“Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asks sweetly.
“No. Thank you,” I clip out, picking up my coffee and taking a sip. The sweet mixture helps to ease the stress away—the stress that I put on with this suit.
She bows her head before leaving the room, leaving me in peace, just as I like it. I can’t help but feel like I’m not the only one faking it. Quinn’s sweetness seems a bit too much at times, like she’s up to something.
As I read over the paper, I eat my eggs and bacon and drink my coffee. I glance at my watch to see that it’s going on seven-thirty. I finish up and stand, heading for the door. She’s already there waiting, holding my briefcase out for me to take. I’ve never asked her to pretend to be a fifties housewife and wait on me hand and foot. In fact, I’ve insisted she shouldn’t, but it doesn’t seem to get through to her.
“Thank you, Quinn.” I take it from her, letting myself into the garage to get behind the wheel of my car.
When I get to the office, I take my private elevator directly to the top floor. I step off, and my secretary, Sarah, is already holding my door open with a cup of coffee in hand. “Good morning, sir.”
I take the coffee and walk in with her following along behind me to read me my messages.
“Your sister called. She didn’t say why she was calling but did request for you to call her back.”
“Probably needs more money,” I reply, shrugging out of my jacket and sitting down.
“Also, Callan called and said that he would be late for your golf game this morning. He had a late night and missed his flight home from Rio.”
“Actually, can you call him back and cancel? I’m not in the mood to swing clubs today.”
She nods. “Absolutely. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Sarah, I need last week’s data reports.”
“Of course.” She walks out without another word.
Figuring I better call my sister back before she calls again, I pick up the phone.
“Hello?” she answers.
“Well, you’re up early for an art student,” I joke.
“Shut up. I’m not a student anymore. I graduated, remember?”
I laugh. “Did you though? Graduating means you don’t have to be broke anymore, and you start making money. Are you doing that?”
“I have no idea why you’re the favorite. You’re such a dick.”
“Probably because I have a job and don’t keep asking Mom and Dad for money.”
“I have a job!” she argues.
“Okay, what is it that you need?” I ask, waiting for the answer I already know is coming.
She lets out a long breath. “You’re not going to make me say it, are you?”
“No fun in letting you weasel out of it,” I say, smile stretching across my face.
“I need money, Bennet. My rent is due, and I can’t swing it this month.”
“That’s what I thought.” I laugh, and that causes her to breathe heavy into the phone. “I’ll have Sarah send it to you by this afternoon.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, and I can hear the way her heart is breaking from having to say those words yet again.
“There’s nothing wrong with saving your passion for your hobby, Val. I’m doing it.”
“I’m not a sell-out, Bennet.” Without another word, she hangs up the phone.
Is that what I am? Does she think I’m a sell out because I accepted Dad’s offer to run his company? I’m making more than enough money to survive, and I still box and race. I don’t think too long on the topic because I don’t want to accept the truth that I am a fucking sellout.
Sarah walks back into the room. “Sir, the data reports are not ready. Brian has been out with the flu.”
I let out a sigh and rub my eyes. “In this whole building, there’s no one else that can write up a report? Find someone!” I yell, getting aggravated.
She nods, her gray hair falling into her eyes. “Yes, sir.”
She leaves the room as quickly as she appeared.
It’s only after I’ve scared her off that I realize that I forgot to ask her to send my sister money. Instead of going out there or calling her back in here, I type out a quick private message and send it directly to her computer.
After everything is set up, I move on to my messages, calling people back, reading and replying to emails, and generally kissing ass. I go over my schedule for the day and prepare for meetings. When I look up at the time, I see it’s almost noon, and I still haven’t gotten those data reports. I let out a deep breath and push the button that calls Sarah into my office.
“Yes, sir?” she asks, walking in.
“Reports?” I ask, sounding bored and tired of asking for them.
She nods in a hurry. “Yes, we finally found someone. A girl that’s been waiting for the position to open up. She’s working on them now and will have them up soon. Why don’t you go have an early lunch, and I’ll send her in as soon as you’re back.”
I nod, not trying to take my anger out on her. I know it’s not her fault. “Okay, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll be back in an hour. I have to present them to the board, Sarah; this isn’t just a friendly request.”
She smiles, I’m sure in her head she’s telling me to eat shit and die, but instead she responds cheerfully, “Message received, Mr. Windsor. I promise to get them to you before close of business.”
I leave the office the same way I came in, then walk through the garage to my car. The cloudy day has now turned to one of rain, so I quickly put the top up before leaving. Pulling up to my favorite restaurant, I greet Paolo, the owner. I’m in here often enough I have my own table, always ready for me. One of the perks of being a rich prick I suppose. “Ahh, Mr. Windsor! Greg, please,” he says toward the bartender snapping his fingers. It’s hardly a minute before an old fashioned is set down in front of me.
I pick up the glass and cheers to the Paolo and Greg. I tip it back and let the cool liquid spill into my mouth. It doesn’t take long before a salmon steak is placed in front of me with an undressed salad. I like to keep it clean and lean while I’m training…apart from my occasional cocktail. I eat alone while reading over work documents on my phone. I finish off my drink and drop two hundred bucks on the table. I didn’t ask for the wealth I have, but if I’m going to be a sellout, I might as well share it. I give a nod the staff and make my way back to the office, praying those damn reports are finished.
