by Alana Jade
I’ve given her the security number to get into the main house, so if she ever feels she needs company, she’s welcome. When I gave her the number, I was concerned it may have come across the wrong way, but she thanked me instead. They must be some pretty fucked-up dreams to cause her to be so distressed.
I’m up this morning bright and early, planning on doing a workout, then having something to eat before driving myself and Georgia to the office.
Her car’s been in the shop since it broke down in the parking garage. My mechanic has absolutely no idea what’s wrong with the thing. He tells me it’s so old, rusted out, and is basically a piece of shit, and she’d be better off with a new one.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t know Georgia’s circumstances. While I’d happily buy her a new car, I know she’ll never accept it. So, I’m planning on surprising Georgia with a new car. My fleet vehicles are going to be updated in a month or so, and I’ll simply add another car to the fleet. If I relate it back to work and make sure she knows it’s a work vehicle and part of her salary package, I’m sure she’ll be fine with it. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.
It’s a personal safety issue for me more than anything. Georgia needs a reliable car to drive around. I worry about her getting Uber or taxis, especially during working hours when I need her to run errands for me.
As I finish the last of my coffee, I grab my keys and briefcase before heading out the back door, the one which faces Georgia’s house. Pulling the door behind me, I see Georgia stepping out, toast precariously hanging from her mouth while she tries to slide into a set of low heels.
Georgia sees me, then stands straight. She’s smiling from ear to ear as she waves. Georgia looks amazing in today’s attire. Her tan-colored fitted skirt sits just above her knees with her cream short-sleeve button-up shirt tucked into it.
While I normally wear a business suit, I rarely wear a tie. I save this for important meetings like today, but I am never caught short and have a selection of them at work just in case. At EG Enterprises, we purchase companies and properties that are doing poorly, making them run more efficiently, then sell them.
I’ve dealt with toy stores, shipping companies, apartment buildings—all sorts of assets. A lot of the time, we are contacted by families of deceased company owners who no longer want to keep the business themselves, people who’ve gotten themselves into financial trouble and need an out as soon as possible, and, on the odd occasion, we may find something ourselves which tickles our fancy. Those odd ones are Zac’s department, though.
Today’s meeting is with the son of a now-deceased importer. Matteo Satto is after as much money as he can get for the company, even though it’s been almost run into the ground since his father passed. The rest of the family, including Matteo’s sister, are keen to wipe their hands of the company and would have easily accepted my first measly offer. But Matteo has the controlling vote, and he’s aiming to pull in as much as possible.
I should really have the upper hand in this business venture as I’m buying, they’re desperate to sell, but for some reason, I’m going back and forth, bargaining with them, and it’s driving me crazy. Sometimes, there’s a little fun in the chase, even though we both know he has nowhere else to turn, and I have them over the proverbial barrel.
After speaking to Max, Arnie, and Basil, my go-to guys in acquisitions, and reading over the figures many times in the past few months, I can see huge potential in this company. I believe while it may take a team six months to overhaul their systems, I could make a hefty profit from the sale.
Georgia has been briefed that today has the potential to be an all-day meeting. We will not be disturbed until we have a resolution. She will order in our lunch plus tend to coffee breaks as needed. If any of the acquisitions team are required, Georgia will call for them. I’m very particular about this type of business meeting. I like to handle it myself. Ed used to tell me sometimes it’s best to do the big jobs yourself, that way you know it’s done right the first time, every time.
This will be the first big test of Georgia’s PA skills. I’m quite interested to see how she handles everything thrown at her today.
The way she waltzes over to my car suggests she’s not nervous but quite eager for today to begin. She’s mentioned over the past two weeks it’s been great to see what her father used to do. She had little to no idea what his company did. She only remembered the name as it was his initials.
Unlike I normally do, I don’t stop for my coffee this morning. I’ve already scheduled Uber Eats to collect the coffees for us and deliver them to the office.
As we drive, I can see Georgia bouncing her leg up and down. It’s something her father used to do to try and shake out the nerves.
“Nervous about today?” I ask.
She furiously shakes her head, her blonde hair moving from side to side. She’s left her long locks out today, and the long pieces at the front frame her face.
I shouldn’t be detailing her features—I know she wouldn’t be thinking of mine in that way—but I can’t help but think about how nice she looks.
Platonic, Adam.
But hell, even spaghetti carbonara tastes better because she warmed it up.
Honestly, I need to get over this feeling. It’s simply an infatuation, a one-sided harmless crush. Today is definitely not the day to have my head in the clouds imagining something which won’t happen.
Georgia’s too young for me. She’d have to be ten or twelve years my junior. Being in my mid-thirties, I’m not over the hill, but I am to a twenty-something. I’m sure her father wouldn’t approve, either. Hell, my father would have told me off for dating someone that much younger than me if he were still alive.
Dad had a funny way of working things out. He and Mom were only six months apart in age. He believed that kind of age gap made for a perfect marriage. I always rolled my eyes at some of his logic, but he was a kind man and loved his family fiercely. My mom has Alzheimer’s disease and currently resides in a local nursing home. She often mistakes me for my father, but occasionally has a moment of clarity and constantly tells me to find a wife. A part of me wants the happy marriage they had.
