The Very Rich Man (The Very Manly Series Book 3)

by Laura Stapleton

  His wealth hadn’t been a surprise to her, but his appearance? Attractive and far better looking in person than the images on Google. Typical tall, dark, and handsome. She found his brown eyes deep and fascinating. The color with indirect light had been a dark amber. She had wanted a chance to tilt his head into the sunlight just to see the resulting glow. When she imagined holding his face in her hands, her heart skipped a beat.

  She frowned at her run away imagination. If he passed on hiring her? Then she could daydream about him. And besides, he wasn’t as good looking as her prior boss, Hayden Wells. Now that guy? He’d been male model material and everything in her should have stopped for him. Even better, he’d had the great personality to match. If the little spark of sexual attraction had jumped between them, Chloe might have found another job and pursued him.

  Her mind went back to Darian. To her, the older man had a jaded and almost tired look around his eyes. She put cool fingertips on her own eyelids and assumed he’d been older than Hayden. A small flash of grey at her potential employer’s temples hinted at it. She’d not thought to look for a wedding ring.

  She moved her fingertips to the outer corners of her eyes and massaged in little circles. The attraction she’d felt when she first saw him was pointless. He had to have someone special in his life. No one that good looking and wealthy remained single past what? Twenty five? She smiled and tried to tell herself about how his being married didn’t matter. Unless considering his evening scheduling, of course. She’d had it easy with Hayden. No one at home overruled his decisions about work hours and a lack of social life.

  Chloe’s stomach growled. She ignored it for a moment or two, knowing her fridge was borderline empty. Running out to grab fast food or to the grocery in pajama bottoms meant certain disaster. Last time she did so led to a car accident and her standing outside in the freezing rain in bare feet. She got up to check the pantry. Bread, noodles, small pickles, a healthy dinner for sure. A jar of dills in hand, she went back to the studio’s living room and opened her phone’s ebook application.

  After eating the last pickle had been eaten and the last chapter of the novel read, she looked around. The dark room surprised her. No wonder her phone’s battery flashed red. She set up the device for recharging and got ready for bed. Reading all evening kept her distracted from a nagging little thought. Lawrence’s appeal was trouble and she should forget the job altogether.

  She snuggled into the pillow and sighed. She didn’t want to ignore this chance. His company had been the only one interested in her and Chloe needed the job. The man seemed crush worthy on the surface, but the surface only ran so deep. She snickered.

  All her worry about being attracted to him dissolved when she remembered her bills. She’d never had a problem being professional before and had no intention of breaking the trend now. The salary the position paid would turn any tyrant into a decent boss and get her head above water again.

  First thing in the morning, a persistent little chirp from her phone woke her. She stared for a moment, wondering when she’d changed the alarm tone. Her heart thudded when she looked at the caller id. Her hand trembled a little. Lawrence Industries hadn’t taken long on reaching a decision. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Ms. Anders, I presume?”

  She smiled, recognizing Betty’s voice. “Yes it is.”

  “Mr. Lawrence wanted me to call with an offer of employment for you.”

  Chloe sat up and struggled to keep her voice calm. “I appreciate that very much. It was a pleasure to interview with you both. When do you expect me to start?”

  Chapter 2

  Betty looked her up and down. “You look lovely, dear, but you already have the job, there’s no need to try so hard. Go for comfort. You’ll need it for the longer work days.”

  “I’d hoped I would after jumping through all the HR hoops today.” Chloe took notes for tomorrow as she and Betty got into the elevator. Lawrence Industries had the entire top floor of the building and several more besides. She’d have to allow for the morning elevator jams. Soft tones indicated they moved up at a good clip. She had a love/hate relationship with these mobile little boxes. Fun battled it out with claustrophobia every time.

  Betty smiled at her. “Wear more comfortable shoes tomorrow, if you’re able to wear any at all.” She led her down a wide hall, nodding greetings as they went. “Also, slacks are fine. Mr. Lawrence only cares about business professional attire.”

