Chapter Three
“Rena, send Julia Bennett up as soon as she gets in.” He hated that he’d started his day unable to concentrate on his email and instead requested information on a woman he’d spent far too much of the night thinking, then dreaming, about.
He wasn’t happy with himself for succumbing to his curiosity and asking for background checks ASAP on all of the new hires, merely so he could find out more about her. No one needed to know that hers was the only folder he intended to open.
He’d half hoped to discover something big enough to negate the building anticipation he felt as he counted down the hours until her shift started. Unfortunately, what he’d read had left him more, not less, intrigued by her.
Although she had no experience with security, her flowered and scented résumé had somehow won over the head of human resources. Julia’s only prior employment had been at her family’s furniture business, where she claimed to have created a jewelry department and listed her skills as: Ask me.
For the third time that day, he opened the small handwritten card that had been paper-clipped to her résumé. She had warmly thanked the woman she’d interviewed with and written, “I know I’m not the most qualified person for the position, but I can guarantee you that no one wants it more than I do. I will come in early. I will work late. I don’t mind holidays or double shifts. Looking forward to hearing from you. Julia. P.S. I hope you don’t mind that I included a box of peppermint tea. During the interview you expressed that your sinuses were giving you trouble. I had my father overnight my favorite herbal blend. Our family swears by it.”
Since most of his business was conducted in the field, Gio wasn’t normally concerned with the level of security at his headquarters, but he could see the error in that now. He’d have that unpleasant conversation with his security team later.
For now he replaced the card in Julia’s folder and shook his head.
This isn’t me.
I don’t sit around waiting for any woman.
Certainly not someone who works for me.
But I need to see her again.
I need to prove to myself that what I felt last night can’t be repeated. He hadn’t realized how emotionally closed off he’d become until he’d looked into the eyes of a woman who had made him uncomfortably aware of it. What Julia made him feel was just as unwelcome as the sensation of pins and needles that fills a limb after it’s been temporarily cut off from blood.
And as impossible to dismiss.
He practically jumped out of his chair when he heard a light knock on his door. Not since his first teenage crush could he remember his heart beating so wildly in his chest at the idea of seeing someone again.
Rena opened the door. “I have the soil analysis you asked me for.” She stepped inside, placing them on his desk. Instead of leaving as she normally did, she hovered. “Are you feeling okay, Gio? Is your head still bothering you? I have some aspirin in my purse if you need it.”
“I’m fine,” Gio ground out. Rubbing a hand over the small red mark on his temple, he added, “Thank you.”
“You asked me to remind you to call Mr. Atwater today. I did earlier, but his secretary called a few minutes ago. She wanted you to know he’s in his office late tonight. I wasn’t sure if that meant you had forgotten. I told her I’d tell you.”
Cursing under his breath, Gio stood. “He can wait. He needs my investment more than I need the opportunity.”
“Yes, sir.” She went halfway to the door and stopped. “Miss Elson called this morning. I told her you were in meetings all day.”
“Good. I broke it off with her before I left. I hope you sent her nothing more than the usual.”
“The three-carat ‘thank you now go away’ bracelet that Tiffany’s buys in bulk just for you? Sent it with the usual note,” Rena replied blandly, still remaining in the room. It was times like this when Gio regretted hiring his friend Kane’s sister as his administrative assistant. She was good at her job, but she often felt personally invested in things that were none of her business.
Gio leaned back against his desk and folded his arms across his chest. “Say it.”
“Aren’t you getting tired of this cycle? Dating women you don’t care about and then breaking up with them as soon as they get attached to you?”
For a moment Gio was back in Kane’s house in upstate New York. He and Kane had become fast friends in middle school, and their friendship has survived eighteen years and Kane’s inquisitive sister. “I thought you didn’t like her. Want me to call her, give it another shot?”
Rena rolled her eyes and shuddered. “No. I’m pretty sure she’s a vampire. All that pasty white skin, perfect makeup, and cold hands. I know she’s the face of Umi Cosmetics, but they should let her eat something now and then. Maybe she’d smile.”
