic but what I did not expect were all the meetings that were going to come from it. All these lunches, coffee chats, dinners, and conferences have prevented me from being able to spend time in the lab coming up with new products.

"I know you miss playing around down there but these meetings are also a part of running a company. What did you think would happen when people started noticing your brand? That you could ignore them all and stay locked in the lab?" He asks with a roll of his eyes. I've continued to stare at him and pout.

"I'm still trying to get used to all of us. If I'm being honest it's all a little overwhelming. Who would have thought that this little business that I started off in my bedroom while making YouTube videos would turn into a company? All these big wigs are trying to get in contact with me and join the company, partner up or take over, it's all new to me and I'm learning as I go. I started this because I love makeup. creating it and using it. I never thought about what would happen when I began to expand and become noticed."

Thinking about all the meetings I'm going to have to face today and in the future makes a small ball of dread form in the pit of my stomach. For me, the lab is easy. It always has been but dealing with all these people. Making all these huge decisions that affect not only me but my employees has me beyond stressed. Mixed has only been an official company for barely three years and the last year we've been going leaps and bounds. So far I've managed to do a decent job but I'm waiting for the moment I make a mistake. It'll happen sooner or later. It's inevitable.

"Remember, take it one day at a time. If that's too much then take it a step at a time." He rounds the corner of my desk and takes a knee beside my chair. I swivel around to face him and stare into his big dark blue eyes full of sincerity. "You're doing great and if you need help all you need to do is ask. You've got me and so many other people who are willing and happy to help you. Don't feel like you're alone in this because you aren't. We're all here for you." Taking slow deep breaths I wave my hand frantically in front of my eyes to stave off the tears. Sometimes it's as if Rye can see into my mind and know exactly what I'm thinking or feeling. Or maybe he could see the panic starting to build up in my eyes over these last few weeks. Either way, I'm thankful to have him helping me.

"Thank you, sweetheart," I sniffle and dab at my eyes carefully to not ruin my liner, "Alright let's get back on track, shall we? Who are my meetings with today?" Rye pops up from the floor and struts back around my desk.

"There's my badass bestie who's ready to take on the world." He gives me a wink then looks back down at his tablet where he taps around. His fingers are almost a blur they're moving around so fast. We go over the itinerary for the day and he leaves me to get ready for my first meeting. Thankfully this one is over the phone. Those usually go by a lot faster than the in-person meetings.

The last guy I have a meeting with at my office drones on and on. I nod my head and smile as I pretend to keep listening. It baffles me how many men schedule meetings with me in the hopes they can take over my business or become partners with me when they know nothing about makeup. How could they be successful when they know nothing about this industry?

"Thank you for the offer Mr. Praperkin but my company is not for sale and we no longer need any more partners. If this changes then I'll be sure to give you a call. You sound like you know how to help me make some money." Shaking his hand, I lead him toward my office door to escort both of us out of here. If I don't get going soon I'll be late for my next meeting.

"That I can definitely do. My company has been making money for a lot of people for a long time. We can do the same for you. Do give us a call if you find yourself in need of another partner or in the market for selling." The slimeball holds onto my hand in a tiger grasp than necessary as he gives me a plastic smile. I chuckle nervously then give my hand a sharp tug to release it from his grasp.

"Will do. You have a nice down. My secretary will see you out." Rye seamlessly takes over when Mr. Praperkin opens his mouth to continue talking to me. These guys will never quit talking if you don't put a stop to it. If it weren't for Rye I'd be late for a ton of different things.

I give him a wink as he begins to lead the older gentleman to the elevators. In my office, I grab my purse and slip on my jacket. A soft knock comes from one of the frosted open doors. I look up to see Susie, a friend of mine and the head of the billing department, standing at the open inference with a timid smile on her face.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you when you are on your way out but I wanted to stop by and say hi before you go. I feel like we haven't had a chance to catch up in forever since you've been so busy schmoozing it up with all these big wigs." She giggles as she waltzes over toward me in her black pumps. Susie is everything that I wish I was. Tall, graceful, and has the looks of an angel. Her hair is so long and silky the blonde strands practically glow. She always curses the strands for being stick straight but some days when my hair is being a total asshole I'd trade my bouncy curls for anything.

"No need to apologize, darling. I've been a pretty terrible friend lately but I promise you and I will have a catch-up date soon. Nothing much is happening on my end but I am dying to hear about what's going on in your love life. I've been living vicariously through you for years." The two of us laugh together as I grab my cold coffee cup and head toward her. "I'll see when my next day is off or if Rye can schedule a lunch date for us to chat. Keep an eye out for a text message from me, okay?"

"Sure thing, queen," Susie says with a salute. I roll my eyes at her as I make my way to the elevators. My company isn't very big yet. Only four floors is the amount of space we need but I'm so proud of how much she's grown. Also, if I'm being honest I don't know what else we would need room for even if we decide to start doing more. I think right now we are a perfect size. This is why I doubt I'll be including any new partners in the near future if at all.

