AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He then implied I was the goddamn Queen of England.
Paint the grass green? I internally tsk. I’m not that bad, am I?
Stupid rumor mill.
And why is he so handsome?
Sexy, deep Scottish accent, muscles, and dreamy eyes. He has the perfect tan, too. He’s clearly been soaking up the sun while he’s here. And he’s deliciously dark. Everywhere. Eyes, hair, skin. He’s Italian or Greek, maybe Spanish. Whatever he is, he’s admittedly gorgeous, but way too cocky for my liking.
So not my type, and I am soooo not his type. I bet tiny blondes are more his thing.
Although he said I was pretty last night. But he probably says that to all women; after all, the lighting in here is truly awful.
He had some great ideas for the gym, though. He’s the full package, brains and brawn. Most of his ideas I already had planned for S&M Gym.
God, that awful name. It’s also being scrapped.
I reckon Lincoln must work in hospitality marketing or management back in Scotland. He’s got a good business head on him, better than Rio. He could be a real asset to my team, but Lincoln is only here temporarily, so that’s not even an option.
Shame, he’s the perfect eye candy. The women would love him.
I grab the display board I propped against the wall as I glide by and place it on the easel at the front of the office.
“Thank you, Rio, and thank you for that incredible introduction. You’ve put a lot of pressure on me now.” I throw him a smile and turn to face everyone. “Hello. It’s wonderful to meet you all.”
I begin. “I am Violet West and I am one of the operations managers at West Oracle Corporations. I’m not actually the investor, as Rio kindly put it, but my father, Anthony West, is. Joseph is our acquisitions and operations director. He’s the boss and my boss.”
I’m relieved I’m not the boss. Manager, yes; director, no, thanks. If I had Joseph’s job, I wouldn’t have a life at all.
While I am committed to my job, I’m not sure if I want to work for my father for the rest of my career.
“I’m responsible for managing all aspects of our new acquisitions, from finance, marketing, health, safety, and personal development. Pretty much everything. My job is to ensure a smooth and seamless merger and, more importantly, make sure you are all looked after.” I love my job, but I have given this same speech at least ten times already this month alone. “I’m here today to show you exactly what we have planned for S&M Gym. West Oracle Corporations recently purchased eighteen similar gyms across California and as part of that purchase, S&M Gym was one of them. For starters, the S&M Gym brand is no longer. We are stripping away the sadomasochism name. Yes, we inflict pain here at the gym, but not of a sexual nature or that would be a different type of presentation I would deliver to you today.”
Lincoln laughs louder than anyone else. “Sorry.” He shakes his head and pulls his lips into his mouth.
His velvety laugh kindles a flame of heat between my thighs.
Focus, Violet.
“From today, that name is gone.” I turn the presentation board over. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Urban Soul Studios.”
A gentle thrum of gasps sound through the small team as I reveal the black, white, and purple text-based logo. It’s simple, strong, and modern.
I point to the logo on the board. “Purple signifies bravery, power, and spirituality. Here at Urban Soul Studios, we will offer services for the mind, body, and soul. It’s a full rebrand, new timetable, and refurbishment. It’s out with everything old and dated in this place and in with modern fitness and health equipment, new fitness classes, security, and new dance studios to accommodate events.”
I deliver an empowering proposal for the next twenty minutes. The room buzzes with excitement.
So far, I’ve spotted three guys that need a rocket up their ass. Wearing smelly, unwashed work uniforms will be a thing of their past, or they will be.
An enthusiastic blond-haired girl at the back throws her hand in the air as I take questions.
“Yes?” I prompt her. “What’s your name?” I smile.
“Hi, I’m Judith.” She blushes. “I would like to know if our jobs are safe?”
“Great question, Judith. I guarantee all of your jobs are safe as long as you have the motivation, qualifications, and drive to be part of a thriving and successful business.” The qualifications statement is the loophole I need to replace two of the current members of the staff. I already have Human Resources on board to hire three new personal trainers.
Judith beams back at me. “I’m a certified dance teacher. I would love to run dance classes.”
