Beneath the Layers

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Beneath the Layers

Copyright © 2015 by Mia Rivers

Cover Design by Kari Ayasha from Cover to Cover Designs (http://covertocoverdesigns.com/)

Edited by Virginia and Becky from Hot Tree Edits (http://hottreeedits.com/)

Formatting by Julie from JT Formatting (https://www.facebook.com/JTFormatting)

Smashwords Edition

ISBN:

All rights reserved.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products, bands, and/or restaurants referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For my son, Marcial Morales, who will never read this book but will always be my biggest inspiration in everything that I do. He is the one and only person that motivates me to chase my dreams and I am beyond thankful to have him in my life.

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Title Page

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Social Media Links

I hated Mondays.

This Monday was different—it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. At the moment, that just meant I was facing my first day at a new firm. The whole ordeal turned me into a nervous wreck, considering I resigned from my previous job two weeks ago. I must have forgotten how scary it could be to start somewhere all over again. It was never easy, getting to know your new co-workers and adjusting to new rules, but the toughest part was learning all the likes and dislikes of your new boss.

Lombardi & Associates had been my employer for the past seven years. Parting ways had been hard, but I wanted to see what else life had in store for me. Thanks to all my years of experience, I landed a position as a paralegal at Rossi & Rossi, P.A. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, a huge step up, going from a mom-and-pop firm to one of the top three in the nation. Have I mentioned the increase in salary? I was offered three times the amount I made before. You read correctly. Three. Times. The. Amount. With that kind of money, I could finally stop living paycheck to paycheck and help my mother out with some money. Maybe even treat myself to a few pairs of nice heels I’d been eyeing lately.

"Our next stop is Government Center. Please hold on tight as the train will come to a full stop shortly." The voice coming from the speakers startled me from my thoughts. Grabbing my purse, I stood up from my seat, holding on to the rails to steady myself. Within seconds, the metro train came to a complete halt and everyone scrambled out in a hurry.

Wow! It was total madness—mass amounts of people scattered all over the streets. Was this really what working downtown would be like?

Luckily, I still had thirty minutes to spare, which meant only one thing, I had just enough time to get my hands on some coffee.

As I fell in step with the crowd, I spotted a sign for a small coffee shop across from the new building I was headed to. I stopped to look left and right, waiting for the traffic to come to a stop, and then cautiously crossed the street. Just as I took a quick look at the time on my phone, my body slammed into a hard chest.

Ouch. I watched in horror as my phone flew out of my hand and landed with a sickening whack, lying face up on the sidewalk.

Oh no! Panicking, I dropped to my knees, but a hand grabbed me by the arm and lifted me off the ground.

I had seconds to assess the reason why my phone ended up with a cracked screen. First, I caught a whiff of the cologne, something musky and rather yummy. Then I noticed the strong muscular chest, clearly defined beneath a crisp white button-down shirt. Finally my eyes met his, freezing me in the spot when I got a full view of his face.

Wow! The man was ridiculously attractive, looking sexy in a sleek, black designer suit. He stood a little over six feet, with green eyes that almost sparkled, and plump lips, which already had me thinking of the way they might taste on mine. Add his dark, tousled hair, combined with the perfect five o’clock shadow he wore, and this man looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. Don’t even get me started on his body. I could tell by his broad shoulders that he most likely worked out twice a day.

I’m sorry. Are you all right?

All I could do was nod.

He offered a brief smile, flashing a perfect set of white teeth. I couldn’t help but stare, still frozen and speechless.

Holy mother of God, who was this sexy creature and where had he been my whole life? I’d never been this stunned by a man before. Then again, I don’t think I had seen a man this handsome up close, either.

He bent down and picked up the phone, then cleared his throat loud enough to startle me out of my state of shock. I stood straight and gave him a small apologetic smile, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. I’m sorry, I was just a bit startled.

It’s okay, he kept a serious face intact, I was just apologizing for breaking your phone. Reaching in his back pocket, he grabbed his wallet and pulled something out. Here’s my card. If you call my office, I’ll have my secretary replace it. In the meantime, let me offer you a cup of coffee.

