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“Um, there’s a Michael McKenzie to see you,” my nervous assistant announces. “He doesn’t have an appointment, but he said you were about to be family, so . . .” she trails off.
“Show him in, please.”
I’m not sure why Angela is so nervous around me. I’m used to it with being ‘the’ boss, but I’ve tried to put her at ease. So far nothing seems to be working.
Expecting Sirena’s father, I’m surprised to see her brother striding into my office.
I shake his offered hand. “This is a surprise,” I comment.
He offers a shaky smile before he takes the offered seat. “You’ve just missed your sister.”
“Yeah, she was just getting off one elevator as I stepped into another.” He shrugs and runs his hands through his hair. “I’m in need of some advice that can’t go beyond this room.” He holds my gaze and the worry etched into his face makes me agree.
“Whatever we discuss, as long as it doesn’t involve Sirena, won’t leave this office.”
He smirks. “I admire how true you are to my sister. Thank you.”
“I love her, so no need of tha
nks.” I wave it off.
“Right.” He yanks his tie free from the noose around his neck and sighing heavily, asks, “What do you know of Mitchell Jordan?”
Groaning, I lean back in my chair and take a closer look at Michael who looks as though he has the world on his shoulders—for such a young man that shouldn’t be the case. He has me curious, so I’ll humor him for now. “Mitchell Jordan is an astute business man. We’ve done business in the past and he was a straight shooter. I’ve never heard anything negative about him or his business dealings.”
Michael nods his head, not saying anything.
“Why are you asking?” I lean forward and wait.
“He says he wants me—not the company—but me to spend the summer on an Island in Greece. He wants me to get a feel for the area, and he then wants me to design him a holiday complex that will cater for the rich and famous. It will be a place of luxury without the intrusion of the press.” He sits forward and rests his hands on his knees. “The project is something that I want to take on. I know I’m young and not as experienced as most, but I know that I can do this project justice.”
“So why do I sense a but in there?” I query with a frown.
“I’d be spending the summer at his villa with his family. I’d have my own apartment, which he apparently uses for business associates, but . . .”
It suddenly hits me and I start laughing, which draws a frown from the other man. “He has two daughters.” I grin.
“It gets tricky. Mitchell has hinted that if something was to happen between his daughter, Carrie, and me, that he’d be more than happy.” He holds my gaze. “I got the feeling that the deal might depend on my, um, association with his oldest daughter.”
Relaxing back in the chair, I wonder what Mitchell is playing at because this is certainly new. “Look, I think you need something in writing from him that your lawyer looks over before you agree to head out to Greece for the summer. Also, are you free to spend the summer overseas?”
“Alexander is going to work on the project with me, but from the states. Charlotte and Olivia will also be around in the office here. As long as I have an Internet connection then I can pretty much work from anywhere.”
“It sounds like you’ve made up your mind.”
“I want to do this. It’s a huge challenge that I’m desperate to get my teeth sunk into. I’m even wondering whether or not I’m imagining his intention with his daughter.”
“You’re a businessman, Michael. Trust your judgment.”
“Hmm.” He rests his head back against the chair and stares up at the ceiling. “If my sisters knew about my quandary they’d be having a field day.”
Chuckling, I add, “I can imagine. Those two when they’re together could probably cause a whole boat load of trouble.”
“God,” he groans, “you have no idea.” He laughs. “But you’ll find out soon enough.” He eyes me. “What’s this I hear about a wedding at the weekend?” he changes the subject.
“Charlotte sure didn’t waste any time in spreading the word.” I chuckle.
“She doesn’t. When she has something to do, she does it like you’d imagine a commander in the navy.” He smiles. “I hope you know what you’ve let yourself in for with asking Charlie for help.”
