Page 25 of A Bossy Roommate
I have a five-year plan to expand Legacy through several states across the country. But Huxley won’t let me pull the trigger. His reasons to “not rush anything” and “act cautiously” make no sense. The economy is thriving, we have the resources and skilled labor. Expanding is the logical next step. Problem is, with Huxley’s seat at the partners’ table, I can only do so much. I’m not too worried though. I know his time at the company is limited.
An hour later,I’m focused on preparing for my morning meetings when I hear the glass door to the office’s lobby open and Eden turn on her computer. Twenty-five minutes later, I stand up from my desk and leave my office to talk to her face to face.
“Good morning, Mr. Bancroft,” she says cheerfully as if we hadn’t had breakfast together earlier. Good. I appreciate her sticking to her role. “I’ve been through all your messages, and the important ones should be in your inbox.”
“I saw. Listen, I’m expecting a visit from Bradley Everhart this morning. He’s not on the schedule, but you can send him in when he gets here.”
“Bradley Everhart, a COO, just like you, but of the Connecticut branch,” Eden says promptly, already familiar with the basics. “Got it. Is there anything you need me to do to prepare for his arrival?”
“Can you make reservations?—”
“To Giuseppe’s?” Eden suggests. “I took the liberty of checking out the best restaurants on my Uber ride in.”
Hmm. I guessed there was something positive that would come out of sharing a space with my assistant. Still, I can’t help but feel suspicious of Eden’s peppy behavior.
She stares back at me. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m trying to figure you out.”
“Come again?”
“I said, I’m trying to figure you out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out, Mr. Bancroft. I’m here for a change and a fresh start. Nothing else. Also, if memory serves, I already told you all that last night, and…the night before.”
Her cheeks flush at the mention of our night together and I have to focus on her. Her flush makes me think about her naked in that dark motel room, with that redness spreading across those full tits while I kissed my way down her stomach.
Heat simmers between us.
It only lasts a second before Eden pulls back and clears her throat.
“Anything else I can do for you, sir?”
“Just your job.”
Once back at my desk,I get back to work. Sometime later I hear the door open, and Bradley’s booming voice as he says, “Well, hello there. Who might you be?”
Rolling my eyes affectionately, I go back out to greet him. Bradley is leaning against Eden’s desk, giving her what he calls his “panty-dropping” smile. Eden smiles back and extends her hand to shake his.
“Mr. Everhart, I presume?” she asks.
“Aw, I’m flattered. You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”
“Eden Ryan. I’m Mr. Bancroft’s new assistant.”
“Welcome.” Bradley turns to look at me, giving me a “you lucky son of a bitch” gaze.
Eden raises an eyebrow and before she can say anything, I save her from my best friend’s shameless flirting. “Come in. We don’t have that much time before the meeting.”
I gesture for Bradley to follow me into my office. I give Eden a reassuring expression, one that tells her Bradley has a solid character,usually. Understanding my hint, her demeanor softens. I want her to feel safe and not creeped out, and I can tell that my approval puts her at ease.
Bradley is one of the guys you can count on no matter what. He’s smart, caring, and she’ll soon understand that he was just messing withme. Even though Eden’s stay is limited, it’s important that she feels comfortable in our company.
Bradley gives Eden a small wave before he closes the door behind us. Once we’re alone, he lets out a low whistle. “Pheeew.Dude. Good for you. What’s her deal?”
“You don’t want to go there, Bradley.” I take my seat again and motion for him to join me. “What are you doing in town?”
“Ohhh no, no, no, we’re not changing the subject that quickly.” Bradley sits across from me. “Your new assistant. Tell me where you found her.” He waggles his eyebrows.