AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Putting his hand on the small of my back, he leads me past his assistant’s desk and rounds the corner. I can feel all the eyes on us and I realize this is the first time I have been to his office since our time apart. Since he works from home on occasion, apart from Cole’s assistant, whom I’ve met, this is the first time I’ve been with the extended team. I nestle a little closer to him, uncaring at my display of affection. Cole leans down and kisses the top of my head, wrapping his arm tighter around my waist.
As we near the elevator bank, I see one of the security detail nod at Cole and hold the door open for me. I turn to Cole for a final kiss, but he pulls me back after my peck saying, “What was the name of the person who recommended you? Johnson? Sam?”
“Yes, Sam Johnson. Now that I think of it, maybe it was my folks. I was talking to my mom about it the other day and she said something about asking Richard if he knew anyone at the company, but I told her not to do that.”
“Let’s be real, your mother isn’t a rule follower,” he laughs.
“No truer words,” I agree, giving him another kiss and walk into the elevator. Cole stands still, raking his eyes over my body and licks his lips until the doors completely close.
“Foster, how’s Alex?”
“Same, but good, she had a response today, she squeezed my hand, all of two minutes ago. I was literally picking up the phone to call Mia when you called.”
“Holy hell! This is amazing, I will call Mia the minute we get off the phone,” I hesitate, not wanting to ruin the mood. God knows my friend could use some relief.
“What’s with the hesitating. Spit it out, Cole. I know you didn’t call randomly. Stop walking on eggshells. We are brothers. What’s going on?” Leave it to Foster to cut right through the BS.
“We have a… what I think is a problem. Mia interviewed today and was hired on the spot. I don’t doubt my wife is amazing and capable, but it was a highly sought out position and in a very competitive department. Every new and old graduate wants to work for Simmons Advertising and especially in that PR department. They have a great team. I have even tried recruiting some of them. The bizarre part is that an executive named Sam Johnson, sent a memo strongly encouraging hiring Mia. He heads marketing, that’s what is so bizarre. Something isn’t sitting right with me. Can we have the guys look into it and especially keep a close eye on my bride while she is in that building.”
“You don’t have to ask twice, I don’t like it either. Consider it handled.”
“Thanks, brother. Listen, I’m happy for you. It’s a small step in the right direction. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Will do and thanks. Don’t forget to call Mia, if you don’t tell her, she will kill you.”
I know he’s right!
“See ya.” I hang up and immediately call Mia.
Telling Mia was quite possibly one of the best parts of my day. I couldn’t make out anything she said as she screamed and began to cry, with the exception of the ‘Thank you and the I love yous.’ We made plans to meet a little later so she could stop by the hospital and talk to Foster. Honestly, I had so much on my plate at work, that I was happy to oblige, and this would give me some time to make some calls regarding our new friend Sam.
I called Richard’s office and was patched right through to him.
“Cole, what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Hello Richard. This may seem odd, but I was hoping you could tell me about a man named Sam Johnson, works head of marketing at Simmons Advertising.”
He repeats the name over and over and I can tell he is trying to connect a memory to the name.
“Sorry, Parker, but I don’t know him, I can’t seem to place the name. Did he drop my name?”
“No, it’s nothing, It’s my mistake. I thought you were acquaintances. That’s all. Richard, I’m sorry, but I have a meeting. Thanks for the info.”
“Not a problem, have a good one.” With that we end our phone call. For the slightest of seconds, I consider calling Sam Johnson’s office and asking him what his motive is, but I know Mia would disapprove and it would put us back where I definitely do not want us to be. A little digging would be fine, her safety is my utmost priority and I won’t listen to anyone about the methods I choose to keep my love safe and sound. God help this Sam guy if he has any worrisome plans for my wife. I’m not to be tested.
I pick up my landline and ask for our marketing department, the line rings twice before I hear my department answer, “Mr. Parker, hello, how can I help you?”
I’m sure it’s nerve-wracking when your boss calls you unexpectedly. I’m sure my call adds to those nerves, one hundred percent.
“Well, I was hoping you could help me. I would like some background on another marketing head and I know we have worked alongside the marketing team at Simmons a few times with some projects. What can you tell me about Sam Johnson, you can speak freely? I’m not replacing you, Barnes.”
I inadvertently hear his sigh of relief as he responds, “Well sir, from what I hear she is a great leader, capable and has an incredible work ethic. From personal experience, she was easy to work with, very collaborative. She always has fantastic ideas.”
“Great, thanks, Barnes. Oh, and great insight on the tower project. I like the road we are taking on that.”
“Thank you, sir”, With that, I end my call. What the fuck. He is a she. Who is this lady? I text Foster what I know and I get a singular response.
Interesting
