The Big Boss - Penny Wylder Page 0,4

want to see him again.

3

Keenan

I want to see her again.

That’s the thought that’s been plaguing my brain ever since she practically sprinted out of my office. Every time my eyes land on that damned bouquet that’s sitting on my desk.

It’s long past quitting time, but I can’t leave yet. Too much to do, and that’s not being helped by distracting memories. Might as well relax a little at least.

I cross over to the bar and pour myself a glass of whiskey. Smooth smoke on my tongue. Just the cost of this glass is more than some people’s yearly salary. But I only tolerate the best in everything I do, and I have accomplished that with my business. So now I can afford luxuries like this whiskey.

The flowers catch my eyes again, especially that broken daisy. Normally I would be furious about the damage, but that mark…it was proof that she was standing here. I sigh as I return to the papers on my desk. Plans for a new development in the city, but there are logjams we have to work through. Permits. Demolition. More permits. Supply chains. More permits. Construction. Not the world’s most exciting evening. But it has to be done.

I’m sure if she were here it would be much more interesting. She was fire that I wanted to let burn me. She was defiant and open—something that I rarely see every day. I’m not used to anyone showing their authentic feelings to me. I’m the boss. The billionaire. Everyone needs or wants something from me, and disagreeing with me is never the way to get it.

Or so they think.

Her obvious disdain for me and my wealth is refreshing. Enticing. I want more of it. To hear the story of why she hates it. Because she must have a reason. Most people do.

The phone on my desk rings, and I sigh. It’s Brandon, I can guarantee it. One of the only people who would call me right now. He’s looking at the same documents on his desk.

“Hey Brandon.”

“You knew it was me?” He sounds amused.

I chuckle and take a sip of my whiskey as I sit at my desk. “It’s Monday and we’re both workaholics. Of course I knew that it was you.”

He laughs before clearing his throat. “Just looking over the plans for the development. Do you think we’re going to get pushback?”

I frown. “Why would we?”

“There will be some displacement. Losing greenspace. To be clear, I don’t think we should stop or anything, just wondering if you think they’ll put up a fight.”

I search until I find the paper with the more detailed plans for the development. We’re demolishing an old building. Pre-1900. I’ve seen it, and it’s pretty. We considered converting it, but it would cost more to convert it than it’s worth. Starting fresh is faster. A small park is also going to be taken over. “I think it’s fine,” I say. “The numbers all add up, it will benefit the local community. And the residents were all compensated well.”

“Some of these preservation groups don’t always listen to that kind of logic.” He sounds worried.

“What’s going on?”

Brandon makes a sound of uncertainty. “Nothing for certain. Just some rumors that one of those groups is going to start targeting our projects. Again, not a reason to stop, but it’s something to be aware of.”

“Fair enough,” I say. “Hopefully this one will be too fast for them to organize anything. Demo is scheduled for two weeks, provided the permits go through. And I’m having Marcy push them through tomorrow.”

“Good,” Brandon says. “I’ll let you know if I hear anything else.”

“Please do,” I say, laughing. “Now go the fuck home.”

“Only if you do.”

We both know that neither of us is leaving the office anytime soon. But oh, I wish that I could. Because that damned daisy catches my eye again and I’m trapped in the circle of thoughts about the girl. And the fact that I’m an idiot and I didn’t even get her name.

All I’m left with is the perfect image of her. Soaking wet and looking angry as all hell. I’m not sure why I find it so alluring, but I do. I can’t remember the last time that someone came into my office angry. Usually people appear with masks of perfect pleasantness, hoping to charm me.

Her thin t-shirt showed every line of her generous curves and the bra I wasn’t sure she meant to be on display. I wished I had been able to see