“I’m leaving Starbucks. I should be at the office in three minutes. Is everything okay?”
“Brian’s been ringing the buzzer at your apartment for the last thirty minutes.”
I look up to the sky and move even faster toward our building. “Crap. I’m sorry. I ended up staying with a friend last night. I forgot I agreed to have a ride in.”
“This is for your safety. We’ll talk when you get here.” He hangs up.
He’s grumpy this morning. So much for the fun we had last night. But I’m not going to let his mood affect me.
“I’m just downstairs. I’ll be right up,” I say to a dead phone line.
The elevator door is inches from shutting when I poke my hand through the door. It’s surprisingly full for this time of the morning.
“Sorry,” I mutter to the groans.
“Do you still have a job?” Dan, from our IT group, asks.
It takes me a moment to realize he’s talking to me. “Yes. Of course, I do.”
“You must really be good at giving blowjobs.” The people in the elevator snicker.
“Excuse me?” I’m sure I misheard him. No way someone would talk to me or anyone else like that.
“Anyone else who pulled a stunt like you did would’ve been fired,” he snottily explains.
My blood pressure is climbing. “What exactly did I do?”
“Everyone knows you sent that box to yourself. What? You didn’t feel like working that hard yesterday and thought emptying two city blocks over a fake bomb would give you the morning off? I had to come in early today because of you.”
“I don’t know who told you I sent that box to myself, but it isn’t true, and Mr. Graham and the police know that.”
“Right.” He gets off the elevator, along with most of the other employees.
I’m left standing with our CFO, Jeremy Knowles. “Can you believe that guy?”
He looks at me and seems to want to say something, but when the elevators open on the forty-second floor, he walks right by me, jostling me so I spill my mocha.
Great. What an asshole.
I walk to my desk and call maintenance to ask them to help me clean up the mess. Now even they are put out with me.
Jackson’s on the phone when I walk his coffee in, so I leave his drink on his desk and return to my office. I’m behind, too, and I continue to argue with Dan from IT in my mind. I’m never fast enough in the moment to say the right thing. Now I can think of a dozen things to say.
I know if I were to mention this to Mr. Graham, Dan would get in trouble, which gives me great satisfaction. But I will never say anything. Jackson’s not here to solve my problems. He’s busy solving the world’s problems.
Chapter 4
Corrine
Throughout the day I hear whispers, but I ignore them. It’s not worth it. After I had to listen to Mr. Graham explain to me again about the importance of getting a ride to and from the office this morning, I’ve stayed at my desk. I ordered lunch in for him and me, and we ate in our offices and pushed through.
It’s after seven now, and people have come and gone, and Jackson’s been on the phone all day. In my desk phone log, I look back through the day’s calls. He’s had over two hundred and fifty—it’s a record. At the moment, he’s finally off the phone.
I grab the phone log, take a deep breath, and knock on the door.
“Come in, Corrine,” he announces. He smiles up at me when I enter.
“You had several calls today.”
He nods. “No kidding. I’m impressed you were able to order lunch. Thank you for getting me my favorite.”
“You’re easy to please.” I smile. Ever since dinner, I feel more comfortable with our relationship. “The big calls that merit your attention include Ronny Huddleston, who called nine times, insisting you wanted him on your calendar. I explained that he misread you, and that was not the case, but he kept calling.”
“I’ll call his boss, Tim Lucas, over at Golden Gate Capital and let him know.” Jackson writes himself a note.
“Your mother called and wanted to know your plans for her birthday. You have four days late next week, including the weekend. Would you like to take her to Maui with you?”
“We can plan Maui for me on those days, but not with my mother. Too much pressure. Let me think about what she might like. What did I do for her last year?”
I smile because it’s going to be hard to beat. I had just started, and that was one of my first projects. He gave me no limit. “You booked a river cruise for your mom and her friends, but she was disappointed that you didn’t make an appearance. She warned me that I’m to make sure you do so this year. I think she wants to introduce you to one of her friend’s daughters.”
Jackson rolls his eyes. “No, thanks. I may need help coming up with something—although it doesn’t need to be as extravagant. She turned seventy last year. Seventy-one doesn’t have to be quite so over the top. If you think of something, let me know.”
I take a deep breath. Now for the problematic message. “Also, Dawn Decker from HR called. They have over two hundred applicants for my job. They’ll screen them down to the five best for you to meet with here in your office. She has access to your calendar and will be doing some scheduling.”
“Okay, great. Wait. For your job?”
“That’s what Dawn said,” I say, trying not to cry.
“I’m not looking to replace you. Jesus! I’m sorry. I’ll call her. She’s gone for the day, but what is her cell phone number?”
I have the number on my phone, and I rattle it off to him.
He dials and won’t look at me while we wait. I’m not sure if he’s pissed that I found out or if he’s distraught over this situation. “Dawn, who told you to open a search for a new admin?”
He listens a moment.
“I want you both in my office tomorrow morning at seven. Make sure he’s here, too. All work on this project needs to stop immediately. Your number-one priority is staffing for the manufacturing of these new solar films. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”
He hangs up the phone and smiles.
