CHAPTER SIX: THEO

“Stop sulking,” Gramps said, pushing a glass of whiskey across the table towards me. “You couldn’t avoid it forever.”

“Why didn’t you tell me it was a condition of her going? I would have hired someone else.”

“That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you, boy. If you’d hired someone else, you’d have never accepted her resignation.”

I wrapped my fingers around the glass and stared into the amber liquid.

It looked just like her eyes.

“You could have at least warned me before the meeting,” I argued. “I felt like an idiot in there.”

He chuckled. “Good. You reacted like an idiot.”

“Grandfather, for God’s sake.”

“Why are you so pissed at me? You’re the one who acts like a fool. Besides, you should be happy about her resignation being accepted. You’ve always been against office romances, but in three months, she won’t be a part of your office anymore.”

I sighed, burying my hand in my hair. “You know I have no intention of acting on my feelings for Chloe.”

“Only because she’s your secretary.”

“No, because she hates me.”

“Then stop being a raging arse and start being nice to her,” Gramps said. “I’ve seen you in that office. You’re as cold as ice.”

“I’m nice to her. I don’t berate her as much as I do everyone else.”

He blinked at me. “I’ve failed as a father and grandfather if you think that’s being nice.”

“It’s a workplace. What else am I supposed to do?”

“Buy her coffee instead. Leave her alone outside of working hours. Take an interest in her life.”

I stared at him.

If I asked Chloe about her life, I was fairly sure she’d call a doctor to get me checked out.

“I put a plaster on her papercut today,” I offered. “I noticed even though she was trying to hide it.”

“I suppose that’s something. I think you might be emotionally stunted, though.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my emotions. I just don’t believe in mixing work and pleasure. Too many things can go wrong, and in an office like ours, it wouldn’t just affect the couple, but the whole team.”

“I know you’ve had a bad experience with inter-office dating, Theo.” Gramps sighed and leant forwards on the table. “But not everyone is—”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said quickly. “I’m also aware of our power dynamic. She’s my direct subordinate. It’s not as though we both hold the same position within the company.”

“Do you want me to promote her?”

“Gramps. Be realistic.”

He shrugged. “It’s a solution. I don’t think I can make her VP, but you’re going to be the Director of Adair… Want me to make her a manager of a team somewhere? That solves the problem, doesn’t it? Besides, it’s not like she’s unqualified. She has a degree in business management, and God only knows that being your secretary is basically managing a business in itself.”

My point just went right over his head, didn’t it?

“You’re being ridiculous again.” I sipped my drink. “You’re missing the point entirely. Not only would that be an abuse of power, but people would talk. Besides, you’re basing this on the assumption she’s romantically interested in me, and she’s not.”

“Are you sure? You’re young, handsome, rich, and you’re one day going to be a duke. I know you’re my grandson, but you’re quite the catch. You get it all from me.”

Of course I got it all from him. It was his company and his dukedom to start with. “Gramps, do you know what I’m saved under on her phone?”

“No. What is it?”

“The Bastard.”

His lips twitched, and he brought his hand to his mouth in a desperate attempt to cover up his laugh. “When did you find that out?”

“A couple of months ago. By accident. She lost her phone in the office, so I called it, and it was under some papers on my desk.” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “That was when I knew I didn’t stand a chance.”

“So, after finding out how she views you, you decided it was better to continue on being a pain in the arse rather than change your behaviour.”

“Well, when you put it like that…”

“Theodore.” He peered at me over the rim of his whiskey glass. “If you aren’t going to change or tell Chloe how you feel, then you must suck it up and let her go. She’s a beautiful, talented young woman who deserves better.”

“I already know that.”

“Then take advantage of the six weeks you’ll be living together.”

“I know you did that on purpose.”

He cackled, leaning back in his chair. “Do you know how long it took me to come up with a believable reason as to why you had to live in the same house? I even delayed the opening of the letting office by a week. And accepting her resignation if she goes was a stroke of genius—it practically guaranteed her agreement. I’m telling you, boy, you’ll never find another wingman as good as me.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about having my grandfather as my wingman. Or about lying to her like that.”

“One of us must make a move. You aren’t, so I took it upon myself to help you.” He finished his whiskey and stood, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Either way, decide what you’re going to do, because if she does hand in her resignation… You’ve only got three months left with her. When you’re at Buckley Cottage, you’ll be away from the eyes of the directors and gossiping ninnies, and you can show her who you really are. Hell, you might go there and realise she’s not who you think she is, either, but if you keep dillydallying like this making all your excuses, you’ll lose her forever.”

“I know, Gramps. I know.”

“Good. At least you’re not that stupid.” He squeezed my shoulder before releasing me. “Go to bed soon.”

“I’m going to call a car and go home.”

“Your grandmother will be very upset with you if you aren’t here when she returns tomorrow.”

“Tell her I wasn’t feeling well and I’m sorry,” I said, finishing the whiskey and getting to my feet. “I just wanted to know what the hell you were thinking today.”

“I was thinking it was time to give you a kick up the arse. You should know that Chloe is the only granddaughter-in-law I will accept.”