Walking back past Sarah, she opens the door and steps inside.
“I will call in Madeline, sir.”
“Thank you.” I shrug out of my jacket and sit behind my desk. The moment I turn for my computer, the doors are opening.
I look up and find the girl from the gym walking toward me with a file in hand.
3
Maddie
I’m in my hole, sorting mail, when my manager walks up to me. “Today’s your lucky day, Maddie.”
I laugh. “Oh yeah? Did I drop my winning lottery ticket in the hallway again?” I laugh.
“Mr. Windsor is requesting the final financial reports for last quarter, and Brian, the guy that usually does them, has been out with the flu.”
My head pops up, and my eyes grow wide. “Seriously? He’s asking for me?”
She nods. “Well, he’s asking to find someone that is qualified to do them. You’re next in line. Let’s go. You do know how to use Insight Analytics, correct? I saw it on your resume, but you never know if people are proficient.”
“Yes, I’m fully proficient. I even have an advanced certification in analytics and analytic programs. It was kind of a big hobby of mine in school.” I smile, but she doesn’t seem amused at all.
She leads me to the office I’ve never been lucky enough to set foot in until now. She steps aside. “Here you are.” She hands me a piece of paper with sign-on credentials, along with the outlined details of what is needed on the reports.
I take it from her with shaking hands. “Thank you.
”
“This is a very time-sensitive request. When you finish, take these directly to Mr. Windsor’s office. His admin, Sarah, will take care of you when you get up there.”
I nod. “I completely understand.” This is the job I originally applied for when I got out of college, but at the time, there wasn’t a spot open. However, they did offer me a spot in the mailroom, and I figured something is better than nothing. I was happy to have my foot in the door.
She walks out of the office and closes the door behind her. I take a seat at the computer and turn it on. Excitement bubbles in my stomach. I can’t wait to show the CEO of Windsor Wealth Management what I can do. And hopefully, I can use it to leverage my worth to land my dream job and get out of that mailroom.
I finish up with my work a lot quicker than I anticipated. So instead of wasting time, I do a little extra. I generate a chart that shows how much the company spent last week on marketing our app, and how much it brought in. The company’s newest effort was an app that, for a small monthly membership fee, helps manage smaller investments. It’s a great opportunity for individuals to get their feet wet in investing and still feel they have complete control over how much they’re vesting and diversifying.
The phone on the desk rings and I’m unsure whether or not I should answer it, then figure, why not?
“Madeline Strickland, data analysis,” I answer just for fun, expecting the call to be for the usual person that’s here.
“Madeline, would you mind bringing up the data reports, please?”
I smile at getting my first request. “Absolutely.” I hang up the phone and make the journey to the top floor. The whole way, my palms are sweating, and my heart is racing. I give myself a pep talk. “This is it, Maddie. This is when the big boss gets to see all your hard work. You can do this. Keep calm and be confident. I totally nailed this request and went above and beyond. I am a valuable asset to this firm, and they are lucky to have me!” I punch my fist up in the air just as the chime sounds signaling my arrival.
The doors open, and I step off the elevator. As I approach the desk, a gray-haired woman stands and comes around the desk to greet me.
“Maddie? I’m Sarah. I assume you have the reports?”
I give her hand a quick squeeze and she ushers me toward the large doors of the office. I quickly thank her as I step into the biggest, fanciest office I’ve ever seen. The floor is made of black stone, with a rug the size of my apartment in the center. There’s a seating area with black leather couches and a glass-top table between them.
I’m completely distracted by my surroundings, the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Chicago, the perfectly designed wall art that screams money.
I think my mouth is hanging open when I hear a throat-clearing cough behind me. I spin around to face the desk. The man behind it smiles at me, and I freeze.
Oh my god! It’s the hot guy from the gym!
If I thought my heart was pounding before, it’s nothing like now. I feel like it’s about to rip straight through my chest. His eyes narrow with confusion. Maybe he doesn’t remember me from the gym and he’s just confused because I’m not the person that normally brings these up. I mean, I do look quite different in work clothes. Last night, I was in nothing but leggings and a sports bra.
Oh my God. My boss has seen me in a sports bra! My face reddens as I push myself forward.
“Hello, Mr. Windsor. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Madeline Strickland. I’m the person they pulled to get you your reports.” I hold out my hand, trying to pretend like I don’t recognize him, trying to be professional.
He offers a small smile and shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Madeline.”
“Please, call me Maddie.” I hand him the file. “I know you do this every week, but I added in a few things that I thought might be helpful. I can explain them if you need.”
“Okay, please do.” He takes his seat and places the file on the desk.
I lean over and open it. “These top pages are what you receive every quarter, so I don’t need to explain those. But I had some extra time and thought this could come in handy. This first page is what the company paid out last week with the new advertising campaign for the paid subscription app. This is what the company brought in with sales on the app.”
He quirks an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by the numbers.
