Chapter 4

DONOVAN

"Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure doing business with you. Now, if that's all, I'll leave you to iron out the details with our legal team."

I reached across the table and shook hands with the two representatives of the Swedish company whose failing business I'd just managed to acquire. I had no doubt this particular venture would be able to turn a hefty profit.

I nodded to Eloise, the head of our legal department, then walked out of the conference room, Trevor Reed at my side as we made our way back to my office. It was his third week as my PA and already, he'd proven what an asset he was going to be.

"I'll need the notes?—"

"Already in your email, Mr. Marshall."

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye as I entered my office. "Good. I also need you to make cop?—"

"Copies of the contracts for your meeting with Sinclair Division, Inc. Already done and on your desk for your final approval. I also called Mr. Jacobs with the Turner Group and set up a meeting for Thursday afternoon as you requested, and I was able to get you an appointment for a haircut on Wednesday evening."

Unbuttoning my suit jacket, I started to shrug out of it, but Trevor was already there, pulling it from my shoulders. I turned, regarding him closely as he hung it on the hook behind the door. "I thought you said you'd never worked as a personal assistant before."

He spun around, his sky-blue eyes registering concern. "I haven't. Why? Did I mess something up?"

I shook my head. "Quite the opposite. I'm very pleased with your work. In fact, you're doing so well, it's hard to believe you've only been my assistant for a short time. It's like you can read my mind sometimes."

Trevor's grin was contagious and I found myself fighting the urge to smile back at the charismatic younger man. He was extremely good looking with expressive blue eyes, dirty-blond hair, and a full-bottom lip that looked almost pouty except when it was stretched into a smile like it was right then.

"I listen and pay attention, that's all. But thank you. I'm glad you're happy with my performance so far."

I studied him curiously as he slid his own jacket off and hung it over the back of his chair. His shirt had small creases from where he'd leaned back during the meeting, and his hair was in need of a trim but it only added to his overall appeal.

His phone beeped and he picked it up, smiling at whatever was on there. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a text from someone special. Despite us working side by side every day, I admittedly knew very little about my assistant.

Of course, that was my doing, not his. Trevor was friendly and outgoing, making friends easily with the other staff members. He'd tried numerous times to make idle chitchat with me, but I'd shut him down each time. There was a line which couldn't—shouldn't—be crossed at work.

I knew I had a reputation around the office as being a bit of a bear. I'd once overheard an employee calling me cold and detached, and while I didn't agree with that assessment, I was fine with the people I worked with believing that.

There were certain aspects of my life that I intended to keep private and if that meant holding my employees at arm's length, so be it. Especially one particular employee, who was already beginning to find ways to put a few chinks in my armor after only a few short weeks. All the more reason to keep my distance.

Still, that didn't stop my curiosity. Where was he from? What did he like doing in his spare time? Did he have someone important in his life? I shook my head at that line of thinking, forcing it from my mind. It was none of my business who he chose to spend time with. He was my employee, nothing more, I reminded myself.

Vowing to focus on my work rather than the distractingly handsome man whom I shared an office with, I dove headfirst into my work. The rest of the afternoon flew by in a flurry of phone calls and meetings.

"Mr. Marshall?"

I glanced up from my computer to see Trevor standing in front of my desk. From the concerned look on his face, he must have had to say my name more than once.

"Sorry. What did you say?"

"I asked if you wanted me to order some dinner for you."

"What time is it?" I asked, looking toward the wall of windows. The sun was beginning to set over the nearby buildings, the sky turning a beautiful pinkish orange color.

"It's seven o'clock, sir."

I rubbed a hand over my jaw, feeling the raspy scratch of my five o'clock shadow. The day had slipped away from me yet again. It was a nasty habit of mine. I often got too caught up in my work, forgetting to stop for things like eating and sleeping. If Trevor hadn't interrupted me, I probably would have kept going until midnight.

"No. That won't be necessary but thank you. You can head on out."

"Are you sure? I don't mind staying if you need more help," Trevor offered kindly, but I could see the tired lines around his eyes.

"I'm sure. Go on home, Mr. Reed, and enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. Have a good night."

I watched as he gathered his things then punched something into his phone. He held it up to his ear. "Hey, I'm leaving now. I should be there in about twenty minutes," he said to whoever answered.

