6. James

CHAPTER 6

JAMES

" M r. Garris?" My assistant, Terri, holds her tablet aloft, eager and ready.

I blink, my eyes adjusting from staring out the window. "What was that?"

"I asked what would you like for lunch, sir?" She cocks her head, the slightest expression of concern on.

Which is saying a lot. In her early fifties and having personally assisted some of the most powerful politicians and CEOs in the world, there's very little that fazes Terri.

Seeing her concerned about me is more than a little unnerving.

"Perhaps your favorite salad?" she prompts.

"Yes, that sounds good," I say, my mind still preoccupied. "Thank you, Terri."

She nods and begins typing on her tablet. I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. The meeting earlier went well, and Billie's suggestions impressed me. But it wasn't just her ideas that caught my attention. It was her, her confidence, her poise under pressure. There's something about her that draws me in and makes me want to know more.

"I need a water," I say.

"Of course." Terri starts to leave my office, but I shake my head.

"I got it."

She hesitates at the door. "Mr. Garris, are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, Terri," I say, waving her off as I stand up from my desk. "Just need some fresh air."

I make my way to the kitchen across from my office, taking deep breaths and trying to get my mind off of Billie. It's not appropriate to be thinking about an employee like this. But there's something about her that makes me feel alive again, something I haven't felt in a long time.

I fill a cup with water and chug it. There's a mini fridge in my office, of course, but sometimes I need to stretch my legs and look at something different for a few minutes. See things from a fresh perspective.

Running my fingers through my hair, I straighten my tie and head back to my office.

As soon as I step inside, I see Billie waiting for me, her back turned to me as she studies one of the paintings on the wall.

I watch her for a moment, admiring the curve of her back and the way her dark hair falls in soft waves down her shoulders. She's wearing a navy-blue skirt that hugs her hips in a way that's both professional and alluring.

"Billie," I say, my voice low and smooth. She turns to face me, and I can see the surprise in her eyes. Her cheeks flush pink.

"Close the door," I say, my voice low and commanding. I make my way over to my desk, doing my best to not look at her.

She turns to do as I say, and I take the seat behind my desk.

"How long have you been here for?" I ask.

For a moment, she seems to hesitate, but then she steps forward. "About a week."

I nod, pretending to read through some documents on my desk. I can feel her watching me, always watching me. It's like she's lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She's like all the other ambitious people at this company.

Except… different, somehow.

Anyone else would have been fired on the spot for criticizing a design without being first asked for their opinion.

I look up at her, taking in the way her eyes dart nervously over my face. She's not like the others. She's not just ambitious, she's brilliant. I can feel it in the way that she moves, in the way that she speaks.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped in the meeting earlier," she says, her voice soft. "I just thought that maybe my ideas could help. I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't," I say, leaning back in my chair and folding my arms across my chest. "In fact, I was impressed."

Her eyes widen slightly, and I can see the corners of her mouth twitch upwards. "Really?"

I nod, a slow smile spreading across my own face. "Really. I think there's a lot of potential there."

She steps forward, her body language hesitant. "Thank you, sir."

I wave off the formal address. "Call me James."

"All right, James."

It's unexpected how much I like hearing my name on her lips.

So unexpected that I actually regret giving her permission to use it.

Clearing my throat, I drag my mind out of the gutter. "And what are your thoughts on the company so far, Billie?"

She takes a deep breath, her eyes flickering up to meet mine briefly. "I think it's an exciting place to be. And your leadership is very inspiring."

I smirk, feeling a surge of pride. "Is that so?"

"Yes," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have a way of getting results that is very impressive. And you're always so calm and collected."

I lean back in my chair, studying her intently. "And what about you, Billie? Do you know how to stay calm and collected under pressure?"

She nods slowly, her eyes locked on mine. "Yes, I do. I've always been good at handling stressful situations."

"Good," I say, standing up and walking around my desk to stand in front of her. "Because this environment is a fast-paced one, and I guarantee unlike any you've experienced yet. There's a reason we're the most successful tech company on the continent."

Billie gulps, her eyes widening slightly at my words. I can see the apprehension in her expression, but also a hint of excitement. She's like a deer caught in headlights, but with a fierce determination lurking beneath the surface. I can't help but find her all the more alluring.

