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Kelsey was Dominic’s girlfriend. I’d never admit it, but I loved when they came into town twice a month and stayed at my house with their dog, Lady. But a break in my loneliness wasn’t my priority at the moment. “Why the hell did you give that woman your card?”
He had the nerve to look not one bit contrite. An annoying trait of both of my brothers. “You mean Addy? What? If she doesn’t take your shit, then there might be hope of us finding you an office manager who can stick.”
Heaving up my suitcase, I glared at him. “She can’t have the job.”
He smirked. “You left hiring to me. By the way, Kelsey texted to ask if pepperoni pizza is okay.”
He navigated subject changes like switching lanes on an LA freeway. Normally I preferred to cook on the healthier side, but since I was coming in late on a Sunday night, I was appreciative for the convenience. “Pizza is good. Pepperoni is fine. Did you bring my truck?”
He scoffed. “Um, no, I brought mine. Your truck is on its last legs. You really need to stop penny-pinching and buy yourself a new one.”
I had more than enough money to buy several trucks. I’d grown up rich but had always felt reluctant to use family money. I’d lived simply and had used money saved during my years in the military to start my company. Business was good, really fucking good according to my accountant, but I couldn’t be bothered to splurge on myself. The only exception had been the purchase of my four-bedroom house in Vegas, and even that had been a steal compared to a comparable residence where I’d grown up in San Diego.
We walked toward the parking garage.
“My truck works fine. What other interviews do you have set up for this week?”
“If Addison calls me, it’ll be three.”
We were in need of someone to help out with administrative tasks and get the office in order, but not desperate. At least, not in my mind. Unfortunately, the last hire hadn’t survived more than two weeks.
“Addy’s not going to call you.” At least I hoped not. Aside from being a sexy distraction for me personally, she’d be a problem all the way around, given all the men in my office. I didn’t need drama at work.
“Just don’t go and make the next one cry.”
Shit. Here we went again. “I did not make the last office manager cry. At least not on purpose. She was oversensitive to justified criticism.”
“Yes, but would it kill you to be a little more approachable? This isn’t the Army, Leo. You can’t bark orders.”
I’d barely snapped about her leaving the security door wide open, and she’d broken down. “I will be on my best behavior with a new hire.”
An unauthorized thought of whiskey eyes flashed through my mind. There was no way “Miss Do You Call That a Compliment” would’ve broken down in tears.
ChapterThree
ADDISON
The sound of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” blared through the speakers of my blue Honda Civic as I followed my phone app navigation through the unfamiliar streets on the outskirts of the city. As I pulled into the indicated parking lot, I cranked up the volume to finish the song, knowing the louder Axl was, the better I sounded.
I really should’ve been a late-eighties kid. I loved this kind of rock music. Once I had kids, they’d be educated on all of the eighties’ hair bands. Boy, I could hardly wait to be a mom. But considering I’d never had a relationship to speak of, and dating was like an obstacle course, that dream was out of reach for now.
About to take a sip from my to-go mug full of coffee, I thought better of it. Knowing my clumsiness, I’d spill it all over my suit with only minutes before my job interview. The third of the week.
I declined the risk. Instead, I flipped my visor down to open the mirror and stare at my face, inspecting the results of the cover-up on the lump on my head from two days ago. Overall, my injury hadn’t blossomed into anything too bad. It was a little swollen and blue, but was easily covered with concealer and my bangs.
Once the song finished, I turned off the car and glanced at the time. Five minutes early. Since yesterday had been a disaster with two terrible interviews, I’d emailed the gorgeous man who’d given me his business card on Sunday at baggage claim.
Sure, working with McGrumps was a concern, but after his brother had assured me over the phone when I called to schedule an interview that the position would not be reporting to him, I felt better about the possibility. Hell, it was only an interview.
After one last glance in the mirror to check my teeth were free from any lingering breakfast and my ample cleavage was buttoned up, I stepped out of my car.
In front of me was a nondescript building in a commercial business park which appeared to be made up of warehouses and other businesses without a lot of flash to them.
Matching the address on the door to the one from the email on my phone, I confirmed this was Delta Security. A small red triangle displayed the company logo.
Dominic’s description of the job had me intrigued. Delta Security was a growing company in need of someone to focus on process and improvements for the office. His goals for the position included everything from new hire orientations, to expense reimbursements and overall morale.
To make a good first impression, I wore my best black skirt suit, my hair up to de-emphasize the pink streaks, and I’d borrowed high heels from my cousin to look as professional as possible.
