She smiled. “I did, though I was ready for a change. Ready to return to California. I missed the beach.”
I nodded, laughing to myself as I rubbed a hand over my chin. How many summers had we spent together on the beach? Her parents and her. My flavor of the month and me. And who would’ve guessed she’d grow up to be such a bombshell.
She’d always been pretty as a little girl—raven hair, jade eyes that appeared gray in certain lights, kindhearted. But the woman before me was fucking stunning. If she were anyone else—and we were anywhere else—I wouldn’t have hesitated to make a move. But she was my best friend’s daughter and my new intern.
Even so, a memory came to me unbidden. She tilted her head to the side, a smile playing at her lips. “Something amusing?”
“You know… I can remember days at the beach, you flinging off your swimsuit and wiggling your cute little butt around. Then you’d march down to the water’s edge buck naked.”
Her cheeks reddened, turning the most beautiful hue, and I wondered what she’d look like now—naked on the beach. Naked in my bed.
“I don’t remember that,” she said in a soft voice.
“It was years ago. Hell, I’m sure you barely remember me.”
“Barely remember you?” It was said softly, her head dipped as if to conceal her expression from me. “How could I ever forget someone like you?”
I arched a brow, intrigued by her response. I couldn’t help but feel gratified by her reaction.
She cleared her throat. “I mean, you always were part of the family.”
I groaned inwardly.Of course she remembers you…like she would a lovable uncle.
I stood, turning toward the window so I wouldn’t stare at her delicate neck or study the flutter of her eyelashes. This was Sumner Gray. She was my best friend’s daughter. I’d always promised to protect her, watch out for her, notlustafter her.
I squeezed my eyes shut briefly. If Ian knew I was thinking about his baby girl this way… I cringed. He’d kill me—and rightfully so. Let alone the head of my HR department. Talk about a sexual harassment nightmare.
I turned back to her, forcing myself to focus as I sank down in the chair beside her.Get a fucking grip.
Sumner was here to learn, gain experience. Not be ogled by a man nearly twice her age. A man old enough to be her father.
“So, brain and cognitive sciences for undergrad. MBA in the fall. How does this summer fit in with your plans? What are you hoping to learn during your time at the Wolfe Group?” Standard question. A safe question, putting us back on solid footing.
Her legs were crossed at the ankles, both her demeanor and dress poised and professional. If only I could keep my thoughts on a more professional plane. But every time I looked at her, I found something new and intriguing to study. It was like rereading a favorite book and discovering even more things to love. More hidden gems and favorite passages to underline.
“I hope to gain from your insight and expertise so I can one day leverage my business degree to create a business of my own.”
I leaned back, crossing my arms over my chest. As far as elevator pitches went, it wasn’t half bad. But it lacked heat, passion. I sensed she was capable of so much more. That she wanted so much more. Or maybe I was projecting my own yearning onto her.
“Let’s try that again.”
She furrowed her brows, and it was fucking adorable. “Was there something wrong with what I said?”
“It was…” I debated my word choice briefly. “A bit too rehearsed. Too stiff. Where’s your passion? Whether you want to work in this field or be an entrepreneur—if you’re serious about being successful, you’re going to need to have some fire.”
She flattened her lips, and I wondered if I’d pushed too far. Still, I kept going, sensing I was getting somewhere. I wanted to see that spark. The passion.
“Come on.” I uncrossed my arms, leaning in. “Why are you really here?”
“To learn from the best.” It was a shit answer, intended to appease my vanity without offering anything of substance. And judging from the expression on her face, she knew it.
“I agreed to do this as a favor to your father, but I’m not willing to waste both our time. If you can’t give me some insight into your motivations, then—” I lifted my hand “—there’s the door.”
I held my employees to high standards—some might have said impossible ones. But it was part of the reason I’d been so successful. I hired the best and expected the best from them. And I paid them handsomely.
With Sumner, I felt the need to hold her to an even higher level. She’d been smart and well-spoken; she still was. I’d always seen the potential in her, and I wanted her to achieve her wildest dreams.
“I don’t need you to do me a favor.” Her voice was strong, resolute. “I graduated top of my class. I was on the dean’s list every semester. I—”
