When I step into the building, I stride over to the front desk, smiling and presenting the letter I’d been told to bring with me. The receptionist is an older woman who considers me with vague interest. I try not to fidget beneath her gaze, and she gestures away with a gnarled finger.
“In front of the camera, Miss…” she trails off, looking over the letter.
“Rhodes. Aimee Rhodes,” I quickly supply, shrinking back as she turns hard eyes upon me.
“Right,” she drawls, tapping a small camera on the top of her desk.
I step far enough back for her to get a decently angled picture, and moments later, she provides me with a badge. My picture is atrocious, and I’m briefly tempted to ask if I can retake it, but she’s speaking again before I can ask.
“You head on up to the twelfth floor. Your manager’s office will be down the first hall, to the left,” the receptionist says coolly. I smile nervously before edging away towards the elevators.
I rush once I’m out of the receptionist’s sight, jabbing the button to summon the elevator. It dings pleasantly before the doors part for me to step inside. All at once, a flood of people storm out of the elevator, while another crowd stampedes towards it. I lurch inside before I’m trampled, desperately hitting the button for my floor.
I lean against the back corner of the elevator, trying to ignore my anxiety when faced with the close proximity of what I can only assume are other SharpeFocus employees. One or two people file out at each floor, and the car is nearly empty by the time we reach my floor. I put on my best smile as I step out of the elevator, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
Now, to meet my manager.
I march in the direction the receptionist had directed me, finding a door with a name that’s barely legible on it. It appears to be ‘Jack’ something, but the last name is long and hard to pronounce. While I’m considering it, the man in question steps out, not looking remotely pleased to see me.
“Can I help you?” he asks.
“Yes, Mr…” I trail off, averting my gaze.
“Jack is fine,” he grumbles, gesturing for me to continue.
“My name is Aimee Rhodes. I’m the new intern. I was told to meet with you,” I smile awkwardly again. He considers me for a long moment, humming under his breath before nodding and slipping past me.
“You’re just in time, Miss Rhodes. I’m just on my way to a staff meeting and I’d like you to accompany me,” Jack announces, and I raise a brow before rushing to fall into step behind him.
“A meeting? Already? I hardly think I have anything to contribute,” I mutter uncertainly. He chuckles, pausing so I can catch up.
“It’s just the department heads, a standard meeting. All you have to do is sit still, listen closely, and take notes. Keep quiet, and you’ll have no trouble,” he says calmly.
I swallow a lump forming in my throat, nodding my head obligingly as we walk back to the elevators. We step inside, and he hits the button for the top level. I can feel myself growing dizzy just at the thought of how high up we’ll be, but I manage to keep my composure.
The elevator opens to a much more sparsely populated floor. Jack steps out, gesturing for me to follow. I jog to keep up with him as he briskly walks down a maze of hallways. After what seems an eternity, he opens a set of double doors and gestures for me to step inside.
My eyes widen as I take in the massive meeting room, wondering how I managed to get this far in over my head. Everyone smiles as Jack and I step inside, however, and I can only hope the group is as friendly as they seem. Jack takes his place at the table, pulling out a chair beside him, presumably for me. I sit down, casting my gaze across the crowded table. I don’t really recognize anyone, but…
Wait…
Holy shit.
There, at the head of the table, sits the man who had forged this empire. Carson Sharpe, the namesake of SharpeFocus.
My God, he’s gorgeous…
Keeping my eyes off of the CEO is a challenge, but he seems not to notice me. I listen absently to the conversation that’s taking place, though most of it flies over my head—lots of real estate jargon that I’ve yet to familiarize myself with.
Carson Sharpe glances from department head to department head, looking somewhat troubled by the course the conversation is taking. I blink for a moment, tuning in as the meeting gets more heated. Carson slams a fist on the table, his gaze pointed as he scrutinizes each of his employees. He looks past me entirely, and I can only guess he doesn’t consider me relevant for the time being.