Against his will, Gio chuckled. “She wasn’t that bad.”
“Not to you.”
Losing some patience with the topic, Gio said, “I’ll call her. She knows the score, though. I never lied to her.”
“Lied to who?” Nick Andrade, Gio’s very silent business partner and younger brother, asked as he sauntered into the office in his custom gray Corneliani suit that had never seen the inside of a boardroom. “You broke it off with Miss Cosmetics already? Damn. I’m going to miss her. She was gorgeous.”
Rena made a sound of disgust deep in her chest. “I don’t know which one of you is worse.”
Nick smiled suggestively and wiggled his eyebrows in the disarming manner that won him more female attention than was good for him. “That’s because you won’t give me a chance to show you how good I really am.”
“It’s a struggle, but I take it one day at a time.” Rena rolled her eyes dramatically. Gio would have told Nick to back off, but the two of them had bantered like that for as long as he could remember. And Nick was smart enough to know that if he ever actually made a play for Rena he wouldn’t live long. Either Gio or Kane would put a quick end to it.
Nick’s eyes narrowed. “Luckily, I didn’t come here for you. I came to see Gio.”
Years of frustration with his brother’s disinterest in the family company surfaced as a barb. “Putting in your one day of work this year? It’s only September.”
Plopping down in a chair in front of Gio, Nick propped his feet up on the leather antique chair across from him. “I may come to work every day now. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I love it, Gio.”
Gio reached down and shoved his brother’s feet to the floor. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“The Barbie doll of a chauffer you hired for me. She can drive me anywhere. She thought I wanted to come here, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her no, so here I am.” His smile grew wider. “Then I met my swimsuit model of a secretary and I knew it couldn’t be an accident. What do you want, Gio? I’m in. Just tell me I can keep them.”
Gio looked across at Rena and frowned. “Get rid of them.”
Rena turned on Nick. “I hope you’re happy. Two very nice women are about to lose their jobs. Why? Because—”
Nick’s expression darkened. “Because my brother has no sense of humor.”
Gio sighed. “You don’t have to fire them. Transfer them.”
She nodded, glared at Nick one final time, and left.
Nick stood. “You’re always in a bad mood, so this is probably a ridiculous question—but did something happen I should know about?”
The question hit too close to the truth. In no conceivable scenario would he discuss what was bothering him with his brother, so he chose a topic that needed addressing. “I didn’t close the Westport deal.”
“No?” Nick’s surprise was genuine. Then he relaxed and said, “I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. You always get what you want.”
Gio returned to his desk and sat. “Not always. I can’t seem to keep you out of the papers.”
Nick shrugged. “She said they were separated. Her husband only leaked the story because he was caught getting his own on the side. Does it really matter?”
“Her husband is an old buddy of one of the bidders for the land lease. He outbid me, just to screw with us. So, yes, it matters. I don’t care if you never sit in a board meeting or answer one goddamn email I send you. You make sure your personal life does not affect this business. Are we clear?”
Nick’s face reddened with anger. “Crystal. Cogent is all that really matters. It’s all that ever has.”
As the two brothers faced off, Gio glimpsed the past in his brother’s eyes. Nick never understood the decisions Gio had made for the family. He likely never would.
Nick stood at the door as if he wanted to say something more, then turned and strode out the office.
Gio let out a long breath. As children, he and Nick had dreamed of running the family business together. Only two years apart, they’d once been close. He didn’t normally waste time regretting the part he’d played in changing that.
The past was where it belonged.
Dead and gone.
A light knock on the door broke his thoughts.
“Miss Bennett is here to see you.”
* * *
A few moments earlier, as she’d entered the Cogent Building, Julia had smoothed her hands down the tan slacks of her security uniform and struggled to come up with an excuse for her behavior the night before. Her hair was neatly braided. Her makeup was minimal. Hopefully Mr. Andrade would understand that she hadn’t been herself last night.