Staring at his hand, I refused to take the card. Oh no, thank you. I have insurance on it and can get it replaced later.

My mother brought me up to believe that it wasn’t right to accept things from men I didn’t know. Most of the time, they expected something in return. Even if I wasn’t willing to give it.

Are you sure? he asked as he held the door open to allow my entrance into the shop.

I nodded in response as I stepped inside.

The small store felt so cozy and the employees seemed pretty welcoming with their ear-to-ear smiles. I made a mental note to make this a regular stop in the mornings on my way to work.

Once we reached the counter, he motioned his head toward the menu. What would you like to drink?

I’ll get my own, thank you. I smiled shyly.

At least allow me to buy you a cup of coffee.

I appreciate the gesture, but you really don’t have to. I rummaged in my purse in search of my wallet.

Putting his hand on mine, he stopped me. I insist.

The simple touch shot a surge of heat through my arm, warming me in places I hadn’t expected.

Thank you again… I trailed off, realizing I never got his name.

Nicholas, my name is Nicholas, he answered my silent question. Now, what are you drinking?

I stared at the menu, feeling my palms getting sweaty just from having this man stand at such close proximity.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte, please, I said, turning to face him and pointing a scolding finger, and this is only because you insisted, mister.

Chuckling, he pulled out a twenty, telling the brunette behind the counter to keep the change.

We stood in silence while the barista prepared our coffee. I couldn’t help but stare at him from the corner of my eye. What would my life be like if I had a man like Nicholas to share it with? My lips twitched, trying to contain my laughter at the ridiculous thought. He probably had gorgeous women throwing themselves at him on a daily basis. Scratch that. I bet he had a girlfriend who looked like a Victoria’s Secret model, with long legs and a skinny body. He would never consider an ordinary person like me. I don’t have low self-esteem or anything, but at 5’5" and 135lbs, I was rather curvy and definitely didn’t look like a model.

Once the order was ready, Nicholas handed me my cup of coffee, awakening all my senses as the delicious scent of cinnamon reached my nostrils. I took it from his hand while my eyes caught a glimpse of the time on my watch. Shit! I had ten minutes to get to work. It was my first day and there was no way I’d show up a minute after nine.

Thanks for the coffee, Nicholas, but I got to run. If not, I’ll be late for my first day at work. Rushing through the people in line, I silently wished I could stay little longer.

Once I reached the exit, I glanced back at him still standing at the counter, his eyes locked with mine. Taking in his gorgeous features one last time, I engraved him into my memory and bolted out the door, regretful that I’d never get to look into those hypnotizing emeralds again.

Crossing the street and climbing the steps of the building, I looked up and took in the sight of the glorious architecture and its walls of shiny windows. I couldn’t believe that this was where I’d be working. Taking in all the professionals scattered around the lobby, I smiled to myself, excited to finally be moving up in the career world.

Determined to face the challenges of the day, I walked in to the elevator and pressed the button for the thirty-seventh floor. My nerves were all over the place. Would the people be nice? Would I fit in with everyone? I suddenly felt sick to my stomach, thinking of all the things that could go wrong.

After a minute or two, the doors opened to reveal polished black marble floors. I stepped out, feeling the excitement rush to my head. The reception area was bigger than my entire two-bedroom apartment. Grey and black with subtle hints of red filled the entire space, giving it a modern feel.

Approaching the front desk, I smiled at the redhead behind the counter. Good morning. My name is Tara Gianakos. I was told to ask for Mrs. Peterson. I start working today, I said, flashing her another smile.

She stared at me with an expression that said she couldn’t care less. Sure, take a seat and I’ll have her come and greet you.

What the hell was up her behind? I sure hoped she didn’t plan on greeting me with that attitude every day. I put on my fake smile, thanked her, and took a seat on the red sectional against the wall, twiddling my thumbs.

Not even a minute later, the tall glass doors opened and Mrs. Peterson rushed over, holding her hand out to greet me. Good morning, Tara. Did you have trouble parking? I shook my head. I’m glad. I know how parking can be in downtown, but don’t worry, I’ll have your parking pass ready before the end of the day.