“Come on, people. Property values on the east side are dropping like crazy, and we’ve invested too much time and effort into our own lot to sell it for less than it’s worth,” Carson says icily, and I glance towards my manager as he stares intently at his hands.
I honestly fail to see why the marketing team has even been brought in for this particular meeting, but everyone looks shamefully lost as to what to suggest. I hesitate for a moment, biting my lip.
“If the property values are dropping, why not buy out the area? From there, you can improve the lots you own and hopefully drive up the value of all of them and the surrounding area,” I say with uncertainty in my voice, and Jack turns angry eyes upon me. For that matter, the eyes of everyone in the room are locked on me in that moment, including those of Carson Sharpe himself.
I shift uncomfortably, and Jack turns an apologetic look to the CEO.
“I’m sorry, Carson—she’s new and you know how they can be, these interns thinking they’re hot sh—” he begins, only for Carson to cut him off.
“What’s your name, young lady?” the billionaire says abruptly, his eyes capturing me in their snare. I give pause for the briefest of moments before speaking.
“Aimee Rhodes, sir. I’m sorry if I was out of line,” I manage, and he considers me for a moment before grinning.
“An insightful suggestion on your part, Miss Rhodes. We’ve been clumsy to overlook that possibility. Rick, get on the phone and see about buying out some of the other properties for rock-bottom prices,” Carson commands, drawing his eyes away from me for a moment to consider another man in the room who nods his head obligingly.
He turns to look at me again, seeming to drink me in, almost staring into the depths of my soul. There’s something less-than innocent about his stare, and I feel warmth pooling in my gut at his attention. “All right, team, get on the project immediately. This meeting is adjourned,” he announces.
A collective sigh of relief seems to wash over the group, and Carson rises and leaves the room before anyone else. Slipping away to his office, presumably. I still feel shaken by the sensation of his eyes upon me, but I try to take my mind off of it. Jack watches me with a vaguely contemptuous air as we trek back towards the marketing department.
“You lucked out, kid,” he says dryly.
I nod my head quietly, resolving to keep my head down for the rest of the day. Even if I’d impressed Mr. Sharpe, I’d hate to get on the bad side of my direct supervisor.
Unfortunately for me, getting the image of those bewitching icy blue eyes out of my head is a fruitless task. I just know they’ll haunt me for the rest of the day.
Chapter Two
Carson
The new intern caught my eye the moment she walked into the room. Now, as I sit in my office, I simply can’t get my mind off of her. Those brown doe eyes framed by pale blond hair would be enough to bring lesser men to their knees, I’m sure. I like to think that my personal fortitude goes beyond that of a normal man, but even my heart is pounding while my mind wanders to places better left unsaid.
It’s entirely unprofessional, but as I sit alone, I can do little more than weave intricate fantasies about the young woman and myself.
Aimee Rhodes, a name that I can taste the most saccharine sweetness within. I know her lips would be equally delectable on mine. I lean back in my chair, propping my feet up on my desk. I would love nothing more than to have her on this desk, doing things cons
idered unspeakable between employer and employee. With the look she had given me—those warm eyes capturing me from the first moment—I can’t deny the feeling that she has perhaps been entertaining equally salacious thoughts.
Many would think it strange, a young woman like Miss Rhodes entertaining fantasies about a man in his forties. I don’t like to think of myself as a vain man, but my physique could belong to a man half my age. I treat my body like the temple it very well is, honing it with hours spent in the gym.
This might sound exorbitant, but I’m a man of specific tastes. I hold myself to a standard that others could never hope to reach, and what time I do not devote to my personal health is bequeathed on the success of my empire. There isn’t an aspiring CEO worldwide who hasn’t heard of SharpeFocus. It’s my pride and joy, but there are some things that a strong business ethic simply can’t provide.
