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prologue
JACK
THREE YEARS AGO
“TELL ME THAT WAS THE last interview for the day.” I rub my temples to ward off an oncoming headache.
“Sorry, but no. You have one more,” Valentine says as she waltzes into my office.
As head of HR, she’s taken it upon herself to find me an assistant. I built Sinclair Group from the ground up and have been doing just fine without one. However, Valentine says I’m unapproachable and most of my staff is intimidated by me. She thinks an assistant can act as a liaison to improve my rapport with employees and free me up for more pressing issues. I disagree, but she’s adamant about this particular matter.
“Stop being dramatic. It’s not like I’m forcing you to get a root canal or sit through a four-hour board meeting,” she says with a hint of amusement. “You should be thanking me for wanting to make your life easier.”
“I would rather watch paint dry for an hour than sit through another interview like my last one,” I say.
“Well, you’re in luck because I saved the best for last.”
“Who is it?”
“Her name is Presley Stafford. She’s worked for Franklin Holdings in Tribeca as an assistant to a group of mid-level managers for the past two years. During her phone interview, she mentioned that she’s looking for a new challenge, and all her references gave her glowing recommendations.”
“Where did she go to college?”
Valentine doesn’t respond right away, leaving me suspicious. “She didn’t go to college,” she says hesitantly.
“Come again?”
“She moved to New York right out of high school and has worked at Franklin Holdings since.”
I squeeze the bridge of my nose between my fingers, praying for patience. “I specifically asked that we make a college degree a requirement for this position,” I remind Valentine.
“It was a requirement, but Ms. Stafford’s cover letter was rather convincing, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to speak with her. She’s tenacious, driven, and bold, and something tells me you’ll get along swimmingly.” Valentine stands her ground.
I should tell her to cancel the interview since Ms. Stafford doesn’t meet the qualifications for the position. However, she won’t rest until I hire someone, so I might as well humor her.
“Fine, but if this interview goes south, I want you to wait a week before bringing in another round of candidates.”
“Whatever you say,” Valentine says dismissively. “I’ll send Presley in when she arrives.” She steps out into the hall.
I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. Finally, I have some peace and quiet. It’s not an easy task running a multibillion-dollar investment firm. There’s a constant weight on my shoulders to do better and work harder. While it can get lonely, I don’t have much free time to dwell on it.
I’m interrupted by heels clapping against the vinyl floor outside my office. It’s probably a legal intern dropping off another contract for me to review.
“Christ, is it too much to ask for five minutes of—”
I stop short when I glance up to see a gorgeous woman standing in the doorway. She looks young, probably in her early twenties, and has a stunning hourglass figure. Her brown hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, and her piercing blue eyes shoot me a curious glance. She’s wearing a black pencil skirt, a white turtleneck, and a fitted blazer, completing the sophisticated look with black pumps.
Based on my reaction, you’d think this was the first beautiful woman I’ve ever met. Her lips are painted cherry red, tempting me to stroke her jawline while smudging her lipstick with my thumb. I’m stunned speechless, unsure how to interrupt my unexpected visceral reaction. I’m so focused on my thoughts that I barely register she’s speaking to me.
“If you’re always this pleasant, I’m surprised there isn’t a line out the door of eager applicants begging to fill the position,” she jokes.
I blink rapidly, caught off guard by her bold remark.
“Who are you?” My voice comes out cold, and she frowns at my clipped response.
“I’m Presley Stafford. I’m here for my interview. Valentine sent me in,” she states with confidence. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sinclair.”
I like hearing her say my name.