  “I can do that.” Everyone they passed did a covert study of Chloe and she felt their looks as almost physical touches. She followed the other members of staff as they walked to the main suite of offices. A gorgeous young woman manned the reception desk. She looked up with a cold stare, then back down to the monitor.

  “Marjory,” began Betty. “This is Ms. Anders, Mr. Lawrence’s new assistant.”

  She stood with a sigh. The woman seemed anything but delighted as she held out a limp hand. “Charmed.”

  Chloe shook it, the hand limp and boneless in hers, and stopped herself just short of smirking at the other woman. “Likewise.”

  “Follow me and we’ll start on your training.” Betty held open the door and once both were in the room, said, “Ms. Davis is the receptionist for Darian.”

  “She seems nice.”

  Betty laughed. “You don’t have to pretend, dear. She’s a snake and we both know it.”

  The frank admission took Chloe by surprise. She kept quiet, not sure of what to say. Cream colored walls, black leather furniture, red wood desks and tables, and deep green tropical plants dominated the entire office space. She’d been struck by the opulence before her interview last week, but seeing the rooms again with an employee’s eye? She resisted running her fingertips along the smooth surfaces.

  “You were lucky to have missed her yesterday. Now then, we’ll spend the rest of the day going over what he’ll expect from you. I’ve set up a second desk for me so I’ll have somewhere to work while you learn.” She scooped up the set of keys. “Keep your belongings locked whenever you’re not here. Oh, except for this top drawer on the left. That’s Mr. Lawrence’s.”

  “He has a part of my desk?”

  “Don’t be so surprised. He is particular when it comes to anything on a desk. He doesn’t like in box or out box contents visible to anyone.” Betty opened the drawer. “It’s empty for now, but if you have something for him to sign or if there’s something for you to mail, it’ll be there.”

  “Will he need me here at all times?”

  “It depends on what Mr. Lawrence’s business demands of you both. You’ll have a desk, laptop, tablet, and smart phone with you, always. Check the lower right drawer for them.”

  Chloe did as instructed, and took out each device. “Isn’t this overkill? I could have made do with any one of these.”

  She smiled. “Maybe so. Each one is versatile enough to do everything, but specific enough to be necessary. They’re all fully charged and ready to go.” When Chloe tapped her phone, a pass code prompt displayed. Betty said, “Your personal id number will always be the last four of your social.”

  “Ah.” She entered the number and the main screen came up. Several applications were already loaded and she swiped back and forth to look at them all.

  “You’ll need to sign in with your corporate email. I’d suggest not taking the easy way out and signing in with your personal social media accounts if prompted for them.”

  She paused and looked over at her new mentor. “I’d like to create a new social media presence for the company and not even have anything personal on these.”

  “Sounds fine. Keeping them separate is the main goal.”

  “Betty?”

  Both women turned to see Darian in the doorway. “Mr. Lawrence. We’ve been getting Ms. Anders up to speed on everything.”

  “Good morning, sir,” said Chloe.

  He made a show of looking at his watch. “It’s almost afternoon. Lunch out? My treat?”

  The old
er woman stared at Chloe with a wicked grin. “We need to take him up on this offer. It may never happen again.”

  “Ha. You’re so funny. Let me get a jacket.”

  Chloe glanced at Betty, quietly horrified. She didn’t want to eat across from her new boss. Things fell apart when she became nervous. No telling what sort of food or drink she’d be wearing this afternoon.

  As if sensing her sudden fear, Betty patted Chloe’s hand. “It’ll be fine, dear. Let’s get locked up and be ready when he is. His idea, his treat.”

  “I heard that. My choice, too, and no complaints.” He went past them to the outer room and Betty followed. “Consider this a hello and goodbye party for the both of you.”

  Chloe scooped up her purse, trailing them into the elevator. They talked about work and retirement, various departments and people. It all jumbled together and she wished she’d brought a note pad of some sort. Tapping out their conversation didn’t seem appropriate, somehow. They might not think she was taking notes but texting her friends. She went along as they led the way, determined to just remember as much as possible.

