Sherelle Green - Her Unexpected Valentine

“It’s nice to meet you too, Nicole,” he said, accepting her handshake. “I missed part of your introduction. What’s your role on set?”

She smiled. “I’m the new makeup artist and hairstylist for the commercials and documentary.”

“Congratulations,” he said. “Based off our conversation last night, I’m sure you’ll do well.”

She studied his eyes. “Thanks, Kendrick, I appreciate that.”

He didn’t miss the soft way his named rolled off her tongue. Even under the circumstances, he still felt the chemistry between them. Just a few minutes ago, he’d been convinced he’d see her again, but now? Now, those thoughts went out the window.

* * *

He was uncomfortable. She could tell. And he wasn’t the only one. Her morning had already started off rocky when she realized that she’d misplaced her lucky crystal necklace and run out of her favorite lipstick. To top it off, she’d taken the wrong train into work and was almost late for her introduction meeting.

The last person she expected to run into at her new place of employment was KD—or Kendrick, as she’d just learned. The only thing more awkward than spotting Kendrick in the audience during her introduction was speaking to him while trying to ignore the look of surprise and frustration on his face.

The surprise she could understand. But the frustration? She didn’t know what that was about.

She glanced at his friends before setting her eyes on him. “Well, it was nice seeing you again, but I’m going to head over to check out my station.”

“Okay,” he said. “It was nice seeing you too.”

She squinted her eyes before turning to walk away. I mean, do I smell or something? He can barely face me. What happened to the man I went on a date with last night?

“I’ll walk with you,” said the woman who’d introduced herself as Angelica.

“Thanks.”

“Have you gotten a tour?” Angelica asked when they were out of earshot of the men.

“Not yet, but I believe the producer’s assistant said she’d give me a tour in an hour or so.”

“Which basically means you’ll never get a tour,” Angelica said with a laugh. “We’re behind on shooting, so it’s all hands on deck right now.”

“No worries,” Nicole said. “I planned on setting up my station anyway. The assistant pointed me in the right direction when I arrived. Granted, we were walking fast to make the meeting on time, but I think I got the idea.”

“I’ll take you to it just in case.”

Nicole followed Angelica, annoyed that her mind was still stuck on Kendrick. What’s his deal anyway? Did she imagine that he was into her as much as she thought he was? He seemed so forthcoming last night and that night at the bar. But today? Today he seemed like he rather be doing anything other than talking to her.

“Don’t take it personally,” Angelica said, interrupting her thoughts. “Kendrick can be a real sourpuss when he gets his hopes up about something only to have it thrown back in his face.”

“What did he get his hopes up about?”

Angelica smiled. “You.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you. Before the meeting started he was telling us how much he liked you.”

Nicole frowned. “He sure has a funny way of showing it.”

“Ignore him,” Angelica said, waving her arms in the air. “Seeing you here just caught him off guard. He’ll get over it eventually. Kendrick is just really particular with separating his personal and professional lives.”

Suddenly, a memory of what he’d said from last night popped into her mind. I have strict rules against mixing business with pleasure. Duh, of course! She didn’t know why she hadn’t remembered earlier.

“He was caught off guard because he doesn’t date people he works with, and as of today, him and I work together.”

“Bingo,” Angelica said as she placed her pointer finger in the air. “Kendrick is my friend and all, but the guy is a stickler for rules. And by you being here, my dear, it puts him in jeopardy of breaking one of his biggest.”

“This is crazy,” Nicole said, shaking her head. “We only went on one official date. The least he could do is be cordial to me. I mean, will we even cross paths that much? What’s his role here anyway?”

“He’s the creative director,” Angelica said. “And you’re right, you both won’t work too closely together, but your paths will definitely cross. Like I said before, we’re all hands on deck right now. Here you are.” Angelica pointed to a slightly ajar door. “Your station will be here, but I assume you’ll be on set when filming for touch-ups on hair and makeup. The producer or his assistant will probably be by soon to give you more details.”

“Thanks, Angelica,” Nicole said. “It was much easier finding this place with assistance.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Once Nicole was in the room by herself, she sat in the high styling chair and stared at her reflection in the mirror. This is your day, she reminded herself. It’s the most high-profile job you’ve ever had, and the worst thing you can do is focus on a man.

She knew her warning was much needed, but even so, she couldn’t stop thinking about Kendrick. It was one thing when she was trying to remind herself not to think about a man when she was in the confines of her own solo space. It was another thing entirely when she’d have to see the object of her desire every day when he wasn’t interested in her anymore. This should be interesting.

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