Chapter 5

I awake to the screeching sound of my alarm clock. Monday morning, six a.m. First day at my new job. Surprisingly I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be. I’ve kept myself busy the past week, unpacking and settling into my new flat. I’ve done some grocery shopping at a nearby neighborhood supermarket.

I shower and spend what seems like an eternity trying to decide what to wear. I had picked out an outfit the previous night but it seems all wrong now. I want to look effortlessly pulled together. I choose a burgundy colored pantsuit with a black button down shirt. I slip on a pair of black leather loafers that have a delicate gold a tassel on the front. Gold ball studs in my ears. A coat of mascara with just a hint of rose colored lipstick. I take a long look at my reflection in the mirror. Okay, this is the right look. Polished and professional.

I hail a cab. No Mercedes pick up this morning.

I arrive to work at eight o’clock sharp. The receptionist is already there, busily typing away. She looks up at me and smiles.

“Hello, Katherine. Welcome to your first day. By the way, my name is Sandra.” We shake hands. She seems more relaxed than the last time I saw her.

“Thanks, Sandra. Should I wait here for Mr. McCall?”

“No, I’ll show you to your office and then give you a quick tour. At the moment, Alex is on an early morning conference call with investors from China.” She walks towards the door leading to the rest of the office. “Come with me.”

Sandra leads me down the hallway. We walk towards an office which is just outside of Alex’s massive double oak doors. She opens the door, switches on the light.

“This is your office.” Sandra takes my coat. “Feel free to bring in any personal items you like.”

“Great,” I reply, knowing I probably won’t bring anything personal to the office. No photos, no cute little knick-knacks. I prefer to keep professional life and personal life separate.

Sandra gives me a tour of the building. “So, I understand you’re from the Atlanta office,” she says, making conversation. “That’s quite a move to make.”

“It is. But I was in need of a change. And this was such a great opportunity for me.”

“Have you ever been to London before?” she asks.

“No, apart from my interview, this is my first time in London.” I reply.

“Well, I’m sure you’re going to love it here. London is such a wonderful city, so much to see and do.”

I notice security cameras at the end of each hallway. “What’s going on with all of the security cameras?” I ask curiously.

“Oh, those. Alex is big on security. Always has been.” She shrugs her shoulders and gives no more information than that. A bit strange, I thought. Or paranoid.

I meet two other executives – Harold Smith, the Chief Financial Officer, and Marvin Kelly, Chief Operations Officer. So far, so good. Everyone seems really nice and welcoming. Later, I watch a couple of videos regarding company policies and procedures. Before I know it the morning has flown by.

Finally, Alex emerges from his office. He walks over, knocks on my door and enters.

“Hello, Katherine. My apologizes. I’ve been on a conference call which lasted longer than I anticipated.”

“Hello, Mr. McCall. Yes, I understand,” I reply. Alex nods, a small smile playing on his lips. My heart suddenly beats a little faster, my breathing quickens. “Uh, Sandra has given me a tour of the office. I’ve watched the company videos. And I’ve made a start with organizing my office, labeling folders and such.” I say. Stop rambling, I tell myself sternly.

“Very good. It sounds like you’re settling in nicely. And please, call me Alex.” We hold each other’s gaze.

“Right. Alex.” I said. He was wearing a dark grey suit paired with a burgundy tie and matching pocket square. The man is a sharp dresser, I’ll give him that. He was even better looking than I remembered. I hope his good looks would not be a constant distraction for me. I tore my eyes away from him and looked down at the folders on my desk.

“Let’s go to my office. I want to brief you on an upcoming development.” Alex said, all business. Thank goodness, I thought, feeling a sense of relief. I was ready to start working.

Following Alex into his office, I sit down in front of his desk, pen and notebook in hand, ready to start taking notes.

“I’ve just secured investors for the London Cosmopolitan Hotel. It will be a new development with demolition of the existing building in two weeks. Opening of the hotel is scheduled in six months.”

McCall Enterprises was known for hotels all over the world, but especially it’s Cosmopolitan Hotels. It was the company’s signature hotel line with a Cosmopolitan Hotel in every major city in the world.

“Since it’s a Cosmopolitan Hotel, it will be ultra -exclusive. Private club with membership only. First class restaurant. I want this hotel to be the premier hotel in London.” Alex paused, his eye shining brightly. He was in his element.

I was busily taking notes. This was a big project, one that I could sink my teeth into. A project where I could prove myself.

“Of course, I want to stay on schedule and under budget.” I could hear the determination in his voice. Alex McCall was known for building exquisite, high-end hotels that also managed to stay within budget and on schedule. It was a testament to how well he ran his business.

“Of course. I’ll start securing contracts with designers and architects.”

“Excellent. Keep me updated on everything.” He looks at me, his gaze lingering. “Oh, and by the way, welcome to your first day. I’m pleased you’re here.”

“Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”

I stood to leave, glancing at him quickly, trying to concentrate on work. I could feel his eyes on me when I turned to leave his office. I could feel the excitement that it gave me.

Alex watched as Katherine closed the door behind her. She had performed well. Attentive, alert, ready to work. Alex sensed she was hungry for a big project like the Cosmopolitan. Alex also sensed she was attracted to him. He liked that. It gave him a sense of power which was a turn on for him. Unknown to Katherine, he had been watching her while he was in his office during the conference call. He wanted to study her while she was unguarded. Observing someone when they thought no one was watching was always the best way to really get to know them. And he wanted to know everything about Katherine.