  When they stopped at a sleek black car, Betty smiled. “You drove in today?”

  “I was in before rush hour and plan to leave after, so I thought why not?”

  Each one slid in, Chloe sitting behind the older woman. The leather seat hugged her and the seatbelt fit just right. It also explained his leather cologne yesterday. He’d picked up the aroma from his car. She ran her fingertips over the seat in a subtle move to enjoy the feel of the supple material while trying to avoid drawing attention. She thought she could live in a car like this and grinned.

  Darian looked over his shoulder to ease out of the parking space. He smiled when their eyes met. His teeth were perfect, one of her weaknesses. Where she sat, Chloe could stare at his profile as much as she wanted. Or until he glanced back to change lanes.

  She needed a boyfriend, pronto. One able to take her mind off of Mr. Lawrence. Maybe she should start calling him that, just to remind herself that he was, after all, her boss.

  Chloe stared out of the window as the city passed. She wasn’t as familiar with this part of Denver as she was the area around her apartment. The buildings here appeared to be cookie cutter copies of each other, everything looked the same. Another reason to love the map app on her phone.

  She stifled a gasp when Darian turned into a parking garage a little too fast. His car hugged the asphalt like it was meant for speed, but still. She crossed her arms. There were a few roads around Cheyenne she’d like to take him down. See how much he liked surprises. If they raced their current route, she’d let him win at the downhill slope underground, though. She was far more used to wide open spaces, not this closed in space.

  He eased into a tiny parking spot and she followed both of them to yet another elevator. There should have been a warning on the job description, claustrophobics need not apply. The doors opened to a swanky restaurant. She smiled a little, grateful Mr. Lawrence was picking up the lunch tab. Even the water would be expensive here.

  “Isn’t that right, Chloe?”

  Dear God, he’d been talking to her. “Um, I’m not sure, sir. What exactly did you say?”

  He held up three fingers for the hostess. “That we’d miss Betty and I’m thinking about blackmailing her into staying on forever.”

  She liked the idea. “Sure! I’ll be her assistant, instead.”

  “Not mine? You’re already unhappy?”

  “No, I don’t mean that, of course. I’m great being here. You’re great, too. Betty?”

  “Darian, shush. You’re scaring the poor girl! All that paperwork in HR and now this?” She patted Chloe’s arm as they trailed behind the waitress. “Don’t you worry, dear. I’m retiring and Lawrence here will have to make do without me.”

  He nodded ahead of them, indicating the ladies to follow their hostess. “I’ll be fine if Ms. Anders is a junior version of you.”

  Her confidence rarely wavered, but under both people’s observation? Chloe’s bravado fell apart like cheap toilet paper in a hurricane. “I don’t know if I can be…”

  “Don’t worry, in another couple of weeks, he won’t notice I’m gone.”

  Darian first looked at Betty, then her. His thoughts evident on his face, Chloe nodded at him, agreeing with his unspoken sadness. She’d only known the older woman a few hours but had already fallen in love with her grandmotherly ways. “I’m glad to have the time to learn.” Chloe settled in, approving of how he’d helped Betty with the chair. “Everything would be overwhelming without her guidance.”

  “Thank you, dear, and I can imagine.” She took the menu from the waitress. “My position grew as the company did, so I never walked in to the conglomerate as you have.”

  Chloe scanned the menu. No prices meant scary bills later. She bit her lip and turned to the appetizers. “Water, please, with a lemon.”

  “Never play poker, Ms. Anders. Your face gives away too much.” Darian leaned back, scrutinizing the wine list. “I invited, so it’s my treat. Order whatever you want or my feelings will be hurt.”

  “Really?” She had a tough time believing him.

  He chuckled. “No, my feelings will be fine, but feel free to order one of everything anyway.”

  She grinned at the mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Very well,” The waitress set down her drink and the others. “I’ll have the Walnut Crusted cod with a Bibb salad, please.”

  “That sounds good,” said Betty. “Me, too.”

