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preliminary design is complete. Your clothes are probably already ironed and ready to go.”
    Laughing “You have me down to a tee with the exception of my clothes, I guess I should get on that now.”
    “Check in with me tomorrow Karlie, I think the first elimination will be quick. One designer will be going home by tomorrow night. I am confident it won’t be you. Is there anything else you need?”
    “Can I ask you a personal question?”
    “Sure.”
    “I saw a couple today that seemed to have this crazy energy. I could feel a tingle like the crackle of lighting in their presence. Their attraction was palpable.  Do you think most people feel like that?  How often does that kind of connection really happen?”
    “I have talked to people who said that they knew immediately when they met their mate. They were connected by something that couldn’t be explained. I have never experienced that, which is probably why at forty-eight, I am still single. If I met a man who warmed my blood by his slightest touch I would give up everything. That kind of connection is rare. What a lucky couple. Maybe someday you and I will get that lucky.”
    “What about your job? Doesn’t it keep you busy and happy?”
    “The design firm is great and I love what I do, but it doesn’t warm my bed at night or hold my hand. You can have both if your lucky, but if you have to make a choice, always choose love!”
    Hanging up the phone I consider the advice Anna gave me. I felt something magical today. It’s been so long since my core melted and my breath hitched. Evan stirred passion , but that was his objective. He had a mission and he attacked it with the fervor of paparazzi chasing this week’s big star. I guess I have to admit that I was in love with the idea of Evan and Evan was in love with himself. Michael on the other hand, stirred something in me that I have never felt. I was shocked and disturbed to find myself acting so out of character, but in all honesty it felt great. Naughty and sexy are so not me, but it felt good to try her on. Sadly, but probably fortunately, I will never see him again.

Chapter Four
    Entering Tempo was no small task this morning. I was required to show identification at the door, the elevator, and now again at the conference room. My bags were thoroughly searched at each checkpoint. I spent so much time reorganizing my bags that I didn’t get to see any of the building. If security is always this tight, I am going to have to allow more time to get here. I can hear my mom’s voice in my head saying: “Early is on time and on time is late.” Looking at my watch and seeing that it’s 8:58, I realize that I am late. Pushing the door open, I see a tall man with his back to me writing on a white board. Even from the door I can see that his navy blue suit is well tailored and very expensive. Looking around, I notice two others in the room. They are both women and both appear to be somewhere between their mid-thirties to mid-forties. Stylishly dressed they look confident and ready. Looking down at myself I see that my black and white ensemble may be a bit too conservative. Lifting my bag off my shoulder I make my way to the front of the room. Just as I am about to set my things on the table, Mr. Scarpetti turns to greet me. Of all the people it could be, I am facing the last man on earth I thought I would see. Michael stands before me smiling. The air rushes from my lungs and the blood drains from my face; feeling faint I grab for the table sending my belongings crashing to the floor. Looking down I can see my perfectly organized presentation strewn about my feet. Collapsing into the chair beside me, I try to put my head between my knees to stop the room from spinning. I can feel his presence immediately; his nearness makes my chest tighten. Kneeling down beside me he whispers “Seems like I have been picking up after you a lot lately.” I gasp, hating the fact that his words are true. Placing my spilled