Why the hell am I thinking of marriage and a wife?
I shake my head to rid my brain of the idiotic thoughts.
Fuck. Adam. Get over yourself, I internally chastise myself.
I run my hand through my sandy hair while stopped at the traffic lights wanting to tug at it in frustration. Even though I keep my hair longer on top, I make sure it’s neatly combed back for office hours, so I refrain from grabbing at it. It’s a habit I picked up and find it hard to shake when I am frustrated, angry, or anxious.
“Is everything all right, Adam?” Georgia sweetly asks. “Are you nervous?”
I scoff. “I never get nervous about business, Georgia. This is who I am. I was born to make these deals and decisions. I didn’t get as much sleep as normal last night. Once we get to work, a good expresso will do the job.”
“I didn’t sleep very well last night, either…” She quickly looks at me as though she thinks she’s said the wrong thing and quickly adds, “But I promise it won’t affect my work today.”
“Don’t worry about work, I know you’ll do well. Was it another nightmare?” I ask, referring to a conversation we had a week or so ago.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Georgia slowly nodding.
“You know if you need to talk to someone about these nightmares, and you don’t feel comfortable talking to me, I’m sure I could get the number for a good therapist or psychologist.”
“I don’t want to speak to anyone about it,” she grumbles out, before realizing what she’s said. “Sorry, Adam. I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure they will go away with time. They are getting further apart, so I’m sure they will be gone soon.”
“The offer’s there…” I trail off knowing this is a problem for her. Georgia’s different every morning after she has a nightmare. It’s as though
the weight of the world is on her shoulders. Whatever these nightmares are about, they must be pretty terrible to have her reacting this way.
Moments later, we pull into the parking garage under the building and head to my parking space. I nod at Fernando as we drive past as Georgia waves at him. Suddenly, she seems more relaxed.
The elevator ride is practically silent. I wonder if I’ve pushed Georgia too far by recommending she see someone. But I don’t have time to apologize or speak about it right now. My Uber guy is at Georgia’s desk with our coffee, and Matteo Satto is due to arrive in less than fifteen minutes, and I need to prepare.
Georgia places her coffee on her desk before making sure I have clean, fresh towels in the bathroom in my office, and my desk is equipped with all I may need for the day.
I check I have all the necessary paperwork in front of me in folders on my desk before sending emails to the acquisitions team. I then email reminders to all divisions I will be unavailable today, and if they need anything urgent, to contact Georgia who will pass along messages.
As I press send, Georgia buzzes advising me Matteo has arrived. I stand from my desk, straighten my tie, and button my jacket before walking to the door to greet Matteo.
He’s leaning on Georgia’s desk as though they’re in deep conversation, but Georgia looks as though she doesn’t know what to do. She appears like a deer in headlights.
I clear my throat, startling him. He stands straight, points his index finger at Georgia and says, “We can talk about that later.”
Georgia’s eyes grow large as though she’s been startled by his finger-pointing.
My blood starts to simmer.
Who the hell does this dickhead think he is?
But I quickly calm down remembering what needs to be achieved today. Matteo has ground on my nerves since I first met him. The way he spoke to his mother and sister at our first meeting made me want to punch him then and there. You don’t speak to women as if they’re a piece of shit you’ve stepped in. From my research, it seems as though his father was of a similar nature. I found a police report filed by a secretary for inappropriate behavior. Guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
After showing Matteo into my office, I begin to close the door behind me, but I whisper to Georgia, “Is everything fine?”
She smiles and nods, although I’m not convinced.
By the time I get to my chair, Matteo’s already seated and has placed his cell and a book on my desk.
“Let’s get started, shall we,” I sternly say.
Four hours later, I feel like I’m getting nowhere fast. Matteo won’t budge, and I refuse to bring my offer down any lower than I have. I think it’s time I bring in the cavalry. But first, I suggest we stop for a morning break.
“Great. Dying for a leak.” He grins. Matteo jumps up to use the bathroom, which allows me to speak to Georgia.
I pull the door open, and she jumps with a cute little squeal. She’s normally jumpy, but for some reason, she’s even more so today.
“Sorry to startle you,” I casually say, trying not to smirk.
“I wasn’t expecting you to pop out. Anyway, anything I can help you with?”
“Can you get the acquisitions guys on standby? I may need them in half an hour. Please contact Stacey at reception to arrange morning tea.”
“I’ve already arranged it. Coffee and food are on the trolley over there. I’ll call Basil now and get them to come up at their earliest convenience.”
“Great. Thank you,” I say, walking to the trolley.
“I’ll bring it in, Mr. Cunningham,” Georgia offers.
The trolley contains a small assortment of cakes, biscuits, and pastries. Georgia places the trolley to the side and locks the wheels as Matteo emerges from the bathroom.
“Looking good… and the cakes look nice, too.” He smirks.
Now I’m desperate to get rid of this asshole as fast as possible.
“Would you like tea or coffee, Mr. Satto?” Georgia asks.
“Coffee, sweetheart. Black. Bet that’s how you like them, too.” He winks at her, and my blood boils.
