Chapter 01 OLIVIA
“Wow. Single again?”
With a chilly smile, I glance up from my phone screen—where I just so happen to be scrolling through profiles on the dating app HER—and give the barista a pointed look. “Good morning, KC. One tall americano with a double shot, please.”
The young man's brows hit his hairline. “One of those mornings, I take it?”
You could say that. Though as CalTek's newest Chief of Operations, every day has been one of those mornings. Between project deadlines, endless meetings, and an assistant who doesn't know what a ten-key is, I'm literally swamped.
Pretending like I hadn’t just swiped left on three wildly unattainable women, I lock my phone and slip it into my pocket. “I’m not single because I’m incapable of commitment,“
I add, despite the fact that KC hadn’t asked. “I’m single because I relocated, took a promotion, and every person I've tried to date since has said I'm ‘emotionally unavailable,' which is complete nonsense. I'm just busy.”
KC hums, long blond hair falling down his back as he makes my drink. Technically, the company baristas are supposed to wear hairnets, but as long as no one else complains, I let some things slide. “Ryann used to have the same problem when he had your position. He worked all the time. Shilo was the first person he ever saw as more than just a casual hookup.”
Speaking of one of our CEOs, I grab my phone to scan his e-mail on profit margins one more time. Unfortunately, until a new Financial Officer is hired, I've been running everything. “He's lucky to have found someone who puts up with his schedule. Planning dates is hard when I can't even remember my last day off.”
“Well, I saw something that might help if you're interested.“
He sets the cup on the counter and rings up my order. “I saw this ad on Instagram the other day. A local photographer is doing some queer photography sessions. She matches you up with a stranger, you both meet and take cute pictures. Sounds pretty fun.”
I stare at him for a long moment. “KC…”
“Yes?”
“I run operations for a multi-million dollar tech company with three locations and twin CEOs who don't believe in work-life balance.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I do not have time to be photographed with a stranger for ‘fun.’”
He just shrugs, grinning. “It’s on the weekend. This Saturday.”
“I work Saturdays.”
“Of course you do.”
“And Sundays.“
And every day from here on out until said CEOs find me some help.
“Well, I tried.“
KC salutes me and moves on to the next person in line. “Good luck to your poor vibrator.”
Oh, I keep it well charged.
Biting back a laugh, I glare at him in warning before grabbing my cup and turning away. KC is definitely a character, but he crosses the line into harassment territory more often than not. If it weren't for the fact that he makes a mean cup of coffee—and everyone here loves him—he would have been fired a long time ago.
Fully fixated on my phone screen, I make my way to the big glass elevator in the lobby and press the button impatiently. A giant white oak stretches toward the glass ceiling above me, plants and foliage decorating the vast space.
As one of the most progressive tech companies on the West Coast, CalTek has cornered the market in tintable windows controlled by its app. That particular invention put them on the map, and it's the sole reason I agreed to let them buy out my mid-sized security company two years ago. Not only did it make me a lot of money, it also earned me this incredibly high-paying, high-stress position.
I've yet to decide whether I made the right choice.
When the elevator dings, I take a step without looking, typing with one hand and drinking with the other. It's not until she's right in front of me that I look up, but it's too late. Much to my absolute horror, I collide with a smaller body, sending my cup flying. Hot coffee spills down both our fronts.
“Oh, fuck,“
she says at the exact same time I do.
We both blink at each other, wide-eyed, before she bursts into… laughter? Long hair falls over her shoulder when she bends at the waist, blonde at the tips and darker near the roots. Her low-cut dress clings to her curves and perfectly shows off her ample cleavage. Realizing that I’m staring, I wrench my attention away.
“I'm so sorry,“
she giggles, straightening again to offer her hand. “Thought I'd have enough time on my break to get some coffee. I wasn't watching where I was going.”
Her palm is soft and warm against mine when I take it, pink nails sparkling beneath the sunlight. “No, the fault's all mine. I was looking at my phone.”
“Well, let's just say we're both clumsy, then. I'm Arya.”
“Olivia,“
I reply, studying her bright green eyes and glossy, pouty lips. “I've yet to see you around.”
“First day.“
Smiling, she points to her badge. “They just opened a salon on the fourth floor, and employees get a discount. You should stop by and see me!”
Realizing I'm still holding her hand, I release it to run my fingers through my chin-length blonde strands. “Does it look like I need it?”
Arya’s features distort in a way that resembles shock. “Oh my god! I just realized how that sounded. No, absolutely not! You're gorgeous! I mean, your hair is gorgeous. But also so are you.”
“Thank you,“
I chuckle, smiling despite myself. It's on the tip of my tongue to return the compliment, but flirting with employees is a hard line I never cross. Even if I really want to. Even if part of me wants to invite her up to my office, where I keep a few sets of spare clothes in case she wants to change her dress.
My phone buzzes in my hand again, reminding me how late I am for yet another meeting with our analysts.
Clearing my throat, I bend down to pick up the empty coffee cup before stepping into the elevator. “It was nice to meet you, Arya. I'll let you enjoy the rest of your break. Apologies for your clothes.”
“Oh!“
she breathes, frowning down at herself like she forgot about the stain before tossing me an award-winning smile. “It's alright. I've been covered in worse.“
When all I do is blink at her, a beautiful flush floods her cheeks. “That probably sounded really dirty and now I look like an idiot.”
I open my mouth to assure her of the opposite just as the elevator doors close, effectively cutting off my reply. The moment I'm alone, I slouch against the wall and laugh at myself. Smooth, Olive, comes a voice in my head that sounds very much like my father's. Very smooth.
I wasn’t exactly trying to let her know that I was interested, but I very much was. I very much am. Don't get me wrong, this promotion and this company are fantastic, but they're killing my love life. How am I supposed to wine and dine a lovely lady when I can't even wine and dine myself? Who has the time?
“Hi, boss.“
My useless PA, Carpenter, greets me from his desk when I step off the elevator on the thirteenth floor. “Phone's broken. There's a little red light blinking on it.”
“That's just a voicemail, Mr. Benson,“
I sigh, rolling my eyes behind the security of my office door. How that boy is still working here, I don't even know. Well, I suppose I do. It would be my job to fire him, but he's friends with the CEO's husband. Not that I think Ry would retaliate, but I just don't need more problems right now. My lack of a social life is enough.
KC's words run through my head as I rush to change my clothes.
“Ryann used to have the same problem when he had your position. He worked all the time. Shilo was the first person he ever saw as more than a casual hookup.”
Casual hookups aren't my thing, but maybe our borderline inappropriate barista is right. Perhaps a little spontaneity is what I need to break up the monotony that has become my routine. What's a few hours spent doing something fun on a Saturday, anyway? I'll probably end up regretting it later when I have to make up for lost time, but who knows? I might even get a date out of it.
Sitting at my large metal desk, I pick up the phone and call the cafe downstairs with a hint of excitement zipping through my veins.
“It's Olivia,“
I say as soon as KC answers. “That photoshoot you were telling me about… can you email me the info? I think I'd like to try it.”