Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“Mr. Monroe, is there something I can help you with?” I offer him a saccharine smile. Damn. The way his biceps pop when he crosses his arms over his chest is not attractive at all. Neither is his grumpy frown. Ugh. Why is he so good-looking? It would make this a lot easier if he wasn’t. His eyes, like the bluest ocean, stare down at me, looking less than pleased.
“I need the fiscal reports printed and proofed, Miss Evans. Task number one. Do you need me to hold your hand, or can you figure out how to print, staple, and read?”
Okay, I take back the attractive comment. The only thing he is is an asshole. Standing, I grab the key card that gives me access to all the machines and slide my eyes to Theo. “Of course not. Meet you in your office in twenty?”
His eyes are obsidian. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “Ten. I don’t have all day.” He twists in his fancy leather shoes and storms back into his office.
The door slams shut, and I take my first real breath.
“You stupid pile of—”
“You need help?” My hand flies to my chest, and I turn to find a younger guy standing at the copy room entrance.
“I’m trying to print these reports, but it keeps spitting out the same page.”
“It’s because you’re using the possessed printer. You need to use this one.” He puts his hand out for my badge and walks toward a machine hidden in the corner. “How many?”
“Uh, there should be twelve in the queue, thanks.”
“Got it.” Swiping my badge, he types in the number, and the machine whirs to life, printing flawlessly.
“My hero! I was about to take my heel to that machine.”
He waves at me. “It wouldn’t be the first time. I’m Kyle.”
“Fay. Nice to meet you.”
“Monroe’s new assistant.”
“How did you—?”
“Lucky guess. Monroe can be a bit much. I’m in the research department if you need a break. You’re welcome to sneak away and find refuge there.”
I smile and gather my copies. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. And thanks again for the help. See ya around.” Juggling my stack of reports, I head back to my desk. Theo’s door is closed, so I clutch the papers to my chest and use my free hand to knock.
“Come in.”
I enter, finding Theo sitting at his worktable, his sleeves rolled up. “I have the reports.” I set them down and sit in the empty chair next to him. “I’m not proficient in investment lingo, so I’m not sure how much help I’ll be with proofing. But I was top of my class in English, so I can spot spelling or grammar errors.” I leave out that it was in high school and grab a report, opening to the first page.
I look up, catching Theo’s gaze. “Unless you need—”
“That’s fine for now.” For the first time since my interview, there’s no malice in his tone. It’s almost kind. He reaches for a report and opens to the same page. “I’ll walk you through it. This way, you’ll know what to keep an eye out for in the future. Common errors.” He reaches over to turn to the next page of my report, then turns his own. “I’ll need you to become knowledgeable on the key terms. This will allow you to scan for discrepancies.” He turns another page, the side of his finger brushing mine. “I don’t expect you to know everything immediately.” He flips to another page, his shoulders relaxing. I look up at him, curious about the change in his demeanor. Our eyes meet. There’s interest and something I can’t quite name, then the darkness from before returns, and he shuts the folder.
“You get the gist. I have a meeting. I’ll leave you to it.” He stands abruptly, adjusting his sleeves, and snags his suitcoat from the back of the chair. “I expect you to stay here until you’re done.” He doesn’t wait for a reply before walking out of his office.
Chapter four
Fay
“What can I get ya?” I shout over the loud noise of the bar.
“Girl! What the fuck!” Mindy runs up to me behind the bar, wraps her arm around my neck, and kisses me square on the lips.
The guy waiting to order cheers, and I roll my eyes. “Seriously? What can I get ya?”
“You two, if you’re on the menu.”
Mindy laughs and releases me. “In your dreams, honey. So, how’d your second day go?”
“It was fine.”
“Fine? What does that mean?”
I shrug, pouring the guy’s draft beer. “It was fine.”
“Bullshit. The last time I talked to you, you were moaning and groaning. Now it’s fine?”
“Yeah.” I slide the beer across the bar and shove the cash into the register.
“I’m disappointed. I was hoping you’d have more to spill.”
I lean over, calling out to another patron for his order. “Disappointed how?”