Chapter Seven
Elliot
I’ll admit I did not use my best business skills while Seraphine was in my home. I’d hoped to make up for that by visiting her at her place of employment.
Over the years, I’ve become exceptional at convincing people to do what I want them to.
It’s how I got where I am today. Yet that charm and charisma did nothing to sway her decision when I told her to work for me.
She simply said no. No one tells me no. And not always because they don’t want to, but because my status intimidates them.
And hell yes, I use that to my advantage.
Why wouldn’t I? What’s the point of having power if you don’t use it?
From the outside, I’d think Seraphine Sinclair was a gold digger.
She comes from nothing, has a dead-end job, and jumped into a relationship with my son way too quickly.
But after getting to know her, as well as I can in the short time I’ve spent with her, I sense that isn’t the case.
It just seems her and my son came from different walks in life and ended up together.
That isn’t too far from my own situation with his mother, only the tables were reversed.
I was the nobody and she was everything.
I try not to judge too harshly on those who are considered poor, because I once was myself.
But it’s hard not to when I was able to pick myself up and make it to the top, while others use their energy to whine and complain about the bad hand they were dealt in life instead of doing something about it.
Regardless of my two failed attempts at getting Seraphine to work for me, I will not fail again today.
Seraphine will agree to work for me by the end of the day if it’s the last thing I do.
At this point, it isn’t about keeping an eye on her over this situation with my son sleeping with his stepsister, but something else entirely.
Something I can’t quite put a name on—or rather, won’t.
I kick my foot up, planting it on the brick building behind me as I lean against it, putting my hands in my pants pockets. It’s a chilly morning, but not enough to require more than the jacket that goes with my suit.
Charcoal plaid isn’t what I typically wear, it’s too flashy for everyday business, but I think it’ll help get Seraphine’s attention, which is what I’m going for.
Checking my watch, I figure she’ll be arriving any minute now.
She stops here every morning before her shift to get a coffee and a muffin.
I’ve been watching. Studying. The only way to get what you want from people is to learn their likes, dislikes, and most importantly, their weaknesses.
I haven’t found any of those from her yet, but I will.
I just need more time—and I have plenty of that.
A squeaky car door slams closed from my right, and I glance that way, unable to hide the smirk when I see her shoving her keys into her purse, dark hair flying everywhere.
She struggles to tuck it behind her ears, somehow managing to make it look purposefully messy.
Seraphine doesn’t see me right away. In fact, she doesn’t see me at all.
Damn well walks right past me, which I try not to be offended over.
“Good morning,” I say loudly enough for her to hear. With her hand outreached to grab the door to the coffee shop, she looks toward me, frowning. And when recognition hits her eyes, she frowns deeper.
“Mr. Caldwell?” She looks around, as if I could be speaking to someone else—but why would I want to do that when she’s right here in front of me?
“It’s nice to see you again, Seraphine.” I push off the wall and move toward her, grabbing the door and pulling it open then gesturing for her to go inside.
“It’s just Sera.”
I nod, knowing that will never happen. Why ruin such a beautiful name?
Seraphine: a variation of the name Seraphina which comes from the Hebrew word seraph, which refers to celestial beings in Abrahamic religions. In Jewish scriptures, the seraphim are the highest-ranking angels of God, known for their intense passion and love.
Even after speaking with her for a short time, I see how passionate this young woman is. Even if she doesn’t show it on the outside, it’s there, burning deep within her. Burning ones. Flaming. Glowing. All meanings for her name. It’s fitting.
Maybe I’ve become a little obsessed. Sue me.
“I’ve never been here before,” I say as we get in line. There are two people in front of us. “What’s good?” I glance down at her and try not to laugh at how terrified she looks. Her knuckles are pale as she clenches her purse strap that’s hanging over her shoulder.
“Uh… everything. I guess.”
“What are you getting?”
“Coffee. Muffin.”
I smile as I look over the menu hanging high on the wall behind the counters.
It’s true I’ve never been here before, but I do enjoy coffee.
I just find all these places overpriced and most of their coffee tastes like watered-down sewage.
But I’m here for a purpose and I’ll indulge in a shitty cup of coffee for it.
It’s a nice place. In a good location with a steady stream of customers by what I saw while waiting for Seraphine to arrive. The people bustling about inside are a mix of students and business-class. Interns, if I had to guess.
“Good morning, what can I get you?” the young woman behind the counter asks once it’s our turn, beaming at us as if she truly enjoys her job.
Let’s be serious. Does anyone actually enjoy working in a place like this?
Dealing with so many people who are likely grumpy from needing their caffeine fix?
You couldn’t pay me enough to work in a place like this.
“Large caramel latte, please. With oat milk. And a banana nut muffin.” Seraphine speaks as if she’s on autopilot, forcing the words out like she doesn’t want to speak in front of me.
“I’ll take a large coffee black, please.”
“Anything to eat?” the woman asks.
“No, thank you,” I answer as I reach for my wallet.
“A name for the order?”
“Elliot.”
“I can pay for mine,” Seraphine says, reaching into her bag.
“Any man who lets a woman pay for a thing in his presence is a fool.” I hand the woman behind the counter my credit card and she practically swoons as she swipes it.
Seraphine chews on her lip, an adorable little frown between her perfectly shaped dark brows.