“That’s handled for now. What else?”
“Here are the other messages.” I hand him a sheet of more than a dozen calls. “I’m happy to dial these for you.”
He takes a deep breath and nods.
I return to my desk and for the next two hours, I dial and find the person looking for him. Once I do, I pass them over.
“This is the final call, and it’s Linda Hilgers, your IP attorney.”
“Thank you, Corrine. It’s after nine. Call Brian, and you can head home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Graham. He’s sitting here. Ben is here waiting for you, too. See you in the morning.”
Brian escorts me outside to a waiting Suburban.
“I’m really sorry you have to do this,” I tell him.
“Oh, I don’t mind. You’re far prettier than Mr. Graham anyway.”
I chuckle. “I’m not sure your wife would appreciate you saying that.”
“I already told her. She knows. Mr. Graham is good to us, and she thinks he’s much more handsome than me.” He grins as he opens the door. He’s teasing.
“Let your wife know Mr. Graham got a marriage proposal today from a woman he’s never met.”
“That’s crazy. Mr. Graham’s a good guy, but that’s totally whacked.”
“Any recent pictures of the twins?”
He hands me his phone. “Check them out.”
“They’re getting so big.” The two boys are mini versions of Brian with giant grins and look like they’re up to no good.
A few minutes later, we pull up to my apartment building. “I’m really sorry about this morning,” I tell him. “I forgot. I won’t forget tomorrow morning. Promise. I’d like to leave at six-thirty, if that works for you?”
“Not a problem. Mr. Graham wants you escorted. I do as I’m asked. I’ll meet you here at six-thirty.”
&
nbsp; “Thank you for making me feel better.” I begin to get out of the car, and suddenly Brian is standing before me.
“I’m sorry. Mr. Graham insists that I walk you to your door and make sure everything is okay in your apartment.”
“Brian, that’s really not necessary.”
“I’ll lose my job if I don’t.”
I let out an irritated sigh. “Fine, come with me.”
I stomp up the stairs and put my key in the lock. As I open the door, my two roommates turn to look at us. They’re watching the latest episode of The Bachelor.
I turn to Brian. “All is safe.”
“I’ll be here tomorrow morning at six-thirty.”
“Thanks.” I shut the door behind him.
“Who is that?” Stacy asks.
“Did you hear about the debacle downtown yesterday?” I ask.
She nods.
“The box was sent to me, so now my boss has assigned me a bodyguard.”
“You work with the hottest guy in tech, and he requires a hot bodyguard? Your life is amazing.”
“If this is amazing, I’m giving up and going home. I’m exhausted. See you tomorrow.”
“Just a reminder, Sean and I are going to Mexico for a week.”
“That’s right. Have a fantastic time. Angela? Will you be around?”
“I have a trade show in Orlando, and I’m extending a few days for some sunshine.”
“You both have incredible lives. Have a good time. I’ll be slaving away here.”
I wash my face and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I think I see a gray hair, and my crow’s feet are getting deeper. Ugh. Maybe I should go find a quiet, peaceful job at home in Houston. The cost of living is somewhat affordable, and there’d be no one sending me poop bombs, so I wouldn’t have to deal with bodyguards. But then again, there’s no Jackson Graham there either.
I crawl into bed. I’m a little jealous that the girls are getting out of town to warm places, but I like the idea of having the apartment to myself. I’m behind on my sleep, and the stress has made for too many short nights. At least I’m halfway to the weekend. Then I can sleep. I fall asleep dreaming about Jackson.
When the alarm goes off, I wake up a little off-kilter. It takes a few moments for my brain to engage.
At six-thirty, I’m ready and waiting in my apartment lobby. Brian is right on time.
“You should wait for me in your apartment,” he says as he jumps out of the car and opens the backseat door.
“I didn’t want you to wake my roommates. Plus, I’m locked in the lobby, so no one can nab me.”
“You don’t lose many arguments, do you?” he asks sardonically.
“I wish that were true. People have confronted me about what happened on Wednesday, and I haven’t done so well there.”
Brian becomes hyper-alert. “Has anyone confronted you with a weapon or touched you?”
Crap. “Brian, I’m exaggerating. I hear whispers. One person told me he was sure I sent the box to myself and got on my knees for Mr. Graham to keep my job. The others are contributing to a death pool.”
“Death pool?”
He’s looking very serious. I need to tone it down and be factual.
“Meaning the death of my employment at Soleil Energy, not death of my person.”
“Have you spoken to Mr. Graham about this?”
“Absolutely not, and you won’t either. I also get slaps on the back and praise from the lazier people in our office, but many are angry with me because they think I was behind the mess. If Mr. Graham gets involved, it’ll only get worse.”
“I think you need to speak to him,” Brian insists.
“No. He’s not going to fight my battles, and that will only make it worse.”
When we arrive at the office, Brian parks in front of Starbucks. As we cross the busy street, he’s close behind, making sure I’m safe. At the counter, our coffee is waiting. I hand a cup to Brian. “Doctor this as you need, and I’ll order you a proper drink tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Black is perfect, but you didn’t need to get me coffee.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do if you’re getting less sleep than I am.”
