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I jump at the voice and whirl around to see Mr. Starr standing in the doorway, trying not to laugh.
His face is smooth and impassive, but I can tell from the way his eyes are dancing that he finds my situation hilarious.
His eyes are the most curious shade of amber I’ve ever seen. The only other person I’ve known to have that color of eyes – I force the thought from my head, not wanting to think about the past, the past that walked out on me, leaving me at the mercy of those who wanted to hurt me. “I’m just trying to get you that cup of coffee,” I mutter. The one that you asked for an hour ago. I add the last part silently.
He’s about to say something when the elevator dings and the doors part to reveal a tall man with sandy hair and blue eyes. He’s a head taller than Mr. Starr, but Caleb has the more imposing presence in the room.
I see the transformation of the man before me, from a curious man who’s amused by my ‘antics’ to the steely-eyed man with a face carved from stone. Caleb is suddenly more aloof, unapproachable, and I wonder if I’m now seeing the man who has created an empire for himself, where he sits on the top, untouchable.
“Oliver.” Caleb’s voice is cool. “What can I do for you?”
Oliver Thornton.
I’ve read about him. His marriage to Lana Hill made the papers.
I haven’t run into the HR Head since I started working here. Honestly, I have no desire to meet her husband or see her. Not that I can avoid her forever.
I feel a pair of eyes on me and look up to see Oliver staring at me. I nod in greeting, trying to look severe, but when the corner of his lip quirks up, I can see I’ve failed.
“Miss West, have two coffees sent in for us. Stop gawking at my assistant, Oliver.” Caleb’s voice is sharp.
Now, I wonder what is wrong.
“All right,” I say as Oliver follows him in and before the door closes behind them, I hear him say, in a British accent, “Quite rude of you not to introduce us. After all –”
The rest of the sentences are muffled and I ignore that to now consider my major problem at hand.
The stupid coffee.
Taking a deep breath, I pick up the phone and call the reception.
Elise arrives within five minutes, out of breath, and grinning from ear to ear. “Hoo boy! Okay, give me a minute. Let me tell you…” She looks up at me from where she has her hands on her knees. “This baby does not like exercise.”
“Maybe some water,” I offer, concerned.
She waves me off. “Tempt me not, Devil. If I go to the bathroom one more time within this hour, I’m forcing myself to go into labor.” She looks at the innocent coffee machine. “Let’s get this working then.”
Twenty minutes later, after I’ve promised to go with her for lunch tomorrow, I watch Elise leave and knock on Caleb’s door before carrying two cups of coffee inside.
Caleb is standing by the window, which seems to be his favorite spot. He looks over his shoulder at me.
I can’t help the frisson of fear that runs inside of me at the naked fury in his eyes.
However, his voice is steady as he says, “Thank you, Miss West. Make sure we’re not disturbed.”
Oliver is looking pissed off and I find it odd that he avoids my eyes.
Confused, I return to my station only find it occupied by someone.
Lucas is leaning over my computer and looks up w
hen I enter. “You’ve been busy, Miss West.”
“It’s research,” I say stiffly, hurrying over and minimizing the open tabs that he’s studying.
“On your boss?” Lucas looks intrigued. “You could just ask him what you want to know. I doubt he’ll keep anything from you.”
I find this to be an odd statement. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
