by A P Gore
She furrowed her brows as he left in a rush. A tip of forty dollars? What did he think of money? He must be making big bucks. Still, he shouldn’t be wasting money like this. After paying the bill, and leaving a reasonable tip, she kept the remaining change in her purse’s side pocket. The next time she saw him, she would return the money.
But why the heck had she said it would be nice when he’d asked to meet again?
Chapter 11
The sun had long hidden behind the horizon when Gavin got back to his office building. The street buzzed with traffic, but it only took him five minutes from his new gym. With every new company, he searched for the nearest gym. He didn’t go by the proverb time is money, but he liked saving time so he could get more done in the day.
Stepping out of his favorite white F12, he looked around. Foot traffic had disappeared like the sun’s rays. Everyone in this company seemed to work 9-4—something that needed to change. If the company was going to survive, people needed to work hard. Even if it meant working extra hours.
The aftertaste of vanilla-flavored protein lingered in his mouth, providing him a kick, just what he needed to finish the new product presentation.
He loved these hours. Early and late both, because he got his work done without disturbance.
“Evening, Gavin.” A curated professional voice fell on his ears. Turning back, he spotted Rosie getting out of her Mercedes E-class. In a peach blouse and inky black skirt, she looked every bit the professional. Even her smile came off perfect. As far back as he could remember, she’d been like this, curated and balanced in every action. She was the one to pick up dining table etiquette in school, and Dad had always used her as an example for him and his siblings. Only Tan, his sister, could bring the lively version of Rosie out of this straight-laced office version.
“Good evening. Do you realize if you keep wearing these clothes after work hours, you’re not getting a boyfriend in a million years?” Pushing the metal handle, he opened the front door for her. “And why’re you here in the evening, anyway?” But he already knew the answer. When it came to work, she was a perfect replica of him.
“Just checking on the agenda for tomorrow’s board meeting.” Stepping inside the door, she held the edge for Gavin to enter.
As soon as he entered, she released the door and grabbed her wrist like the door weighed a ton.
Gavin turned back and checked the door rotation. It moved with a squeaky sound. “Rosie, please fire the maintenance manager and hire a new one. It seems like the whole building needs maintenance, and we need a competent manager.”
Rosie nodded. “I’ll ask someone to be a doorman until we fix this.” She eyed the door and made a note in her phone.
Doorman. Gavin chuckled.
“Why are you laughing?” Rosie narrowed her eyes.
“Can you believe she thought I was a security guard?” It was a funny thought. Gavin Hamilton as a doorman. Maybe the door leading into Zuckerberg’s treasury. Only he could afford Gavin as a doorman.
“‘She’ meaning the girl who dragged you though the office?”
“Gavin!” a familiar voice called before he could answer.
Turning, he found Samantha walking toward him with a small box in her hand.
“Evening, Samantha.” He shot her a smile, wondering what she was doing in the office this late. She was still in her morning outfit, the oversized blue T-shirt and faded black jeans. The only visible change was her tired-yet-cute demeanor.
She walked closer to him and shoved the box in his hand. “Can you hold this for a moment?”
Gavin almost dropped the box. It weighed at least twenty pounds, and his arms were sore as hell after an hour of pumping iron at the gym.
Rosie arched her brows as her gaze jumped between Gavin and Samantha. He winked at her. It was a nice change to be with someone who didn’t know who he was, neither the CEO nor the son of Robert Hamilton.
Samantha pulled a small purse out of her back pocket and took out some ten-dollar bills. “Here you go. The change from our lunch.”
Gavin furrowed his brow. Was she kidding? Why would she return money to him?
“I asked you to leave it as a tip. It’s just”—a quick glance revealed the number—“forty bucks.”
Samantha sucked her lips in. Stepping forward, she tucked the money in his jacket pocket.
“I know you earn big bucks, but that doesn’t mean you should waste money. Take a life lesson, even a ten-dollar bill can get a vanilla flavored coffee from 7-11. Several, actually.”
