AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My first thought when Cooper asks me that is,what have I done wrong?Despite knowing I’ve done nothing that would warrant being called to a managing partner’s office, I still have butterflies in my stomach. My mind going over at least a million reasons that he would want to see me.
“Of course. I’m on my way now.”
“Thank you,” he replies before disconnecting the call.
Putting the phone back in its cradle, I save the report I’ve been working on and lock my computer. Around the time that Meghan left New York and Cooper went into a downward spiral, more work was shared out between the associates. It’s been great for my career, and I’ve been able to take the lead with clients that I hadn’t before. I thought that when Meghan and Cooper made it official, he might take back some of his clients, but that hasn’t been the case... unless that’s what he wants to talk to me about. Pushing away from the desk, I stretch my arms above my head, then check the time. I feel like I’ve been working for hours.
Jeez. It’s lunchtime already.
It’s no wonder I feel as stiff as a board. I got into the office at seven and have been hunched over at my desk all morning. I’ll go see what Cooper wants, then grab lunch.
Walking to the elevator, I ride the five floors to the thirtieth floor. Jackson and Partners—the firm I work for and that Cooper is the managing partner of—is based over ten floors in a high-rise building in the Civic Center neighborhood of Lower Manhattan.
My best friend Meghan, before she became his wife, worked as Cooper’s assistant. Although I rarely saw her during the day, if we could make it work, we’d always meet up for lunch. Since they moved out of the city and she now stays home to look after their gorgeous daughter, I don’t see her as often as I would like to. Neither do I get out to lunch as much as I should.
“Hi Duke, Cooper called for me.”
Duke is Cooper’s new assistant and I love him... well, not literally. He really brightens up the office with his outlandish clothes and quick wit, but he is so young. In his first week here, he’d asked me out twice but, thankfully, as time’s gone on, he’s toned it down a bit and we keep it to once a month. The answer will always be no, because I’m nearly ten years older than him, but damn, does it make me feel good.
“Well, if it isn’t the ever-beautiful Alexandra.” He’s also the only person—aside from my parents and Belinda—that still calls me by my full name. “Go on in. They’re waiting for you.”
They?
With a frown creasing my brow, I walk to Cooper’s door, knocking on it. Not waiting for a reply, I twist the handle and push open the door. Despite his back being to me as I walk in, I know it’s Sebastian. It’s the way my stomach clenches in anticipation and my breath hitches as I step into the room. He turns to face me, and as is always the case, it’s like I’ve been punched in the gut and the air is robbed from my lungs. Our gazes clash for a moment before I tear mine away and focus on Cooper. It’s much safer.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, please have a seat.” He indicates to the chair next to Sebastian and I pull in a much needed breath as I walk toward it.
Would it be totally awkward for me to move the chair away from him?
Yes, Alex, it definitely would.
I sit as far away from Sebastian in my seat as I can. Turning to Cooper, I look at him expectantly.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Cooper speaks. “I have an assignment for you. You’re the only person for the job, to be honest.”
My stomach plummets as the realization hits me. He wants me to work with Sebastian. The guy I’ve told to stay away from me. Why else would he be here? It’s not like Cooper would assign me work when he’s in the middle of a catch up with his friend.
Fuck my life.
Sneaking a glance at Sebastian, I’m met with a ticking jaw as he focuses his attention on Cooper. My eyes snap back to Cooper so my mind can’t focus on how badly I want to climb onto Sebastian’s lap. I wonder what our kids would look like; with his dazzling bluey-green eyes and his paler skin tone mixed with my darker one.
Whoa.
Where the hell did that come from?
I don’t even want kids, let alone with this man.
“... so you can see why I think you’re the best person for the job. Especially when you have contacts at Wilkins and Wilkins in Chicago. It just makes perfect business sense.”
“I’m sorry, I um... can you repeat what you just said?”
Cooper huffs out an exasperated sigh, as if he doesn’t know how much I dislike this man. “In short, I said, with Seb wanting to purchase a property in Chicago and you having contacts there, I’m assigning you to be the liaison on this.”
“With all due respect...”
“It’s okay, Coop...”
