The CEO – Dante
THE CEO
DANTE
The words “New Yorkers Hate Dante Hudson” hung on a sparkling red banner inside the café.
From my car, I could see the same fifteen community leaders who seemed determined to block me every chance they could.
I refused to admit it, but I could stomach what they wrote about me online and wave off the nonsense they posted in my buildings’ lobbies. Seeing their hatred in person, though, made my blood boil in a way I couldn’t explain.
They’d cast me as a villain in every chapter of their story, and no matter how many times I tried to show that we actually shared a few common ideals, they refused to adjust my character.
Shaking away the thoughts, I looked at my watch.
Where the hell is Miss Sterling?
“I don’t recall mentioning ‘commercial real estate experience’ when I ran Miss Sterling’s background check for you.” Anthony looked over at me. “Did I?”
“You didn’t.”
“She’s only sold residential condo units here and there,” he said. “And only a few luxury and mid-tier ones at that.”
“I’m aware.”
“So, of the hundred-plus people you already have on payroll, you decide to ask someone you damn near had arrested to stalk a meeting?”
“Yes.” I looked at him. “Exactly.”
“Okay.” He rolled his eyes. “Let me know when you’re in your right mind so we can discuss another path that may work for The Holden.”
“You can tell me now.”
“I brought in a redevelopment team,” he said. “They’re working on a big mockup that you can present to the city and mayor, and there’s no way they’ll say no once they gaze at it. Trust me.”
“When did you schedule the meeting?”
“Two weeks from now.”
“That’s not going to work,” I said. “Move it to Friday.”
“That’s in five days, Dante.”
“You’re right.” I nodded. “Make it Wednesday.”
“But—” He let out a sigh. “Okay, Wednesday.”
“Thank you.”
I was about to call Miss Sterling and fire her on her first day, but I suddenly saw a flash of green sprinting down the sidewalk, and every irritated thought in my head disappeared.
Clutching her bag, she stopped in front of an empty storefront window and looked at her reflection.
My cock stiffened in my pants as she smoothed her hands down her thighs, licked her lips, and arched her back like she had no idea what seeing her through that window was doing to me.
She twirled around to check her appearance, unknowingly giving me a slow, devastating view of every curve beneath that dress—making it painfully clear she was the sexiest woman I’d ever laid eyes on.
When she was finished, she walked past a few more stores and slipped into Sweet Seasons.
I watched as she moved over to the delusional people and their banner. She smiled and took a picture in front of it, following their lead with her middle fingers up.
I clenched my jaw as she sat down at their table.
“I can see exactly why you hired her…” Anthony muttered.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“Whatever you want it to mean.” He shrugged. “How long are you planning to sit here and watch this meeting from afar?”
“Until it’s over.”
“That’ll be for at least four hours.”
“Then we’ll sit here for four hours.”
“Speak for yourself.” He unbuckled his seatbelt. “Call me when you’re heading back to the office.”
“You could sit here and share everything you know about the upcoming mockup, Anthony.”
“I could do that.” He stepped out of my car. “But I won’t. Goodbye, and happy stalking your newest obsession.”
“I’m not obsessed with Miss Sterling at all.”
“I was talking about The Holden.” He smirked. “But thank you for making the truth clear.”
I didn’t bother responding.
I waited for him to slam the door shut and watched Miss Sterling through the windows like I didn’t have a million better things to do…