Confused, Gavin shot a glance at Rosie. “Who buys cheap coffee like that?”
Samantha’s face fell, like someone had insulted her and she had no way to fight back. “I do. My son likes vanilla flavored coffee. I know it’s weird for a four-year-old, but he likes it so much...”
Oh, so that’s why she was asking for the name of his coffee. Guilt spread through his stomach. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know that.” Why did he open his big mouth? “Anyway, why are you carrying this heavy box? Did you forget you nearly broke your back last night?”
“It’s work.” She dropped her shoulders and curled her lips downwards. “I’m just a temp, and temps don’t have a say when it comes to work. But my back’s fine today. Thanks for asking.” A stunning smile played on her lips, a smile that penetrated through his defenses.
“I’ll leave you two talking. I’ve some work to do.” Rosie shot him a mischievous smile and walked away.
Samantha stared at Rosie’s back for a moment. “Oops, who was she? I didn’t notice her at all.” Her brows jumped up and down as she turned to face him. “Girlfriend, huh? It’s not even two days, and you already have a girlfriend?”
Gavin frowned. “Are you crazy? She’s a top-level executive. Very close to the CEO.”
“Oh my god.” She covered her mouth. “I hope she doesn’t tell the CEO. Did you hear he fired my boss this morning?” Leaning forward, she whispered. “Stay away from him. I heard he fires people for anything. Rumor is, you can’t even sneeze in front of him. So, don’t mention anyone that you tried to steal his coffee.”
Gavin couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. It was his coffee, and he wasn’t stealing it. Well, it would be fun when she met the CEO in person. Now he was looking forward to that meeting.
“Yes, I heard that too. He’s a wackjob I guess.”
Her eyes widened. “Shhh!” She placed her hand on his mouth. “I heard he likes to work late nights. He might hear you saying something like that, and it would be bad if you lost your after just two days.” Her voice held sincere concern.
Her shaky voice steeled his determination. She was the perfect candidate for this work.
Gavin straightened. “Samantha, will you marry me?”
Chapter 12
Someone opened the main door, and a breeze entered through it, penetrating her shirt and cooling her skin. A chill ran over her bones. A hiccup, and the aftertaste of her evening sandwich poured on her tongue. It tasted worse, like her marriage.
Marriage?
Yes, she had done something like that in the past. And where it ended? A dead husband and a three-month-old baby in her belly.
Her purse dropped from her hand.
The “M” word hurt more than anything else.
Gavin had a strange sense of humor.
Sighing, she forced her held breath out. There was no need to think about what had happened four years ago.
“Let me get that.” She took the box from him. “I have to deliver it to the twelfth floor.”
“Samantha, will you marry me?” he asked again, like he was asking for chewing gum over the counter.
Jesus! Not again, please.
She forced a giggle. “I get it. You can joke, but this isn’t the kind of joke I appreciate.” Stepping away from him, she trudged toward the elevator. Overwhelming emotions choked her. She tried to push away that painful memory, but it came back at her with all its might, like Thor’s hammer hitting a v
illain.
She walked away like a zombie without looking back. The weight of the box didn’t even hurt her back anymore.
Gavin came up behind her. He tried to grab the box, but she pushed him away. She didn’t need friends that jokes about marriage. Did he have any idea what it takes to marry a person and see him dead in just three months? Did he know what she went through after James died?
No, he didn’t. No one could. It was her pain, a pain that would remain at the bottom of her heart until she died herself. She reversed course, heading for the front door.
“Samantha—”
“Gavin.” She dropped the box off at the front desk. She knew the security guy, and the box would be there for her tomorrow. “I’m tired, and I need to go home.”
She left without looking back. The day really had been tiring, and she needed a good sleep and Aaron’s smile.
“SAM. THE BIG BOSS WANTS to see you in his office.” The voice of one of her colleagues pulled her out of her thoughts.
