Into You
Page 1
Contents
Into You
Into You
Copyright
Acknowledgments
Other Books by Sheena Binkley
Vanessa
Vanessa
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Mark
Vanessa
Vanessa
LL& H Christmas
Available Now!!!
Available Now!!!
Available Now!!
Available Now!!!
Available Now!!!
Music Playlist
About the Author
Stay Connected With SBinkley Publishing
Into You
By
Sheena Binkley
Into You
Sheena Binkley
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2016 by Sheena Binkley
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or
given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please
purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it,
or it was not purchased for your use only, then return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you
for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are
not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this
manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of
the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to
publish all the materials in this book.
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means,
including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Editor: Jamie Fleming- Dixon
Book Cover: Cover Design by James (Go On Write)
Formatting by: Sheena Binkley
Published in the United States of America
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I have to thank my Heavenly Father for the wonderful talent He has given me. I know my life is not perfect, but He has provided a way for me when there was no way. I’m extremely blessed for where my life is right now.
To my ‘husband,’ Ethan, thank you for always being supportive of my career. You have stuck by me when no one else has. I love you, sweetie!
To Jamie Fleming-Dixon, thank you so much for being my editor. I know I probably have been a pain the past few days, but I really appreciate you going above and beyond for me. Thank you.
To Victoria D. Johnson, thank you for being the best promoter, not just for my books, but for everyone’s books at SBinkley Publishing.
To Elle Welch, thank you, thank you, thank you for doing such a great job on the company’s books. I may not have mentioned it before, but you are a great asset when it comes to making the company’s paperback covers look great. Thank you, again!
To Cover Design by James (Go On Write), thank you, again, for an amazing cover. I love all of your covers, so I know I’ll be ordering from you again very soon.
To the ladies of SBinkley Publishing: Alithea-Jae Smith, Lynette Edwards, Tonya Brown Rivers, and Liz Doss, as always, thank you for taking a chance with me. Since this company is small, I know we have some ups and downs, but I’m blessed to have such a talented group of women be a part of my company. Just know that I support each of you every single day.
To the readers, I will always be grateful for you downloading and reading my stories. Thank you for taking the time to do so as well as leaving reviews. You all are truly the MVPs to me. When I started in this industry three years ago, I would have never imagined that anyone would read my books; but now, I have a fan base, and I’m still in shock about that. Thank you so much for sticking with me and supporting me. It means so much to me.
Other Books by Sheena Binkley
Available Now:
In Love With My Best Friend series
In Love With My Best Friend (Camille & Trevor)
A Chance At Love (Tia & Charles)
The Wedding Part I (Camille & Trevor)
The Wedding Part II (Tia & Charles)
Love , Life, & Happiness series
Love Unbroken (Riana & Shawn)
Trust Me (Cheryl & Marcus)
Unconditional Love (Britney & Jayden)
The Way We Were (Monica & Donnell)
Love Always (Riana & Shawn)
Redemption (Nathan)
Something Just Ain’t Right series (Hayley & Morgan)
Something Just Ain’t Right
Something Just Ain’t Right 2
Something Just Ain’t Right 3
No Other Love series (Kevin, Carla, & Jennifer)
No Other Love
No Other Love 2
No Other Love 3
One Shot With A Baller series (Jayden & Zack)
One Shot With A Baller
One Shot With A Baller 2
One Shot With A Baller 3
Standalone Books
Our Love (Charlie & Michael)
Reclaiming What Is Mine (Asia, Bryon, & Dwight)
Love & Drama: The Root Of All Evil (Zuri & Damon)
I’m The Only One You Need (Mika, Devin, & Anthony)
Coming Soon
Say That You Love Me (Andie & Dexter)
Love, Life, & Happiness: The Lost Story Part 2
A Love, Life, & Happiness Christmas
Vanessa
“Vanessa Hartwell’s office. This is Vanessa speaking.”
I stared out of my window at the picturesque view of downtown Houston and smiled. Before I started my position as a management consultant, I couldn’t have imagined how my life would have turned out. In fact, I never saw myself doing anything in management, especially not educating others on how to manage a company. But by being in this position for almost three years, I notice that I had a gift for it, and I enjoyed every single moment of it.