Georgia furrows her brows in the cutest way, obviously disgusted with what Matteo has blurted out but quickly shakes her head, turns, and exits the room. Matteo watches her every move with his mouth pursed and occasionally licking his lips with his eyes fixated on her ass.
“I have the team from acquisitions coming up shortly. They’ve been looking over your folder since we first communicated.”
“Yep, yep,” he calls over his shoulder, still watching Georgia who’s using the coffee machine near her desk.
This guy is testing my patience in more ways than one.
I can’t wait for this day to be over.
Georgia
Shortly after four in the afternoon, when Mr. Satto and Adam step out of his office, both looking happy, yet relieved. I can only assume they have come to some sort of an agreement. If they have, I’m grateful. Today has been the busiest I’ve ever worked, and I worked the Super Bowl at the local pizzeria. That was hectic, but today is organized chaos.
I’m quite proud of myself, though, especially having been thrown into the deep end. I believe I’ve done quite a good job. Although I am excited to hear what Adam thought.
“Georgia, can you please call parking garage security and advise Fernando, Mr. Satto is leaving shortly?”
“Of course, Mr. Cunningham. I believe Fernando is on the front desk, but I’ll call the parking garage office and pass on your message.” My smile is more one of relief. I’m happy I don’t have to deal with slimy Matteo anymore today. Internally, I’m cheering, thank fuck that idiot is leaving.
“Wow! It’s that time of the day already,” Adam exclaims.
Matteo looks at his watch. “Woah! Better hightail it. Hot date tonight, you know how it is.” He winks at Adam before turning to me. “Unless, of course, you’d like to take me up on my earlier offer? I’ll happily cancel with Jane for a date with you.”
I’m shocked, and I have no idea what to say. Holy hell, I don’t want to upset one of Adam’s business associates. I feel like I have been struck mute for a second or two, but then I’m more than pleased when Adam steps in for me.
“I can’t allow my staff, and, in particular, my PA, to date a client. It’s against the company’s code of ethics.”
“Think she can talk for herself, buddy.” Matteo smirks. “Unless you’ve made an honest woman out of her?”
Adam’s hand bunches into a fist at his side, and his neck vein is making an appearance again. I summon all of my confidence to end this conversation now.
“No, thank you, Mr. Satto,” I politely, yet confidently say, beating Adam to any kind of response.
Hopefully, Mr. Satto gets the hint.
“Your loss, sweet cheeks.” He winks at me, sending chills down my spine and not the good type. My instant reaction is to crinkle my nose in disgust. The man was slimy when he first came in, but now he’s coming across as a real asshole.
Matteo walks to the elevators, his slow swagger gives me the impression he knows he’s a wealthy man now, and he doesn’t give a shit about anything or anyone.
After the elevator doors close, Adam leans on the corner of my desk. “I give his wealth six months, eight tops. He comes across to me that this money he inherited will burn a hole in his pocket.”
“I had the same impression,” I answer honestly.
“I’d better clean up,” Adam says, tapping on the desk before spinning to walk off to his office.
“I’ll come and help. It’s my job, after all.”
We walk into Adam’s office, and I start tidying the coffee cups and plates scattered all over the large, dark timber furniture while Adam is bending down grabbing envelopes out of cupboard below his bookshelves.
I can’t help but glance over noticing how handsome Adam looks in his business shirt, his sleeves now rolled up to the elbow, his fitted trousers showcasing his tight ass. Hm
m, those well-fitting trousers do something to my insides. His appearance in his business suits certainly affects me, and, of course, he’s just as pleasing to the eye in his casual wear, but there’s something about this look he has going on right now that’s setting my heart aflutter.
Adam turns around, but I’m off in a daydream, so he’s seen me staring. “You’ll wipe the color off my desk if you’re not careful.” He smirks.
I snap out of my trance and stop scrubbing his desk, startling myself before losing my balance in my heels and falling into one of the office seats behind me.
Good one, Georgia, I groan to myself, trying to protect my modesty. Although, thank God, the office chair was there, otherwise it could have been ten times worse.
“Are you all right?” Adam asks, walking toward me.
“Yeah. I’m so clumsy.” I shake my head, hoping to feel less embarrassed while praying to God Adam hasn’t seen my panties.
“Maybe if you were paying attention to what you were doing and not checking out my ass, then you wouldn’t be so clumsy.” His cocky smirk is so wide right now. He’s enjoying what seems like every moment of my awkwardness.
“I wasn’t—” I swallow hard, stopping myself from talking or saying anything that might incriminate me any further. God, I hope the heat sweeping across my face isn’t coming with a bright red glow.
“You were. I caught you. There’s no need to be embarrassed, Georgia.”
“I’m not embarrassed,” I protest, even though I definitely am. “More like mortified,” I mutter under my breath.
Checking out your boss would have to be the biggest no-no, wouldn’t it?
I hope by Adam’s cheeky reply, he isn’t offended, but geez, I’m going to have to watch my perverted eyes from now on.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” he asks, pointing toward the station near my desk, completely changing the subject.
I nod, and while he’s gone, I try my best to calm myself down.