“It’s part of the job,” he assures me.
We walk across the street and into the building. It’s just before seven, and we get into the crowded elevator. I see looks of disdain on several people’s faces. I cringe when I see Dan from IT.
He makes a big deal of looking down at my knees. “As often as you must be getting on your knees, I’d think they’d be all bruised.”
The people in the elevator snicker, and I’m pissed.
Through clenched teeth, I say, “Dan, I suggest you apologize immediately.”
“Or what? Are you going to tell your precious Mr. Graham? When will you do that with his cock slammed down your throat?”
It takes all my willpower not to slap the stupid grin off his face. He’s staring me down, and I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of reacting. There are too many people in the elevator.
When he gets off on the twenty-fifth floor, Brian looks at me. “Is that the kind of crap they’re dishing out?”
“Just ignore it,” I warn.
We exit the elevator on our floor, and I spot Dawn from HR sitting outside Jackson’s office. I smile at her, but she won’t look at me.
“Does he know you’re here?” I ask.
She shakes her head.
I take off my coat, put my things away, and pick up the calendar I printed before I left last night. Jackson’s not on the phone, so I walk in with his coffee and a copy of the schedule. “Dawn Decker is outside waiting for you.”
“And Jeremy?”
Jeremy? He was the one who asked Dawn to start a search for my replacement? I blame Heather and her big mouth for that one. “I didn’t see him.”
He runs his hand over his face. “What’s on my schedule today?”
“You have senior staff at nine. At noon, lunch with Dave Wilkinson of Blue Energy at Waterfront Café. A marketing call at three. Project development at four-thirty. Review of the training curriculums at five. And drinks with Devin Abbot at six-thirty.
“Thank you. Have Dawn come in, ask Jeremy to come in when he arrives, and please join us.”
“Yes, Mr. Graham.” I step out of his office. “Dawn, you can go in.”
She looks frightened. I don’t blame her. Neither Jeremy nor Heather are in the office to join her for the potential verbal lashing, which is not fun.
I knock and stick my head in Jeremy’s office, but he’s not there. I call his cell phone, and it goes directly to voice mail.
Returning to Mr. Graham’s office, I stand in the back.
“Where’s Jeremy?” he asks.
“He’s not in his office, and his cell phone goes directly to voice mail.”
Jackson takes a deep breath. “I see.” He looks at Dawn. “I want to be abundantly clear that I’m not looking to replace Ms. Woods. You were misinformed.”
“Yes, Mr. Graham. My apologies to you and Ms. Woods.”
Jackson nods. “You can leave.”
She gets up, and I follow her out the door.
“Ms. Woods?” Jackson calls.
I stop and turn around.
“Please let me know when Jeremy arrives. And, can you get me Emerson Healy at SHN on the phone?”
“Of course.”
Chapter 5
Jackson
I’m so angry right now. Jeremy’s up to something. This crap of calling HR to replace Corrine is the last straw.
Jeremy worked for me at my last company. He was a good accountant and was looking for a growth opportunity, so I didn’t have any problems bringing him along when I sold my last venture off. But recently, he’s been really negative. He was sure we wouldn’t get funding for the new solar film product, and he really put Corrine through the ringer when she needed financials. She covered for him at times, and I knew it. But when I talke
d to him about it, he consistently blamed her. For some reason he doesn’t like her, and it’s affecting me. If I have to choose, he’s going to be very disappointed, because it won’t be him.
What does hiring someone new do but set us back?
“Emerson Healy is on line one,” Corrine informs me over the intercom.
“Thank you, Corrine.”
I pick up the phone. “Hi, Emerson. Thanks for taking my call so early.”
“Hello!” she singsongs. “Please forgive me if you hear my son in the background. The nanny will be here anytime, and Dillon is watching him, but there’s no telling how well that will go, and I didn’t want you to wait.”
I grin at the idea of Dillon Healy, Emerson’s six-foot-five husband, bending to the will of a toddler. I have a feeling the toddler will win every time. “I don’t mind the noise. I need some help from your team. It’s looking like Jeremy will be leaving us, so I’m going to need a new financial officer. You guys are in the process of greenlighting my project, so that should give you some guidance on our needs. Of course, we prefer someone with alternative energy experience.”
“I may have some people in mind,” she says. “We just had one of our investments bought by a wind turbine company that may be a good solution. Their CFO is Cheryl Wedgwood. Do you know her?”
“I do, and if she’s on the market and willing, I’d love to talk to her.”
“She might be a good fit for you. Before I commit, I’ll sit down with Dillon and Cynthia.”
“Perfect. You also have Jeremy’s contract. Can you have Sara in your legal group look it over? It looks like he may be in breach, and I’ll be looking for what needs to be done to violate without any golden parachute.”
“Of course. Are messages through Corrine okay?”
“Yes, she has access to my email, and that works, too.”
“I’ll be in touch soon.”
I hang up, and I’m preparing to buzz Corrine when she steps in.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but neither Heather nor Jeremy is in.”
“Does that strike you as odd?” I ask.
“Yes, it does.”
Royally Flushed: Tech Billionaires Page 4