I looked around my office, almost forgetting I had someone on the other end.
“Vanessa, Hamilton is on line one,” Courtney, my assistant, indicated.
I thanked her then pressed accept. Hamilton DuRow is the owner of DuRow Industries and my boss. He’s one of those guys who is ambitious, but also loves to dive into situations without thinking about the consequences until later. Case in point: the relationship the two of us had when I was first employed under him. It was a brief affair, especially when I found out he was married and had a newborn baby. That was one of the most embarrassing and painful moments of my life, seeing him and her together one night while I was out with my dad and step mother. I'd introduced Hamilton to them at dinner the previous weekend, and to see him with another woman confused everyone. After that night, I vowed that I would never dat
e anyone else at my place of employment. Ever!
Of course, that incident doesn't stop him from still trying to get with me again. But that would never happen. Even if he does look good in a suit.
Damn good.
“Hi, Hamilton.”
“Vanessa. How is your day so far?”
“I have no complaints. How about yourself?”
“It’s going well, especially now that I've heard your sexy voice.”
“Cut to the chase, Hamilton. What do you want?”
“I need you to clear your schedule. I’m calling an emergency meeting in 30 minutes.”
“You know I have a meeting with The Allbright Group in 30 minutes. You know how long it took Courtney and myself to get that meeting?”
“I suggest you reschedule because this meeting is mandatory.”
Before I could say anything else, the line on the other end went dead. I rolled my eyes and put the phone back on the cradle. After I told Courtney to call The Allbright Group to reschedule, I got up from my leather chair and went over to the window. I was taking a moment to stretch right before I heard the sound of my cell phone. I rushed to my desk and picked it up to see that my best friend, Simone Mason, had texted me. Simone and I had known each other since we were in college and have been inseparable. While I immediately took a job in corporate America, Simone decided to pursue other ventures, from being a telemarketer to selling cosmetics. It’s not that she didn't want her degree, she just wanted to pursue a career as a musician. She only obtained a degree to make her parents happy, but I figured what’s the point in having one if she wasn’t going to use it?
After years of struggling to find a steady gig, she was able to get one at a neo-soul club downtown called The Soul Player. She’s happy about her gig, but it doesn’t pay enough to cover her bills, so she decided to take another job as a cashier at a high-end car wash, Suds Boutique that mainly catered to the elite in Houston. Anyone and everyone that has a PH.D., a business, or old money goes there to have their cars washed. Even I was impressed when I recently went there. Whoever owns the business has done a truly wonderful job and is probably a millionaire.
My phone started ringing, and I answered on the first ring. “Yes, Simone.”
“How is my lovely and extremely sexy friend doing this morning?”
I quickly pulled the phone away from my ear as I heard a loud noise through the speaker.
“What was that?”
“Oh, that’s the washer going off. That, and the hair dryer. It’s noise everywhere.”
“It definitely is. You’re already busy? It’s nine in the morning.”
“You know the elite have to have their car washed early. Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to go out with me for happy hour later. I know we'll get there 30 minutes before it’s over, but –”
I interrupted her. “You know I still have to put my presentation together for Baldwin Incorporated. Their meeting is –”
“In two days. You have plenty of time, V. Besides, I miss my bestie. Who else do I have to tell all the juicy secrets of Suds Boutique to?”
“Like I know who half the people you work with are.”
“You should, as much as I talk about them.”
“That’s true. Anyway, I’ll let you know. Now, I have to get ready for this company meeting that Hamilton just sprung on everyone.”
“How is he?” Simone asked in a disgusted tone. When Simone found out about Hamilton’s dirty secret, she immediately hated him. I couldn’t blame her for it.
“He’s okay, I guess.”
“Whatever you do, do not get back with that piece of slime. He's bad for your health. Literally.”
“I already know, Simone. You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“I’ll say it three and four times if I have to. The man is a pompous jerk who only cares about himself. He may look good in a suit, but he’s the damn devil.”
“Don't you have customers to tend to?”
“I’m talking to you and waiting on customers. I’m multitasking.”
I shook my head and sighed. “Bye, Simone.”
