1. CHARLIE
1
CHARLIE
I ts a rainy day today. The sky is gray and black, almost like a storm brewing, and the liquid pellets pour down on the people who race across the sidewalk. Some with umbrellas who can afford to walk a little slower, and others with their book bags over their head, just one knock of the foot away from falling over into a puddle.
I frown slightly, placing a fist under my chin. Why wont they share? Just reach over with their umbrella and say, Hey, you look like you could use some shelter.
I feel like that would make anyones day better and give them more time to focus on how cool and serene the rainy weather truly is.
Ms. Caddel?
I swivel around in my chair as Junie pokes her head into my office. She points her thumb towards the hall, her blonde bangs falling over her forehead. Theyre about to start in the conference room.
Oops, I chuckle, grabbing my clipboard and a few folders. Thanks, Junie. Would you be able to deliver my coffee there?
Of course.
Junie falls in step with me as I walk over to the conference room, and we run over some of the things we need to do before I dive into these new ideas Im expecting this morning. As were closing off the year, investors are expected to meet with my father, the CEO, and me, the new COO, to propose a few investment ideas to propel the business.
After spending the last year in what I call a company recession, and suddenly getting back onto our feet, we need to keep the ball rolling so we dont fall back into that loop. Although, if things turned around once, theyll definitely turn back again, I think we should avoid it altogether.
My hands press against the door as my heart echoes in my chest. With a forced smile, I push my way into the room. A quick hush falls upon everyone in the meeting, and I raise my chin.
Good morning, everyone, I nod, pursing my lips together as I observe their differential expressions slowly taking shape.
Gentlemen, let me formally introduce you to our new Chief Operating Officer and my daughter, Charlie Caddel.
Applause erupts all over the room, and if it didnt sound like someone was forcibly holding up their hands and bringing them together, I wouldve been honored.
Still, I take my seat as my father stands in front of the room, feeling the gaze of almost everyone on me. But somewhere, among all these men, a gaze stands out.
I briefly sweep the table for it. Its intense, forcing my stomach to contract, and desperately, I land on each pair of eyes individually before finally . . . a pair of piercing, intense gray eyes stare back at me, and all the hair on my body stands on end.
Thats not allwe have someone who hasnt been with us for a very long time. Someone who is just as important to me because were like family. Hayden, the floor is yours.
My mouth grows dry as Hayden Scott stands from his seat. His body easily towers over every one of us, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over our faces. His muscles sit a little too nicely in the Armani suit he wears.
With a single blink of his heavy eyelashes, Hayden Scott slowly tilts his head to the side, his gray eyes piercing into my soul. My world stands still time stands still, and my mind floods with memories I had long suppressed.
Hayden Scott wears his dark hair shortlooking tousled from running his hands through it perhaps but also framing his face perfectly. He stares at me in slight astonishment, and I return the expression, but as quickly as the shock comes, anger swiftly follows.
My hands clench on my lap as he averts his gaze from me, directing it towards my father, and I cant hear a single word he says.
I admit that the man I knew has changed, sitting with so much poise that it makes me wonder if he isnt nervous. If I am the only one wearing my heart on my sleeve as I stare at a ghost from my past.
Does Jared know that hes here?
Would my brother not tell me that his beloved best friend, who went missing five years ago, somehow reappeared in tip-top shape on a stormy morning to sit in a conference room that he knows Ill be in?
Hayden Scott is back in town, and if that means nothing else, it surely means that trouble isnt too far behind.
Charlie?
I suppress my flinch at the sharp sound of my name, holding my breath as I snap out of my trance.
Everyone in the room stares at us, their curious glances bouncing from Hayden and back to me before settling on Hayden again.
I turn to my father, forcing a smile on my face and wiping my hands against my skirt to hide their trembling.
Uhyes, dad. Thanks, I let out a breathless chuckle, my gaze dropping to the table. I can still feel his gaze burning into my skin.
Hayden, I think were all curious about your ideas for the upcoming year. Your father has been raving about your ideasIm excited to hear them.
Hayden finally speaks; his voice is as smooth as silk, just like I remember, but with a roughness that I dont recognize.
Its a deep, rumbling cadence echoing off the walls of the quiet room.
He nods at my father, Thank you, Mr. Caddel. Im glad to be back.
My eyes travel from his head and back down to his shoulders. Hayden has unfolded into six feet of pure muscle. Hes always been in good shape because sports, especially football, kept him active, but this . . . this is something different. He wears it well, Ill give him that; too well. I wished hed come back looking at least a little ugly; that way, I wouldnt feel the waves of attraction but only the hatred that burns through me now.
I wont waste anyone elses time. As of now, we think the best idea is to merge Prime Properties with my fathers company.
My eyebrows shoot into my hairline at his bold request, and I shuffle in my seat, curious to know why he thinks wed even consider something as abrupt as this.
Were all investors here, drawn by common interests. Sentry Technologies has been doing tremendously well since my father created it because of its continuous innovation and ability to adapt to an ever-changing business climate. After the recent downturn of Prime Properties Inc., I think it would be wise to strengthen it to avoid something like this from happening again.
I . . . Im sorry, I dont think I fully . . . grasp your idea, the members of the board, including my father, all turn to me. I must ignore the sharp pang in my stomach when Hayden darts his eyes back at me. You want us to . . . give . . . you, our company, so that you can join with your fathers company, then were magically saved from bankruptcy?
The way you say it sounds rather tacky, Ms. Caddel, and I honestly expected better from someone newly appointed as COO, he says, and my neck rears back at his harsh tone. I didnt think Id have to spell out every detail for you.
I flush red, trying desperately to keep my face and posture relaxed. I lean forward onto the table, my fingers digging underneath. As a clear executive yourself, Mr. Scott, I didnt think Id have to tell you how to orchestrate a project pitch, especially one as big as a merger .
Merging is about much more than justjoining companies, and you wont be giving me anything. We keep our separate names and values but increase our synergies tenfold.
Were looking for an idea thatll make the company stronger on its own . I turn to my father. If we have to depend on another company to stay afloat, then weve already sunk, and frankly, I dont see how the arms industry is useful to a real estate company.
Sentry Technologies isnt just a weapons company; it offers protection, security, and everything new wealthy homeowners seek at the tap of convenience. Maybe its something we men understand; you wouldnt see it that way.
I shake my head, turning back to my father.
This isnt what we need right now, I strain, pressing my hand firmly on the table. The fact that my father is still silent worries me; it means hes not opposed to it.
Charlie, Hayden, how about the two of you take some time to figure this out, he suggests, and my heart sinks. Hayden and I exchange glances, glares hanging off our faces. Im not completely convinced by either of you if Im being honest. Less banter, more certitude. Whos next?
Hayden settles in his seat, leaning against the head of it, and I grind my teeth together. Howd I go from having a wonderful morning to being stuck with someone like Hayden Scott?