Chapter Three #2
I choked on a laugh. “What?”
“Six years ago. In the lobby of my dorm. Obviously, if I had a crystal ball at the time, I would have chosen my words more carefully,” she rambled.
“But, geez, I was eighteen. Who can really make excuses for the things they did when they were eighteen? Calling someone an entitled asshole was the least of my offenses that year.”
“Oh, really? Tell me more.”
“I’m sorry. That was inappropriate. Forget I said anything.” She flapped a nervous hand around her head as if trying to scrub out her words. I laughed.
“How about we start over?” I stepped towards her, standing over her chair. “Hello, Miss Winters. I’m Emmett Price. Welcome to Special Projects. I trust you’re eager to make your mark here.”
“Absolutely.” She squared her shoulders. All traces of the rambling, flustered girl vanished. “I’m ready to give it my all.”
“Good. Let’s get down to business, shall we?” I rounded my desk and sat down in my chair. Leaning back, I crossed an ankle over a knee. “Let’s discuss your role here during your internship.”
“Of course.” She straightened in her seat, practically vibrating with eagerness.
“First and foremost,” I said, unable to resist a playful grin, “you should expect long hours and late nights.”
Her eyebrows shot up, and the color drained from her face.
I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for teasing her, so I quickly waved my hand and chuckled at her reaction.
“Relax, I’m only kidding,” I said, watching as relief washed over her features.
“While we do work hard here, I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
She graced me with another of those small smiles. “Balance is good.”
I nodded.
“Your primary responsibilities will include assisting me with various projects and coordinating with other members of the team. But what I value most is initiative, creativity, and a willingness to learn. I expect you to challenge yourself and push your limits. This is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.”
As I spoke, the intensity in her eyes grew. I could sense the fire that burned within her. She was like me, fueled by ambition and a desire to make a mark on the world.
“Thank you, Mr. Price,” she said softly. “I promise I won’t let you down.”
“Emmett, please. Now, let me show you the ropes.”
I rose from my chair and gestured for her to follow. My plan was to give her a tour of the department, introduce her to the team and explain her responsibilities. Every time she drifted away, I found myself inching back toward her, as if drawn by a magnet.
The Common hummed with the quiet energy of brilliant minds at work.
As I watched my team from the doorway, I felt proud of the unique environment we’d built within Price Industries.
“See, Callie,” I said, gesturing to the room.
“In Special Projects, we do things differently. My father gave me free rein to run this department as I saw fit, and I took that opportunity to heart.”
I watched as she took in the scene—the brightly colored lounge chairs, the ping-pong table, the casual attire. Probably a far cry from the stuffy corporate atmosphere she’d been expecting. Her eyes met mine, and I detected a hint of admiration.
“Well, it seems like you’re doing a great job. Everyone here looks very…happy.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my chest puffing out a little. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s always more to do.”
My mind drifted to some of the crises the company had faced over the last few years, one of which had been entirely my fault. I had a gut feeling my new intern was exactly what we needed, and my gut had only ever steered me wrong that one time.
As the tour continued, Callie’s expression shifted from apprehension to curiosity. She seemed to be studying every detail, taking mental notes on the unconventional environment.
“What do you think? Probably not what you were expecting, is it?” I asked.
“Definitely not. But it makes me even more excited to be a part of your team. I mean, you’re wearing jeans! On a Tuesday!”
I smiled. “Wear what makes you comfortable, but yeah, we’re not so formal most days. I’ll put on a monkey suit when I meet with the board, but that’s not really me.”
We stood silently for a while, watching more members of the team trickle in.
“Your desk is right this way,” I said, guiding her across The Common and through another set of double doors, navigating a maze of workstations and collaborative spaces.
The buzz of productivity was punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter as the team exchanged ideas and shared stories.
I felt another surge of pride. “Everyone, this is Callie Winters, our new intern,” I said, raising my voice above the chatter.
A chorus of friendly greetings echoed throughout the workspace, with several people stepping forward to introduce themselves.
During the introductions, I caught myself staring at her.
“Mr. Price, are you okay?” Callie’s voice pulled me out of my haze.
We’re really going to have to work on the “Mr. Price” thing.
She was standing next to her new desk, looking up at me with concern.
“Of course,” I said, forcing my expression into what I hoped was an easy smile. “Just lost in thought for a moment there. Do you need any help getting settled?”
“No, I think I can manage.” She stroked her fingers over the sleek surface of her desk, taking it all in. “Thank you for everything. I’m really looking forward to working with you and the team.”
“Likewise, Callie.” I tried to keep my tone professional, but the way her name rolled off my tongue gave me goosebumps. She held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary before smiling and turning to her desk.
I made my way back to my office, unable to shake the feeling that the world had shifted beneath my feet. But I needed to pull myself together. She was my intern. Sure, she was beautiful and smart, but so were a lot of women.
My last office romance didn’t end well, and I didn’t need a repeat.
I had plans for this company. Things to do.
I didn’t need a distraction.