8
Cole
He walked into Abby’s office without bothering to knock. Damn, she looked fucking edible in high heels and the tight pencil skirt that hugged her ass. He had to remind his cock to stay in check.
He cleared his throat, forcing her to look up from her desk.
“I supposed you’re here to tell me what the artwork entails for your new project?” Her eyebrows rose.
Cole folded his arms across his chest. He couldn’t blame her for being hostile all the time. The situation was out of control, but he knew there was no going back. Once he had supported Deacon, he was in a hundred percent.
“First I want to make sure you were given a proper orientation to the company from human resources.”
Abby nodded. “I was. It seems a little ridiculous though.”
“It’s not. I’ll tell you what happened. A couple years ago our payroll department was hacked.”
Abby’s eyes widened. “Wh-what?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “So, we take all employee information very seriously. Don’t worry. That’s not going to happen again. We’ve added firewalls. Whoever the hacker was, was pretty clever.”
“Really?” She tilted her head. “But you never caught them?”
“No. Never. Anyway, if you’ve gone through HR, I think we should talk about what’s next for you. Wouldn’t you like to know what you’re designing?” he asked.
She looked around. “This office is over-the-top. You could have at least put me in a cubicle so everyone else didn’t think I was sleeping with the bosses.”
“Is that what they think?” He smirked.
“Wouldn’t you if the new girl waltzed in and on her first day got the corner office with her own assistant?”
Cole shrugged. He didn’t give a damn what the employees thought about why Abby was here.
“I just need to know you have everything you need to complete the project.” He looked at the design table he had ordered this morning. He was pleased it had been delivered so promptly. She also had a new laptop, phone, and the latest design programs.
“I can’t think of anything else. I just need you to tell me the project. Is it a video game? One of your new apps?” She looked agitated.
“Is there something wrong with the products HiTech Global creates?” he questioned.
“No. I just can’t believe I’m going to help you make millions of dollars after all this, but that’s the price of my deal, so just go ahead and tell me. What’s the newest and greatest thing that will make you and Deacon ultra-rich.”
“Abby, it has nothing to do with making us rich.”
She huffed. “Likely.”
He sat in the soft white leather chair in front of her desk. “Would you like for me to explain it to you?”
“I’m listening.”
“You are competing for the winning design of the Soar Foundation.”
“A foundation?” Her beautiful lips parted with surprise.
He felt his chest tighten. Even the smallest movements she made, drove him wild.
“Yes. It’s our children’s foundation. The pinnacle of what we are trying to achieve at HiTech Global. Yes, we are fortunate to have padded bank accounts. Deac and I know how lucky we are. We don’t take it for granted. Over the years we’ve tried to figure out how we could give back. What the right way was to show our gratitude. This idea has been in the works for years. That’s why it’s so important that we get it right. The branding of the Soar Foundation has to show the world that if they give to our foundation, whether it’s through time or money, that they are part of a cause greater than them. They are part of a family.”
“I don’t believe it.” Abby blinked. The green in her eyes glistening. “This is for a charity?”
He chuckled. “We’re not green-headed monsters. We have hearts, despite all your pre-conceived ideas.”
“My pre-conceived ideas are based on the reality of my situation.”
“I’ll give you that.”
She paused. “Ok. So I’m supposed to design the artwork for a children’s foundation that does what exactly?”
She had started to take notes.
“We don’t want to narrow our focus too much, or make it too broad. Deacon would like to make sure we’re giving as many educational opportunities as possible to young children through high school.”
“And you? Do you have a different focus?”
Cole nodded. “I love his idea, but I want to make sure that kids stay healthy. That they get the chance to live out that educational dream of his. So, my end is more children’s health. Helping families pay medical bills. That kind of thing.”
Abby’s jaw dropped. “You are fucking with me right now, aren’t you?”
“Excuse me?”
She shook the blond curls from her shoulders. “You seriously want me to believe that you are both so enthralled with the livelihood and well-being of children that you’re setting up a foundation?”
“That’s exactly what we’ve done. The Vegas trip in two weeks is when we are announcing it to our shareholders and to the public. We are anticipating a high media presence. They are going to expect us to roll out a new product, but instead they are going to get this. And we hope the foundation gets a lot of support. What better way to kick off a campaign?”
“I really don’t know what to say.”
“Do you think you have enough information to start the design work? You’re running on a short time table. The other artists we have consulted certainly have a head start on you.”
“Th-this is huge,” Abby stuttered.
“Are you up for it?”
She nodded. “I-I have to be, don’t I?”
He smiled. “That’s up to you. You don’t have to take the assignment, Abby. Deacon’s not going to be easy on you. He has an art background. He knows his stuff. He has the final say.”
“And if I don’t then I sit around the office all day while you two work and wait for you to walk me home.”
“I didn’t say that. I’m sure we could find another position for you. This was your negation.”
She sat back in her chair. For a moment, he thought she might reconsider. She might pull her offer to design the brand.
“I want the job.” She pulled her shoulders back. “If there is one thing I know, it’s how much children need a foundation like this. I’m going to produce the winning design.”
“Good.” He pushed off from the chair. “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
“It’s going to be the Vegas design.”
Cole paused in the doorway. He could see the determination in her eyes. Feel the defiance dripping off her. She was beautiful and smart. And every time he saw her she was getting under his skin more and more. He wanted to clear everything off her desk and kiss her until she screamed his name. Abby was more than he ever could have imagined.
“If it is, then I guess Vegas will be our last weekend together.” He said the words slowly. He didn’t want that to happen. But he wanted her to win. He wanted her to feel that kind of satisfaction from proving her work and her art.
He was torn, wanting to keep her, and wanting her to be successful enough she freed herself.
“Then Vegas it is.” She grinned triumphantly. “Thank you for the information, Cole. I know what I need to do now.”
“Glad I could help.” He tapped the doorframe. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”
“Right. Dinner.”
He walked out of Abby’s office.