Chapter Three Max
Emma Blake is back home.
When Ryan suggested that we reach out to her for the job, I wasn’t even sure if she would accept. She’s been gone for so long doing her freelancing work that I figured she would politely blow us off and keep doing her thing.
I wouldn’t have even blamed her. She worked hard to get the clients that she’s worked with, but I am glad that she took a chance on us. We’re not offering her an easy, flexible gig.
The success of this update determines the future of the company. I should probably make that more known, but she’s smart. She probably already knows.
“Did he bore you to tears with that pointless tour?” I ask her as Ryan and I walk across the office toward her.
Emma laughs and shakes her head. “It was actually nice. You guys have a cool setup here.”
“I probably come by the most. I like using the whiteboard in the conference room to visualize my marketing plans,” Ryan tells her.
“I meant to ask about that. Who does what? I know you’re all founders, but do you have specific areas that you focus on?” Emma asks as her eyes dart back and forth between us.
“Josh deals with the leadership and social stuff. He meets with investors, big clients, and whatnot and represents the company at events and conferences. He’s the best with people,” I explain to her before putting a hand on Ryan’s shoulder.
“Ryan handles more of the marketing and brand management stuff, and I focus on the tech side of the company.”
Emma nods in understanding. “Good to know. Tell me more about the project.”
I take a seat next to her, while Ryan remains standing.
“We’re about to launch a big update for the platform.
It’ll have some new features that we’ve been testing for the past few months.
Built-in video chat. Larger file sharing.
A digital whiteboard that keeps track of real time updates by employees. ”
“But the look of our platform and our marketing materials is outdated. It’s probably the biggest complaint that we’ve gotten,” Ryan adds. “That’s why we need someone with your skillset and vision to revamp everything before launch.”
“It needs to be a cohesive launch. It needs to look cool and be cool,” I tell her. “This update is really important for the future of the company.”
Emma takes a deep breath, and at first, I’m worried that I spooked her.
If she takes off, we’re probably shit out of luck when it comes to the look of the platform.
“Then, we’re going to knock this out of the park.
I’ve already done some research, and I have a few possible themes in mind that we can at least draw some inspiration from. ”
I glance over at Ryan, who lifts his eyebrows a little. He’s impressed just like I am. She’s always been smart, but when she was younger, she wasn’t as proactive as her brothers. She didn’t spend hours studying or go above and beyond.
It seems like that has changed.
“Sounds like you’re up to speed then,” Ryan tells her. “I’m going to finish up some work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nod to him, watching him walk off before turning back to Emma, who frowns.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Emma looks at me and shrugs, trying to clear up the disappointment on her face but ultimately failing. “I thought he would stick around longer. If you guys decide that I’m not the best fit, it won’t hurt my feelings.”
I shake my head and scoot closer to her, my hand moving to her arm. “Everything is fine. He’s just like that.”
Emma gives me a confused look.
“He can kind of be a brooding loner sometimes,” I say with a light chuckle. “Don't worry. You’ll be graced by his presence more than you’ll probably like.”
Emma cracks a small smile. “You guys are decent company.”
A smirk crosses my face as I motion for her to follow me over to the closest towering window that overlooks the city.
Snow drifts through the air, riding the cold wind that sweeps through the city.
The holidays are getting closer, but I don’t know how much we’re going to be able to celebrate them this year.
“So, you’re the tech whiz,” Emma comments as we stand in front of the window together. “You always did like computers and stuff.”
I snort a laugh through my nose. My interest in technology went far deeper than just liking computers and stuff. I could spend all day talking about my passion for developing this software and its features, but I would much rather hear about her.
“And you always had your nose buried in a sketchpad and had lead stains on your hands,” I reply as I pitch her a coy grin. “Looks like we both ended up making a living by doing our passions.”
Emma lets out a little scoff. “Try and tell my parents that. Art can’t pay the bills.”
I do faintly remember some arguments between teenage Emma and her parents about her plans for the future. They could be a little old school, so anything in the art or design realm didn’t seem lucrative to them, but she didn’t care.
She did what she wanted, and I never got to tell her how badass I thought she was for that.
“Well, you’ve proven them wrong,” I point out as my shoulder bumps against hers. “You’re a damn rockstar.”
Emma bumps me back, energy charging the small amount of space between us. Ryan is missing out. It’s nice being around her again, even if everything is different.
Actually, I think that makes things better. We’re all adults now. We’ve grown into our own people, and I like getting to know her outside of her being Andrew’s and Ethan’s little sister.
But I do have to remember that she’s still that.
If that slips my mind, my thoughts go in a direction that they shouldn’t. Not unless I want my ass kicked.
“I love winter in New York City,” Emma sighs as she gazes out of the window. “I did miss this when I traveled.”
“Why go the freelance route?” I ask her. “You could’ve come back home after graduating and worked for a business in the city.”
Emma doesn’t answer for a few moments, her eyes remaining on the window like she’s entranced by something.
Perhaps her own thoughts. “I wasn’t ready to come back home.
I just started looking for something. Anything.
After I did that first freelance gig, I became hooked and started going wherever I wanted. ”
Now, I’m really surprised that she came back to work with us. It can’t just be because we asked.
“Did you want to come back here?” I reply.
Emma shrugs. “Maybe it’s time. We’ll see how things go.”
It’s harder to read her than I thought, and that makes me want to ask her questions until the sun sets. I’m not going to bore her, though. At least not in the office without a drink in her hand.
“Come out and get drinks with us tonight. We should celebrate our partnership,” I invite her as I caress the back of her arm. I can’t stop myself from touching her, at least in some way, and just the small contact is enough to charge the energy between us.
Emma turns toward me with an unsure look on her face. “Drinks? I don’t know…”
I click my tongue at her as my hand drifts to the back of her shoulder, drawing her under my arm.
“Come on, Em. You can’t tell me that this isn’t worth celebrating.
This is going to be historic for the company, and every business in the city will want to work with you after they see the magic that you work. ”
Emma groans and wraps her arm around my back. “Fine. I’ll get a drink with you guys. One drink. I need to be on my A-game tomorrow.”
“Let’s get the others then,” I tell her, leading her away from the window.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Emma admits as we walk side by side. “I didn’t think that I would see you guys for a while, and I especially didn’t think that I’d work for you.”
“I’m glad you did,” I reply, our eyes briefly meeting. It’s enough to make my adrenaline start pumping.
Emma smiles in response, and I can’t help but wish that I could read her thoughts. Is she excited? Nervous? Both?
Does she feel the way that I do?
Frustratingly attracted. Completely torn. Deeply guilty.
What a jarring early Christmas present.