Chapter Two

Maverick

Day one is off to a complete shit start.

I step off the elevator onto the third floor where the firm is located and everyone who is within sight is gaping at me. A few are looks of pity, a few look irritated, and only one looks happy. Ann, the company’s receptionist who used to work out of the Colorado office, has a bright smile on her face as she greets me. She also dated my father for a year or so. When they broke up she transferred here. Hence why my father is against a relationship that involves anything to do with the workplace.

“Maverick, how are you this morning?” she asks, her tone laced with a hint of curiosity. I glance around at the cubicles and offices in the quiet room. Almost everyone has resumed their focus on something other than me.

“I’ve been better, and yourself?”

“I’m well, thank you. I’ll be honest; it’s really nice to see you, but I wish it were under better circumstances,” she says.

I give her my best smile and nod. I couldn’t agree more. Starting over is not what I had planned for the next three months. “So, where am I going first today?” I ask. I don’t want anyone to think I’m going to take to the easy way out. There isn’t one, even if I were searching for it.

“Your uncle asked me to show you to the office you’ll be using while you’re here. He’s in meetings all morning and won’t be able to visit with you until this afternoon.” She adjusts her skirt as she rounds the side of her desk.

“At least I still have an office,” I say, a lame attempt at a joke that only gains me a look of sympathy from Ann instead of the laughter I was aiming for.

“It’s a joint office,” she says, keeping her focus in front of us. “You’ll be sharing with one of the other temp hires.”

It doesn’t surprise me that my uncle Bart would put me in a joint office. But with only one of the two of my new coworkers is odd.

“Why not both?” I ask.

She pauses in front of a door and waves me in. The gray walls are cold and empty aside from a couple pieces of art, the desk, and the three chairs around it. The blinds aren’t open, so I move to change that. A little sun through the windows will help.

“Your cousin, Austin, is the third new hire,” she says.

I spin around from adjusting the blinds. She can’t be serious. Austin has been riding his trust fund for years. He’s never had any intention of working in the family business. Like my uncle, it may have been a few years since I’ve actually spoken with him directly, but I can’t imagine much has changed.

My face must say enough of what I’m thinking because she adds, “Your uncle says it’s because he’s ready to straighten up. But between you and me, I am certain Bart didn’t give him much of a choice.”

“And if he doesn’t?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I have no idea.”

“Well, this summer should be interesting,” I say.

“Oh, I have no doubt about that, Maverick. The young woman who is also working with the two of you was the top of her class. She came with very high recommendations. We are all very eager to see what she can bring to the table.”

“So was I,” I say with a smirk. Anyone who loves what they’re learning and what they want to do can make it to the top of their class.

“I know you were.” She laughs. “How could I forget the excitement in your father’s face the day he watched you graduate from CU?”

She squeezes my arms as she heads out of my office. “Don’t get into too much trouble before the meeting. I’m rooting for you, you know.”

I take my seat behind the desk. The black leather chair is chilly under my suit. I open a few drawers; there isn’t even a pen included. From the sound of it, I’ll have enough time to head down to the supply room and get everything I need. I glance at the adjoining door to the next office. Working with someone who sounds like she wants this job as much as I do will either make it easier to get through the next ninety days or harder. Either way, between her and my cousin, it’s safe to assume she might be my only competition.

“Knock, knock,” my cousin, Austin, says as he does exactly that against my door. “You’re getting rusty on showing up early in the morning, cousin,” he says.

“It’s not even eight yet,” I say, already frustrated just by his presence. “I’d say I’m fine.” His overly highlighted blonde hair that appears as if it’s glowing from the light through my shades makes me wish I hadn’t opened them.

Working with my cousin should be great, but it’s not. I went to college and graduated with a degree in marketing. My cousin … well, I’m not sure what he did in college. He was only there because my uncle made him go or he would revoke his trust. I have landed more deals than everyone at the company except my father and my uncle in just the two years I’ve been here. I’m made for this job and I have no idea why my cousin would be interested in a career after all the years he’s spent without one.

“Dad and I were here before everyone. You know that’s what it takes to make it as boss here, Mav. If you’re not going to fill the part, I think it’s time you let your father and mine know you can’t handle it.”

He may be family, but fuck if he isn’t the most conniving little shit I’ve ever met. Chances are, he was here early only because my uncle has threatened something he wants once again. Bribery is the easiest way to get Austin to do anything.

“Is there something I can help you with?” I ask.

“I’m serious. You’re not doing anyone any favors by sticking around when you don’t want to be here,” he says.

“Are we talking about me or you?” I ask. Without me here, he’d actually have a chance. With me in the running, it’s just going to prove how wrong he is for this business.

His eyes match my own glare as he flips his jacket back on one side and sits on the edge of my desk. “Should we talk about this girl who is starting today? I mean, can you even handle her being in the office next you?”

“Austin,” I warn him.

“Hey.” He stands with his hands up. “I didn’t force you to get involved with the last one who landed you here. So don’t get an attitude with me.”

“I’m not going to discuss this with you.” It’s not up for argument. I won’t let the same mistake as last time happen. My eyes flash to the door with a small tick of my head, hinting it’s time for him to leave.

Austin’s departure is like watching a kid leave the room after his parent just confiscated his toy.

“Just don’t screw it up again. My father’s company can’t afford for you to make us look like fools the way you did to your father’s branch. My grandfather didn’t build this place just for you to show the world you can’t work side by side with a woman.”

Our grandfather, I want to correct him, but I don’t. He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.