"I'm up for the challenge," she says, her voice steady.

I lean in closer to her, so close that I can smell the sweet scent of her perfume. "I don't doubt that," I say. "In fact, I think you'll excel here. You have a certain… fire in you that I appreciate."

She shivers, and I can't help but feel a surge of desire at the sight. I can tell she's attracted to me too, even if she's trying to hide it.

But, no. What am I thinking?

I didn't call Billie in here to hit on her. My employees are strictly off-limits when it comes to that. On the contrary, I called her in because I liked her ideas in the meeting and I want to hear what else she has to say.

"You have a good eye." I return to my seat and gesture for her to sit across from me.

Billie takes a seat, her eyes fixed on me as I shuffle through the papers on my desk. I can't help but feel a sense of power as I look up at her. She's a beautiful woman, with rich black hair and wide blue eyes, and I know that I have a certain effect on her. But I need to stay focused on the task at hand. I need to hear her ideas, and see what she can bring to the table.

"I want to bring you onto the Green Digit project. As head designer."

Her eyebrows rise. "Oh."

I can see the excitement in her expression and I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Billie is talented, and I know that she'll do an excellent job.

She nods eagerly, her eyes lighting up. "I won't let you down," she says.

"I know you won't," I reply, my voice low. "And in return, I'll make sure you get all the resources you need to make this project a success."

She smiles at me, and I can't help but feel a sense of warmth spreading through me. This is what leadership is all about — recognizing talent and nurturing it.

"It will mean spending a lot of one-on-one time with me," I add. "And I want you to know that I have high expectations. Whatever you think you know about this business, throw that out the window."

Billie hesitates, her long lashes fluttering.

"Will that be a problem?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "No, not at all. I'm ready for the challenge."

I can't help but feel a spark of excitement at her response. Billie is exactly the kind of employee I need for this project. With her talent and my guidance, we can make Green Digit a huge success.

"Great," I say. "Let's get started right away. I'll arrange for you to have access to all the resources you need, and we can start working on the project plan tomorrow morning."

As I begin to explain the project to her, I can see the excitement growing in her eyes. She's like a sponge, soaking up every detail and idea I throw her way.

As we stand up, I'm aware of how close we are, and how the atmosphere between us has shifted. But I remind myself that I'm her boss, and this is a professional relationship.

"Thank you," she says, smiling up at me. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," I reply, returning her smile. "Now, let's get to work."

She moves to leave, and I catch her arm. "One more thing," I say, my voice low.

"Yes?" she asks, voice barely above a whisper.

Realizing that I've overstepped by grabbing her arm, I quickly release it.

Shit. What the hell is wrong with me?

It's like my thinking brain has gone to hell. This woman walks into the room and everything up there gets scrambled.

"James?" she prompts. "You said there was something else?"

"Yes." I clear my throat and take a step back from her. "I want to see what you come up with for the project before we present it to the rest of the team. Just to make sure everything is perfect."

She nods, a look of relief washing over her face. "Of course, I'll make sure it's ready for your review."

"Perfect," I say, feeling some of the tension between us dissipating. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

As she leaves my office, I can't help but wonder what just happened between us. I've always prided myself on being professional and composed, but something about Billie throws me off balance.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I have a project to focus on, and I won't let anything distract me from making it a success.

Maybe it's been too long since I've been with a woman, and that's what has me all messed up.

Pulling out my phone, I text a girl I've been casually dating for the past couple months. And of course it's casual.

I don't do serious. I tried that a couple times, and it wasn't for me.

But as I stare at her name on my phone, I can't help but feel a sense of emptiness. This woman, who I've been seeing for months, doesn't excite me the way Billie does.

I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. I can't let myself be distracted by an employee.

Dinner tonight? I text Camille.

She responds almost immediately.

Sure, where do you want to meet?

I quickly reply, suggesting a restaurant I know she likes. As I hit send, I can't help but wonder if I'm making the right choice. Maybe I should cancel and focus on work instead. But then again, a night out might be just what I need to clear my head.

Billie is smart and creative. Beautiful, too. But if she's going to be a distraction then that will be a problem, and it's up to me to make sure things don't come to that.