Page 96 of Bad Influence
True. Having the money in my own separate account did help me leave California. My mother’s original plan had been to make Beckett the executor of my trust fund, but Carter shut down that really quickly. There was no way my mother would have ever disagreed with him.
It’s almost like he can sense a disturbance in the force because as soon as I put my phone down on the counter, it starts to vibrate with a call, Carter’s name flashing on the screen. I press the power button to silence the call.
“You’re not going to answer?” Killian asks, looking at my phone.
“Nope.” I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and twist off the cap. The call goes unanswered, though before I can breathe out in relief, the phone buzzes again.
I’m about to dismiss the call again when I see the name on the screen. Aiden Fairchild.
“Isn’t that your new boss?” Killian asks.
“Yes.”
Shit, is he calling to fire me already? I haven’t even started the job yet! I pick up my phone and answer before it disconnects.
“Hello?”
“Caroline, good, I got you,” Aiden says, his voice warm. Hedoesn't sound like he’s about to fire me, although lawyers are incredibly talented in sounding calm.
“I’m going to send you our latest case file. I’d like you to review it and be prepared for Monday. Has the IT team set you up with your corporate email?”
I walk over to the couch and fluff up the pillows.
“Sheila from HR said it’s going to happen on Monday,” I said.
Aiden hums, his voice vibrating down the line. My future boss has a very nice voice. The kind that can make reading the phone book sexy. Nothing like the gruff voice of the guy who’s possibly going to be my future boyfriend, though. When he talks, I want to remove my panties and throw them at him.
Right now, Killian is leaning against the counter as he watches me adjust the lamp shade.
“Monday is too late. I want you to be prepared when we see the client. I’m going to email HR right now and have everything set up by the time you’re in the office,” Aiden says.
“Of course, I’ll be ready.”
“I hope I’m not ruining any weekend plans,” he adds lightly.
I’m pacing in front of the windows, watching the sun dip into the river. The sky is a stunning pink, orange, purple and it reminds me of California sunsets. For a second, I’m almost melancholy with homesickness thinking about the days I spent watching the sunset from the beach.
“No, I don’t have any interesting weekend plans,” I say easily.
Killian raises an eyebrow and I wave him away.
“Still, I’m sure you don’t want to spend it pouring over client files.”
“I can’t think of anything better.”
I press a hand against the window, watching a ferry crossing the river.
Aiden laughs easily. “I appreciate your enthusiasm even though I think it’s a lie. How about drinks Monday night tocelebrate your first day and to prove I’m not a terrible boss? I don’t want you quitting on me after the first week.”
“Drinks sound great,” I say. “And I’m not going to quit.”
“I hope not. Well, I won’t take up anymore of your time tonight. Look forward to my email and let me know if you have any questions.”
“I will, thank you,” I say.
I disconnect the call and turn around, only to take a startled step back when I see Killian standing right behind me. My back presses against the window.
“Your new boss?” Killian asks lightly.
