Chapter 9 #2
She thinks through the ramifications of what I said. "He influences the decisions you make?"
"He does. And he’s not subtle about it. He claims to have taken a back seat since he was diagnosed with the big C a few years ago. What that translates to is my keeping him abreast of the happenings in the company."
"Hence, the in-person meeting with him?”
She has access to my calendar, so she’s aware of that.
I drum my fingers on the seat. "It would serve his health better if he weren't involved with the day-to-day, but he’s been involved with the company for over fifty years. His habits are not going to change overnight."
I notice her staring at me and arch an eyebrow. “What?”
“Nothing.” She shakes her head.
“Go on, hit me.” I lean back in the seat.
She hesitates then gives in, “I suppose, I’m surprised by your understanding and patience with your grandfather.”
“You mean, especially because I’ve been so erratic with you?” I smirk.
“Umm, that’s not what I meant.”
“You implied it.”
She seems horrified. “I didn’t, really—”
I hold up my hand. “Relax, I owe you an apology for making your start so challenging. I was testing you.”
She doesn’t seem surprised. “You were putting me through my paces, until I proved myself.” A shrewd look comes into her eyes. “What’s the verdict?”
It’s my turn to fix her with a hard stare. “The jury’s still out.”
She scowls.
“But—”
“But?” she asks cautiously.
“But I think you’ve handled the challenges that’ve come your way admirably.”
I didn’t intend to say that. But instinct had me praise her without thinking.
A first for someone who thrives on control.
And the flush of pleasure on her features is more than satisfying.
It ignites that part deep inside of me. The part I prefer to keep hidden at work.
The part which gets satisfaction from rewarding someone for putting their trust in me.
Damn. When it comes to my EA, my personal life is encroaching into the professional. Another first.
But it’s worth it. For my words seem to put her more at ease.
“And is this part of the test?” She inclines her head.
“You mean, meeting Arthur?” I sigh and run my fingers under my collar. I don’t mind wearing a tie, but by the end of the day, I’m itching to take it off. “Yeah, every meeting with him is a test, for me.”
“Even though he’s your grandfather?”
“Especially, because he’s my grandfather. Canny goat wants to be sure I won’t fail him.”
There’s a considering look in her eyes. “He must trust you, given he asked you to take care of his dog while he was away.”
“He does.” I let my features soften. “Arthur has a soft spot for the damn pooch.”
She gives me an amused look. “He’s not the only one.”
“Yeah.” The back of my neck heats a little.
“Tiny has a personality all his own.” I shrug.
“It's difficult to make him do anything he doesn’t want to. He seems to believe he knows best. He’s a lot like Arthur in that way.
Imelda, his partner, is the only one who can make the old man unbend a little.
Especially since he’s an ace at saddling the rest of us with asks we’re unable to refuse. "
"He sounds like a real character,” she offers.
"He can be. Comes with living a hard life. He built the Davenport Group of companies almost single-handedly. He’s also the one who took care of us after our parents passed."
"I’m sorry." Her eyes mirror the regret in her voice.
"It was a long time ago.” I shrug.
"It was good of Arthur to step in."
"Progeny is important to him. There was no question he wouldn’t. Not that he’s the most paternal in his approach. But he did his best."
"Sounds like you guys are close."
"In the way that family is. You’re close until you aren’t." I chuckle. "Arthur loves meddling in the lives of my brothers and me. The rest of them like to keep their distance from him. I don’t blame them. I, however, feel a sense of responsibility toward the old man."
"It’s why you keep him updated so often," she says on a sudden flash of insight. "That, and it’s probably the only way to keep him at arm’s length, so he doesn’t get involved in the day-to-day.”
"You…are perceptive." I tilt my head.
“I have to be to keep pace with you.”
Our gazes lock. The air crackles between us, thick with something unspoken.
A pulse of heat coils low in my belly, even as a strange ache tightens my chest. It’s like my body’s responding before my brain can catch up.
Goddamn, this woman. There’s something about her that calls to me.
This awareness, which has buzzed between us from the start, ignites into something more potent.
I lean in toward her. She leans in too, and licks her lips. My eyes lock on the pink flesh. My cock lengthens. I want this woman. And I don’t care if she’s my employee. I want to push her down onto the seat and cover her body with mine and—
The chauffeur’s voice comes over the speaker in the partition between the driver’s seat and ours. “We’re here, sir.”