Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“Easy there. We don’t want you to injure yourself on the first day.”
My cheeks flush with embarrassment at my sudden reaction. I straighten and step back, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I catch the dark smile on his lips as he says, “This way.” He leads me out of his office and down a long hall, introducing me to staff at each open door we pass. It takes some time for my brain to shake off the ridiculous idea that he’s flirting with me. He’s Noah’s father, for heaven’s sake. A grown man. Why would he be interested in someone like me?
He’s not, you crazy girl!
We enter another office, and I pull myself out of my mental spiral.
“Chris, I’d like you to meet Georgia. She’s interning with us for the summer.”
The man stands, extending his hand with a firm grip. “Hey, Georgia. I’m Chris Morrison, head of sales. Nice to meet you. What department are they assigning you to?”
I open my mouth to say sales—though I still have no idea what that entails—when Mr. Blake interjects, “Sales. She’ll be shadowing cold calls, attending client meetings, and gaining hands-on experience with our process.”
Chris nods his approval, shifting his gaze back to me. “Sounds like they’re throwing you right in. Who will you be working under?”
“She’s going to shadow me this summer,” Mr. Blake announces, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Chris lets out a low whistle. “That’s awesome. Great opportunity, Georgia. Mr. Blake mentored me when I first joined the team. Hard as hell. I had a few choice words for him when he wasn’t listening.” He chuckles, giving me a knowing look. “Hope he takes it easy on you.”
Mr. Blake glances down at me, his expression unreadable, but the sharp glint in his eyes makes my stomach flip. His smile is slow, calculated. “Oh, I don’t plan to.”
We say our goodbyes and continue down the hall, so many questions running through my head. What does he mean he won’t go easy on me? Why am I suddenly working with him? Why do I feel this overwhelming attraction to him? Instead of asking, I focus on calming my racing heartbeat and mindlessly follow him until I realize we’re back at his office. “Take a seat.”
I hesitate. “I’m good standing, actually.”
“Sit down, Georgia.”
His voice is firm, authoritative, brooking no argument. Reluctantly, I take a seat across from him as he settles behind his large desk. “If I hadn’t pressed, would you have withheld the fact that you were no longer dating my son?”
Dammit, not this again. “I’m a hard worker. Reliable. Trustworthy. I possess all the necessary qualifications for this position. I don’t think it matters.”
“And this morning? You two looked cozy. Far from broken up.”
“It’s—he… he came into my room sometime during the night. Just to sleep. We were together for ten months. Habit, I guess.”
He doesn’t react right away. He simply observes me, causing me to fidget nervously in my chair. “My intention wasn’t to hurt your son. It’s just better this way. If you think it’s best for me not to work here, I understand—”
“Did I say anything about firing you?”
“No—”
“I don’t plan on firing you. You’re mine for the next three months. You claim to have all the qualifications for this job? Prove it. I reviewed your transcripts. You’re studying business.”
I nod. “Yes. For now. I’m not sure what I want to do, but it seemed like a good starting point.”
“A business degree provides a strong foundation in market analysis, consumer behavior, and strategic planning—essential skills that not only help you sell effectively but enable you to understand the broader picture of how our company grows and thrives competitively. It’s the foundation for many successful careers.”
I sit up straighter, determination clear in my voice. “That’s what I want. I’m a fast learner. I’ll do anything.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize how they sound. Heat rushes to my face as his gaze sharpens, dark amusement flickering in his eyes.
“I mean—”
His lips curve slightly, his stare holding mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “You’re a people pleaser,” he muses, voice smooth as silk. “I do enjoy a compliant employee. Tell me, Georgia… is that what you’d be?”
Desire floods my core, and I cross my legs to ease the tension. Part of me wants to confess I’m willing to comply with anything he demands. It’s inappropriate, but god, the thought of him gliding his tongue over my slit while talking filthy to me… my nipples pebble, and the throb between my legs makes me want to be bold.
Stop this.
“Can you do that for me, Georgia?” he repeats, and I snap out of my haze.
Jesus, Georgia.
“I—yes. I can. Anything you need.”
His smile deepens, like he’s enjoying this little power play far too much. It’s the kind of grin that could convince a saint to sin—and I feel anything but saintly.