Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 103030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
It’s wishful thinking … because, let’s face it, it’s been a while.
And it’s wrong thinking … because you need this job.
My mind scrambles for a way to deal with this obstacle. I’m immediately reminded of a tactic I learned in a communications class—pretend your audience is naked.
No! Don’t do that!
My eyes pop open wide as I try to think of something to say. I have to move this situation along before he thinks he made a very bad mistake in hiring me.
“There was a note in here …” I rummage through the files and pull out one on the bottom. My palms are damp. “I think this might be urgent.”
“What is it?”
I skim the letter once again and block out the warmth in his voice.
“It’s about green building materials. It looks like a guy named Greg inquired about a company’s products, and this is their response.” I look at Oliver. “I think it got buried.”
“Greg is our construction manager. Can you send him a copy of that directly and then scan it in the project file? There should be a list of project numbers somewhere for you.”
“I’ll figure it out.”
He smiles.
I wait for him to say something more, to lead me into the area of conversation that he wants to have. I sure as hell don’t know what to say.
Instead of saying anything, he walks into my office and stands across from my desk. The whole room seems to shrink. The lavender in the air is long gone, and the faint scent of amber takes its place.
Oliver watches me as if he’s unsure of how to proceed too. We just feel each other out with the safety of my desk and two chairs between us.
“Did Toni and Kelly get you sorted?” he asks softly.
“Yes. They’ve both been amazing. Thank you again for this opportunity … Oliver? Mr. Mason.” I flush. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to call you in this setting.”
“Oliver. There are a lot of Mr. Masons around here, even though I’m the most important.”
I laugh, my shoulders relaxing as I recall his jokes from last night. “I remember that conversation.”
“He’s so full of shit.” A man steps into my doorway, filling the space. He’s a younger version of Oliver with lighter features but the same bright smile. Mischief is written across his face. “I’m the most important one around here.”
Oliver scoffs. “You just started working here, Boone. How can you possibly be the most important?”
“I’ve just started coming to the office. I’ve always participated. Actually, I’ve been the unofficial Employee of the Year now for years. I have the two biggest projects attributed to me.” He beams. “You always seem to forget that.”
“How could I? You don’t let anyone forget that,” Oliver says, shaking his head. He blows out a breath and turns back to me. “Shaye, this is my youngest brother, Boone. Boone, this is my assistant, Shaye.”
Boone walks in and extends a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Shaye.”
I give his hand a firm shake. “The pleasure is all mine.”
He lets go of my palm but leans in. A smirk kisses his lips. “If you get bored or need to escape work, I have candy.”
“Thanks,” I say with a laugh.
Oliver rolls his eyes. “Boone, leave her alone. Don’t taint her with your bullshit.”
Boone winks at me before pulling away. “Someone is jealous that other people, meaning me, have to work a fraction as hard in order to get double the output.” He pats Oliver’s shoulder as he returns to the doorway. “It’s okay, Ollie. I understand.”
I settle back in my chair and feel my heartbeat even out. The banter between the two of them—and the mood they create—helps my nerves. And every time Boone calls him Ollie, I wobble a little bit on the inside. Ollie is so darn cute.
Like the man himself, unfortunately.
“Ignore this guy. I warned you about him,” Oliver says, unable to maintain the serious look on his face. He breaks into a smile.
“You did,” I say to Oliver. “He’s the one you called a wizard, right?”
Boone’s jaw drops. “You called me a wizard? Ollie! That’s awesome.”
“No, I fucking didn’t. I was talking about Wade,” Oliver says. As soon as he says it, his shoulders slump. “I can’t believe I just admitted that out loud. Don’t tell him.”
“Oliver called me a wizard,” Boone repeats, ignoring Oliver’s explanation and looking quite pleased with himself. “A wizard.”
“No one has ever called you a wizard unless they were talking about bullshit wizardry or something,” Oliver says. “Now settle down.”
I watch the fireworks between the two of them. It’s so fun.
They banter back and forth, Boone extolling himself and Oliver dismissing each and every bit of praise Boone lauds on his own shoulders. I can’t imagine what it’s like when all of the brothers—How many are there? Four? Five?—get together.