The One That Got Away

By Lexie Miers

He was my first love. My only love.
The one that got away.

 

People say everything happens for a reason.

But I call bullshit—sometimes life just sucks.

After mom's death, I'm all my brother Nathan has left.

So we move to the city for a better life.

When he's almost killed in a motorbike accident, I wonder if I've made a mistake.

I'm supposed to protect him!

As medical bills pour in, I'm drowning in debt.

But a new Executive Assistant job could provide the stable future I crave.

Or maybe just dredge up a painful past.

Because my prospective boss is my first love.

My only love.

My biggest regret.

After high school, Liam snuck out of town with nothing more than his truck, his clothes and my broken heart.

I should walk away, but I can't—I need this job.

I can keep this strictly business.

Pretend my heart doesn't race with every panty-melting smile. Yeah, right!

Is this just more bad luck?

Or maybe a twist of fate—and a second chance at love?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harley Romance Publishing
• Release date: May 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393726159

Book preview

Chapter One

CASSIDY

The welcoming aroma of my favorite coffee shop enveloped me like a comfy blanket on a cold winter’s night. It reminded me of the snowy evenings I would sit in front of the fire at my mother’s house while indulging in a book all about love and clichéd events that were prelude to an inevitable happily-ever-after ending.

Someone shoved me from behind, urging me forward. Okay. Relax.

I was stuck in a never-ending line inside a coffee shop in the financial district, waiting for my morning brew. Even though I’d been living in Denver for years, I still wasn’t used to the hustle and bustle of it during rush hour.

I was born and raised in the small town of Crested Butte, Colorado, nestled between two mountain ranges. A real little mountain town, where everyone knew everyone, which was both a big blessing and an annoyance of living there, especially for a kid. We were always safe and well taken care of, but when we were the ones being reckless... we were busted. Over and over again.

I still imagined myself riding down Alpine View Lane on my bike, the wind in my hair, whizzing past the well-maintained houses.

Order for Cassidy!

I pushed through the crowd of people and grabbed my cappuccino, then headed out the door as quickly as I could. Luckily, I still had a few minutes to walk to my destination. 

Scoring an interview at one of the most prestigious companies in the city was a dream come true, and the starting salary was more than I’d ever earned in my life.

It was for an executive assistant’s position at Emmerdale and Quinn, a company that did insurance claims—something I didn’t have much experience with, but was willing to learn. I’ve been told I’m a quick study, so the intimidation factor was low.

The fresh autumn air was crisp and for a moment I could breathe... until a van with a broken tailpipe spoiled the moment and polluted the area around me.

At times I wished I didn’t have to work in the city, but the money was here, and I needed it.

My little brother, Nathan, who was not so little anymore, had been in an accident a few months back, and been critically injured. He’d fractured his spine in two places and required three separate surgeries, in quick succession.

Money was tight, there were gaps in his insurance coverage, and since he had to stay in the hospital and both out parents were gone, I was the one who had to work twice as hard to make sure all the bills were paid.

Of course, they weren’t.

Medical bills were insanely high, especially in Nathan’s case. He required orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and in-patient care. Applying for a job that required experience I didn’t have was a bold move, but I was optimistic.

I had to be.

I crossed the street and walked along the sidewalk towards the address I had burned into my brain. To say I’d been excited to receive the call to set up the interview appointment was an understatement, and I’d been laser focused on researching the company online ever since. 

I did do a dorky little happy dance which no one should ever be allowed to see.

I’d told Nathan about the interview when I visited him at the hospital, but he wasn’t in the best mood, so I just left. 

I was an overall positive person, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. This was a little out of my comfort zone, as well as above my qualifications, but the fact that they called me back to arrange an interview seemed like a good sign, or at least a good starting point.

I only had one chance to impress them, and that was exactly what I was going to do. I ditched my normal casual ponytail for an elegant bun at the nape of my neck, pulling my hair out of my face.  A suit with a black pencil skirt, and short, tailored jacket along with a light pink blouse was both professional looking and kept me warm on this brisk fall day. A pair of new, inexpensive black heels finished off my look. I hadn’t paid a lot of money for them, but they were comfortable enough that I could wear them for hours and not have aching feet. 

I only had a block to go when I realized that I was going to be late for the interview. I picked up the pace and soon found myself in front of an endless set of stairs, leading up to the building of Emmerdale and Quinn.

Oh, shit. This is going to be bad, I muttered to myself as I began to climb the stairs, one by one, as my skirt was tight—a fashion choice I would regret for the rest of my life.

The stairs lay before me like a daunting obstacle course, and when I finally reached the top, my heart was pounding like I’d run a marathon, but worst of all... a large digital clock on the glass wall showed me what I’d been dreading.

I’m late.

I rushed to the mirrored glass door, and as I was about to open it, someone came through from the other side after pushing it open forcefully.

Damn!

My chest was on fire and I struggled to breathe. It wasn’t because I was late, or because I had to climb a million stone steps in a tight skirt, but thanks to the door being pushed in my face, my coffee had spilled all over my light pink shirt.

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry, the man said to me. Can I get you a napkin?

I glanced up at him and shook my head. No, I’m running late, but thank you.

As the man walked away, the door closed and I caught sight of my reflection. A miserable sigh escaped my throat and my shoulders slumped. My pink shirt was stained with coffee, which was also dripping down my skirt and onto the ground. I threw the empty coffee cup in the trashcan a few feet away from the door and wiped my hands with the soaked napkin. Things couldn’t get any worse, could they?

I took a deep breath, trying to convince myself that everything was going to be fine, buttoned my jacket, attempting to hide my coffee-soaked shirt as much as possible and pushed through the glass door. Maybe there would be enough time for me to visit the restroom and try to salvage my shirt and whatever dignity I had left.

The reception area of Emmerdale and Quinn was massive, with luxury seating in hues of greys, with teal throw pillows and glass accents. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and the front desk was made entirely of marble. A gorgeous redhead wearing a headset sat behind the desk, and I quickly walked over to her.

Good morning, and welcome to Emmerdale and Quinn, she spoke with a warm smile. Can I help you?

Good morning. My name is Cassidy Moore. I’m here for an interview for the Executive Assistant position.

The redhead glanced briefly at the clock on the wall.

Heat flushed my neck and cheeks. I’m a few minutes late, I know, I wasn't expecting all those stairs. I bet you guys are super fit, right? I expelled a nervous giggle, but when the redhead glanced at me blankly, I knew she didn't find me the least bit amusing. Look, I spilled my coffee and I was wondering if there was a restroom I could use—

Mr. Ross doesn’t like it when people are late. In fact, it is the one thing he doesn’t tolerate, she said curtly, with a hint of sass only a redhead could pull off.

I had absolutely no idea how to respond to that. When I was about to open my mouth, she spoke into her headpiece, holding her hand up to silence me.

"Mr. Ross, your first potential candidate