18. Paisley

18

PAISLEY

W aking up before eight in the morning should be illegal. Although, waking up with Kieran's mouth between my legs made it much more bearable. Then, after I came, he wiped his mouth and went downstairs to make me coffee. Who knew the man was a saint? Two of my favorite things given to me without even having to ask. I guess the saying "if he wanted to, he would," is true. It was definitely a great way to start the day before my last big meeting with the Callahans.

The office is already buzzing when I arrive. I came in early to give myself extra time to prepare and make sure everything is perfect. William and Judy Callahan have been nothing but kind to me, but they have a net worth of over two billion dollars, so I still want to impress them.

Just as I'm about to head into the plush boardroom where we take client meetings, John Boldt appears in my doorway. I do a double-take, my eyes bulging. The CEO has never dropped by my office before. Until the party the other night, I had never even met him in person.

"Good morning, Ms. McKee. I had a message from the Callahans this morning asking me to join the meeting. I hope that's okay."

Staring at the man in dumbfounded silence, I nod. He hopes it's okay? He's the CEO and founder of Boldt Financial. Did he think I would tell him no?

Sweat gathers at the back of my neck. Oh, God. Why did they want him here? I must have done something to upset them. Shit. Did I screw something up? I've checked and double-checked everything to make sure it was all perfect and there were no errors.

I force a smile and gather my wits. Even if I messed something up, I just need to own it. People make mistakes. And if I lose my job today, I'll deal with it. The makeup line will be in business soon, and I'll have income from that.

"Of course, Mr. Boldt. I'd love to have you."

The older man smiles and waits for me to gather the files from my desk, then lets me go ahead of him down the hall. Polite. Then again, this man does sort of work for Kieran, and Kieran did introduce me as his woman at the party, so maybe he's only being kind because of that. Does he know what Kieran does for work?

"How's your morning going today, Ms. McKee?"

"Please, call me Paisley," I reply, smiling. "My morning is great. It's nice that it's not raining for once."

Talking about the weather is always a safe topic.

He laughs. "Absolutely. And please, call me John."

Chuck comes around a corner just as he says that. As soon as he realizes I'm the one walking next to John Boldt, his cheeks turn red, and his eyes narrow. "Morning," Chuck says in a clipped tone.

John dips his chin. "Morning."

"Where are you off to, Paisley?" Chuck asks, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Keeping my head up and shoulders squared, I raise an eyebrow. "I'm headed into my meeting with the Callahans. I should be done in an hour or so if you need anything."

Without waiting for a response, I shift to sidestep around my jackass boss. John follows me without saying anything else to Chuck. Is it just me, or did the air feel chilly between them? Interesting.

My clients are waiting when we step into the meeting room. They smile brightly and stand to shake my hand first, then John's.

"Good morning, Paisley," Judy greets. "You look lovely, but then again, you always do. I was telling William just the other day how much I love your classic beauty. Also, before I leave today, dear, you have to give me the name of the lipstick you wear. I'm not sure how it will look on my wrinkled old lips, but I don't care. If it looks as half as good on me as it does on you, I'll be thrilled."

My entire body heats, and my cheeks catch fire. Wow. Judy is so sweet and has always given me compliments, but I don't think she realizes she just made my whole day. It doesn't matter if I get fired. If a classy billionaire woman like her thinks I'm beautiful, then I'm sure as hell not going to let some dipshit like Mercedes ever question it again.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Callahan. You look lovely as well. I love your sweater."

The older woman beams at me before she sits back down.

"Well, let's get started, shall we?" I ask.

I spend the next hour going over every one of the documents I've prepared, having the couple sign their names in all the necessary spots. I expect John to jump in and take over at any time, but he doesn't. He doesn't say a word. Instead, he watches and listens, something I'm not used to with Chuck as my boss. It's a little unnerving, but it's also refreshing. I just hope he's doing it for good reasons and not because he's waiting to tell me to pack my shit.

Once we wrap up the paperwork, I tuck it away in their folder and stand, not wanting to keep the couple for any longer than necessary. I would assume, as a couple of billionaires, they have a busy schedule.

"Paisley, dear, would you mind sitting a few more minutes?" William asks.

Every hair on my body stands on end as I slowly lower myself back down. "Of course."

"You might be wondering why we asked John to join us today," William says. "And quite frankly, we should have had him join one of our meetings sooner. Judy and I; we've been so incredibly impressed with you since the first time we met. I don't think we've ever worked with anyone as professional yet personable as you. You've been so on top of every single thing we've asked, and yet you still speak to us like we're human beings instead of a bank account. It's been refreshing."

Holy…what?

My mouth falls open, and I feel like a deer caught in the headlights. I certainly wasn't expecting that. Not in the slightest.

Judy smiles and slides her hands over mine, patting softly. "I hope you don't mind, but William and I looked into you a bit, and we found a recent business application with the county that has your name on it along with three other women. A makeup line?"

Shoot. Is this a trap? There aren't any rules against having my own business as long as it isn't a conflict of interest with the financial firm. I glance at John, but he doesn't look the least bit concerned.