Oh, that’s fine, Mrs. Peterson; I used the Metro Rail. I’ll actually need a pass for that instead. How was your weekend? I tried for small talk to break the ice.

It was relaxing. How very nice of you to ask, my dear. With her suit and flats, and her salt and pepper hair up in a French twist, she gave off a strict and serious appearance, but she seemed warm and kind-hearted underneath it all. She motioned for me to follow as she walked hurriedly down the hall. I couldn’t help but wonder why she was in such a rush.

Looking around, I realized she was not the only one. Everyone else in the office seemed to be in a hurry as well.

Did I not get the memo?

Mrs. Peterson…

Oh, just call me Betty; you’re making me feel old, she said with a wink as she continued down the hall.

I bit my lip to suppress my laughter. Okay, Betty. I just have a quick question. Why does everyone seem to be in such a hurry?

Well, that’s because Mr. Rossi is in the office today. She turned into the space on her right and came to an abrupt stop. Thank God I didn’t slam into her. This is your office. You’ll share it with Leslie, who sits over to your left. She pointed her delicate finger toward the wall on the other side of the room. She is a legal secretary and will be assisting you as needed. However, she’s a part-timer.

Thank you, Mrs. Peter…sorry, I mean, Betty.

"Do not let it happen again, she corrected me with a stern look on her face, then burst into laughter. Oh, sweetie, I’m just pulling your leg. I know how the first day on a job can be. I was only trying to get you to relax a little."

Instant relief washed over me. I guess I had to get used to her sense of humor.

Your computer is already logged in and I have left a folder on your desk with all the informative documents you need. She walked around to the side of the table, before continuing. That stack on the right is all the files you will be handling. Now, I’ll leave you to get settled in and get familiar with your cases. I was planning on giving you a tour of the firm, but I have a meeting in ten minutes. Maybe after lunch I can show you around and introduce you to the attorney you will work for. If you have any questions, feel free to buzz me at extension 130. With a brief smile, she walked out, closing the door behind her.

I put my things down and sat on the leather swivel chair, softly spinning as I took in my surroundings, from the rough ebony wood desk, which I would be spending countless hours working at, to the gray walls showcasing black and white photographs. Behind me was a vast floor to ceiling window overlooking downtown Miami. Although I was a bit scared of heights, the view was breathtaking. Another one of the many perks of my new job.

I should’ve been giddy inside, and I was, but somehow my thoughts drifted back to my earlier encounter with Nicholas—his voice, his lips, and those eyes. He was not only gorgeous, but also a well-mannered gentleman. It was hard to come across that combination nowadays. Too bad I didn’t take his card. At least I could have used it as an excuse to see him again. Pushing away thoughts of the man I’d most likely never see again, I grabbed the first file from the stack and started reviewing my cases.

Leslie, a young, petite blonde with a cheerful attitude that instantly made me feel welcome, came in around eleven. We got to know a little about each other while she gave me the scoop on all the need to knows of the office. Thank God for placing an angel in my path. We would become good friends, I was certain. At that thought, my nerves began to ease a little.

What are you having for lunch? she asked.

I set down the file I was skimming through and looked at my watch. It was nearly one o’clock. Not sure. I shrugged. What do you suggest?

Well, there’s a cafe downstairs that has really good sandwiches; I highly recommend it. We can go together, she said as she grabbed her purse.

Thanks, Leslie. I think I might take you up on that. I stood up, following her.

After getting our lunch, we went back upstairs and into the largest lunchroom I’d ever seen. It displayed a long, rectangular, black table in the center, with twenty matching chairs. All the appliances were stainless steel. There was a black leather sofa against the wall to the left and a big 46" TV on the wall. I was surprised to see the room empty, but relieved all the same because that meant I could eat in peace. To be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed by everything. I just wanted the day to be over.

So, how old are you? Leslie asked.

I’m twenty-seven and you?

"I just turned twenty-four last month. You missed the huge bash my boyfriend threw for me. Had you started working here just a bit sooner, you