Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
So why can’t I?
That ship sailed. Love isn’t for me. I need to accept that and focus on my career. The inconvenient aches of my body—to be held, touched, and pleasured—are something I can only give fleeting attention to. I’ll find temporary lovers. One night, then I’ll show them the door.
How is that going to work? You’ve only ever had sex with Derrick.
Like everything else in my life, I’ll have to turn over a new leaf.
“Kate.” Savannah approaches me, hand outstretched. “Good to have you here.”
I shake her hand in return. “It’s good to be here.”
“No problems settling in?”
“The corporate apartment is great.”
“I’m glad.”
“I spent part of the weekend looking for my own place. I’m sure I’ll find something in the next few weeks.”
“No rush.” She smiles wryly. “In fact, you might put off moving out for a while. In the past few days, a possible new opportunity dropped in our laps. If it all works out, it will require us to move quickly and there will be extensive on-site analysis…which is where you come in. But look on the bright side. You’ll avoid this weekend’s chance of snow.”
I hoped I’d have time to learn how Force Financial works and get comfortable with the corporate side of my new responsibilities before I jetted off to look at property, but maybe it’s better this way. This is the part of the job I’m absolutely confident in. Besides, I’m not looking forward to snow. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m happy to jump in with both feet.”
“Fantastic.” She smiles. “Follow me. I’ll take you up to your new office, then introduce you around. Later, you’ll meet the two executives who will help you oversee the project.”
“I’m not flying solo?” Since she said no one in the organization possesses my skill set, I’m surprised.
“I wasn’t going to throw you to the wolves immediately. Though you might feel that way after you’ve met Marcus Hunt and Josh Hennessey.” She gives me a teasing smile. “They’ve been with Mr. Force forever, and they can tell you exactly how this company works. They’ll know the people to call and the ways to finesse the situation, both internally and with our investors. Just ignore their personalities. I always do.”
She’s kidding—I think.
Pasting on a smile, I nod. “I’m looking forward to meeting them. Lead the way.”
Up the elevator we go, to some floor north of twenty that seriously screws with my fear of heights. Since every wall is a window, the views of the city below are likely sweeping and amazing. I try not to look, and I’m beyond thrilled when she takes me to an office along one wall with the shades drawn from floor to ceiling.
“Here’s your corner of the world. Right now, you’ve got two people to help you. Cynthia is my assistant, but you can borrow her as needed for clerical tasks. You’ll probably interact most with Nathan Price. He’s here to assist with research, acquisition, planning—the works. He’s got some property knowledge, too, but nothing like your extensive background. He volunteered for this position, so it’s a change for him as well. You two can forge this department together and make it everything necessary, per our discussions.”
So, other than my two unexpected overlords, I’ll have someone on my side who also understands that more than dollars and cents go into making a property profitable. “Fantastic. I’m sure we can make this venture successful.”
“I have no doubt. He should be in before noon. He has a dentist appointment at nine, but I know he’s excited to meet you. Since you’ll both be reporting to me, at least for now, let me know if you have any other questions or issues.”
“Sure.”
Her smile is reassuring. “If you want to leave your briefcase here, we’ll make the rounds. Cynthia will requisition you a laptop and any other supplies you need. We’ve already had your business cards printed. I’ll take you up to meet Mr. Force and whoever else is available on the executive floor. There’s a lot going on with this sudden development I mentioned, so we’re a little disorganized.”
“No worries. I’ll figure everything out and do my best to fit in. Any idea when I’ll meet Mr. Hunt and Mr. Hennessey?”
“Probably tomorrow. They’re in meetings today.”
Good. That will give me time to gain some footing with others and find potential allies, just in case my two babysitters are pains in my ass. “Sounds good.”
Savannah introduces me around. Everyone else on my floor seems both welcoming and bright. Cynthia has already organized everything I need to get started, including a login, a phone number, and basic supplies. She promises to leave everything on my desk.
Upstairs, Mr. Force greets me with a smile and a hearty handshake. “My wife says great things about you, and she never gives praise where it’s not due.”