Footsteps sounded behind me as I suppressed a laugh. My assistant, Sophie, arrived with a folder. She glanced from the conference room back to my face.
“Ready?”
I straightened my jacket and settled the folder under my arm.
“Oh, absolutely.”
Bradley had been correct about one thing: first impressions mattered enormously.
Sophie opened the conference-room door.
“Everyone, our new regional director is here.”
I stepped inside, and conversation died instantly.
Bradley was seated near the head of the table, wearing the same confident smile I’d seen on the airplane. His smile disappeared when he recognized me. He looked winded.
I offered the room a pleasant smile.
“Good morning. I’m Rebecca. And unless I’m mistaken, we’ve already met.”
Bradley’s mouth hung open.
“You?”
I went over to him and held out my hand.
