Page 3 of Winning Her

I nodded back and walked over to my door, pushing it open with my shoulder. I moved over to my desk and set down the coffee and briefcase, then rounded it as I took off my coat. It was still a bit early, and the air hadn't quite warmed up yet, but I might as well be prepared early. I draped the coat over the back of my chair and sat down. I pulled some important documents out of my briefcase, then set it down to the side.

Finally, I took another sip of my coffee, cracked my fingers, and got down to work.

I had about twenty minutes to look over some papers; then the calls started coming in. My PA took care of some of them, but I still got the bulk of them, and I settled into the busy environment with ease, taking phone call after phone call and ending them with both sides satisfied.

It hadn't been easy starting out, but I’d made my fortune as a financial trader. Of course, there were plenty of people under the impression I got so many investors because of my father’s connections. Quite the contrary, I’d distanced myself as much as I possibly could from the Thompson family name. There was the occasional investor who called me up because they saw my name and connected it to my dad’s but as far as I cared, Thompson was just another name. Working with me didn’t mean they would get any perks out of my dad.

Not that he would give perks to anyone, even his sons. My old man was nothing if not a proper businessman.

Most of the morning was spent taking calls, and by the time it hit lunch I was starting to feel the strain. I’d got used to being busy and it barely phased me anymore. I’d learned early on that you didn’t get anywhere without hard work. I’d wanted to make a name for myself, with my time and my sweat, and I had.

My PA popped in with my lunch, and I barely gave her a grateful nod before going right back to work.

The calls were starting to grow less frequent in the afternoon. I caught some bites in between the calls, then tossed the remains of lunch into the trash can to my side behind the desk.

It was the usual, busy day. That was until my PA walked into my office, looking hesitant. I glanced up at her but finished the call I was on before giving her my full attention.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked, frowning. “Did you get a difficult client?”

She shook her head. “Um, not a client, sir. She says she’s your sister? She’s on another line for you.”

My sister…

Emily.

My frown deepened. What could she possibly want from me?

“She’s my half-sister,” I grumbled to myself.

My PA shifted her weight from foot to foot, looking at me with partially concealed anxiety.

I rarely ever took personal calls in the office. I’d chosen Jennifer in particular to be my assistant, because she knew little of my background, and didn’t look into it as long as it didn’t help her do her job. She knew I had at least one brother, but that was it.

Seriously, though, what could Emily possible want?

“Just let her know I’m too busy,” I said dismissively, waving at Jennifer. “Unless the calls have stopped coming?” I added, arching an eyebrow.

She winced. “Uh, no, actually, sir. There was a call that came in before hers; I promised you’d call back after you were done with your recent call. I just wanted to see if you’d be talking to your sister or not…”

“Tell her what I just told you,” I said, already looking away.

Whatever Emily had to say to me, it could certainly wait until office hours were over. She and I weren’t particularly close, and I couldn’t remember the last time she even called me. It probably wouldn’t be anything important.

But Jennifer wasn’t leaving to go patch through my next call, and I looked back up at her with a frown. She had her hands clasped in front of her, though her fingers kept twisting, and she shifted slightly from one foot to the other some more. I wondered if the heels she was wearing were starting to feel uncomfortable on her feet.

“Is there something else I can help you with?”

“It’s just that,” she started slowly. “I’m sorry sir, but she said it had something to do with your dad.”

My frown deepened even further. What could Dad possibly want from me? Even knowing it was about him, I still felt reluctant.

Right here was where I’d built my world. I’d all but thrown my past away because it was exactly what led me to where I was, in my new life in Asheville, North Carolina, where I could get away from it all. The place was perfect; no family in sight and I found my peace in the mountains I loved to hike. Where none of my dysfunctional family could butt in.

I still saw Dad on occasion because he’d gripe at me until I either met up with him or he’d show up at my office. The latter was something I didn’t want to happen, so I usually gave into his demands. Come to think of it; it had been a while since I’d received as much as a call from him.

I’d been happy that he was finally leaving me alone.

Dad and I just didn’t get along, no matter what the old man felt. He thought I was busy, but really I made whatever excuse kept me from going home. I hadn't been back for years, not since I left there for college.