I made it to work on time but was thirty minutes behind, so I hurried to my office, speaking to people along the way. I settled in at my desk, powered on my laptop, and started my work day. There was a slight twinge if I moved a certain way, so I relaxed in my chair and focused on work until it was time to venture to the break room for my first delicious cup of coffee.
My leather flats were a good choice. I moved with ease despite the minor discomfort. I made small talk in the break room and promised to see everyone at our morning meeting. The CEO was being introduced today, so we all wanted to make a good impression.
I finished making my coffee and was on my way to my office when I saw Rex. I didn’t expect him to be at my job, but I silently admired his fitted dress shirt and charcoal gray trousers. His shoe boots were paired well with his silk tie. I wondered if my extension was called while I was in the break room. My heart raced when Rex glanced in my direction. He was speaking to someone in the conference room.
Mr. Giles stepped into view, so I walked to where they were.
“Good Morning, Mr. Giles,” I politely turned to Rex. “It’s good to see you, Mr. Andrews. I didn’t know you would be here. The contracts won’t be ready for at least another business day.”
“Laura, what are you talking about?” Mr. Giles asked in the annoying tone he used for everyone.
“I’m confused,” I glanced at Rex. “Mr. Andrews, are you here about the free promotion for your business?”
“He is our CEO,” Mr. Giles gave me a disapproving smirk and turned to Rex. “I apologize for this. Laura is our new General Manager.”
He said my title like it was a dirty word. I clutched my coffee because it took everything I had not to respond to his comment. Rex never mentioned he worked for Amcor Estates, so I was shocked and upset.
Rex smiled, “I owe Miss Reynolds an apology. She was working this weekend and managed to secure a new contract for Savage Paradise. It’s a luxury bar nestled by the bay only minutes away from some of our properties. Miss Reynolds was professional, and her presentation was excellent. My Manager and I were impressed. I accepted her offer and suggestions on promotion to the guests staying in our rentals.”
Mr. Giles beamed with pride. “I wasn’t aware of it, but she is exceptional. Great job Laura.”
“Thank you,” I was polite but focused on Rex.
He smiled, “I should’ve told you my identity, but I wanted to speak with everyone and introduce myself. Mr. Emerson is my Grandfather, so I planned to assist you all in continuing his legacy here. It’s my first day on the job, so I can be considered the new acting CEO.”
I wanted to laugh at the way Rex said it because Mr. Giles face turned beet red. He needed a reality check. I was glad Rex didn’t let his remark slide.
Rex kept talking. “Miss Reynolds, it was a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to working with you.”
I nodded to agree, went to my office, and tried not to have a meltdown. I ditched my coffee and paced from my desk to the window. My smoking hot boyfriend was the CEO of Amcor Estates, so basically, he was my boss.
I let that sink in for a moment and then pulled it together. I wouldn’t let Rex or Mr. Giles throw me off my game. I relaxed at my desk to have my coffee, went to the meeting early, and was seated with my co-workers.
Rex walked in, but I didn’t let my eyes linger. He wasn’t in my line of vision, so that was a good thing. Mr. Giles introduced Rex. He made eye contact with everyone as he talked about his business background. I didn’t know about his degree or extensive work in construction and real estate. I was fascinated by how much Rex knew about Amcor’s dealings and revenue, but I resisted the urge to take notes. Rex set the tone. Everyone was comfortable after the question and answer portion was over, but I was still coming to terms with the situation.
I left the conference room after the meeting and spent the day in my office, avoiding Rex and working. It was five o’clock by the time I finally calmed down. My mind was still reeling, so there was no way I’d stay at work longer.
I packed up, left the building, went straight home, and was relaxing in my living room with a glass of wine an hour later. I took a huge sip and then shook my head. I could have wild sex all night, handle work-related issues without blinking, but didn’t get my boyfriend’s number.
I stared at my phone, willing it to ring. I said screw it ten minutes later and gave up worrying about what could go wrong with my career and love life. Rex wasn’t the CEO after hours. He was my boyfriend, so we needed to talk.57Please respect copyright.PENANA88eUj29CWF