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Chapter 1
“Do you knowwhy I chose you, Ms. Hunt?” The cultured and well-modulatedvoice had Madison sitting straighter in the padded chair. A quipsprung to her lips, but fortunately, she squashed it in time.
“I’mafraid not.”
'ElizabethConnelly’s green eyes were like lasers, trained on the youngwoman seated before her desk. She liked her look; she was beautifulwith a flawless cocoa brown complexion.. She would do perfectly, andshe wasn’t involved with anyone.
“You were askedto sign some forms.”
“Yes, ofcourse. “
“One of theforms says that you can’t get married for two years.”
“There’sno chance of that happening.”
The woman gave her anassessing glance. “You’re twenty-eight.”
“I’mcommitted to my career.” She hastened to say. “I want tolearn from the best, and I think, no-“ She shook her head. “Iknow that’s you.”
“The job isvery demanding. I chose you out because of your impressive CV andattention to detail.”
“Thank you.”
Elizabeth nodded andreached for her glasses. “My son-“ A smile crossed herlips.. “Brennan will return next week and take his rightfulplace in the company. I have an administrative assistant who overseesthe business side of things.”
She looked atMadison. “I’d like you to attend to personal matters. Imust warn you I’ve been known to be unreasonable and havelittle or no respect for boundaries. My last two assistants quitafter a month. The one before was fired for being dishonest.
After she signed thedocument, she found a man and decided it was in her best interest tohide it from me. I make it my duty to check on my employees, and Ihate being inconvenienced. I’m allowing you to back outgracefully, and I won’t think any less of you."
Taking a deep breath,Madison lifted her chin. "I’m here to stay."
"Good," Shesaid briskly, shuffling papers. "The compensation package willbe delivered to your house."
"When do Istart?" Madison asked with bated breath
"On Monday.You’ll be working from my home. That will be all."
*****
"I got the job!"Madison danced a jig as soon as she stepped removed her outer jacket.
"As if there wasany doubt." Her aunt bustled forward to hug her. "Honey,you’re the best there is."
"You’rebiased." Madison hugged her back, closing her eyes as the scentof cinnamon and lemon hit her. "You’ve been baking!”
“And cleaning. I’m having some of the girls over for the book club."Ilene stepped back to look at the girl she’d taken in when hersister and husband died in a motor accident when Madison was twelve."You’re welcome to join us if you like."
"I have someerrands to run." Tucking her hand through the older woman's arm,she accompanied her to the kitchen where pies were cooling on therack. "You got some orders?"
"It seems thetide is turning." Kissing Madison’s cheek, she rescued thebatch of cookies she’d left in the oven. "Grab a bowl; Imade some stew."
A glance out thewindow showed Madison had made it just in time. The snow had startedcoming down rapidly. She’d lost her job at the software companythree months ago, and things had gotten a little tight.
"This is good."She took another spoonful and closed her eyes. "You could openyour restaurant."
"I had that,remember?" Ilene bustled around the stove and counter, takingout the cookies and placing them onto the tray.
"Oh, Auntie, I’msorry."
