Yes, I’d spent too many hours awake thinking of her since Saturday night.
Once Camille collected all the signed copies, I put in the last words. “Brooks and I started this business in the hopes that we could build something to be proud of. I expect the best from my team, and I know you’ll join me in being the epitome of professionalism. That’s all.”
The meeting adjourned, Matt handed me an espresso and walked with me back to my office. “Excellent, sir.” Finally, I’dfound an assistant who had the right mix of work ethic and kick ass, and who could put up with my moods.
“Solid,” I agreed, tugging at my tie. “Considering I woke up on the couch in my office an hour ago.”
“Still having sleeping problems?” He shot me a look as we walked down the hall. “Need more of those special gummies my cousin makes?”
“Sleep’s overrated. But yes. Have a bottle on my desk by the end of the day.” Whatever the damn juicy bears had, they were the only thing that could knock me out for a few hours each night.
What could Penny do for me to help me sleep better?
Fuck, she was a pleasant distraction. As I traced my steps back through the main floor of my company, some of the staff filtered past in a blur. I half-smiled at one who said hello to me.
True, I’d been a moody bastard for the better part of the past year. All that might change as soon as I take Penny out for dinner. For more? If I ignore the warnings from Rex and Richard, my dry spell could become a thing of the past. As long as she didn’t screw around with my heart like her stepsister did.
Matt followed me into my office. “Schedule recap for the day?”
“Hit me.” I drank and peered out at the Manhattan view from my windows, a momentary respite before I launched into the rest of my day.
“You have a call with Holden West in a few minutes about the ski resort rebuild in Steele Valley. Jill wants to know if you’re free for drinks on Friday. Dave Jacobs will meet with you over lunch to go over your recent investments. And?—”
“Whoa, back it up. Jill?”
“Yes, sir. Third time she’s called in the past month wanting to have drinks with you. It’s been some time since you've had a date on the calendar.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “What are you doing? Keeping track of my dating life now?” It shouldn’t surprise me; the guy was very organized.
“Yes, and it’s a disaster… er, respectfully, sir.”
“Patch Holden through as soon as the call arrives. Reschedule my lunch appointment with Dave. Put dinner plans on for Friday night.”
“With Jill?”
“No,” I snapped. The rather aggressive realtor with a nice set of legs hadn’t given up trying to corral me on a date yet. She needed to give up. “With someone else.”
“Name?”
“I’ll know with whom.” I glared slyly at him and his tidy gray suit and coiffed hair. The young guy could run circles around me if I let him, and probably manage a decent social life, too, better than mine. He’d been the best of last year’s interns, especially when he became the whistleblower on the VP having an affair with the intern. After Closet-gate happened, I hired Matt, rewarding his loyalty.
“Let Jill know I’m not interested. I don’t care how you do it, but gently, of course.” I dropped into my chair. “And where’s that soil study on the Evergreen Lake project?” As if Rex investing and building luxury mansions on the lakeshore near Holly Creek weren’t enough, now he wanted a golf course, too.
He leaned across my desk and clicked a few keys on the keyboard. “Here. Will that do?”
“For now.” I sighed. The guy deserved a freaking raise for putting up with me. “I appreciate your efficiency, as always, Matt.”
“Excellent because my performance review is coming up next Tuesday.”
I smirked. “I’m sure you’ll give me a summary in advance of everything you do around here, so you can prime me for a raise.”
“Since you brought it up…” A lopsided grin appeared on his face as he headed out. “Door open or closed?”
“Closed.”
Office to myself, I took a moment to massage my temples and just breathe before launching into the rest of my day. Why was I killing myself slowly like this when I had enough money? I could stop tomorrow if I wanted. Make time for a family and a marital status.
A text came in on my phone from Richard in a group chat. He and Vivian planned to be in the city and invited us all over for dinner at their penthouse Friday night.
