That weekend, I didn’t do very much. For once, I barely worked. I went out for drinks with Harry (and subsequently declined a strip-club visit afterwards,) and ran in the park, determined to work off all the heavy food I’d eaten abroad. I got an email from Laura – she’d hired a woman to work as my new assistant – and after that, some of my anger dealing with Janet began to lift. I’d make sure that this one was different, I’d make sure not to fuck up. I’d be sure to avoid all comments that could be construed as even slightly flirtatious, and I’d be sure to watch for the tell-tale signs of what Harry had jokingly called The Crush Problem.
And if it happened again, well, I wasn’t sure what I could do aside from requesting a geriatric to be put on my desk. After all the work I’d done for my company in London, the last thing I wanted was a sexual harassment lawsuit staring me down. If I was going to expand Magnate Group to make an international presence, I couldn’t have a single stain on my reputation as CEO.
When Monday rolled around, I was feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work. There was bad traffic that morning, and I walked into the offices just in time to make a nine-thirty meeting with Mark, my primary shareholder. He was waiting for me in the conference room with a cup of coffee.
“Great new girl you have,” Mark said.
“Good,” I said. “I haven’t actually met her yet, I just got here.”
Mark smirked. “I have a feeling you’re going to like her a lot,” he replied. “Now, let’s talk about that Seoul office.”
Mark opened his briefcase and handed me a folio of paperwork. “Take a look at this and let me know,” he said. “I know it seems small, but we’re hoping to expand over the next five years. There’s a plan included with the blueprints.”
I nodded and looked down. The plans for an office were modest but ambitious, and I liked the modern, clean look.
“We need to get a few big tech clients on board,” I said. “That’s the only way we’re going to be taken seriously there. So much of their economy depends on technology development.”
“Yes,” Mark said. He gave me a rare smile. “You did great work in London, James,” he said. “I’m sure your father would have been proud.”
I smiled tightly. Thinking of my father never put me at ease. “Yes, well, I’m glad to be home,” I said, glancing out the window.
Mark got to his feet and closed his briefcase. “I apologize for cutting this short, but I have a doctor’s appointment,” he said. “Why not look over the Seoul paperwork and get back to me by the end of the week – no, wait, after the holiday is fine. I can get the others on board if it’s something you’re interested in.”
We shook hands and I saw him to the elevators before walking to my office. Sure enough, a new girl was sitting at the desk by my office. From behind, I saw that her brown hair was piled into an elegant knot.
“Hello,” I said. I smirked. I knew that I’d made myself a promise, but a little looking couldn’t hurt – from the back, this girl had a dynamite figure.
The girl turned around and stood up. My heart leapt into my throat at the familiar sight of her brilliant green eyes and the light smattering of freckles across her cheeks.
It was Beth.
When she saw me, she shrieked. The cup of coffee she’d been holding crashed to the floor, burning her bare shins. Beth screamed again, this time presumably from the pain, and her eyes rolled back in her head as she crumpled gracefully to the floor.
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Also by Harper Lauren
Wild Boys Sports Series (Free in KU)
Prequel: Catching Love – Download for Free
Hard Game
Wild Play
Tough Tackle
The Wild West Billionaire Series(Free in KU)
Prequel:Unwrapped by Him – Download for Free
The Conquest
The Secret
Author’s Note
Hey, it’s Harper Here! Thank you for downloading my book and going through it. Your support means the world to me.
I write about the steamy encounters of cocky and sexy bad boys and their kick-ass women. My books will be packed with love and passion with a touch of humor. No Cheating. No Cliffhangers. Happily ever after guaranteed.
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Tough Tackle: A Second Chance Sports Romance (Wild Boys Sports Romance Book 3) Page 17