After getting my card back, we move to the end of the counter and await our order.
Seraphine seems disturbed by something, but I won’t ask what it is.
She was fine before she saw me, so she’s likely upset about something to do with me.
My being here, I’m sure. That’s not what I want to hear, therefore I won’t ask the question to get the answer.
When our order is placed on the counter and my name called out, I pick everything up before she can grab hers, and head to a table in the back. Had she got her own items, she’d have been out the door.
“I have to get to work,” she says hurriedly as she follows me.
“You don’t start for another half hour,” I answer, putting everything down on the small round table. “Sit.”
She holds my gaze as I pull the chair out for her and gesture to it with a jerk of my chin.
She sighs and does as I say, hopping into the seat. I get a whiff of something sweet. Her hair, perhaps? Strawberries, maybe? So goddamn innocent.
I sit across from her and pull the top from my coffee for it to cool, sliding hers closer to her. Grabbing the bag with the muffin, she takes it out and pulls a piece off to eat. She’s staring at the table, chewing slowly.
“Why are you here?” she asks after swallowing.
“Coffee.”
She shakes her head. “No, I don’t think so. Am I—Are you—” She looks up at me, concern etched on her face. She leans closer, lowering her voice. “Are you going to have me killed?”
I couldn’t control the bark of a laugh that comes out of me if my life depended on it.
“What on earth would make you think that?” I ask.
Though I had considered it, I can’t imagine it being necessary. Not after meeting her. There isn’t a cruel bone in this woman’s body. Which only makes me realize how much of an idiot my son truly is.
“Well, you made me go to your house to give you a massage. Showed up at my work. Admitted to trying to bribe me. And now you’re here, and I’m pretty sure you are stalking me.”
“I’d say that’s all a little dramatic, don’t you?
” Her brows shoot up. “I simply requested your presence at my house for a massage, which isn’t out of the ordinary.
Your boss obliged. Yes, I showed up at your work and was trying to bribe you, but that is better than blackmail, is it not?
And stalking?” I shake my head. “Not my style.”
Though, to be fair, I kind of was—still am? Time will tell.
“Then why are you here?”
“I offered you a job, and I want you to take it.”
Her eyes widen. “You’re kidding.”
“Not one bit.”
“I have a job,” she says, a bit of fire coming out in her tone.
That is what I want more of, what I want to see.
Playing with fire is dangerous, but life is boring when you miss out on all the adventures.
“This one will be better,” I say firmly, reaching for my coffee.
“I doubt it.”
I pick up my cup and take a small sip. It isn’t the worst cup of coffee I’ve had, but I certainly won’t be back. Not unless Seraphine makes me, that is.
“How much do you get paid now?”
She eyes me warily. “Why?”
“Curious.”
After a moment of silence, she relents and says, “Forty-five an hour.”
Now my eyes widen, and I fail at hiding my shock.
“That’s—wow. You live off that?”
She grits her teeth, scowling at me. “Don’t be rude.”
I hold up a hand. “Sorry, I’m just… never mind.” I shift in my seat, taking another sip before folding my hands together and placing them on the table. “I will offer you double that.”
“You’re kidding?” she gapes.
“Triple?”
Her jaw drops. “What?” she hisses.
“I suppose I could quadruple it, but that wouldn’t be a wise business decision. Still, if it’s what you need to survive, I can handle it.”
She shakes her head adamantly, waving a hand.
“You can’t pay me that much to… to… do whatever it is you want me to do. That’s insane.”
She’s so damn cute when she’s distressed.
I can only imagine how she sounds and looks when she comes.
I haven’t forgotten that she ran out of my house before I could return the favor, and I do plan on returning the favor. It’s going to be so much fun getting her to agree.
“I mean, I can. I’m the CEO of my company, so really, I can do whatever I want.”
Her mouth drops open again, and she stares at me for far too long before scoffing and going back to eating her muffin.
“There are other perks too,” I add. When she doesn’t acknowledge me, keeping her attention on her food, I continue. “Housing, a new car, cell phone, wardrobe—”
“You are insane,” she growls, still not looking at me. Her shoulders are bunched, body stiff.
I narrow my eyes, not understanding the issue. Why wouldn’t she jump at this offer? Any sane person would. “Why?”
She jerks her head up. “Why would you give me all those things?”
“Well, your car is one rainstorm from completely rusting out. I’d need you around 24/7 for work purposes, which is why you’d live with me. The cell ph—”
“Wait—live with you?” she blurts, then winces and looks around.
“Yes.”
Though, I’m not really sure why. There isn’t a valid reason.
Of course she could do that job by living on her own, but I had to shoot my shot while I could.
I suppose it would be so I can keep an eye on her?
You know, to make sure she isn’t sneaking out to meet any reporters in the middle of the night or anything like that.
“I can’t live with you,” she spits out.
“There’s plenty of room in my home. You saw it yourself.”
She scoffs, getting up from her chair. She crushes the empty muffin bag and picks up her coffee.
“Thank you for breakfast, Mr. Caldwell, but I have to get to work.” She steps away, but whirls back before getting too far. “And do me a favor and don’t follow me again. I don’t want what you’re offering me.”
She walks off, and though she tries to be sneaky, I catch the way she looks at me through the window as she walks by to get to her car.
I’ve almost got her.