“Gramps, go to bed.” I shook my head and pulled my phone out of my pocket to request a car. “The whiskey has gone to your head.”

He chuckled as he headed off towards the stairs. “I should have my own TV show. The Matchmaking Duke! Call Netflix!”

No.

Nobody needed that in their life.

I sighed and opened the app to request a car. The response came in a minute, confirming one was on its way, and I busied myself returning the whiskey bottle to the bar cart and washing the glasses.

I had no idea what that old man was thinking. For a minute, I thought he’d gone too far with the whole living together part of the trip. I was sure she’d reject it, and I’d been shocked when she’d agreed.

She must really want to leave this job.

God.

Fuck.

I should have just accepted the resignation letter the first time she’d given it to me. At the very least I should have discussed this acquisition and trip with her. She’d signed an NDA, and even if she hadn’t, I trusted that she wouldn’t say a word to anyone about it.

Then none of this would have happened. Gramps wouldn’t have put on his stupid bloody matchmaker hat, and I wouldn’t have to live with Chloe in Buckley Heath.

How on Earth was I supposed to survive for six weeks in the same house as the woman I had feelings for?

More than that… The woman who hated me?

***

“Good morning, Mr Black,” Melody said, putting a coffee and folder down on my desk. “Here’s the agenda for your meeting with Satome Landscaping and your coffee.”

I glanced at the stapled sheets of paper she’d handed me, then up at her. “Where’s Chloe? I didn’t see her when I came in.”

“Oh, uh, umm.” She shifted from foot to foot. “Miss St. James stopped by with your coffee and headed up to the President’s office just before you arrived. She asked me to tell you that she’ll be back in an hour.”

“Did she say what he needed her for this early on a Monday morning?”

“No, sir. I asked, but she said you’d probably know.”

Right.

Dad had probably had someone draw up the contract over the weekend. We were only two days away from the announcement, and we’d have to quickly decide when to leave if we were going to have at least some of the cottages ready before the summer season really kicked into gear.

“Very well. Have her come and see me when she returns,” I said, reaching for my coffee. “You said she brought this with her?”

“Yes, sir. It hasn’t been very long, but if it’s not hot, I’ll get you another.”

“It’s fine. You may go.” I turned my attention to the papers she’d brought me and scanned over it. I still had an hour and a half until the meeting would begin, and since it was virtual, I could take my time.

Maybe it would be best to have Chloe sit in on all these meetings now.

I tossed the papers right down on my desk and leant back in my chair, dropping my head back so I was looking up at the ceiling. There was so much to do for Adair Travel, and I really didn’t have the time to be sitting here feeling sorry for myself, but here I was.

Sitting here.

Feeling fucking sorry for myself.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the look on her face during the meeting. She’d been utterly horrified when Gramps had suggested she go with me, but that had quickly changed once he’d mentioned her resignation being accepted.

It’d swung right back to disgust when I’d brought up the fact we’d be living in the same house.

Was I that terrible to work with? Was I that much of a horrible boss? Sure, I was strict and had lofty standards, but did that make me a bad person? Laziness didn’t equal success, but it wasn’t as though I policed the lives of my subordinates.

I reached for my phone and dialled Harvey’s extension. His secretary answered, and I said, “This is Theodore Black. Is Harvey available?”

“Ah, yes, sir. Would you like me to patch you through?”

“No. Have him come to my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

I hung up and dialled through to Melody outside, telling her he was on his way, then put my phone back on the hook.

If it weren’t for those arsehole directors on the board, none of this would be happening. I wouldn’t have to go in person, I wouldn’t have to drag Chloe with me, I wouldn’t have to live with her.

‘When you’re at Buckley Cottage, you’ll be away from the eyes of the directors, and you can show her who you really are.’

Gramps wasn’t wrong when he said that, but there was a problem.

Who was I outside of the office? It’d been years since I’d done anything but work, and the past two years especially had been nothing but a grind to show the noisy people in this company that I’d earnt my place in this office.

“Yo.” Harvey strolled into my office, pushed the door shut, and threw himself down on the sofa with a grin. “What’s so important that you’ve called me over here when I’m so busy?”

Yes. He was so busy he could waltz up here on a whim.

I rested my elbows on the desk and looked over at him, bringing my hands together in the prayer position in front of my face. “Am I a bad boss, Harv?”

He blinked at me, and for a moment, I saw a flash of familial resemblance with Chloe. “I think ‘bad’ is subjective.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

He rubbed his fingers across his jaw. “You can be a bit hard sometimes, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I’m sure half the PR department would say I’m an arsehole, too.”

“Yes, but do any of your staff have you down in their phone as ‘The Bastard?’”

“Ha. You saw that?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t want to face Chloe’s wrath. Plus, it’s funny.” He shrugged. “Why are you so suddenly insecure? Is it because of this trip you’re both going on?”

I paused. “Do you know why she wants to resign so badly?”

“I’ve asked, but she wouldn’t give me a reason other than she wanted to do something else, but she does complain about you bugging her outside of working hours a lot.”

“So, I am a bad boss.”

“Well, not really. She says herself it’s not like she doesn’t get paid well for it, and she often had to help your grandfather out outside of office hours. Not as much as your demanding self, though.”