Suddenly she realized it was a new day, and she was in her office, sitting on a chair and doing nothing. People were moving around boxes and desktop machines like pros. She liked working in this department because it kept her busy, her mind occupied. Having an exhausting day that took nearly everything out of her and then giving everything she had left to Aaron didn’t leave her any energy to think about those painful memories.
She’d loved James. More than she thought she could. But the things that happened after he left her... She hated him for that. Wanted to forget it. Forever. But after Gavin mentioned marriage, she had James on her mind for the rest of the night—and today as well.
“Sam, you there? I said the big boss wants to see you.” Her colleague almost shouted in her ears this time.
Samantha looked at her blank face. Slowly, two eyes appeared and then a small nose, then pencil-thin lips.
“Can I take a raincheck?” Samantha clenched her sweaty palms. “I’m not feeling well.”
The woman shook her head, pencil thin lips curled downward. “No. You don’t say no to the new CEO.”
A lightning bolt struck her from the heavens. The CEO. The CEO wanted to see her?
Muscling her painful memories down, she slapped herself lightly on the cheek. Was she hearing things? Why would a CEO want to see a temp like her?
“Did you say CEO?”
The woman frowned. “Do I look dumb? A memo came from his secretary a few minutes ago. You’d better get your butt moving to the forty-second floor right now.”
Samantha nodded, shocked, her body shivering a little. What did the CEO want from her? Did she break his coffee machine after all? But Gavin had tested it, and it worked fine.
Jesus. Her job was in danger once again.
Without giving it a second thought, she rushed for the elevator. Fortunately, only a few people were in the elevator, and she arrived on the forty-second floor in very little time. She knew where the CEO’s office was, so she headed toward it at a quick pace.
The moment she knocked on the CEO’s office door, a beautiful woman in a red pencil skirt stepped out. She had thin lips, fierce brown eyes and an amazing smile, but she made Samantha self-conscious of her own attire. Few women did that to her.
She should have worn something proper. At least not oversized. She looked like a chimpanzee in front of the beautiful woman. The CEO could fire her based on her appearance alone.
“Samantha, right?” The woman extended her hand.
Samantha nodded. After wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans, she shook hands with the beautiful woman. They felt so soft, whereas Samantha’s hands were roughened by manual labor.
“I’m Rosie, Mr. Hamilton’s secretary. It’s nice to meet you.” Her gaze jumped toward the office. “Go on in, he’s waiting for you.”
Even her voice was so smooth and melodic. Samantha instantly became a fan.
“Nice to meet you too, Rosie. You’re my girl crush now.” Samantha flashed the most attractive smile she could conjure. She bet it didn’t even match ten percent of Rosie’s perfect smile.
Rosie chuckled. “Interesting.” She patted Samantha’s shoulder. “I think I get it.” She glanced at the closed door. “Just don’t give in easily to his charm.” And then she walked away.
Wondering what she meant, Samantha knocked on the door and then entered the CEO’s office. A man with his back to her sat on the chair behind the long desk. Upon hearing her enter, he turned, revealing his breathtaking smile.
Samantha’s jaw dropped to the ground. It was Gavin sitting on the CEO’s chair.
Chapter 13
The sound of Rosie laughing outside pierced through the office wall and fell on Gavin’s ears. Surprised, he lifted his chin and tried to peer through the semitransparent glass wall. Rosie never giggled. She always behaved like a professional chauffer. Sometimes he wondered if she was a robot or something.
He tilted his head, trying to peek through the small gap, wondering what they were talking about. Him? No way. Rosie wouldn’t spoil his surprise.
Someone knocked on the door, and he quickly turned away again. Letting few seconds pass, he turned slowly and smiled at her.
Samantha’s face drained of color. Her mouth opened and didn’t close for few seconds. As expected. A smirk curved his lips. Finally, she was getting what she deserved—especially after she dragged him around office like a normal worker. Did she know how much damage his reputation would receive if the news got out in the IT world? Now that she’d gotten a proper shock, he just needed to swoop in and get a yes from her on his proposal.
At least, that’s what he thought would happen.
