TWO: James

TWO

JAMES

The following morning

Two cups of steamy hot coffee are standing on my desk, and I know better than to take a sip from either. The one on the right sports a sleeve that says, “For my beloved new boss,” while the one on the left says, “I’m not your goddamn intern. Sip SLOW.”

“Daphne!” I call for my assistant.

“Yes, Mr. Calloway?”

“Can you send Miss Stone in here, please?”

“Why?” She moves in front of my desk. “Is something wrong?”

“I need to discuss a few things with her.”

“I can relay the message.” She pulls out her phone. “I can record your words and transcribe them via email verbatim. As the new CEO, you shouldn’t waste your time with the unwashed masses anymore.”

“Miss Stone is literally one position below me, Daphne.”

“Below us , you mean.”

Jesus. “Can you please just send her in here? Now?”

“Only because I don’t want to see my king upset.” She rushes out of the room, and I send a note to Human Resources about replacing her within a year.

Minutes later, Taryn steps into my office wearing a plum-colored dress that clings to her curves and exposes the swell of her perfect C-cup breasts.

My eyes wander down to her matching stilettos as she moves in front of my desk. Envisioning how her legs would feel wrapped around my waist, I shift my gaze up to her beautiful face.

She’s such a fucking vision…

"Well, Mr. Calloway?” she asks. “Did you call me in here for an extra spoon of whipped cream on your coffee?”

“Would you get me one if I asked for it?”

“ No .” She picks up one of the cups and takes a slow sip.

Now convinced there’s no poison, I pick up the other while she takes a seat.

“So,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “What do you think?”

“About what ?”

“The Whimstery campaign.” I point to the screen across from us. “You haven’t responded to any of my emails this morning.”

“I’m sure it’s fine, Mr. Calloway,” she says. “As the new CEO, I don't think you should care about an underling’s opinion.”

“I care because there’s no one else in this building who has your eye for design.”

“Hmmm.” She looks at the screen and tilts her head to the side. “The font isn’t screaming elegance to me, and the logo isn’t compelling me to buy the product. If I were you, I’d ask the team to go back to the drawing board.”

“I will. Thank you very much.” I pause. “Can I ask you something off the record?”

“No.” She avoids looking at me as she stands. “We're officially on the record forever, Mr. Calloway.”

“I would still like to have lunch with you on weekends like we used to before the promotion.”

“To only discuss business , correct?”

Silence.

“By the way,” she says, “the second floor is planning a Santa-themed party to congratulate you."

“Santa-themed?” I groan. “Whose brilliant idea was that?”

“Bob in Editorial. Don't worry, though. As my final ‘off-the-record’ favor to you, I told him to hold off and make it a simple New Year’s party in January.”

“Thank you.”

She shrugs instead of saying, “You’re welcome.”

“One last thing, I’ll be back to work on January third,” she says. “I’m taking an extended break.”

“You're not supposed to tell me,” I say. “You’re supposed to ask.”

“Oh, okay.” She crosses her arms. “May I tell you that I’m taking off early for the holidays and won’t be back until the third of January?”

“Fine.” I roll my eyes. “You’ll need to commit to working through the holidays next year, though. I have to hire an official creative president by then, and it would be nice if it were you.”

“I won't even be working here next year.”

WHAT? “What did you just say?”

“I said, 'Thank you for your kindness and understanding, and I’ll see you in the new year.”

“That’s not what you said, Taryn.”

“Prove it.” She heads toward the door.

"Wait a second, Taryn,” I say. “Wait.”

“Yeah?” She looks over her shoulder.

“Is this the year that your Christmas marriage pact with Cameron comes true?"

She gasps. “I told you about that?”

I nod. “Several times.”

“I’m still twenty-nine,” she says. “We would get married next year, if I haven’t fallen for someone else by then.”

“Okay.”

“Okay…”

“Are you going to try to find someone?” I ask. “Do you have any real feelings for him?”

“I’m afraid the answers to those questions are none of your business, Mr. Calloway.” She keeps her voice firm as she opens the door. “See you in the new year, and congratulations on being the new boss.”