2. Lily

Lily

I woke up earlier than usual this morning. Not used to waking up for early classes anymore, I opted to sleep in and give myself one more week before I found a job and moved out. I knew my parents were eager to move, and I was happy to let that happen. I was the mistake child they never meant to have. Their ‘oopsie, how did that happen?’ child. They were beyond ready to retire, to live out the last of their years together, and to do whatever they pleased.

I owed everything to my parents and big brother. Without Braxton, there was no telling what life would have been like growing up. We weren’t close because of the huge age difference, but he was the most protective person in my life, and I honestly believed he would kill someone if they hurt me. Just ask any guy who attempted to take me out on a date. They would tell you that Braxton introduced them to the two guns he always carried on his hips. He didn’t threaten them; he didn’t need to, but he did make them each write their name on a bullet. That way, if any of them were stupid enough to cause me tears, the bullet would be the last thing to go through their head.

I honestly thought he meant it.

I had my planner cleared up to get everything done in one day.

Tuesday morning: self-care day. I had plans for a haircut and style, getting pampered at the spa, and getting my nails done. After lunch, I’d go to the mall to do some shopping.

I needed a few essentials, and my wardrobe was in desperate need of updating. After college, I gained a little weight, so my business and professional clothes no longer fit. While I was out, I also wanted to hit a few thrift stores and bookstores to pick up the new Miss Renae and Melanie True books. I couldn’t wait to see if True’s second book had been released yet! True was the literal queen of cliffhangers!

Instead of what I had planned, however, my idiot brother, whom I love very much, wanted to ensure I had a job lined up, so he talked his best friend—the ultimate silver fox—into arranging an interview for me at his company.

Ethan Brennan was the very definition of what dark, sexy, age-gap romances were all about. Swoon worthy. His genetics had gold running through them. If it weren’t for his salt and pepper hair and beard, I would have never guessed he was in his late forties or early fifties. I didn’t know how old he was.

Everlast Shoppes, our local outlet mall, was my destination but, first, I wanted to grab a coffee, eat breakfast, stop by a cute little boutique, and grab a few quick outfits, so I’d have something to wear. I was warned that the interview process could take two to three days. If I made it through the interview and their version of hazing, I would start Monday. It wasn’t when I wanted to start, but I’d take what I could get.

My phone rang as I lay in bed staring at it. It was nine in the morning. I both wanted and needed more sleep. Last night, I stayed up way too late binge-reading Jenn Bullard’s latest release, and I needed more sleep. I didn’t see my eyelids until after four a.m. Why couldn’t I catch a break?

“ Big Brother is calling,” my phone repeated every three seconds. Damnit. Why couldn’t I just fall asleep? I read the damn texts. What more does he want from me?

“Hello, Braxton? Usually, if someone doesn’t answer their phone, it means they are busy or possibly asleep,” I groaned into the phone, my eyes still closed.

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t miss your interview today at three or see if you needed to reschedule it to after five tonight. He has both times open to interview you.” My sweet brother was trying so hard to land me this job, but why? I could get a job anywhere. I could have accepted a position where I did my internship, but the bitches there were so snobby, I’d rather punch a mule in his balls every day than go back to that place.

“I’m awake now. I have some stuff I’d love to get done, then meet him tonight. If that’s possible,” I answered honestly. I was nowhere near ready for this interview.

“Okay, I’ll let him know. Also, sis, I wanted to wish you good luck. Would you like to meet for lunch today?” Braxton was my best friend, no matter how big of an age difference.

“Sure. My hair appointment is at eleven, but we can meet after. I can go to the spa anytime.” I smiled through my teeth. I really wanted that massage.

“What if I come with you to the spa? Would that be weird? A massage sounds stellar. It’ll be my treat.” Braxton was never into anything I wanted before. He always had a motive behind his intentions. I just didn’t know what...

