Chapter 3

Imogen

We had a lovely evening despite the fact that I am mad as hell at Atlas for deciding for me, that I was going to be Cody’s nutrionist. Inside I’m all churned up and wanting to get right back on a flight to where I came from. Only, I can’t. There’s no way I can afford to live in New York. At the moment. But, I am hell bent on getting back there at some point. I love the vibrancy of the city, the different quarters and the diversity of people.

Don’t get me wrong it’s nice here where I grew up in Minnesota, there’s a bundle of stuff to do and as a kid we’d travel from here into Canada and took trips across to Alaska. That’s another place on my list to roam to and stay for a year or two. I’m young, I can afford to travel some.

Mom couldn’t stop fussing around, it was cute. Secretly, I think she’s kind of pleased that I’ll be sticking around a while. My dad certainly is, he couldn’t stop telling me last night how much it meant to him to have his little girl back home. Sure, it would be if I wasn’t having to go and work for Cody fucking Brannigan.

After dinner, I spent most of the evening in my room on FaceTime with my bestie Autumn back in New York.

“Girlfriend, how is it being back home in Minni?” She drawled looking as stunning as ever with her ebony skin and high cheekbones. Why she isn’t a model I honestly don’t know. Autumn works in real estate and she makes an absolute packet. It was her who showed me the rental, room share when I first got to New York. We clicked almost immediately.

“Well, it could be better. Don’t get me wrong being home and all is cool. Mom and dad are loving that I’m back home.”

“I sense an only, Imogen. What’s going on?” Oh boy does she know me so well.

“Atlas has firmed up a job for me, it’s live in and the salary is more than I’d ever imagine possible. I could travel for at least two years without working, on what I’m going to get paid.”

“Well that sounds amazing. What’s the downer, I can hear it in your voice, honey?”

“My new boss is Cody Brannigan.” I watched as her eyes almost popped out of her head.

“Are you shitting me? He’s the top ice hockey player in the US right now. Damn that is so friggin’ awesome. You’re kidding me right?” I shake my head as she tries to recover herself from being so in awe of one name.

“Nope. I’m not shitting you. And it’s not a good thing.”

“Well, helllllo. Of course it’s a good thing. That man is sex on legs, the hottest thing since Tom Cruise exploded on the scene and Brad Pitt and he’s as rich as fuck. Oh and he’s single.” She began to chuckle and fake mopped her brow.

“He’s also Atlas’ best friend and he was a jerk when I was growing up. That man couldn’t make it clear enough how much he didn’t like me hanging around. He constantly picked on me and took the piss out of me.” Did I sound like I was warbling? You bet I did.

“Sweetie, that was a long time ago. He’s all grown up now, trust me you are in for a nice surprise.” Autumn follows hockey, it’s her all-time favourite sport. Mine is too, main because of Atlas playing.

“Doesn’t change the fact that he was a royal prick and I just can’t stand him. I don’t really care if he’s the top player in the country or how good looking he’s become, I still hate him for being such a prick.” Autumn was laughing, it’s deep and throaty. That girl is never short of admirers but she’s holding out for the one.

“It doesn’t sound much like you have a choice though, honey. If Atlas has set this up and you’re going to get paid so well, you’re gonna have to suck it up.” I sighed resigned that Autumn was speaking the truth. “It’s not like you’ve got offers popping out of your ears now then is it? Least this way you get to earn a bucket full of money and can be close to your folks and Atlas.”

“I suppose.” I’d said. Not long after we wrapped our call up and I tried to settle down to read a book. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. I’ve read it at least three times already, good job too since I didn’t end up reading any of it last night. The focus wasn’t there and all I could think about was being employed by Cody Brannigan. The man I can’t stand.

I’m still spitting feathers about it at seven in the morning.

Bright spark, Atlas decided we were going to go over to Cody nice and early so I could get settled in. I can’t wait. That’s me being sarcastic naturally. I’ve dressed in black smart jeans, ankle boots colour tan and a cream fine knit sweater. I’m guessing it’s smart but casual. There’s no way I want that jerk thinking I’ve made some kind of special effort for him. There’s no way I’ve even considered that I’m the last person he wants to see either.

“Ready?” Atlas pushes past me in the hallway and slips his sneakers on and grabs his car keys from the wooden bowl on the pine dresser that stands in the hallway.

“Not really.” I shrug.

“Get over it already, Imogen. He’s not that bad and whatever you think of him, just remember he’s paying you a fortune. Six months and you can leave if you want to. Deal?” Atlas sticks his hand out for me to shake. I take it. I have no choice.

“Deal.” We leave the house hearing mom call after us to take care and that she’ll see me tomorrow during the day for a walk around the shops. Which I’m seriously looking forward to, since we have a really pretty Main street here in our town.

The driver over takes twenty minutes to get to where Cody lives in Maple Forest area, apparently right on Lake Minnetonka. Flash bastard is what I’m thinking as I sit with my arms folded the entire way. Atlas turns the car into the area, the skies are clear blue without a cloud in sight. The trees are full and lush with just a hint that Fall is on its way. It’s my favourite time of the year when the leaves become red, russet, yellow and brown. Pumpkins come out, the mornings are crisp and the evenings. It makes me feel cosy and snugly. But I’m not feeling that right now.

I’m very tense and agitated. Being trapped like a bird in a cage could better describe it. He pulls the car onto a large swinging drive and in front stands the biggest house I have ever seen, except for on the movies. It’s two levels with a wraparound porch, large floor to ceiling windows and decked out with large planters out front. WOW. WOW. Is this how rich Cody Brannigan is? Shit. This is serious.

I try not to be impressed because I can’t stand him but it’s really difficult when you’re looking at a monster of a house with immaculate lawns. Atlas gets out of his car. “C’mon. We’ll grab your stuff out the trunk after.” He’s off up the pathway and the three steps leading to the porch.

Before he has a chance to knock and announce himself the door opens. My jaw drops to the ground and my eyes almost pop out of my head. The man that is standing there is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen with his piercing blue eyes and brown-golden hair hanging to his chin. Something weird happens and I feel a warmth creeping up from my stomach. This cannot be Cody Brannigan?