What do you say to a man you assaulted with a lamp the night before?
You look well, Mr. Andrade.
No, he’ll think I’m being sarcastic.
Sorry, sir. It was either clock you with a lamp or wrestle you to the floor, and I was afraid I’d enjoy the latter too much.
No. No. No.
Honesty is not always the best policy.
A small smile pulled at her lips as she remembered how tempted she’d been to run her hands up those fabulous abs and kiss the arrogance right out of him. She shook her head. Grabbing the lamp in a desperate move, born in the confusion of unexpected passion, was not likely the best excuse to use either.
It was a matter of hit you or hit on you, sir.
Yeah, that’s not going to work.
I’m screwed.
Maybe I’m worrying for nothing. He won’t want to see me. CEOs don’t handle this kind of thing themselves. He probably spoke to Paul’s supervisor.
I’ll get a written reprimand.
Maybe a verbal one, too.
I hope I didn’t get Paul in too much trouble.
Breathe.
I’ll make it right. I’ll write up my report first thing and submit it. The whole thing was my fault. I’ll make that clear.
As she stepped farther into the foyer, she stopped midstep. Two new security guards sat in Paul and Tom’s seats. They were dressed in the same uniforms, but neither smiled as she approached their desk. One of them walked out from behind their station and stood at military-like attention in front of her. “Mr. Andrade requested that you report to his office as soon as you arrive.”
He wants to see me.
Oh, my God, he wants to see me.
Don’t get excited. This isn’t a good thing.
“I should put my bag in the monitor room,” Julia hedged and took a side step in that direction. While I figure out what I’m going to say. And get this smile off my face or he’ll never believe that I’m sorry about last night.
The guard stepped in front of her and blocked her way. “We have coverage in there already,” he said, looking past her as if dismissing her.
Coverage? The word was an unwelcome dose of reality.
Because I hit him, not because he spent the night, as I did, imagining what would have happened between us if I hadn’t.
“Am I fired? Where are Paul and Tom?” Julia demanded as her agitation grew.
She might as well have asked two stone statues, for all their expressions gave away. The stoic wall of muscle merely repeated, “Please report to Mr. Andrade’s office.”
Julia looked back and forth between the two men, then asked, in a confidential tone, “Would you tell me if the police were up there? Blink twice fast if they are.”
Neither man reacted at all.
Nothing.
Fine.
I can’t be arrested for hitting someone I thought was an intruder.
Hopefully.
Head held high, she strode to the elevator with purpose. It was only once she was inside that she hugged her arms around her waist for a moment and let out a nervous breath.
How you respond to adversity determines the level of success you will achieve. She quoted the chapter heading from one of the books she’d been reading, using the words to calm herself. None of the books, however, soothed the gnawing feeling in her gut—because she was more nervous about how her body would respond to her boss than afraid he’d fire her.
Maybe I’ll get in there and realize that I’m not attracted to him at all. I was excited about meeting with a buyer. My adrenaline was probably running high. I’ll see him again, feel nothing, and have something to laugh about with my friends when I go home.
Stepping out of the elevator, she headed into Mr. Andrade’s outer office and faced her fear. Or I’ll make a complete fool of myself by staring longingly at him while he tries to explain why I’m no longer employed here—or worse, has me hauled off in cuffs.
Her heart was beating so loudly in her ears she didn’t actually hear if Mr. Andrade’s secretary said, “Wait while I announce you,” or “Follow me, please.” Julia stood frozen near Rena’s desk.
Rena held the door to her boss’s office open, said something to the man waiting inside, then turned back to Julia and said, “Are you ready?”
Yes.
No.
“Is he alone?” Julia asked, hating that her voice sounded nervous.
“Yes,” Rena said and waved her forward.
Forcing her reluctant feet toward the open office door, Julia sought one last reassurance. “Does he look angry?”
With a sympathetic smile, Rena peeked in at her boss, gave Julia a conspiratorial wink, and whispered, “Always. But he’s all growl and no bite. If he yells at you, just cry. He can’t handle that.”