With my bag securely in hand, I leave the building and hail a taxi. Even though I have a car it's better to have someone else drive me to meetings or events because the parking is atrocious in Sacramento. Either you can't find a spot or if you do it costs you an arm and a leg. I'd much rather pay the taxi fare.

It takes a few minutes but I manage to get one. I let him know the name of the restaurant and he tells me it'll be about fifteen minutes until we get there. That'll be perfect timing! I should manage to get there a few minutes early.

Over the last couple of months with all these back to back meetings, I realized something. All these men, and yes about ninety percent of them have been with men, like you to be there at least five or ten minutes early, and if you aren't then they consider your ass to be late. I'm all for being on time or early but ten minutes is a little too much in my book but ever since I noticed this silly little trend I try my damndest to please these people by being there eight minutes early if I can.

This meeting is pretty important because it's with a photographer that works with a few different magazines. He reached out to me which is a good sign. That means that either he wants to start working with us or one of the magazine companies does. Both options are great in my book. It means we are really starting to get out there. To be noticed and recognized.

I watch as tall building after tall building goes by. The streets of Sacramento are busy as usual. There's foot traffic and car traffic everywhere you look. Coincidently the place that I'm scheduled to have lunch at is one of my favorite spots. I only go there for special occasions so fingers crossed this is a good omen and this meeting has some good news in store.

"That'll be seventeen dollars and twenty-three cents." The older man tells me when he pulls to the curb. I give him a twenty dollar bill and rush out of the cab. My sparkly sandals smack against the concrete as I fast walk to the restaurant doors. Yanking on the black handle, in a blast of cold air hits me as I walk into the establishment. The smell of fresh pasta dough immediately fills my lungs bringing me back to different memories of my childhood days.

This was the place I would always choose to go to when it was a special occasion of mine. Whether it was graduation, a birthday, or some other accomplishment I couldn't resist choosing this spot. I actually come here so often that the staff recognizes me at this point.

"Scarlett, it's good to see you. I have your favorite table ready for you and your guest is already here." The hostess, a young redhead who has worked here for a few years greats me as I enter. See, I told you they recognized me.

She leads me to a booth where I see the back of a young man with curly brown hair wearing a black leather jacket. A case sits on the table which I'm assuming holds his camera. The hostess stops by the booth and extends her hand, "Here's your table. Enjoy your meal." She gives me a smile and makes her way back to the hostess stands.

Without looking up I set my purse down and take off my jacket to set on top of my purse. I push my bag and jacket into the corner of the booth as I slide in to take a seat. With a fluff of my hair, I clear my throat to compose myself before speaking.

"I apologize for being late. My last meeting went over and there was traffic on the way over."

"You don't have to apologize to me Scarlett, you know I'm always happy to wait for you. I've been doing it for the last four years. What's a few minutes longer?"

Too stunned to move, I sat there frozen in place with my head looking down at the table. That voice. I would recognize that voice anywhere. It haunts my dreams and for years it haunted my every waking thought. What in the hell could he be doing here?

Slowly, I bring my gaze up to meet his. Brown eyes the color of warm melted chocolate meet mine. Those are eyes I would recognize anywhere because I spent years looking into them hoping that he would see me, that he would want me as much as I wanted him. Then when my wish finally came true it all ended in disaster.

"I'm leaving," I say without thinking and mindlessly reach for my belongings. A warm hand engulfs the one I have resting on the table bringing my movements to a halt. My heart stutters in my chest. Rapid breathes spill in and out of my lungs. Slowly, I bring my eyes to the large hand that is covering mine. Warm long slender fingers with well-groomed nail beds send a flash of memory through my mind of those same fingers running across my skin. Holding onto my hips and pulling me close against a tall firm body. Tears build up in my eyes causing them to sting. Jerking my hand away, I scoot my way across the booth's smooth material.

"Five minutes. Thanks all I'm asking for. I have an offer for you that you won't be able to refuse." He holds both his hands up in the universal signal for surrender. My chest is still rising and falling rapidly from the shock of sitting across from him and taking in his appearance isn't doing anything to help with my breathing. I would have probably choked on my spit if my throat wasn't so dry.

He's wearing a crisp red button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms and the top two buttons of the shirt left open giving me a glimpse of smooth tan skin. His hair is much longer than the last time I saw him. The loose blond curls almost reach his shoulders. Metal studs shine in both his ear lobes and in his right he also has a bar going through it. Peeking out from under his sleeve I see black ink lines. He's even more gorgeous than when I last saw him.

What he says finally hits me. He's not here to catch up with me over what I've been up to the last four years or to apologize. This is about business.

I take in a deep breath and let it out as I count to eight. He wants to do business, fine we can do business. I slide back to the middle of the booth and place my belongings back down in the corner. Straightening my spine, I place my hands in front of me clasped together as I give him my full attention and my best glare. "Alright Devin, talk. You have five minutes starting now."