Chapter 1
Jack
“Give me the caffeinated goodness, or your days are numbered!”
I chuckle to myself as I step off the elevator, knowing exactly who I hear issuing threats so early on a Monday morning and wondering when she’ll admit I’m right and it’s time to upgrade our office coffeemaker.
Striding straight into the breakroom, I give Sallie a slow once-over before she sees me. Today’s pencil skirt is one of my favorites; it fits her curves like a second skin. It’ll be a challenge to keep my focus on work today, but it’s my favorite kind of torture.
My best friend and also my assistant has had me friend-zoned since we met in college…
but I’ve never agreed with that. One of these days I’ll actually find the nerve to make my move.
How I have built a multi-million dollar company but am a bumbling idiot when it comes to this fiery five-foot-nothing spitfire I’ll never know.
“Mornin’, Sal. Is Brewcifer giving you trouble again this morning?” I say, reaching around Sallie to grab a coffee cup.
“If he doesn’t start brewing my coffee soon, I’m going to replace him with a new model!” Sallie grumbles right as the machine starts to gurgle and sputter, coffee slowly starting to fill the pot.
“See, he just needed a little Monday motivation,” she adds with a wink as she grabs her pumpkin spice creamer from the fridge.
“How was your weekend, Sal? Do anything fun?” I ask as I fill both of our mugs and she tops hers off with creamer. I wait for her to put the creamer back before we walk over to our offices.
“You know me; it’s my time of year to shine.
I spent most of the weekend decorating my yard and house for Halloween.
I even grabbed some new decorations for the roof.
And no, I didn’t try to put them up myself.
I learned that lesson last year. I’ll wait for you or my dad to be free to give me a hand,” Sallie responds, settling into her chair.
“I’ll help any time, Sal; just say the word.
Get caught up on things this morning and then come in and see me when you have a few minutes.
I’ve got a favor to ask. We can exchange decoration duty for what I need help with,” I respond as I stroll over to my own office with a quick smile at the sign on the front of Sallie’s desk, courtesy of me: “The Nightmare Before Coffee.” It really is the truth.