wasn't expecting a trip so soon, and I still need to find an apartment."
"I've already told you that you can stay at the Saint Francis as long as you need. If you need help looking for a place, don't hesitate to ask."
"No, I'll be fine, but thank you for the offer. I have a couple of places to look at tomorrow, so who knows, I might get lucky. Thursday will be fine either way, though. Would you like me to make arrangements? Any meetings I can set up for you?"
"No, I'll make the arrangements."
"Are you sure? It is my job to take care of these sorts of things. No time like the present for me to take things over," I say nervously, wondering if he doesn't have confidence in my ability to plan a last-minute trip.
"There's plenty of time for that. Let me take care of this trip and the rest are yours from here on out. Deal?"
"Mr. McKinley, if that's what you prefer, then of course, by all means, plan away."
"I'd prefer you call me Ronan, and I'd like to plan the trip. I'll send you any details you'll need as I have them."
"Thank you, sir. Is there anything else you need tonight or shall I call my car?"
"That will be it for the night. You are free to go, Olivia. No need to call a car, though. I'll have Baxter take you back to the hotel. Thank you for all of your hard work this week. Let me go find Baxter for you." We both stand from the table, and he gathers the glasses and now empty bottle of champagne.
Walking ahead of me, his eyes can't hold mine when he leaves the room, thankfully, but he says over his shoulder, "I'll see you on Monday, Miss Adams."
I feel myself starting to panic at the prospect of spending five days with him. I knew travel would be a part of the job, but a trip simply to show me his properties isn't what I expected.
Game face, Oliva. He never needs to know how he makes you feel. Just keep it together and keep your game face in place.
7
Ronan
To say I've been looking forward to today would be an understatement. I know it's irrational. She's my employee, and frankly, I don't think she really even likes me that much, but I still can't wait to show her Haven.
"So, you sure about this trip?" Baxter asks from the front seat.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" I bristle.
"Well, I don't recall you taking time away from the office to spend a long weekend showing Evelyn one of your properties. Just sayin', boss man."
He's right. I know he's right. I also hate that he sees right through me, but who knows me better than him? "It's a business trip, Baxter, and I would thank you kindly if you would leave your nose out of it. If I need security detail or anything else, I'll let you know, old man."
"Don't, old man, me. I may be ten years older than you, but I can still take you, Ronan. Name the time and place, my friend."
"Right...I'm going to go rounds with an employee so you can sue me after I beat your saggy ass. I'm smarter than I look, grandpa."
He's only forty-four, and he is in better shape than most men his age or mine. I'm fit and I have height over him, but even my huge ego can admit he would probably kick my ass. He's my head of security for a reason. He may play the part of my driver, but he is my friend and an intricate part of my team. My security team.
"Watch it. Carly is sixteen now and those grandpa jokes of yours...they aren't funny. At all."
I open my mouth to make another dickhead comment, but my mental faculties come to a complete halt when I see the vision outside my window.
It doesn't surprise me to see her standing in front of the Saint Francis, suitcase at her feet and travel bag over her shoulder. She is a perfectionist and wouldn't dream of keeping me waiting.
In less than two weeks, this fact about her wasn't hard to detect. Always, the first one in the office, excluding myself, and utterly professional and put together at all times.
I don't know what it is about seeing her in a long, flowing summer dress with simple sandals and a jean jacket, but it has me mesmerized. Her dark hair is blowing in