"Um, right, yes. My friends and I are opening a woman-owned makeup company that will have a line of high-end makeup that is eco-friendly as well as a more economical line that will still be luxurious for women who can't spend the money on expensive cosmetics. We're also starting a charity to help victims of human trafficking and victims of abuse. A quarter of our profits will go to the charity."

Oh my God. Why did I tell them all that? I should have just said yes.

The older woman grins and looks over at her husband. "See, I told you it would be a good business plan."

William chuckles and shakes his head lovingly at his wife. "We've been married forty years, and she's always right. You know, she hated me when we first met? Said I was overbearing and bossy. She didn't want to take a chance on me, but I convinced her, and it's the best thing I ever did. She makes me a better man."

"He's the best thing to ever happen to me too. We're a good team. Sometimes, you have to take a leap for something wonderful to happen. Which is why I'd like to take a leap and make you an offer," Judy says. "William and I each have things we like to invest our own money in, and I'd like to invest in your makeup line. Five million dollars to get it up and running. To keep it a fully woman-owned business, the money would only be coming from me. I've prepared the offer in writing and made the terms favorable for you. The four of you would keep complete control of the business, and I would simply be a silent backer. After working with you, I trust you to make this company everything you want it to be."

My hands shake so badly that I lower them under the table so nobody can see. Is this really happening?

Judy slides a packet toward me. "Why don't you take some time to review this with your partners and I'll reach out to you in the next couple of days."

I meet her gaze, unable to speak for several seconds. Finally, I swallow and nod. "Thank you. This is incredibly kind of you, Mrs. Callahan. I don't know what to say."

"Just say you'll consider it. You're special, Paisley, and I have a feeling your friends are too," she replies. "And please, call me Judy."

They stand, and as I skirt the table to walk them out, William pulls me in for a brief hug. "Thank you for everything, Paisley. I don't think there's anyone else we would have felt comfortable working with other than you. I doubt you'll be here much longer once your makeup line starts, but if your boss doesn't promote you soon, I have a spot for you in any of my companies at triple your current salary."

John straightens his shoulders. "Don't you even think about taking Paisley from me. She'll be promoted by morning. I guarantee you that."

What is happening in my life right now? Multiple orgasms, five million dollars, and a promotion all in one morning? Maybe I ate a brownie that I shouldn't have.

I wait until the Callahans leave before I grab their file and turn to head back to work.

"Paisley, I'd like to speak with you before you head back to your office."

Even though he has just told the Callahans I'd be getting a promotion, my heart starts to race. Is he pissed that I started a business? Or that the Callahans offered to invest in the makeup line?

"Mr. Boldt, I'm sorry you were blindsided about the business I'm starting. I did review the company handbook, and it didn't say anything about notifying HR. I didn't feel like a makeup company was a conflict of interest."

He holds up his hands and smiles, the lines deepening at the corners of his eyes. "Paisley, relax. And call me John."

I peer up at him and give a timid nod.

"Let's sit," he says, motioning back toward the table.

When we're both seated again, he leans back and sighs. "I have to apologize, Paisley."

Huh? Okay, this is starting out weird.

"Until Kieran introduced you, I had never heard your name. I had no idea you were the one who secured the Callahan account. When it came up to my office, it had Chuck's name on it."

The muscles in my neck tighten. Should I tell John that Chuck is scum? I have no real proof that he's shady other than what I've heard and seen. Why didn't I keep records? Probably because I didn't expect my boss to be slime.

When I don't say anything, he clears his throat.

"On Monday, I emailed Chuck and asked him why it was his name on the file and not yours. He gave me some half-assed excuse, then suggested you weren't fit to handle the account yourself and asked me to assign his son moving forward."

That fucking bastard. Why didn't I hit him with a stapler when I had the chance?

"He's been bugging me repeatedly to let Adam work with me on it. I assured him I am fully capable of handling the Callahans' account alone."

John nods and holds up his hand. "I know you are. You were fantastic with them today, and after I spent most of Tuesday reviewing everything you've done with them, I was beyond impressed. So, then I looked over several of your other accounts, and I had no doubt in my mind that you deserve this promotion."

Butterflies erupt in my tummy. "Really?"

He chuckles like he can't believe I'm doubting it. "You're a standup employee, Paisley. I know I'll lose you once your makeup company gets established, but until then, I'd like you upstairs reporting directly to me."

I bob my head and grin, and I'm sure I look like an idiot, but I don't care. I've been working my ass off for this company since day one, and it's paying off. He's right about losing me once the makeup line is up and running successfully, but that could take a year or more.

"Thank you, Mr. Boldt, I mean John. Sorry, I'm just so excited. Thank you so much, sir. This means so much to me."

"I can tell."

I'll no longer work for Chuck The Schmuck. That might be the best part of it all. "What about Chuck?"

John's expression darkens as he crosses his arms over his chest. "Just between you and me, Chuck will no longer be working for Boldt Financial or any financial firm on the West Coast after I wrap up my investigation on him. He will be let go by the end of this week. HR is making sure we have everything we need to fire him with cause so he won't receive any kind of severance package."