Loneliness has never been an issue for me. Women come and go, although in the past, I considered them entirely disposable. I was married for a short time in my twenties, but apparently she’d felt neglected in the face of my “relentless” work schedule. The marriage lasted less than a year, but I feel no regrets regarding the turn that the relationship took.
Just a year after the divorce, I signed the contract that would take SharpeFocus into the major leagues. Now, business professionals from across the planet seek my services. A plan with Russia is in the works, one that will bring my company to peaks even I thought were out of reach. Everything on the business end is as spectacular as one could hope.
That being said, an empire means very little without a queen to stand by my side. This isn’t the first time I’ve considered pursuing a love interest of sorts, but it’s never been serious. I’m known to my inner circle as something of a womanizer. Now, however, I want something more.
Though it seems sudden, I know what I want. Even if she isn’t the one intended at my side, I have to have her, for a time, at least. I tell my secretary to call Jack and tell him to report to my office immediately, insisting that he bring Miss Rhodes as well. While waiting for them, I sit upright in my chair to focus properly. While fantasies are well enough while I am alone in my office, I don’t want to seem distracted when my employees step through the door.
As unprofessional as my thoughts may be, I want to keep my desires under the surface. At least, for now.
I pretend to immerse myself with something on my computer, but really I’m just typing idle notes. I glance up with a carefully-structured expression as a knock sounds on my door.
“Come in,” I call, keeping my voice light. I hear a shuffling on the other side of the door, and a soft murmuring that seems to be growing increasingly irritated.
I can only guess that Jack expects me to lay into the both of them, though that’s the last thing on my mind. I clear my throat, repeating my order for them to step inside. Jack pushes the door open, looking as disgruntled as always. Aimee’s expression is guarded, though it’s obvious that she’s received her share of verbal lashing already.
“Yes, Mr. Sharpe, I came as soon as I was able to round this one up,” Jack grumbles, glancing quickly at Aimee. Aimee looks somewhat troubled, and it’s obvious how much her job in this office means to her. She refuses to meet my gaze, and I inhale a steadying breath as I look between the two of them.
“Take it easy on her, Jack. You were new once, too,” I say coolly, and Jack mutters something under his breath. “If you have something to say, speak up,” I continue, unable to keep the slightest edge of venom from creeping into my voice. The balding thirty-something sighs, raising his eyes to meet mine.
“And I knew my place,” Jack gripes.
“As you should very well know your place, now,” I shoot back.
Jack blanches, and Aimee looks as if she’s struggling to smother a self-satisfied smirk. I like that spark within her, her obvious tenacity even in the face of adversity.
“Aimee, do you know why I’ve called you into my office?” I inquire, tapping my fingertips on the top of my desk. She hesitates, looking between Jack and me.
“I was under the impression that I would be reprimanded for speaking out of turn. I wanted to…apologize,” she manages, though the words are obviously forced.
I nod slowly, pretending to give some thought to what she’s saying. Truthfully, my eyes are more drawn to the hint of cleavage visible through her blouse. My fantasies from before surge to the forefront of my mind, and if I were less confident, I may very well be blushing like a schoolboy. Thankfully, neither of them seems to notice any change in my demeanor.
“Oh, you mean that very useful suggestion you offered at the meeting? Why on earth would I reprimand you for that? Who would be that insecure in their abilities?” I reply, shooting a brief, but pointed look at Jack. He seems to take the hint that he’s treading on thin ice, his expression withdrawn.
“Well, Jack suggested that it would be prudent for me to show some respect,” she answers with a small smile. It seems she’s just as aware of Jack’s misstep as the man himself is, and she looks all too pleased to be off the burner. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, though I realize she has no means of recognizing it yet.
“I see. Jack, do you have anything to say for yourself?” I demand, though it’s all a farce at this point. A game of give and take, that I should hope ends with me taking what I want from both of them.
“Don’t speak to me like I’m a child, Carson. She was out of line, and you know it as well as I do. So, if we can move past this little spectacle, I’d like to put her to work in the marketing department,” the man spits.
