“Not yet. But it’s only five-thirty. There’s plenty of time.”
He laughed.
“What areyoudoing up so early?” I asked curiously, stepping forward in the line.
“I never went to bed.”
“Of course you didn’t.” I chuckled as I made my way up to the counter where the barista was waving me forward.
“Cappuccino to-go please,” I said. I quickly tapped my platinum card against the reader and moved to the side to wait for my drink.
“That sounds good right about now,” said Will sleepily on the other line.
“What had you out all night?” I asked.
“I played a show. An open mic really.”
“You didn’t invite me?” I asked, feigning hurt in my voice.
“Next time. I wanted to check out this new bar first,” he replied.
“You mean you wanted to make sure you didn’t suck before inviting your best friend to see you?” I chided.
I knew Will was good. He’d always been good, ever since he played guitar covers on the second floor of our dorm at the wee hours of the morning. It was a good thing he could carry a tune, or the RA would have kicked him out, and I didn’t want another roommate.
“You already know I’m awesome,” said Will assuredly.
“Cappuccino to go!” announced the barista loudly at the end of the glossy wooden counter. I nodded her a silent thank-you and grabbed the white cardboard cup. I headed for the door, but not before sneaking another glance at the redhead’s marvelous ass as she poured cream and sugar into her coffee cup.
“You nervous?” asked Will, bringing me back to reality.
“For?”
“Oh, I don’t know…taking over a new company?” I could practically hear him rolling his eyes, as he was probably wandering back to his penthouse in Chelsea.
“I’m pretty used to it by now.” I shrugged, breathing in the fresh morning air as I walked past several glass buildings until reaching the tallest one with large concrete pillars.Mybuilding.
“True.”
“You’re cool with it, right?” I asked. “This whole nonprofit thing, I mean…”
“Obviously. I trust you, man.”
I nodded and took a sip of my cappuccino. I knew better than to ask Will about my business moves. He may be my silent partner, but he knew I had his best interests in mind as I continued growing my—our—empire. I wouldn’t be where I was without him. I grew up far from wealthy, but Will came from money,though that was the very last reason why he was my best friend then or now.
Out of college, we ended up starting our first business together. I was the brains and he was the creative director. From best friends to business partners, it all just clicked, neither of us realizing where it would take us. Years later, I continued on and he took a backseat, comfortable with the fortune he had acquired and wanting to pursue his other passions, like music.
“Thanks,” I said, meaning it more ways than one.
“Good luck today,” he said.
“Thanks, Will,” I said, gripping the cool, metal handle of the heavy glass door and pulling it.
I stepped into the expansive lobby, my shoes echoing against the freshly polished marble floors. The place was empty, save for the custodian finishing up the floors at the back right of the room that was just now beginning to fill with the sun’s rays. I gave him a nod and headed for the elevators. I checked my watch. It was just before 6 a.m. No one would be here for at least another two hours, though if one were trying to make a good impression on their new boss, they would already be here.
Up in my office, I unbuttoned the bottom button of my jacket and settled into my large wing-backed leather chair. I looked around my office at the dark wood shelves of books and framed accolades, drumming my fingers mindlessly on my desk in front of me. I checked my emails and sifted through paperwork onmy desk that I had already gone through. Perhaps 6 a.m. was a little too early, but I was eager to get the ball rolling. I just wish the rest of the office was. I took a sip of my cappuccino and opened my phone. I mindlessly scrolled for a little while before searching for a livestream to have on in the background as I went through my calendar for the day.
I nearly choked on my cappuccino, my throat sputtering, as my eyes took in the video playing on my phone. I wiped at my mouth and leaned forward to make sure I was really seeing what was playing. Sure enough, it was a blonde woman taking a shower, her wet leg propped up on the edge, giving a full view of the sleek beauty between her legs. I raised my brows as the corner of my mouth lifted. My morning just got a hell of a lot more fun.