“Sure, then we’re going to a boutique for a few outfits. I need new business attire. You can join me on that voyage and help me pick out the best sexy business outfits, so I can impress the boss. I don’t need to work, but I want this job.” I’m unsure why I wanted this job, but starting as an HR manager would be quite the feat. It would also look amazing on my resume.

“You don’t need to look sexy. Just professional. You’ll win them over with your brain, not your boobs,” he growled through the phone.

“Calm down, Brax. I was teasing; I want to look good for myself. I could give a donkey’s balls what they think I look like. Anyways, I’m awake now, so thanks. I’ll shower and meet you at the Cedar Hill Mall in a few hours.” After exchanging a few more words, we finished the call.

I rolled out of bed, grabbing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I knew I’d need a jacket soon. We’d probably get snow within the next week or two, based on how fast the temperature dropped. Cedar Hill, Colorado, was known for its icy-cold winters and brutal snowstorms. Although the snow and ice would melt within days, if not hours, it was still dangerous to drive in. And we almost ALWAYS lost power.

I quickly showered, washing my hair and body, hitting all the hot spots. I had no intention of doing anything else, so once I was done, I turned off the water, dried off, and got dressed. I threw on a little eyeliner to make my eyes pop and lip gloss, and then I was the best version of myself. I thought I’d cleaned up nicely for just rolling out of bed.

With a few minutes to kill, I drove to my favorite coffee shop and ordered a double-shot vanilla latte and three glazed donuts. When my alarm went off on my watch, I knew it was time for my hair appointment. I walked a few doors down, checked in at the salon, showed the stylist what I wanted, and let her work her magic. I was switching up my look, going from my long, red hair that almost reached my ass, to a shoulder-length reverse bob with dark brown roots that worked into a darker brown tip. The technical name was Balayage. Luckily, this was a young stylist, so she knew what I was talking about.

Aside from my few suggestions, I gave her free creative control and let her work her do her thing. Thoughts about the upcoming interview repeatedly ran through my head. Would I be good enough for this job? Had my internship given me enough experience to manage an entire department? What happened if I fucked up? The more questions I asked myself, the more my anxiety spun out of control.

An hour later, my hair was finally done. I paid the stylist, left an excellent tip, and then scheduled my quarterly appointment. I wanted to get this redone every three-to-four months because I loved how it turned out. She styled my hair in an appropriate look for a business interview, and then I headed to meet Braxton for lunch.

Braxton:

Meet me at the Italian bistro in the Cedar Hill Mall. I’ll be there waiting.

Me:

On my way, bro. See you soon.

Braxton, as always, dressed to the nines—business professional, and here I was wearing jogging pants. I laughed at myself. Why would he want to be seen with his immature younger sister?

“Hey, sis! I haven’t seen you in a while. You’re looking”—he looked me up and down and shook his head—“comfortable.” The disgust in his voice was apparent, but I didn’t let it sway me from my ultimate goal. Relax today, then worry about the rest of the bullshit tomorrow.

“Hey, Brax. You’re looking sharp as ever. Why on earth would you have lunch with a bum like me?” I sat down across from him. He’d already ordered food, and my sweet iced tea was already on the table waiting for me. One thing Brax and I shared was our love of Italian food, and we would never stray away from a good salad.

“I can’t let you go into the interview without discussing what you’ll be walking into. Do you remember Ethan Brennan?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

“I remember you two going on many trips together, but I was young when that happened,” I answered honestly. By the time I could walk and start school, Braxton had already moved away. He went to college and created drama for himself. The year I turned eighteen, he celebrated his big fortieth birthday.

“Oh, okay. That makes sense. Anyway, I wanted you to know he’s a good guy, and the men he works with will be protective over you.” He gave me an ‘in your face’ grin. Of course, he was behind all of this.

“You don’t have to do all that just to help me, Brax. I could have found a job,” I said before sipping my tea.

“I know, but you’ll be in good hands with Ethan. Just don’t treat him wrong, don’t give him any sass, and you’ll do great.” Soon after that our food arrived.

