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I chose a pair of black slacks and matched them with a purple wool sweater. There was no way I would be wearing a dress or skirt in this weather. After I got dressed, I went to look for Oliver. He was sitting at his desk wearing a navy pinstriped suit, pink shirt and dark blue tie. He looked up at me when I entered the room and stopped taking notes on a piece of paper.
“Why don’t you join the twenty-first century and use your laptop?” I teased Oliver as he scribbled something more on his sheet of paper.
“I prefer to make notes the old-fashioned way. Please don’t pick on me,” he replied with a good-natured smile.
I couldn’t help but grin. “Do you want some coffee before your call?”
“Not enough time. I’ll have a cup at the office,” he declined, checking his watch.
“Do you want me to stay?” I offered, wanting to be supportive.
“It’s not necessary. This is about a deal with a Chinese supplier,” he explained.
“Shouldn’t I know?” I asked, feeling a twinge of exclusion.
“Another time. I want you to get up to speed with the real estate dealings for Fox. After that, we can branch out,” he reassured me.
“Fine,” I acquiesced, though I couldn’t shake the slight disappointment.
“Ryleigh, don’t get upset. You’re doing a great job, but there’s plenty for you to learn. It will take time,” he comforted me.
“I get it. I’ll leave you to your call,” I replied, trying to mask my feelings.
As he turned his attention to the ringing phone, I headed to the kitchen, craving the comforting embrace of caffeine. As the coffee maker hummed to life, I felt a pang of frustration. Oliver was right; there was so much I still needed to learn about Fox Asset Corporation’s dealings.
Rubbing at my temples, I waited impatiently for the machine to produce my salvation. This state-of-the-art contraption could conjure up any coffee concoction imaginable, from lattes to cold brews. Lost in my thoughts, I scrolled through my emails until Oliver emerged from his office, signaling the end of his call.
“Sweetheart, ready to go?” Oliver's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
“I guess,” I replied, still feeling a tad sullen.
“Still angry at me?” he asked, concern evident in his tone.
“No. I understand. Your company is big and there’s a lot to learn,” I conceded, trying to let go of my lingering frustration.
“I want you to concentrate on the real estate side and a few other things before we get you involved in my overseas business,” he explained, his arms enveloping me from behind as I washed my coffee cup. “You’re a smart woman. I know in a few more months, you’ll be up to speed on everything,” he reassured me, planting a kiss on my temple.
“Suppose I don’t want to be?” I challenged lightly, turning to face him.
He released me, allowing me to finish drying the cup before responding. “You don’t want to learn the rest of my business?”
“I do. I want to know all there is to know,” I clarified, placing the cup in the cabinet.
“Then stop giving me a hard time,” he retorted with a playful grin.
“It’s fun. You get riled up so easily,” I teased, brushing past him.
“You’re impossible,” he sighed, following me into the closet.
“I aim to be. Who would keep you on your toes if it wasn’t for me?” I quipped as I selected a pair of black ankle boots.
“I can think of a few people,” he replied with a smirk.
“But not like me,” I insisted, slipping on the boots.
“Ready?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Ready. I hope this day goes fast,” I replied, mentally preparing for the day ahead.