“Absolutely nothing you just said is an argument against me being a bad boss.” I sighed and dropped my hands to the desk. “If I become a better boss, do you think she’ll still leave me?”

He laughed, throwing his arm across the back of the sofa. “Man, you really don’t want to lose her, do you? Is this just about her being your secretary or is there more to it?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“So, it is.”

It was irritating how well he knew me.

“I can’t believe she agreed to go on this trip with you. What was she tempted by?”

“My grandfather abusing his authority to accept her resignation,” I grumbled.

Harvey’s jaw dropped. “No way. She’s actually willing to spend six weeks with you on the other side of the country just to get her resignation accepted? Mate, you could probably offer her ownership of a private island somewhere nice, and she still wouldn’t stay as your secretary.”

“Harvey.”

“Yes, sir?”

“You’re not helping. Go back to your own office.”

He laughed, throwing his hands up. “You’re the one who brought me here. This could have been an email, you know.”

It was a conversation that should have stayed in my head, never mind gone in an email.

“You know, if you’re that serious about becoming a better boss, it’s pretty simple to do. All you have to do is give them a compliment every now and then.”

I paused, eyeing him. “I compliment my staff.”

“No. You say ‘good,’ and walk off. You don’t even say ‘thank you’ half the time.” He pointed to my coffee. “That coffee—did you thank whoever got it for you this morning?”

I thought back to my conversation with Melody. Did I thank her for bringing it in? Further back than that, did I ever thank Chloe for making sure I had one on my desk every morning when I arrived?

Harvey grimaced. “Start by saying thank you once in a while, you blockhead.”

I buried my face in my hands and sighed. He was right. I didn’t thank anyone as much as I should, and that was the most basic manner in the world. One of the first children were taught as toddlers, for God’s sake.

I really was a terrible boss.

Four knocks sounded at my door, and I looked up. “Come.”

“Melody said you wanted to s—” Chloe paused in the doorway, looking between me and Harvey. “I’m sorry, sir. Am I interrupting a meeting?”

I waved a hand. “I wouldn’t have told you to come in if you were.”

She fidgeted with the bow at her neck before nodding. “Melody said you wanted to see me.”

“Yes. She told me you met with my father.”

“Ah, yes, he called me last night and asked me to see him when I arrived today. He gave me a copy of the contract for our trip.”

I nodded slowly. “Have you signed it?”

“No. I’m meeting with a lawyer tomorrow at four p.m. to go over it and make sure everything is in order.” She smiled, and her honey-coloured eyes were as flat as they always were when she smiled at me. “One unaffiliated with the corporation, of course.”

“You’re scarily efficient,” Harvey said from his slouched position.

“And you’re scarily lazy to say it’s a Monday morning and there’s a major announcement to be sent out this week,” she said coolly, eyeing him. “Or am I to believe there’s a draft of the official press release in my email inbox for me to check before I forward it to Mr Black for approval?”

“You do realise I hold a higher position in this company than you, don’t you?”

“Oh, do you?” Chloe raised her eyebrows. “Every time I see you in the office you seem to be slacking off, so that must have briefly escaped my mind.”

Harvey looked at me. “Sir, your secretary is getting too big for her britches.”

“I have no intention of getting involved in your family spat, Mr Park,” I replied, clearing my throat. “Miss St. James, do you need to leave early for your meeting tomorrow?”

“Huh?” Chloe startled but quickly regained her composure and trained her expression back to her regular poker face. “Oh. The lawyer. Yes, sir. I was going to submit an official request.”

“No need. I’m assuming there’s nothing on my schedule that I’ll need you for then, so if anyone asks, we’ll just say I sent you on an errand.”

Her eye twitched. “That’s very kind of you, sir.”

“Is that all?”

“Cassidy is sending me over the plans for our departure, so I will bring them in to discuss when you’re between meetings.”

I glanced at Harvey. “Why don’t we discuss it over lunch instead? My treat, of course.”

He shot me a discreet thumbs up.

Chloe froze. “I’m sorry? Lunch?”

“My meeting will be done around lunchtime, and since we take it at the same time, it makes sense, no?”

“Right. Sure. Of course, sir.” She blinked at me for a moment. “Is that all?”

“Yes. I’d like you to be present for the Satome Landscaping meeting shortly. You should familiarise yourself with everything happening at the lake site sooner rather than later.”

“Very well. I’ll see about dialling in.”

I smiled. “No need. You can join me in here.”

“All right, then.” She took a step back, fidgeting with the bit of her bow that was hanging down before walking to the door. “I will be back shortly.”

“Good.” I paused. “Oh, and Chloe?”

She stilled, gripping the door handle, and peered back at me. “Yes, sir?”

“Thank you for the coffee this morning.”

Her eyes widened, and she stared at me as if she was seeing a ghost. “You’re… welcome?”

She stayed gazing at me for a moment before shaking her head and leaving the office, clicking the door shut behind her.

“Huh. Look at that,” Harvey mused, watching her go. “That’s how you knock her off her game.”

I sipped my coffee. “I did good, right?”

He swung his gaze back to me. “Actually, I think you scared her.”

I sighed.

I tried.