After her initial startled paralysis faded, she dashed forward and around the table. Grabbing his elbow, she yanked him out of the chair and started dragging him toward the door.
Not again.
“Samantha.”
“Shut up and come with me. What are you doing in the CEO’s office? Jesus, he should have changed his passcode. And how did you get that goddess to play along? Have you gone mad? If the CEO finds out about this, he’ll fire you on the spot.” Her fingers tightened, overcoming his weak resistance.
Gavin’s heart fluttered, unsure how he should feel about this turn of events. Was he supposed to be mad at her? Or should he just laugh?
When Samantha yanked open the office door, Rosie almost fell inside. She must have had her ear glued to the door. That girl. Why was she being so nosy about this?
Rosie raised her palms in front of Samantha. “Stop.” She giggled, her whole body shaking.
“Who are you?” Samantha roared. “And why are you helping him? Don’t you value your job?” Samantha shook her head and grabbed Rosie’s hand with her free hand. “Jesus. Gavin helped me a lot, so I owe it to him save him. Otherwise, I’d let you two ruin your own lives.” And she started dragging Rosie out too.
Gavin fought back tears. He could die laughing. What the heck?
“Wait!” Rosie grabbed the door frame with her free hand. Then, yanking her hand out of Samantha’s grip, she dashed off down the hall.
After a few seconds, she came back with a business magazine. The cover had Gavin’s picture on it. She waved it in front of Samantha. “Please stop. He’s our CEO, and for God’s sake, you can’t drag him around like a dog.” She giggled once again.
“A dog? Really, Rosie?” It was Gavin’s turn to shout. Damn, Rosie was having fun with this. Maybe he should have her fire herself.
Rosie flashed her white teeth and shoved the magazine in Samantha’s hand before walking away.
Samantha’s gaze jumped between the magazine cover and Gavin’s face. She dropped the magazine, released Gavin’s arm, and screamed like someone was attacking her. Then she ran out of the office.
Gavin felt a weird tug in his stomach to run after her, to pull her in his arms and tell her to calm down.
What was happening to him?
Instead, Rosie came back holding Samantha in her arms while Saman
tha covered her face with both hands.
Gavin chuckled. This woman always surprised him. And calling Rosie a goddess? Really? Samantha had the most beautiful smile he had seen in ages.
Wait. Again? What had gotten into him? He couldn’t think this way. This was trouble. Samantha was just a way to get the money he needed. Why? Because she was the least dangerous option. And with proper planning, he could easily keep her away from him.
Yes, he’d better not get too close to her.
“Samantha, calm down. He’s not going to fire you.” Rosie rubbed her back and guided her to a seat.
Tears poured from Samantha’s eyes.
The tug in his stomach intensified, and his hands instinctively reached for her.
Stop this nonsense, Gavin! His mind shouted at him before he did something he would regret.
“Samantha,” Gavin said, walking behind his desk. “Calm down and listen to my business proposal.”
Rosie nodded at him and left the office, closing the door behind her.
Gavin handed his handkerchief to Samantha. She stared at it like it was diamond-encrusted.
“Come on, let’s get past this,” he said.
Samantha rubbed her eyes. “But you...”
Gavin sighed. “Yes. I’m the CEO, and I kept it hidden from you because you were fun. It was fun. Now, let’s discuss a more serious matter. But before we do, promise me that you won’t react—or run away—until you listen fully to my proposal.”
Samantha stared at him with her big blue eyes. Eyes he could stare into for hours.
He shook his head and averted his eyes. She was distracting him. He picked up a paper from his desk and placed it in front of her. “This is your financial condition. I’m sorry I dug into it without permission, but I had to make sure I’m dealing with the right person.”
Samantha glanced at the paper. “What’s going on? What do you want from me? Why are you throwing jokes about marriage at me?”
He rose from his desk and went to his coffee machine, making two vanilla cappuccinos for them. Handing one to Samantha, he sat on the edge of the desk, not far away from her.