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ChapterSix
MAN CANDY
Bentley
It’smy second day at West-to-East, Inc., and I’m doing my best to stifle my bad mood. I continue trying to blame it on jet lag even though I’ve been back in the states for three days now. In reality, I know it’s because, even after changing my sheets and pillowcases, I’m still reminded of Kenzie being in my home, which has made my sleep fitful.
She left a strawberry scent behind in my room, and it doesn’t matter which way I turn my head, I haven’t been able to stop picturing her mouth on my dick every time I close my eyes. Hell, tonight I’m tempted to sleep in one of the guest rooms to see if that helps.
Even as I read an email and wait for the next employee to show up, that woman is on my mind, which is the last thing I want. She was only supposed to be a fuck to take the edge off. Especially after being in a third world country for three months and not touching a woman there because I didn’t need anything complicated to distract me when I was supposed to be focused on helping others.
The only positive thing over these last two days has been that all of the employees are welcoming of a stranger being at the helm of their company. The board cautioned me that there may be an adjustment period, but so far, I’ve met almost all of the department heads and several of the managers beneath them. Each one seemed eager to learn what I was bringing to the table.
My next meeting is with Owen Porter. He’s the VP of Marketing and the one I’m most interested in talking with. Marketing is what this company needs to fix the mess left behind from the old CEO. I did my fair share of research before officially taking the job. The guy was selfish in his acquisitions and harsh to the employees affected.
That won’t be the way we do things around here anymore. Not if the board wants to see positive, long-lasting growth for this company.
I glance around the office. Fake plants have been brought in and placed around the room, the east wall is all glass with a calming view of the city, and there is a mostly empty bookshelf on the west wall. I intend to rectify that with items from my personal library.
My hands move over the smooth, black surface of the desk, and I lean back in my leather chair. With little effort, I spin until I’m facing the window. I didn’t think Charlotte was where I’d put down roots after moving here from New York, but looking out over the city now, I can’t see myself anywhere else.
A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts, and I stand. The handle turns before I can open the door myself, and in walks a man about my age with dark, short hair, a crisp charcoal suit with a light green tie.
“Mr. Abbott? I’m Owen Porter from Marketing,” he says, keeping his head up. His blue eyes meet my gaze straight on.
I extend my hand, and his grip is sure. “Call me Bentley. It’s nice to officially meet you.”
He laughs. “You’re the only reason I’m still here, so the pleasure is all mine.”
My brow raises as we take seats, me behind my desk and him directly across from me. “How so?”
“I used to be one of Jack’s executive assistants. I wasn’t his biggest fan as the years passed,” Owen says, his voice lowering with disdain.
I nod and sit up straighter in my chair. “From what I’ve heard, I don’t blame you. Seems as if your patience paid off, though.”
He pulls at the end of his tie. “Almost didn’t, but yeah, it’s been nice seeing this company take steps in the right direction.”
“Well, I intend to make those steps turn into leaps with your help. The marketing department is going to play a big role in my plans,” I say.
Owen grins. “We’re up for the challenge.”
“Good. I’ll need a few days to reevaluate everything I’ve learned so far and see where the best place to start is. I do know that branding for the businesses we already own is a priority, and making sure those that have remained forgotten in the dark corners of the corporation finally have the dust cleared from them.”
The longer I speak, the more Owen nods, and his eyes widen. “If I can be forward, that’s everything I hoped you’d say. We don’t need to expand to grow. At least, not anytime soon.”
I lean back and fold my hands over each other. “You can always speak your piece here, Owen. I won’t always do what you want, but I promise to do what I truly believe is best for this company as a whole.”
He looks toward the window and then back at me while smiling. “My fiancée will be glad to hear that. She’s been worried on my behalf since I decided to stay on with the company. She had the misfortune of knowing Jack Harrington and said she wasn’t above threatening you if you were anything like him.”
I let out a short chuckle. “Threats? She doesn’t work here, does she?”
Owen’s grin grows. “No, but she did say if you were open to it, I was to invite you to dinner so she could meet you herself. More threats were given about that if I failed to extend the offer after deciding whether you’d be good for the company.”
I raise a brow. “Does your invite mean you believe I’ll be just that?”
He nods. “The other department heads have been talking. So far, you haven’t given us a reason to think otherwise. We’re thankful to have you here.”
Out of all the VPs I’ve met today, he’s the first one to be open with me and talk to me more as an equal than someone he needs to fear. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to form some tighter relationships with those I’ll be working the closest with.