I flip to the next page. “This is how well your ads are doing. It seems to me that you are paying out a lot of money for this one and it’s not bringing in half of what you spend.” I point at a certain ad. “But this one, it seems to bring in steady income, and I think if you take the money from the first one and put it to the second, you’d more than double the income.”
His lips part as he looks over the page.
“Finally,” I flip to the last page. “This is a total count of how many hits your website got last week, and this is the final tally of how many of those hits turned into customers. I think with a new website design, you could put the information most people seem to be looking for regarding the app upfront, and you’d bring in more clients as well as app subscriptions.”
“This is rather unusual, but also very interesting,” he says, looking up at me.
I nod. “It is. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten on a website looking for something specific, got distracted by something else, and left the site without making a purchase. Most people seem to be more interested in info regarding turnout and profit rather than how the company was founded.”
“This is amazing work, Maddie. Where is your normal department?” he asks, standing and towering over me.
I look up. “Ugh, I’m usually in the mailroom. I’m on hold for this position… for a year now, actually.”
“We can’t allow such talents to be wasted sorting mail. Let me contact your supervisor and see what I can do.”
“Really? Well, what about the guy that’s normally here?” I ask, pointing to the floor where I’m standing.
“He’s not fired, if that’s what you’re thinking. Surely there’s enough room in that office for two.” His eyes stare at my feet and work their way up my body, just like last night.
Watching him look me up and down makes every muscle tighten. “Thank you, Mr. Windsor.”
He smiles and holds out his hand. “Call me Bennet.”
I nod and shake his hand. “Okay, Bennet. I better get back to work,” I say, maintaining eye contact. I start walking backward and end up bumping my ass into the corner of a large chair. I let out a squeal and jump. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, spinning around to watch where I’m going.
I open the door, and he stops me. “Oh, Madeline?”
“Yes?” I breathe out, too embarrassed to look him in the eye.
“I’ll see you at the gym tonight.”
With his words, my eyes jump up to his, and my mouth drops open. “I… I,” I try again. Finally, I just shut my mouth, nod, and walk out.
Closing the door behind me, I stop and take a deep breath. It takes me several long seconds to calm down and notice his secretary is looking at me. I straighten up. “He’s quite intimidating, isn’t he?”
She offers a small smile and a nod.
I nod back then push forward, rushing to the elevator as quickly as I can.
I rush down to Jazz’s office. I don’t even knock. I just barge in, causing her to jump from her seat.
“Jeez, Maddie. You scared me to death!”
“I’m sorry. I just, I just left Mr. Windsor’s office. You know him?”
She shakes her head. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet.”
My eyes double in size. “He’s the hot boxer from last night!”
Her brows skyrocket. “What?”
I nod as I fall into the empty seat across from her.
“Are you sure?” she asks, not knowing if she should take me seriously or not.
“Oh, I’m sure. I was trying to pretend like I didn’t recognize him, but as I was walking
out, he said, see you at the gym tonight,” I say in a deeper voice.
She laughs. “He did not!”
“He did!” We both start laughing.
“It doesn’t sound like much work is getting done in here,” Damon says, walking in.
Jazz stands from her seat. “Maddie here was just telling me about the boxer from last night…” she glances at me, and I shake my head no.
“What about him?” Damon asks.
“Oh, I was just talking about going back tonight and taking him up on his offer of a private lesson.” I grin as I stand up to leave.
“Gross, Maddie. I don’t want to hear about your hook-ups.” He turns his attention back to Jazz.
“Hey, one of your random hook-ups is now marrying you. And private boxing lesson isn’t code for anything, Damon. So I don’t want to hear it.” I pull her door open and leave them behind me.
Walking back into the gym, I feel self-conscious. I go into the locker room and lock up my bag and jacket. I look myself over in the mirror and suddenly worry that my gray leggings were a mistake, I’m going to sweat right through them and look like I peed myself. But there’s nothing I can do about it now. I shake my insecurities from my head and push open the door, walking out into the main gym.
I jump on the treadmill and run a mile, needing a warm-up. Finally, I open the door to where the ring is. It squeaks and all four men to look up at me from what they were doing. I almost want to stop and turn around right then, but I tell myself to keep going.
I walk across the floor, pulling my gloves on as I pick my bag for the evening. I tune everyone out and focus on the tips Bennet gave me last night about keeping my wrist straight and putting all my body weight into my punches. I hit the bag over and over, and just when I’m wrapping up, I spin around to find Bennet standing off to the side, watching me.
He has his arms crossed over his chest, his green eyes locked on me. His lips are turned up into a small smile. “Very good, Madeline,” he says, walking over.
The room we’re in is an add-on to the regular gym. It’s just bare wood framing with sheet metal keeping the room enclosed. Fluorescent lights are secured to each rafter, meaning it’s not completely lit up. There’s a spot of light, a gap of darkness, and then another spot of light. As he walks closer to me, he moves in and out of the light. When he steps into the darker areas, he appears dangerous yet sexy. His muscles are rippling, and his jaw is tensed. His eyes darken as he walks closer and takes me in.
His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 3
