“Emmett, please.Now, let me show you the ropes.”
I rose from my chair and gestured for her to follow.My plan was to give her a tour of the department, introduce her to the team and explain her responsibilities.Every time she drifted away, I found myself inching back toward her, as if drawn by a magnet.
The Common hummed with the quiet energy of brilliant minds at work.As I watched my team from the doorway, I felt proud of the unique environment we’d built within Price Industries.“See, Callie,” I said, gesturing to the room.“In Special Projects, we do things differently.My father gave me free rein to run this department as I saw fit, and I took that opportunity to heart.”
I watched as she took in the scene—the brightly colored lounge chairs, the ping-pong table, the casual attire.Probably a far cry from the stuffy corporate atmosphere she’d been expecting.Her eyes met mine, and I detected a hint of admiration.
“Well, it seems like you’re doing a great job.Everyone here looks very…happy.”
“Thank you,” I replied, my chest puffing out a little.“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s always more to do.”
My mind drifted to some of the crises the company had faced over the last few years, one of which had been entirely my fault.I had a gut feeling my new intern was exactly what we needed, and my gut had only ever steered me wrong that one time.
As the tour continued, Callie’s expression shifted from apprehension to curiosity.She seemed to be studying every detail, taking mental notes on the unconventional environment.
“What do you think?Probably not what you were expecting, is it?”I asked.
“Definitely not.But it makes me even more excited to be a part of your team.I mean, you’re wearing jeans!On a Tuesday!”
I smiled.“Wear what makes you comfortable, but yeah, we’re not so formal most days.I’ll put on a monkey suit when I meet with the board, but that’s not really me.”
We stood silently for a while, watching more members of the team trickle in.
“Your desk is right this way,” I said, guiding her across The Common and through another set of double doors, navigating a maze of workstations and collaborative spaces.The buzz of productivity was punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter as the team exchanged ideas and shared stories.I felt another surge of pride.“Everyone, this is Callie Winters, our new intern,” I said, raising my voice above the chatter.A chorus of friendly greetings echoed throughout the workspace, with several people stepping forward to introduce themselves.During the introductions, I caught myself staring at her.
“Mr.Price, are you okay?”Callie’s voice pulled me out of my haze.
We’re really going to have to work on the “Mr.Price” thing.
She was standing next to her new desk, looking up at me with concern.
“Of course,” I said, forcing my expression into what I hoped was an easy smile.“Just lost in thought for a moment there.Do you need any help getting settled?”
“No, I think I can manage.”She stroked her fingers over the sleek surface of her desk, taking it all in.“Thank you for everything.I’m really looking forward to working with you and the team.”
“Likewise, Callie.”I tried to keep my tone professional, but the way her name rolled off my tongue gave me goosebumps.She held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary before smiling and turning to her desk.
I made my way back to my office, unable to shake the feeling that the world had shifted beneath my feet.But I needed to pull myself together.She was my intern.Sure, she was beautiful and smart, but so were a lot of women.
My last office romance didn’t end well, and I didn’t need a repeat.
I had plans for this company.Things to do.
I didn’t need a distraction.
CHAPTER FOUR
CALLIE
The reflectionof the Price Industries logo shimmered in the glass doors.I took one last glance before stepping out into the crisp winter air.My heart still raced from the lingering eye contact Emmett and I had shared in the elevator just moments ago.Was it my imagination?I shook my head, breathing out a cloud of condensation.There was no doubt about it.We hada moment.
“Hey, Callie!Did you have a good first day?”Glenn, the Head of Operations for Special Projects, emerged from the revolving door, his cheeks flushed with cold.
“Amazing, actually,” I said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“Good.”He grinned, adjusting his scarf.“I’ll see you tomorrow!”
I waved goodbye and started the short walk back to Marco’s apartment.