My chair bounces off the wall behind me as I stand with a rush. He thinks he’s doing right by this company, but he’s not. He’s wasting our time and money by being here.

I don’t have time to deal with Austin and the drama he has decided to bring to work.

I’m going to get my job back and never let my dad down again. That’s the goal, and I won’t let anything get in the way of making my career the one I deserve it to be.

Beth

The scent of evergreen wafts in front of me as I wait behind Ann’s, the receptionist, desk. A man in a suit has his back to me, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he is my “attempted” one-night stand. Wow. Now I’m imagining him. This is not a good sign. It’s not even nine a.m. yet.

“Mr. Mitchell asked that I give you a tour and show you where your office will be. It’s nothing grand, but it’s where we put all our new employees. Once you hit the ninety-day mark, we’ll move you to a room with a view.” Ann beams at me and I reciprocate. She did say once I hit the mark, so I think it’s safe to say she believes I’ve got this.

“Follow me.” She waves her hand as she takes off down a long hallway. Offices on the left have windows and on the right there are cubicles. Please, don’t give me a cubicle.

I move to follow her when a deep-throated chuckle halts me. Is that…? Noooo. I look behind me, but the guy still has his back turned. Shit. That sleezeball must have done a number on me if I think I can hear him now, too.

“So this will be yours.” It’s on the left. I pinch my lips together to hide my smile. I have an office, with a small window no less. This makes it like super official. Look at Beth everyone, all grown up. Will I get a nameplate and my own phone? And yes, I hope I get business cards.

I step inside, not caring even the slightest that this space is about one-fourth the size of all the other offices. A metal desk sits in the middle, meaning my back will face the window. The walls are white, and only one has anything on it. It’s a framed picture with two giant M letters diagonal from each other. The words Mitchell Marketing is printed in small letters at the bottom.

The company’s logo.

“What’s with the extra door?” I ask. It reminds me of conjoining rooms in a hotel.

“You’ll be working directly with Mr. Mitchell’s nephew, Maverick.” She clears her throat and pinches her lips together. I almost want to laugh at her failure to hide her smile. “The adjoining offices make work easier. You’ll see,” she says with a wink.

“Is he a coach of some kind?” Why would I be paired with him?

“No, he’s also under a ninety-day trial.”

I’m working against family?

Fuck.

“When will I get to meet him?” I need to see what I’m up against as soon as possible.

“This afternoon, at the meeting where you and the others will be introduced to everyone.”

“Others?” I’m trying my best not to show my clear concern. I’m also struggling not to let the word fuck slip every time she reveals something that’s beginning to make my nerves shoot out the window.

“You, Maverick, and Mr. Mitchell’s son, Austin,” she says, and I don’t miss the sad smile she fails to hide.

Double shit. There is no way I’m going to make the cut. I can’t compete with family. It’s like I’m being set up for failure.

“That sounds … wonderful,” I say and when Ann laughs and pats my shoulder, heading for the door. At least one person will understand my sarcasm.

“Anything I need to do before then or anything I need to know?” I ask.

“Oh yes.” She thumps her forehead with her palm. “Sam from HR will meet you within the hour to go over new hire paperwork. I’d try to complete it all before the meeting; the Mitchells will more than likely want to jump right into work on the new client you three are to represent today.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, and this time, there is no sarcasm. I really am looking forward to working here. I just have to show them I am the best and everything will be fine.

“One thing you should know about Maverick.” She hesitates in the doorway. “He takes his work extremely seriously.” Her voice is soft and kind, almost like a mother asking for you to be patient with her child.

“Well, then, we will get along great,” I tell her.

“I sure hope so,” she says with a tight-lipped, forced smile. “Enjoy your morning and welcome to the company.”

I watch as she leaves before exploring my work space. I slip off my jacket and look behind the door. No hook, but shit yeah, a mirror.

I look smart.

I twist to the left. Looks good. I twist to the right. Looks good, too. My heather-gray pencil skirt and cream sleeveless frilly blouse give the illusion that I have more sexy curves than I ever thought I would have in my life, and my boring black heels enhance the good all that running at the gym has done for me.

My hair is curled down to the middle of my back—I haven’t done anything other than straighten it in years. My makeup is the best I’ve ever seen, and I honest to god don’t even look like me. Jeans, t-shit, and Converse. That’s me. This, the woman looking back at me, is Beth 2.0.

I take my seat behind my desk and take a deep breath. I have ninety days to show these people that I am the right woman for this position.

First rule and probably the most important: do not say shit, fuck, or any other of my favorite foul words. I no longer work full-time in a bar setting, and I pray for all those who are willing to help me control my swearing habit.

Second, smile. It’s not that I lack the ability to form this feature on my face, but really, I should do this more. Third, always remember my please and thank yous—this one will probably be the easiest for me. My parents—as messed up as they can be—raised me with manners. Fourth, make friends but don’t seem so outgoing that people think I’m here more to socialize than I am to work. I need my coworkers to enjoy being around me. If they like me, perhaps they’ll keep me.

This is just like the first day of school. Except this time around, I’m willingly putting myself in a “you don’t know anyone, but you’re going to be great” situation.

I press my lips together to hide my smile and pull my phone from my purse. I don’t care how unprofessional this is, but I have to send my girlfriends, Sara, Kelsey, and Sky, a picture of my office. Better send one to Abby, too. Then I’ll start the paperwork that will lead to the best career ever. I’m going to succeed. I just know it.