“Wait! I need to –”
I quickly hung up and smiled. Despite her ways, Simone is and will always be my girl. She has helped me through so much, so I'll always be grateful to her.
I looked around my office once more, taking in the beautiful colors of plum and gold, the exquisite paintings hung throughout the room and, once again, the window view of the city.
Then, I turned to look at myself in the mirror, noticing how my caramel skin glowed, my rosy cheeks, and my sparkling brown eyes. My dad always said I got my features from my mother. But I wouldn't know since she skipped out on my dad and me when I was five.
I took a deep breath, realizing that I was blessed that my life was almost perfect. I have a great job – despite having a jackass for a boss – a wonderful friend, a great car, a beautiful place to live, and perfect health. What more could I ever ask for?
I smiled, grabbed my keys from my desk and headed to the door. I guess I needed to head down to the conference room to see what the jackass wanted to address to the company.
Vanessa
After informing Courtney of the meeting, the two of us headed down to the conference hall. We took our seats near the front of the podium and waited for him to speak. Hamilton started DuRow Industries as soon as he graduated college and turned a $2000 startup to a multi- million dollar business. Not only has he employed over 50 individuals, he has also pulled in several high-profile clients to work with in improving management and their employees. I have to say, he has done really well for himself professionally.
But he's still a jackass.
And I hate to admit it, but he does look good. His caramel complexion was flawless as his dark brown eyes slowly gazed into mine. His sexy lips turned up into a smirk when he realized how I was looking at him. I quickly looked away and crossed my legs. I hated how my body betrayed me as my pussy throbbed.
Damn hormones.
Of course, no one knew about our affair. It wouldn’t look right if the owner and boss was frolicking with one of his employees. To this day, we've kept it a secret, and hopefully, it stays that way.
“Is everything okay?” Courtney asked.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I said, looking toward the podium again.
As everyone found a seat, Hamilton paused a few minutes before speaking.
“Thank you, everyone, for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to this important meeting. I really hope you all are having a wonderful day so far. As everyone knows, the economy is slowly trying to rebuild itself into the thriving state it once was. We all have endured some sort of loss during this difficult time, myself included.
“With that being said, the reason why I called this meeting is to inform you of what the future holds for DuRow Industries. Some of you have been with this company from the ground up; therefore, it's fitting for me to address you in the best way I know how. You all are like family to me, so I want to be able to confide in you all.
“There have been some issues surrounding the company’s financial future. I have gone through countless sources to find ways to solve the issues, but unfortunately, I couldn't find a solution. Therefore, there was only one logical answer that would benefit the company. I've decided to sell DuRow Industries.”
Everyone began talking at once, and Hamilton tried to silence the crowd. He waved his arms to get our attention.
“Please everyone. This upsets me as much as it does you, but this is for the best.”
“What does this mean? Has someone bought the company?” Teresa Parker, another consultant, asked with a shocked look.
Hamilton sighed. “As a matter of fact, yes. As of yesterday afternoon, DuRow Industries is now owned by Parkway Corporation. The owner of the corporation, Gene Parkway, is here to address what this merger means.”
An older gentleman, who looked to be in his 60s, walked up to the podium. He shoo
k Hamilton’s hand then flashed a dazzling smile.
“Good morning, everyone. I hope you all are doing well. Before I began, I would like to say how excited I, and my company, are about acquiring DuRow Industries. This company has been a well-renowned and respected business for years, so we are anxious and proud of the accquistion.
“Even though the companies will be merging, Mr. DuRow and I agreed upon one major factor: As of now, Parkway Corporation will be taking over DuRow Industries, which means Parkway will have full control over every factor, including its employees.”
“Wait, what? Does this means we still have jobs?” I asked in a panicked tone.
Hamilton looked over at me while nervously rubbing the back of his neck. I knew what that gesture meant; he does that when he’s nervous or holding something back. I shook my head, not believing this was happening.
Gene continued, “With this new stage, there will be several big changes. This was a great opportunity for me to bring my Austin office to Houston. And since the office there is heavily staffed, I felt it was in my, and the company’s, best interest to bring them to Houston. Effective immediately, every employee from DuRow Industries is terminated.”