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The billionaire thinks for a moment, and again, I’m astonished at how handsome Preston is. He’s got dark hair laced with silver, and those blue eyes are penetrating and insightful.
“You know I’ve been a CEO for a long time now, right sweetheart? So I’ve worked with a lot of different personalities and have really seen how the land lies. All I can say is that honestly, sometimes a positive attitude means more than the work itself,” he remarks. “A can-do approach goes a long way, and even if you’re just scooping ice cream for kids, it’s honest work. You show up every day and do your best, and there’s absolutely no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed of that, even if it’s the same job you’ve had since high school.”
I nod and sigh.
“Yes, but that’s the rub. When will I move on? I’ve been scooping ice cream for six years now,” I say ruefully. “I’d just like to feel that I’m making progress in life.”
Preston nods and takes my hand, his blue gaze serious.
“Well, just know that I have employees I’d trade for you in a heartbeat,” he growls. “Seriously. You’re dedicated and good at your job, which counts for a lot. Some of the folks who work for me get paid the big bucks, and yet they’re ungrateful and always want more.”
I stare at him. “You don’t mean that.”
“Sure I do. My industry is filled with fancy degrees and horrible personalities. If I had more employees with your positive attitude and work ethic at Cahill Holdings, I’d thank my lucky stars. You can bet I’d never let you go.”
His words make my heart warm, and I already feel better. I suppose it’s Preston’s perspective. He’s insightful without being judgmental, and he has a lot of experience too, so I respect the CEO’s opinion. It’s such a huge difference too, when I compare Preston to my ex. Corey was always so dismissive when I aired my concerns, saying that I should just quit, full stop. Or that I should go to college like everyone else, but wait – I wasn’t smart enough to get in. Those words made me feel so bad about myself that I’d scurry away to cry in the bathroom with the door locked.
But with Preston, it’s different. He’s kind without being overbearing, and he supports my hopes and ambitions. Even though we’re still getting to know each other, I can already tell that despite the fact that he’s a CEO and I’m a lowly ice-cream scooper, the billionaire sees us as equals. It makes me feel good about myself, and warms my body and soul knowing that Preston Cahill is on my side.
10
Preston
The dinner is amazing and I’m so glad Carolyn is here. First, she’s absolutely gorgeous and I can hardly tear my eyes away from those lush assets. The dress she’s wearing highlights her big bosom, and the glimpse of creamy thigh I got when she first arrived made me salivate. I’m such a dirty dog.
But I’ve been controlling myself, and the conversation is amazing too. The sweet woman is opening up to me so readily, and I can’t believe that everything she says draws me to her even more. Then again, I suppose it’s not surprising, seeing that Carolyn is nothing like the women who’ve tried to attract my interest in the past. Most of those ladies were interested in only two things: a big diamond on their finger and a luxurious lifestyle, courtesy of yours truly. By contrast, Carolyn doesn’t seem to care about money at all and she never wears extravagant jewelry either.
“What’s it like owning your own company?” she asks curiously, and I laugh.
“It’s not terribly exciting, sweetheart. We do a little of this, a little of that.”
She grins. “Well, that’s one way to avoid the question.”
“I’m not avoiding anything. It’s true.”
She mock-pouts.
“Seriously, what do you do Preston? You know so much about my job already, so what’s it like at Cahill Holdings?”
I think for a moment.
“Although it might sound bizarre, I do whatever needs to be done,” is my reply. “When an issue arises, I handle it myself; I ask one of my employees to take care of the matter; or I hire an expert for a consultation. It’s a lot of strategy because although what I described sounds simple, it’s actually pretty challenging.”
Carolyn nods, leaning forward while cupping her chin in her hands.
“Okay, but what business is Cahill in? You could be making pizza for all I know.”
I laugh, entertained by her sassiness.
“Honestly, you’re going to hate my reply because it’s kind-of a non-answer again, but Cahill has its finger in a lot of pies, so to speak. It’s a diversified enterprise, meaning that we have clients who own everything from metal mining companies to commercial real estate, such as hotels and casinos. We’re a one-stop shop.”
