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“I think we’ve discussed the animal cruelty thing, and I am considering it, as am I considering the ethically sourced part. As for the styles, I go off the current trends and popularity. I guess I’d be worried if I introduced more looks like you see in my home, people wouldn’t know what to say. The same could probably be said for my clothing too. I guess I’d be afraid business would slow down. We are so successful now, to take an enormous leap of faith like that, that my clients could easily see my vision versus what they are used to, is out of the question. But I thank you, you’ve given me a lot to think about.”
Her hand rested between us. She said nothing but continued to look out the window. I laced my fingers through hers and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. When I brought it to my lips, she gave me a gentle tug, but I got a kiss in before she pulled it away.
“Well, like art, and that beautiful home you have, imagine the stories you could tell or help your clients tell through their art deco accessories.”
Her words hung in the air between us as we pulled up to the office. I saw the worry on her face. “Don’t be nervous. Martie will be there, and we have a lot of work for you to do. Everyone is going to like you, and if they assume something because you're staying with me, to hell with them.”
“I don’t know if I can do this.” Her eyes were enormous, and round as saucers.
“Listen, you just told me to change everything about myself, my clothing, my line of accessories so that they reflect the real me, and you're worried about an office of people. If you can deal with me, they’re nothing to handle.”
“Well, alright, if I go in there and behave myself, you have to promise to consider some changes for your clothing line.”
“Deal.” We shook on it, and then it was back to business.
As we walked to my office, keeping a suitable distance between us, I realized this was going to be harder for me than her.
“You know, you drive a hard bargain, slave driver. All I know is, you’d better perform as good or better than in New York City, or I’m shipping you back to the east coast pronto, no time for games.”
“I’m all me. I’m not the one wearing a bland tie while I’d rather be wearing shocking purple.” She stepped onto the elevator as I stepped aside and then we headed for the tenth floor.
In full business mode, I adjusted my less-than-stellar tie and took a cleansing breath so I could clear my thoughts of the sex in the elevator I was imagining.
“Well, this is going to be an interesting day for us both. You getting to know everyone and your way around my office, me trying to keep my focus on business and not those sexy legs of yours. Damn, it all to hell.”
The elevator door kicked open as we reached the tenth floor, and I stepped aside so she could move ahead of me. As we walked through the large office, all eyes were on us.
A few people stopped and smiled, some barely noticed, and then Martie was there.
“Good morning boss, I have a coffee for you in your office. Gwen, it’s so good to see you again. Where should I—”
“Put her in the empty office next to yours. I want to have a meeting in twenty minutes, real quick for everyone, and then you, me, and Gwen will need to have a meeting in an hour to get things done around here.”
I nodded my head to both ladies, missing Gwen already as I kept moving and Martie stopped beside her.
“Come on, Gwen, let me show you to the break room so you can get some coffee.” Martie was confused, I saw it on her face.
Chapter Eighteen
Gwen
“So,comeon,nowthat you have your coffee, we will get you at a desk. How long are you going to be here for?”
“I don’t know exactly. I guess we will both find out at the meeting shortly.”
I hated being short with my cousin, but Martie was a nosey body and often liked to gossip and tell stories. I remembered what James had said to me, and I wasn’t about to breach that trust.
We’d come this far, and as much as I wanted to sit down and have a good chat with Martie, ask all kinds of questions, and tell her everything I knew, that wouldn’t be in my best interest.
She looked at me, a serene smile on her face, but I knew the wheels were turning behind her eyes. She was thinking, and what thoughts were in her head, I could only imagine.
“Did you and James?”
Stunned, I remained silent. “Did we what?” Anyways, she already knew we slept together. I think Martie just brought it up because she wants me to give her the details.
Asking a question with another question was a great diversion tactic, and I would not go down that road. I hadn’t been in the office for an hour yet, more than a few people were looking at me curiously, and Martie wanted to ask me questions about my personal life.
I cleared my throat and turned my back on her as we entered what was to be my office. It was lovely, and small, but suitable for someone in my position. It had a beautiful window, a lovely view outside, and the desk was modern and functional. The computer sitting on top looked new, as did all the other items around the room.