"Oh, shit," I murmur, then slap my hand to my mouth. "Sorry. That slipped out."

He laughs, and it's warm and relaxed. I think I'm going to like working with John.

"I hope it's not all because of the situation with the Callahans," I add.

"No. I've been keeping my eye on Chuck for a few months, actually. Turns out he's been funneling small amounts of money into multiple accounts outside the firm. It took some time to trace it directly to him. I suspect he wanted Adam on the Callahan account so he could get his hands on some big money. Adam will also be seeking employment elsewhere as he's been helping Chuck."

Holy shit.

"Wow. Um, I'll keep that between us, sir."

"Thank you. I'll let you get back to work, but keep an eye on your email for your promotion contract. Once you've reviewed it and signed it, bring it up to the top floor, and I'll show you your new corner office."

We stand, and as we shake hands, he smiles. "Oh, and Paisley. Congratulations on your business venture. It sounds like it's going to be wildly successful. I'm a bit sad I'm not a woman right now, so I could invest in it too."

I giggle, a giddy feeling bubbling inside my chest as we leave the meeting room. Once again, I'm surprised when he walks me back to my office.

"Great job again, Paisley," he says before he turns to head to the elevator.

As soon as he's out of sight, I close my door and dance around my office. This is the best day ever. I'm on top of the world, and I don't think anything could ruin it right now.

Grabbing my phone, I call Kieran, grinning when he picks up on the first ring.

"How'd the meeting go, baby?"

"Daddy, it went so great! You won't believe what happened."

When I finish telling him about my morning, I suck in a breath.

"I'm so fucking proud of you, Little one. So impressed. My strong, smart girl."

Will I ever stop getting choked up when he praises me like that? He's so supportive and has never once made me feel like I couldn't do something.

"Thank you," I whisper past the tightness in my throat.

"I'm taking you to dinner tonight to celebrate."

I smile as I lower myself into my chair. "You didn't say please."

He lets out a low growl that warms me from the inside out. "You'll be saying please when you're begging for mercy later tonight, brat."

"Promises, promises, Daddy."

"Be a good girl. I'm heading into a meeting. I can't wait to see you later, baby."

"Me too."

"Bye," he says before he ends the call.

I love you plays in my head over and over. I want to tell him, but there's still a tiny bit of fear holding me back. I do love him, though. More than I ever thought possible. Kieran Roche is everything and nothing like I expected. He's everything I could ever want and hope for in a man. I just hope I'm enough for him.

I 've been floating on cloud nine all day, and then, like the wet blanket he is, Chuck ruined it. Right at five o'clock, he dropped a file on my desk and asked me to review it for any errors before I left. I wanted to tell him to fuck off because I don't work for him anymore. As of Monday, I'll be reporting to the top floor directly under John. But, when I went to give John my promotion contract and see my new, enormous corner office, he asked me to keep everything quiet until he makes a company-wide announcement on Friday after Chuck and Adam have been let go.

So here I am, at a quarter past six, doing an audit on this file while everyone else has already left the office. When I finally flip over the last page, my phone rings, startling me. Kieran's name scrolls across the screen, and I instantly go gooey.

"Hi," I whisper.

"Hey, baby girl. Just checking on you. I figured you'd be home by now."

It's the tiny hint of vulnerability in his voice that kills me a little inside. Kieran is an unstoppable beast to the entire world, but with me, he shows a side of him I want to nurture. I hate the woman who hurt him and ever made him have doubts, but I'll be the one to heal those fears.

"I'm sorry I didn't text. I'm leaving right now. My asshole boss, well actually, technically, after this morning, he's my ex-boss but doesn't know it yet, assigned me some last-minute work," I explain as I grab my purse from the hook by the door and walk out.

As soon as I turn the corner, I scream and drop my phone when I run right into Chuck.

"Oh my God! I didn't know you were still here!" I yelp.

What the hell is he still doing in the office? He told me he was leaving when he dropped the file on my desk. I scan the floor of cubicles, but there isn't anyone here but me and him.

"Not your boss anymore, huh?" he asks. "You stupid bitch. You think you're better than me? You think you're smarter than me?" he shouts as he slithers closer. I take several steps back toward my office, but he's faster. Lurching forward, he shoves me so hard that I stumble and fall on my ass, hitting the sharp corner of my desk on my way down.

"Ouch! Fuck," I hiss, my spine and tailbone burning.

I reach back to rub it but touch something wet and warm. I'm bleeding. Okay, it's okay. It's only a scrape. I'm fine. Everything is fine. I need to get out of here, though. He has me cornered.

Before I can get to my hands and knees to make a run for it, Chuck tosses one of the guest chairs toward the wall so there's nothing between us. I try to scramble back, but he looms over me, screaming about how I've ruined his life. Then, like a strike of lightning, he reaches out and slaps me hard across the cheek.

My entire body trembles with fear. What is he going to do to me? I'm pissed. He will not get away with this. Even if I don't kill him, which I very possibly might, he's signed his death warrant with Kieran.

"You're a dead man," I whisper as I reach up to my desk and grab the stapler.