So here I am. Sitting in a meeting room with a bunch of rookies, waiting to learn all about the history of Glasson. Even though I've already done my own research and know everything they will tell us, and then some. They’ll leave out that Floyd Glasson didn’t technically start from the ground up. He was already filthy rich from an inheritance. An inheritance he used to begin the business. They’ll sugarcoat it and make him sound like the all-American guy who had a dream and ran with it.
They’ll also leave out that his daughter prefers to spend her time making porn, so her partners can sell them for a buck or two. She’s managed to stay out of the public eye for a while now, but last year, she had a sex video leaked of her and some married guy. She ruined an entire family.
We’ve made it through three, forty-five-minute-long videos and I didn’t pay attention to any of them. The lights come on and when everyone shifts in their seats, I assume I wasn’t the only one on the verge of falling asleep.
“Does anyone have any questions?” Mr. Johnson asks. His eyes sweep the room, waiting for someone to respond. When no one does, he continues, “Ok, then. I’ll now introduce Lance Glasson, the Chief of Operations, and son of founder and CEO, Floyd Glasson.”
Lance takes his place at the small podium in front of the group. He appears just as uptight as he does in the newspapers and magazines. A man who takes business seriously and has probably never cracked a smile in this building. He situates a microphone on the lapel of his jacket and taps it a few times until the sound rings through the speakers. “Thank you, Mr. Johnson,” Lance says, before fixing his gaze on the group, moving from person to person as he speaks. “Good afternoon. As Mr. Johnson just shared, I'm Lance, the COO here at Glasson Waters.” He steps out from behind the podium and begins pacing the small length of the floor in front of the first row. “Here at Glasson, our motto consists of the three D’s. Diversity, Determination, and Drive. We believe everyone has a place here. We want our employees to be determined to make a difference. And in order to do that, you need the drive. Don’t think of it as work, think of it as being a part of the change we want to make in the world.”
My eyes roll on impulse. Is this guy serious right now? Everything he is saying sounds so rehearsed.
He continues to babble on while I drown out his voice with thoughts of my own. I wonder how pissed Mia was when I turned down her offer to lunch and closed the elevator doors. I bet she was pissed. I take her for someone who’d get pissed easily. The corner of my lip tugs up in a smile, almost pleased with myself. Once I realize I am, in fact, smiling, I drop the expression. I shouldn’t be thinking about another woman. Especially that one. I should have never even offered to let her stay in my room. It’s just that it was my first night here. I was missing Taylor, more than ever before, feeling so far away from home. Sex and booze seem to be the only way to get her out of my head lately.
I’m snapped out of my thoughts when the main door to the room opens. Everyone looks over their shoulders as the brunette beauty walks in. Only, this time she’s wearing a jean jacket over the top of her bra. Her bare stomach is showing and she’s still wearing the tight leggings that show off every curve of her smoking hot body. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize—”
She stops talking when Lance begins stalking toward her with fire in his eyes. She backs out the door, but it remains open, even when Lance steps out himself. “What are you thinking coming down here? Especially dressed like that?” I hear him say in a muffled, yet stern voice.
“I’m sorry. I just needed to ask you a question.”
My blood begins to boil. Who the hell does this guy think he is talking to a temp like that? Or any woman for that matter. I ball my fists in my lap, and it’s taking every ounce of willpower in me not to bolt out that door and put a stop to his power trip.
There are more hushed words that I can’t make out, and seconds later, Lance returns, closing the door behind him. “Sorry about that. We shouldn’t be interrupted again.” He returns to his place in front of the room, but I can’t listen to this jackass any longer.
I stand up quietly and slither down between the rows of chairs. “Excuse me,” I repeat as I make my way out.
Lance continues to talk as I pull open the door and close it behind me. I feel a rush of relief once I can no longer hear his voice. My back hits the door and I take a deep breath. I never knew returning to work would be this excruciating.
“What are you doing?” Her voice grabs my attention. I look to my right and see her standing there. Hands in the pockets of her jean jacket, flip flops on her feet. I might be overdressed, but it’s much better than being underdressed. It’s no wonder she got an earful from the higher-up. When I had the short-term position as Vice President of Marketing at my parents’ company, I only dreamt of women walking the halls in something so revealing.
“Needed some fresh air. How about you? Licking your wounds from the big COO?”
“Ah, you heard.” She smirks. “Yeah, I don’t think he likes me much.”
“Can’t imagine why. Most assistants don’t pop into meeting rooms wearing a swim top and ass huggers.”
“Ass huggers?” She spits out an airy chuckle. “I’d hardly call them that. Besides, I went to the gym before work and forgot my work clothes. It was either come in late, or show up on time.” She waves her hands over her attire. “I chose not to be late.”
“I see you have a sliver of work ethic in those fragile bones.”
“I’ll have you know that I’m actually pretty tough. Don’t let my small frame deceive you.”
My tongue clicks on the roof of my mouth, “Oh, I’m sure you are, Mia Bluff.” I smile, a real smile. It’s been a while, and it feels good. I’m just not sure how I should feel about this woman being the reason for it. I need to stay away from her—far, far away. “I’ve gotta go. See ya around.” I walk away quickly before I’m sucked in so far that I can’t get out.
Chapter Five
Mira
Sawyer goes to walk away, but I grab him by the arm, stopping him. His eyes shimmy down to my fingers that are wrapped around his forearm. He stares at my touch as if I’m my hand alone is setting him on fire. “Sorry.” I pull back. “I just need to know why you turned me down for lunch. A couple days ago, you were practically begging me to stay the night with you, and now…” My words trail off, figuring I made my point nice and clear. If this guy expected a passive girl, he was dead wrong. I’m about as blunt as they come.
“Told ya. I have work to do.”
“Uh huh. Then why are you out here and not in there? Doesn’t seem like you’re too eager to learn about the company or the work you’ll be doing.”
“You’re right.” His shoulders rise. “I’m not excited about either. But, I need a job, so here I am,” he says, less than thrilled.
I nod my head slowly, observing him. Trying to read him, but he’s tough. If I had to draw an opinion right now based on what I’ve learned, I’d say he’s running from something. Down on his luck and having a pity party inside that gorgeous head of his. “I’m sure they’ll let you eat.”