“I don’t think there’s enough time for the spa before your meeting, so is there anything else you want to do?” He looked me over again with judgemental eyes. “Like, maybe go to a boutique and get new outfits? I’ll pay for those, too. I can’t let you go to your interview with your hair looking amazing but the rest of you looking like you just walked out of a homeless shelter.” He laughed, but I felt how serious he was behind his words.

“There’s a place I’d like to go not too far from here. Stella is one of my best friends, and she’s running a sale today. I fully intended to go there before the spa. Plus, the massage is only thirty minutes, and they do my nails while they relax my body. We have plenty of time,” I reassured him as I took my last bite of spaghetti.

“Okay, well, if you think we can make it, let’s finish up here and head over.

After lunch, we settled the check and then headed to the boutique. I was looking around, and I was so glad to see my best friend, Stella, working today. I told Stella about my plans and everything I wanted to do over the next few months. I slowly replaced all of my wardrobe, so I now had a more professional selection. At least thirty different outfits that I could mix and match. It was everything I wanted. Within minutes, Stella had pulled a few options and presented several for me.

I looked over what she picked out, and Braxton pulled out a few. “Please keep whatever you choose tasteful. Keep your breasts covered and your dress at least four inches below your knees,” he scolded.

“Ew. Stop. You’re disgusting.” I walked toward the dressing room. “You’re so cringy! Whatever you say, old man.” I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Lily. I’m serious. You need to go in there looking respectable. You’ll get this job with your brains, not your boobs.” I just looked at him and nodded while he scolded me.

“Yes, sir. Can we go now?” I was done with this conversation. I knew how to act and dress appropriately. This wasn’t my first rodeo interviewing for a job. It was my first rodeo working for a company where I’d actually be using the skills I learned in school. My internships had provided me with an extra three months of training, which I extended by an additional three months. I was ready to start my career and my new life.

“You in a big hurry to go for some reason?” He cocked his head to the right when he looked at me.

“Duh! I have an appointment at the spa. I know we said earlier we might not have time to make it, but if we could, I’d still like to go… After we’re done here, I’d like to stick to my schedule, because I’m meeting with your best friend to get a job. Are you getting senile already?” I laughed but, seriously, I was getting worried.

“I know; I was just kidding. Get back in there and try a few more things on.” Braxton forced an awkward laugh.

“That’s the original plan, sir. After this, we should be ready for the spa,” I told him.

“Okay, I’m going to take this call real quick,” he said, nodding for me to continue with what I was doing.

I tried on each outfit, loving them all. But then, I tried on one that I fell in love with. I walked out of the dressing room to show my brother and get his opinion and, instead, found the hottest man I’d ever seen sitting beside him. Of course I saved the best for last. It was a beautiful orange and cream skirt with a crop-top tank, and a cream jacket. Everything was silky and fit me in the right places.

“Brax! Look at this one. I think this is the one that will grant me the position!” I said, twirling around, making extra sure to show off my ass for the new guy.

“Lily, this is Ethan, your new boss if you land the job. He was in the area, so he agreed to join us.” He winked. Was he hoping that would mean something to me?

“Oh. Nice to meet you, Ethan. I guess I’ll be seeing you later?” I offered my hand, immediately entranced when he touched mine. By his eyes, his touch, his everything. How could this be Braxton’s best friend and my future boss? Why couldn’t he be a random hot guy I met on a dating app? Just looking at him, he was pure perfection.

“You will. I’m glad to host your interview.” He smiled, staring me up and down. “I think that’s the perfect outfit for you. Plus, if all goes well, you can get your ID badge today.”

I decided to wear the outfit out of the store, so I removed the tags, slipped my sweats into the pile, and then went to check out. I was ready to go. But we now had less time than I had hoped we would for the spa, so we agreed to do that another day.

Despite both of us driving to the mall, Braxton drove me over to the company’s building, walked me to the door, and wished me luck. This would be the start of my new life.

“Good luck, baby sis. I hope you have a great day,” he said before escorting me to the elevators.

“Thanks, Brax. I’ll see you in a few days,” I said as the door closed.