  “I’m the odd man out, with the Filet of Bison Anglais, medium, and turnip soup.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  As the waitress left, Chloe followed the other’s lead and put the cloth napkin on her lap before taking a drink of water. She tried to remember the last time she’d eaten with real silverware instead of plastic. At least she knew which fork was what. And the spoon at the top? Dessert! She glanced up and smiled, realizing how silly she must seem.

  “I’d recommend the tiramisu,” Darian said.

  “Crème Brulee,” added Betty.”

  Chloe offered, “Deep chocolate cake?”

  “If we have room, one for everyone.” He paused as the waitress placed salads in front of them. “No discussing calories, either. Have you visited our fitness center?”

  She laughed at his abrupt change of subject. “Not yet, but it’s on the list.”

  “I’d avoid it during the first two weeks of the year.”

  “Wise man. I usually do, and let that carry through the other fifty weeks as well.” She took a bite and the full fat flavor of the salad dressing hugged her taste buds. “This is wonderful.”

  Betty wiped her mouth. “It’s my favorite place and I try to talk Mr. Lawrence into at least bringing me back to go orders when he’s here.”

  Chloe’s ears perked up. To go might be affordable after a month or two of pay checks. “Oh? I may need to make a note of that.”

  “He brings clients and lunch dates here.” Betty looked at him with a smile. “I keep thinking he’ll get burnt out after eating here so much.”

  “They change the menu too often.” He waved a fork in the air. “Enough of my eating habits. What about you, Ms. Anders? Have any favorites in Denver, yet?”

  She put down her fork, determined to be somewhat mannerly and not lick the plate. “Not yet, though this is at the top of the list so far.” Chloe paused as the waitress set down their meals and left. “Fast food isn’t as appealing now.”

  “A burger and fries have their moments, too.” He turned to his almost former assistant. “I might as well program her preferences into my phone, too. I’d hate to bring back something she’s allergic to.”

  “Oh no, there’s no need,” Chloe blurted. “I don’t want to be any trouble when you have clients and dates to worry about.”

  Betty hid a smile behind her napkin and Darian grinned. “Suit yourself, but the offer is always good and you’ll always know when I’m going.”
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br />   “All right. I’ll remember that. I’m not allergic to anything and only dislike liver. Just in case you need to know.”

  The others chuckled as Chloe took a drink of water. Not paying attention, she set the glass down on the dessert spoon and the water spilled before she could catch it. “Oh crap!” She whipped out her lap napkin and began soaking up the mess. “I mean, oh my.”

  Darian shook his head. “No need to panic. The tablecloth absorbs the water.” He scooped up the ice that had slid over to his plate, and placed it on his dish. “I’m done and we can have the server bring you more.”

  “No, that’s fine. I’m fine, really.” Her cheeks burned as she stared at his soggy food. Not a lot had been left, but still. She’d ruined the last half of his meal.

  “You can stop being embarrassed now. Ah, there she is.” He turned to their server. “We’ve had an accident, and after you’ve taken our plates, we’re ready for dessert.”

  “Very good, sir.” She smoothly took everything, her eyebrows raised at Chloe.

  Uncomfortable at the silent reprimand, she looked over at the older woman and saw the a softer version of the server’s censure. Betty said, “Maybe you should skip the chocolate cake, dear. I’d hate for you to wear it at the office.”

  Chloe swallowed hard. “Maybe so.” She glanced at Darian before adding, “Tiramisu it is. Matches my shirt, mostly” He smiled at her before placing their dessert order. She didn’t listen much, feeling a little ill and nervous about Betty’s sudden displeasure. The woman had been such a cozy person. She’d taken it for granted Betty liked her. She let the two talk about business and the office, only paying attention to keywords related to business.

  Later, with a to-go box in hand and in Lawrence’s car, she stared out of the window. One or the other would ask her a question every so often, but nothing major requiring her to think. She liked the solitude, relatively speaking, and knew from Betty’s attitude, she had a talking to coming.