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The sun was barely up, and the city still slept. At dawn, Manhattan was the most serene city in the world, but I ached to spend more time in Montauk at my private beach house—perhaps this weekend.
The land cost twice as much as the house itself, the latter of which I had custom-built from the ground up. It was a quirk of my perfectionism that I needed to oversee every of each project I was involved in, whenever possible. The rest I assigned to trusted and talented managers like Elsa.
The rock of my business and my life was there when I arrived at the office on the fifteenth floor. Many people wondered why I’d chosen a small, windowless office to work in when the penthouse offered a stunning view of the city. I didn’t like distractions, and windows overlooking the city meant I’d never get anything achieved.
“You’re alive,” Elsa said, taking my bike.
I frowned.
“No thanks to the sanitation trucks trying to mow me down.”
I removed my tie from my backpack. Elsa took it from me and draped it around my neck. Her hands were practiced and gentle as she smiled.
“One of these days, you’ll learn how to do this for yourself.”
I grinned.
“Why would I, when you can do it for me?”
Necktie knots never had been and never would be my forte. I was eighteen before I had to wear a tie for the first time, but I never truly took to them.
“Is my new assistant here?” I asked.
“She is.”
A look of concern flickered across her face.
“That bad?”
“She’s a bit greener than I expected. Maybe too self-conscious just starting out, but I think she’ll get there.”
I blew out an exasperated breath.
“Another one who won’t last the week.”
“That depends on you.”
“What was her name again? I know you told me, but I’ve forgotten.”
“Charlotte Merrick,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Charli for short. She’s nineteen and—”
“She’s a student?”
I stopped myself from groaning. The last thing I needed was a bratty, wet behind the ears zoomer.
“If you’d let me finish. She’s freshly graduated from NYU. Top marks in her class and a head for math like I’ve never seen.”
“I’m not sure—”
She held up her hand.
“Trust me on this. I have a feeling.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“Fine.”
There was no arguing with her. Elsa was often right. Because of my trust in her, I would give the “brilliant” Ms. Merrick a chance to see how she measured up.Chapter 3 - CharliSitting alone in the small office was like an endurance test. There was a desk with just enough room to get around to either side, but that was about it.
The walls were so thin I could hear the hum of the copier without trying. The sound was soothing—like the gentle roll of the ocean tide.
If I wasn’t careful, it might just lull me to sleep. Lord knows I hadn’t gotten much last night. The stress and excitement of a new job weighed on my mind.
“He wants to meet you,” Elsa said, sticking her head through the door.
I swallowed hard.
“Okay.”
My legs quivered like unset jelly as I pushed myself up. The heels didn’t help much as I made my way to the corner office.
The door was simple and unassuming. I wasn’t expecting armored guards and torches, but something to show Mr. McInnes’ importance.
The only thing that came close to that was a polished bronze plaque screwed into the light brown wood with his name engraved on it: Maximilian MacInnes. Taking a moment to stop my heart from fluttering like migrating geese, I raised my fist to knock.
“Enter,” came the muffled reply.
Gripping the curved bronze handle with white-knuckled intensity, I entered the lair of my master. Time slowed to a stop.
Wow.
Was he real?
He sat regal, magnificent and mighty at his beautifully appointed antique desk that looked like it had been looted from Downton Abbey. His charcoal suit clung to his body almost erotically, accentuating every clean line, making him look even more perfect than he was.
Power emanated from him in waves. His dark eyes took me in from head to toe and back again. My cheeks heated at his intense perusal. I shifted from foot to foot while he continued his examination.
“Ms. Merrick?”
He placed his palms on his desk.
I cleared my throat.
“Um, yeah, please call me Charli, um, sir.”
Something dark and dangerous flashed through his eyes.
“No. I don’t think I will. Nicknames aren’t professional. While we’re in the office, I’ll address you as either Charlotte or Ms. Merrick.”
“Charlotte?” I tried again, hoping I hadn’t offended him.
“Very well. You may call me Mr. MacInnes. Or, sir, if you prefer.”
“Yes, sir. What do you need? Can I get you anything?”
“Coffee. Elsa will tell you what I like.”
“Okay. Be right back.”
“Tut, tut, Charlotte. That’s not how you address me. I see you have a lot to learn, and I’m going to enjoy teaching you.”
