Chapter 42. Encouragement

Caleb’s POV

Sunshine flooded the walls of the office, throwing long streaks of gold upon its floor. I carried my gaze over to her. Layla occupied her desk, with papers lying before her, absent-mindedly skimming through sales reports that seemed to interest her little; nevertheless, amid this mundane ritual, her presence stood out.

There was something about her: something I had picked up from the very first time I saw her. Not just her matchless beauty or the armor of quiet strength that she bore. The flicker in her eyes when the topic turned to jewelry design was the most remarkable burning passion she harbored deep inside but had hidden behind her sense of obligation.

She had sold well, better than most, but that was so obvious it was almost embarrassing. Layla didn’t belong in sales, peddling products; she belonged in creating them, making her vision a tangible reality that took your breath away. And if she wasn’t going to make that move herself, I was wil