Love Found in California (The Washington Triplets) by Melissa Rolka Read Free Book Online

the biggest SUV they had. Seeing this thing take up almost our entire garage, I shake my head because I know Ryan wanted me to be safer in a bigger car. What he doesn’t realize is that I may just crash this thing because it’s so gigantic.
    ***
    Safely, and in one piece, I park the monster of a car and rush into work. Practically running down the hallway to my office, probably more clumsily than I should be right now, I can smell a strong floral scent before I even hit my doorway. Out of breath, I walk in and view the biggest arrangement I’ve ever seen sitting right in the middle of my desk. Slowly catching my breath, I walk calmly over to it and pick up the small card out of the center of the flowers.

    Squeezing my lips into my teeth, I inhale and hold my breath in, and then the small smile I form can no longer be held in. My fingertips graze the top of the petals, letting me admire their beauty and I relax as I re-read Ryan’s simple words.
    Before I can even get my bearings, my co-workers begin to flock in to hear about the horror of the accident. I think they’re a little disappointed with the lack of excitement in the story. It doesn’t surprise me because this office loves gossip just as much as a group of middle school girls. Skating around too many details I resort to the pile of work on my cabinet behind my desk. They leave easily, I’m sure because I’m now the boss’ wife.
    The first thing I do as I wait for my computer to turn on is text Ryan.
    Mikaela: They’re beautiful
    Barely a second goes by and he replies.
    Ryan: Like you
    Mikaela: I was late
    Ryan: Don’t care … but I can punish you later if you’d like ;)
    Trying to think of something fun and witty to reply with, I smirk down at my phone. Before I get to type again Carrie knocks on my door.
    “What has you smiling? Ryan?” she asks with laughter in her tone. Lifting my head more upright, I shrug and smile at her. “I’m so sorry. Are you feeling okay?”
    “I am, I’m fine. Just a little scare is all.” Carrie makes her way over to me and surprises me when she awkwardly hugs me while I’m sitting at my chair. “Oh, really, everything is good.” I try to ease her concern and pull away.
    “Sorry, I just was so worried and Ryan didn’t want me to come over. I wanted to though.” I’m thankful Ryan kept her away. I love Carrie, but she can be too much at times and this would have been one of those times. “Okay I know you want to dive back into your work, so how about lunch? I have updates on Justin and now a Kirk guy,” she says while raising her eyebrows.
    Laughing, I tell her, “Can I take a rain check? I was late and want to get a handle on everything.”
    Rolling her eyes at me as she pulls her hair back in a ponytail she says, “Fine. You’re no fun!” I roll my eyes right back and let her leave my office.
    Not hesitating any longer, I dive right into my work, pulling up graphics and designs for a client that I’ve been working with the last month. My deadline isn’t until next week, but I hate to be scrambling around and feel rushed. Before I know it, there’s a knock on my door and in comes one of the caterers I’ve seen in our building for big meetings.
    The guy glances back at my nameplate just beside my door and asks, “Um, Mikaela Chambers?”
    “Yes, that’s me,” I reply confused.
    “Great, this is for you.” In he walks with a small bag. He places the bag on my desk and I scramble to look for my purse to tip him. “No, no this is from Mr. Chambers. It’s all taken care of.”
    “Oh, well, thank you so much.” I peek through the top of the bag; the smell of something delicious drifting into my office.
    “Enjoy.”
    My stomach growls as I look at my clock to see it’s already my lunchtime, one o’clock. Pulling out a small container and then a larger one, I decide to open the small one first. Gazpacho soup. My mouth salivates before I can get my first spoonful in. Without a break, I take in