Source One

hoped to at least break the ice between them.
    But, as awkward as things were, why should he expect anything different?
    He shook his head. I know. I know. My own fault.

CHAPTER 7
     
    Brian stood looking out the window of his office on a Friday in late November. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.
    “What a colossal nightmare,” he muttered.
    There was a tentative knock at the door.
    Brian turned around.
    Amber stood there. She was running her hand up and down her arm.
    She swallowed. “I-I can’t find it. I’ve looked everywhere.”
    Brian let out a noise of exasperation. “Do you know how incompetent we’re going to look if I have to go back to the client and ask for another copy?”
    Amber bit her lip.
    Brian closed his eyes and sighed. “Just get Mitchell on the phone for me.”
    Amber nodded and quickly retreated.
    Great job, Brian.
    She lost the specs. Brian growled at Diana’s voice.
    H ow do you know that?
    The muscle in Brian’s jaw clenched as he exhaled a breath.
    ***
    Amber looked up at the overcast sky as she stood on the office terrace.
    This wasn’t working.
    Mr. Nichols obviously hated her.
    In the months she’d worked for him, he’d never smiled at her. Not even once.
    She knew he was capable of it. He was much warmer with everyone in the office. It was only her that he hated.
    Despite her effort to calm down, tears continued to flow. She wiped them away.
    This wasn’t where she belonged.
    Michelle had been very nice to her, and it would be hard telling her she was leaving. But she wasn’t going to be able to do this job any longer.
    It was Friday. Three more hours until the end of the work day.
    And Mr. Nichols was going to be away next week. She’d only need to speak with him over the phone.
    Amber took a deep breath. She could do that. It would give Michelle time to find a replacement.
    She inhaled another breath. Opened the door and walked to the bathroom.
    A couple of her co-workers looked up as she passed. No doubt it was obvious she’d been crying. Amber clenched her fists against the embarrassment.
    In the bathroom, she washed her hands and wet a paper towel. Touched it to her eyes.
    They were rimmed in pink, but there was nothing she could do about that.
    Amber threw the towel away, opened the door, went to find Michelle.
    ***
    Brian reached into his briefcase. He pulled out a file and opened it.
    The first page was the one he’d accused Amber of losing.
    He closed his eyes and shook his head. Jesus. He’d had it all along. Just forgotten where he’d put it.
    Brian glanced at the ceiling and sighed. He owed Amber a huge apology.
    He got up and went out to her desk. Swallowed as he stood in front of her. “Listen, Amber. I found the file. I owe you an apology.”
    Brian blinked as Amber looked up at him. Her eyes were red.
    Brian’s heart beat hard. You made her cry.
    “Good,” Amber muttered. She turned back to her laptop.
    Brian stood at her desk for a long moment. It was obvious that she wasn’t going to initiate any more conversation. And he had no idea what to say next. No idea what to do.
    Slowly, he turned and went back into his office.
    At 4:55, Amber forwarded his travel itinerary. There was no message of her own attached to the email. She’d just forwarded the itinerary the travel agency had sent.
    When Brian stepped out of his office five minutes later, she was gone for the day.
    Brian exhaled heavily. He’d have to find a way to make this up to her.

CHAPTER 8
     
    At Michelle’s insistence, she and Amber were having margaritas after work.
    “Now tell me exactly what happened today,” Michelle said.
    Amber shook her head. She cleared her throat. “It’s not important. It’s just time for me to make a change.”
    Michelle frowned. “What do you mean?”
    The expression on Michelle’s face brought Amber’s heart rate up.
    “I want you to know how grateful I am to you,” Amber said quickly. “You took a chance on me when no one else would.”
    “Listen, Amber, don’t be hasty. Brian doesn’t dislike anyone. He’s just different since his wife died. Less friendly.”
    Less? Try not at all.
    Amber exhaled. “I’m thinking of moving,” she said. “Down to San Diego. My uncle and aunt are there. They said I could stay with them a while.”
    Michelle pressed her lips together. “You’re thinking of leaving the area?” she asked flatly.
    “Yes….. I’m not tied to Marin anymore. Maybe it’s time for a new