The submissive in me instantly nodded. “Okay.”
I didn’t have money for lunch, but it wouldn’t hurt to sit with them while they ate.
“With that settled, let’s get some stuff done, shall we?” Luci asked, linking her arm with mine. “It’s going to be an interesting week to say the least.”
I was hesitant, but I followed her lead, allowing her to guide me through the reception area and past the double doors that led to the offices.
“This week is going to be hectic,” Luci warned as we sat down in her office. “Since the quarterly meeting took place last week, we’ll have quite a few people following up on things, so expect a lot of phone calls. And with the interviews taking place, I doubt anyone will be available.”
“Is there anything specific I should say to these people if they call?” I asked, feeling a tad nauseous at the thought of having to deal with so much and not knowing what I was doing.
“I’m going to have all the calls sent to me today,” she informed me. “I want you to be my shadow, see how it’s done. I won’t throw you to the wolves, I promise.”
Well, that made me feel a little better.
Last night, when I’d been unable to sleep, I’d given considerable thought to everything that had happened since Saturday night. Mostly, I’d thought about Mr. Snowden’s warning from that first morning I’d woken up in Mr. Parker’s apartment. He wanted me to be grateful for this opportunity. I decided he was right. And in an effort to do that, I wanted to show them that I was here to work.
I’d also decided to give Luci the benefit of the doubt. The woman was open and honest and genuinely kind, from what I could tell, so I didn’t really see a reason to keep her at arm’s length. I needed her help and it appeared she needed mine. Therefore, I wanted to be part of the team.
“Then consider me your shadow,” I said with a smile.
It was time I was grateful for the positive turn my life had taken. And I fully intended to prove to them all that I was worth it.
Because I was.
Sixteen
JUSTIN
“LUCI IS VERY IMPRESSED,” BEN informed me when he walked into my office a little after four.
“With?”
“Addison. She cornered me in the break room, said Addison wasn’t going to need much training because she’s already answering the phones herself, plus she identified a way to sync the calendars to make it easier for the two of them to track.”
“That’s good news,” I stated. Smiling, I added, “What were you sneaking from the break room?”
I knew my pup had a candy addiction that he thought was a carefully guarded secret. It wasn’t. In fact, the entire office knew he was the one who stole the Twizzlers week after week, yet no one ever called him on it.
“I grabbed a cup of coffee,” he said.
“Coffee and…?” I knew there was more.
His smile was sheepish. “Fine. I went in there to pilfer some candy, but it turns out our little rebel is quite fond of Twizzlers as well.”
Interesting.
“Please tell me that wasn’t what she had for lunch,” I stated.
“No. I took care of that. I ordered sandwiches and had them delivered. The three of them ate in the conference room. Until she gets a paycheck, I plan to ensure she eats lunch and dinner every single day.”
My pup was one of the most considerate men I knew. Another thing I admired about him.
“Where is she now?” I asked.
“In her office. I told her she could spend the rest of the day getting familiar with her laptop and the programs. She’s a little hesitant with the video chat.”
I wasn’t particularly fond of it, either. I grabbed my phone and dialed her extension.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Parker,” she greeted sweetly.
“Would you mind coming into my office? And bring a copy of the contract, too.”
“Of course. I’ll be right there.”
“You want to go over it now?” Ben asked when I hung up the phone.
“No better time than the present. After this morning, I think it’s safe to say we’ve immersed ourselves in this. Might as well get the logistics out of the way so we can move forward.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” His expression turned inquisitive.
“What is it?”
“I was just wondering why she’s so adamant about a contract.”
That was a good question, one I wanted an answer to as well. It had surprised me when she’d insisted that we have one.
A minute later, there was a light rap on the door before it opened and Addison walked in. She looked stunning in the outfit she was wearing, which, I had learned, was something Ben had selected for her today. I’d also learned that after my departure this morning, he had indulged himself a little. I couldn’t deny that the information he relayed had me eager to get this out of the way. I had a few things in store for our little rebel. I fully intended to break her in right.