Julia found herself smiling back at the woman she’d spoken to only once before as they’d shared a coffee break in the downstairs café.
Want to be a shark? Swim with the sharks.
I should write to that author and have him add:
Want to survive meeting a shark?
Be nice to his secretary.
Julia mouthed, “Thank you,” as she walked past Rena, then tried not to turn and bolt as the door closed behind her. She forced herself to walk across the room until she was just a few feet in front of Mr. Andrade’s desk. When she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer, she raised her eyes from the carpeting and met his.
Wham.
There it was.
From the nervous flutter in her stomach to her wildly thudding heart, there was no denying the intensity of the attraction. He held her eyes, stood, and approached her.
The air between them sizzled, and she knew in that moment he felt it, too; that indescribable pull that defies logic.
Everything Julia had thought she’d say flew out of her head. She stood, immobile, barely breathing as he closed the distance between them. She licked her bottom lip nervously, and his eyes locked to that movement before returning to hers.
He didn’t look happy, but he did look . . . hungry. He bent so close to her that if she went on her tiptoes their lips would meet. He hovered, as if he, too, were testing what neither of them could deny.
Down, libido. There are reasons why this man is off limits.
Good reasons.
I can’t think of any right this minute, but they will come to me.
The room around them disappeared. Everything beyond him faded into the background—insignificant when compared to how he made her feel. Is this the zing people speak of?
“Did you make your date last night, Miss Bennett?” he asked.
Julia swallowed nervously. “It wasn’t a date. Well, it shouldn’t have been a date. It was supposed to be a business opportunity, but . . .” She let her words trail off as she realized she was rambling. She cleared her throat. “Yes, I made it there on time.”
“I’m relieved to hear it. I’d hate to think that your job here impeded your social time.”
“It doesn’t,” she said quickly before she realized he was being sarcastic. Since she’d only worked for her parents, Julia wasn’t used to having a boss. She didn’t hide her irritation with him. “I was scheduled to leave early.”
He studied her for a moment, then said, “You didn’t recognize the CEO of the company you work security for. And then you attacked me.” He touched his bruised temple. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t fire you.”
His brusque tone increased Julia’s nervousness. She reminded herself what his secretary had said: He’s all growl and no bite. I wonder if he’s the same in bed, because that would be a shame. A nip from him might be nice. She bit her lip and chastised herself. Stop that. This is serious. In desperation, she said the first repeatable thing that came into her head. “Because I’ve proven that I’m serious about defending your office?”
He frowned. “Do you find this situation amusing, Miss Bennett?”
No, just my reaction to you. Julia lowered her eyes and remembered how he’d looked in his workout clothes. She’d thought he looked sexy in those, but he also looked amazing in a suit. I bet he’s one of those lucky few people who also look good naked. Not everyone can pull that off, but I bet he does. “No, Mr. Andrade.”
“Do you believe that you’re suited for your job?”
Julia look up and met his eyes. “It’s not hard. It’s just watching the monitors. Nothing happens at night so it gives me plenty of time to read.”
He cocked his head to one side and narrowed his eyes. “While you’re working?”
She played her comment back in her head and groaned. “That didn’t come out right. Of course I don’t read in the surveillance room. If I did, I wouldn’t be watching the monitors, would I? And I watch them. Very closely. All night.” She rounded her eyes innocently for emphasis.
He leaned in and looked as if he was about to say something, then changed his mind. “That’s all, Miss Bennett.”
Unsure of what that meant, Julia didn’t move. “I’m sorry?”
“You can go now.”
She turned to leave, then turned back and asked, “Do I still work here?”
He covered his eyes with one hand and rubbed them as if her question caused him pain. “Yes.”
Not giving him time to change his mind, Julia fled from his office. As she rushed by Rena’s desk, the secretary asked, “So, how did it go?”
“Hard to say,” Julia said and kept walking. As long as he can’t read minds I’m in the clear.