I raise a brow, fighting to keep the sneer off of my face. Aimee looks between the two of us, as if watching a tennis match. She seems to realize that she’s the ball in this equation.
“I certainly didn’t mean to cause such a fuss. I’m sincerely sorry, Mr. Sharpe,” she says, and I offer her a warm smile that sets her cheeks alight.
“Please, Aimee. Call me Carson.” I grin. “As for the fuss, it’s not entirely your fault. Jack, here, tends to be a bit hot-headed with the new interns. Which is why I’m taking you off of his hands,” I casually announce.
Their eyes widen simultaneously, and Jack looks furious.
“What the hell are you talking about?” my balding employee demands, and I can’t help but laugh.
“You seem to have forgotten who is in charge here. No matter. Instead of working under you in the marketing department, Aimee will instead be working alongside me. I’ve been in need of a personal aide, after all,” I tell Jack.
“Don’t you think her abilities would be better put to use in marketing? She has no experience as a personal aide, and for that matter, she would be invaluable to my department,” Jack argues boldly. I vaguely appreciate his tenacity, but he’s not the one I have my eyes on.
“I have to agree with Jack on this, Mr. Sharpe,” Aimee says with slight uncertainty. I smirk, brushing a hand through my salt-and-pepper hair.
“Allow me to change your mind. Jack, please leave us. I need to speak to Miss Rhodes alone,” I say firmly.
The balding man sputters for a moment, but when I narrow my eyes at him, he deflates. He steps out of the office, and I’m left alone with my brown-eyed beauty.
Chapter Three
Aimee
Considering me with a perturbed expression, Aimee seems to be weighing her options before speaking. I can tell that she’s worried about upsetting me, and in spite of her previous comment, I expect her to give in to my offer with little fuss.
“I really don’t think I’m suited to be your personal aide, Mr. Sharpe,” she says finally, looking resolved in her position.
I raise a brow in amusement, but she doesn’t look pleased that I’m taking her lightly. I tilt my head at her, forming my expression into a quizzical one.
“Tell me, Aimee, why do you think that?” I ask, allowing a vaguely sultry note to slip into my tone. I’m testing the waters, so to speak, and her eyes widen almost im
perceptibly. It’s not the obvious reaction I’m vying for, but it’s clear that she has some idea of my intent. Her cheeks flush, and she averts her eyes.
“From what I’ve been able to gather, I beat out thousands of applicants for this internship. I’m overqualified for the position you’re offering instead, and to be frank, it’s a bit insulting that you expect me to give in so easily,” she declares bluntly.
I fight a chuckle, settling on a faint smile as I look her up and down. It’s not often that someone is so upfront with me. I find myself charmed by her brusque attitude, but it’s obvious that she’s the opposite of charmed in that moment.
“You mean to tell me that you’d turn down a position directly under the man who put the Sharpe in SharpeFocus?” I say smoothly.
She bites her lip, exposing straight, white teeth. Good, she takes proper care of herself as well as having a fiery attitude. If it wasn’t obvious from the meticulous detail of her makeup, or the body that nearly has me salivating, it’s obvious now. I want someone who will be able to keep up with me in all departments, not just in brilliance.
“Mr. Sharpe…” She pauses, seeming to reconsider. “Carson. I’m honestly curious as to what you would find so fascinating about me, and why you’d want to steal me away from the marketing department,” she says slyly, stepping closer to my desk. There’s intent in her gaze, although I can’t be sure how she expects me to react. If she expects me to lose my cool, she’ll have to play a much harder game than that. I allow the vaguest of smirks to creep across my lips as I rest my chin in my palm.
“It’s a matter of placement, dear,” I murmur. Her expression turns incredulous, and it’s all I can do not to laugh out loud. I’m loving every minute of this game, and though she is hard to read, I’m sure that Aimee will come to enjoy my company as well.
His Surprise Baby Page 48