He gave me a quick smile and a wave as he walked past then slipped out the door. I could hear him talking as he walked out, his laughter echoing down the otherwise quiet hallway.

I stared after him for several minutes, until I heard the elevator ding, announcing its arrival and then I could no longer hear him talking. My office was suddenly quiet. Too quiet.

Typically, I loved being alone at the office, with no one to interrupt my work or need my attention, but for some reason, this time felt different. The silence felt oppressive, cold. Like all the warmth had suddenly been sucked out of the building. It was unsettling and I quickly gathered my things, deciding to do the rest of my work at home.

The underground parking garage was dimly lit with only a couple of cars remaining. I made my way over to my reserved spot near the door and climbed behind the wheel of my black Porsche GT3.

This car was my baby and I smiled as I started her up and the low growl of her engine echoed throughout the cavernous space. My hands tightened around the cool leather steering wheel, longing to take her out and really open her up.

Unfortunately, it would have to wait. The city streets were much too congested, and I still had too much work to do to go out joyriding. Instead, I got some take-out for dinner and drove home, which for me was a penthouse condo in one of the most elite areas of New York. Nestled high above the bustling streets, it provided the best in luxurious living.

The living room was furnished with a buttery soft leather couch and matching chairs, and a beautiful stone fireplace. Two walls were made entirely of glass which bathed the space in natural light during the day. Sliding doors led out to an enormous balcony with comfortable outdoor furniture and an amazing view of the city.

Directly off the living room was a gourmet kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and marble countertops that gleamed in the soft lighting above.

The rest of the lower level included a guest room with en suite bathroom, home office, fully equipped gym, and a home theater. My bedroom was located in a spacious loft and had its own private balcony with a hot tub which I sometimes liked to unwind in at the end of a long, hard day.

It was quiet as I set everything on the kitchen counter and ran up to my room to change. I came back down a few minutes later wearing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and my dinner off the counter then headed out to the balcony. I looked at the nearby condos as I ate.

A few of them had their curtains open and I could see families eating dinner around the table, a couple watching TV together, and what looked like a couple of teenagers making out on their living room couch.

A heavy feeling settled over me as I continued to observe my neighbors—except for the two teenagers because I wasn't a creep. The feeling had become familiar lately. This feeling of wanting…more. But what?

I'd considered adopting a dog or a cat, something that might be a little company when I came home, but my busy schedule wasn't exactly ideal for having a pet. And I certainly didn't have time for a relationship, not with all the traveling I did for work.

I'd tried. I'd dated a few men, but they were usually put off as soon as I asked them to sign a non-disclosure agreement, a tool I used not only to protect myself but to weed out the people who only wanted me for my money. The few relationships I'd actually been in had quickly fizzled out once they realized how often I'd be gone, working late at the office and traveling on business trips.

I was proud of what I'd accomplished over the years, the company I'd built from the ground up, the blood, sweat, and tears I'd poured into every inch of my business. I'd sworn to myself at an early age that I was going to become someone, do something, so I could repay the one person who had always loved and cared for me.

I'd studied hard all through school, graduating from high school with honors and college at the head of my class with a master's in business. After that, I worked tirelessly for other companies, learning how they did things and which things to avoid.

Finally, I'd applied for my own start-up business loan and my dream had taken off from there. I'd paid back my loan in just three months as my business quickly grew and within the second year, I'd made my first million dollars.

Marshall Industries had continued to grow ever since, but it had all come at a steep cost. I lived in one of the nicest homes in the city but had no one to share it with. I could afford to travel anywhere I wanted in the world, but there was no one to see the sights with me.

I stood up abruptly, refusing to let the melancholy take over. Not tonight at least. Perhaps I just needed to get laid. That was probably it. It had been quite a while since I'd gone out and had a little fun.

Pulling out my phone, I did a quick search through my messages until I found one marked private. A smile spread across my face when I saw the invitation was for this weekend. Excellent! I needed to relax and unwind, and I had the perfect idea how.

I went back inside to throw away my trash then grabbed my briefcase and headed to my office. It was after midnight by the time I stumbled up to my room and fell face first onto my bed. Four o'clock would come early and then it would be time to do it all over again.