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Chapter 1
Max
I end the call and take a deep breath before turning to my companion, Liam. “It’s so hard to find good help these days.”
“What happened?” Liam asks.
“My personal assistant just quit. Now I have to find someone new I can trust in the next few days.” I take a sip of my aged whiskey. “Such a hassle.”
“What kind of work would they do?” Liam sinks deeper into his high-back brown leather chair. Everything is top-notch at the Oakwood Club, including their drinks and their decor.
“Just help me with some personal projects. Why the interest?” I’m careful not to say too much. Even though Liam seems like a decent fellow, I know from experience that sharing too much can lead to betrayal later.
Everyone in my life wants something from me—it’s the bane of being the heir to the Hawthorne Group. At least Liam is straightforward about it, and not too overbearing. Sometime after he met his wife, Izzy, he shifted focus. He still has the drive and determination to make it as an investor, but he’s lost that edge of desperation. Like he’s okay with himself and his life, whether I help him or not.
It’s somewhat refreshing, but years of cynicism keep me from fully relaxing with anyone. Even people that could be friends, not just allies in business. When I allow myself to, I miss my brother Grayson. But he’s in Fairview, apparently happily settled down.
“My sister has some time this summer. She’s staying with my parents until she finishes school. She’s quiet, but capable. Do you want me to talk to her?”
My mind races through the possibilities and implications. It’s not a bad idea. As Liam’s sister, she’s probably relatively competent. Plus, keeping her brother in my good graces should make her suitably malleable. It’s always beneficial to have multiple avenues of leverage over your employees.
“Sure. Have her call my assist—” Damn, I need to hire someone right away. “Liam, my good man. If your sister is interested, send me a text and tell her to show up at my estate on Monday at seven-thirty a.m. sharp. I don’t suffer tardiness.”
“You don’t want to meet her first?”
“I trust you to know that you don’t want to screw with me.” Finishing my drink, I set it on the polished wood side table. I stand, give Liam a sharp nod, and then exit the building.
???
My first sip of coffee is interrupted by the ringing of my doorbell. Who the hell is at my door first thing on a Monday morning? I set down my mug and stalk to the front door, whipping it open and ready to unleash my temper.
A gorgeous woman stands on my front porch. Not what I was expecting. She has long, black hair pulled up into a simple ponytail. Long, thick lashes frame deep blue eyes. A belt at the waist of her simple black cardigan and white shirt emphasizes her hourglass figure. Her look is completed by a deep purple pencil skirt and classy heels.
“What are you doing here?” I practically bark at the woman, discombobulated by her unexpected presence and the rush of blood thickening my cock.
“You told me to be here.” Her head tilts as she looks at me consideringly. “Did you forget about me, Mr. Hawthorne?”
I scan through my memories of the last few days, coming up blank. I would remember sending for a delectable, snow white look-alike. “You must be mistaken. You’ll need to leave immediately.” I reach back to close the door.
“Shall I tell Liam you changed your mind?”
As soon as she says Liam’s name, everything clicks into place. This must be his sister. He neglected to mention she looks like someone I’d like to lick like a spoonful of creme brulee. Not that he’d think of her that way. Dammit.
I reverse the hold on the door, swinging it open. “I might recall such a conversation with your brother, after all. You may come in.”
“Thank you.” Her heels click on the white marble floor in the foyer.
I take her back to the kitchen and, most importantly, my coffee. “Normally, my assistant would have reminded me of our appointment. That’s what I need you for.”
She nods, still not saying much. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she was quietly judging me.
My eyes narrow, observing as she takes in the kitchen, including the stainless steel appliances, a professional dual gas stove and oven, two commercial quality double door refrigerators, and black marble countertops. I’m pretty sure she can tell that the only thing I’ve ever used in here is the coffee maker.
Her plump red lips purse, and my cock lengthens in response. Silk pajama pants hide nothing, even if they’re black. My impatience rises along with my arousal.
I don’t like this. I don’t like that I forgot she was coming. I don’t like my attraction to her. And I don’t like her silence.
“Today, you’ll be cleaning the bathrooms and ironing the sheets.” Giving her a once over, I make sure to disguise how much she appeals to me. “Maybe next time you will dress more appropriately.
“You should be able to find the cleaning supplies and other accoutrements in a closet somewhere. I’ll be leaving in thirty minutes and won’t be back until evening. You may clean the lavatory in my room, but leave everything else there alone.
“Tomorrow, I’ll have paperwork for you to fill out, including a non-disclosure agreement. Don’t be late.”
She turns on me, not smiling, her blue eyes flashing. “You don’t suffer tardiness.”
I clear my throat. “Quite right.”
I maneuver my way out of the kitchen so she doesn’t see my thick length urgently tenting my pajamas. I’ve never felt so out of control, especially in my own home. Tomorrow, I’ll be more prepared.
