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 considered 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.