▪️Ace▪️
“Why shouldn’t you? People don’t work for free.” Liam eyed him. “Tell me all about those private yachts.”
“Oh, yeah. You should see some of those babies. And the people spend money like water. My tips were awesome.”
He’d spent the last three years as a personal assistant to an older, extremely wealthy businesswoman, and that had included taking care of all the woman’s needs—business and pleasure. Ace had learned valuable lessons in the corporate world, and the woman's generosity in paying for his education, in addition to the lavish salary and tips, had enabled Ace to save money to pay for an apartment when he made the decision to return to New York.
“I’ll bet. But, selfishly, I’m glad you’re home. Even though you said everything was great, I still missed you. I didn’t like having you on the other side of the world.”
He hugged Liam. “I love you. And I missed you too. Much as I loved it over there, I really did miss you all.”
Liam eyes danced. “Even Emily?”
Ace recalled locking his ankles around Emily's waist and Emily clawing at his back.…Emily's furious, unrestrained lovemaking had left him breathless, on edge and achy.
“What about Emily?” Evading the question,Ace pushed the hair off his brow. “We can be civil to each other. You don’t have to worry. I’m not going to embarrass her or you.”
“I wouldn’t think that. We aren’t kids anymore. I trust you.”
Coming from Liam, those words meant everything to Ace. He looked up to his older brother. The truth was bittersweet, but coming home was an attempt to regain the closeness they’d shared as children, and which Ace had watched slip away once Liam went to college. Four years younger and struggling to find his path, it had been hard for him to see Liam, the golden boy, accomplish everything seemingly so easily: the perfect girlfriend, a successful business, a great circle of friends.
His resentment grew until he knew he had to remove himself by going across the world. Now, almost a decade later, older and, he hoped, a bit wiser, Ace wanted his brother back as his best friend.
“I appreciate that. I really am going to try and put the past behind me. Neither you nor Emily will have to worry about me.”
“You won’t even have to see her if you don’t want,” Liam said. “She has her clients and takes care of her business. We’ll find a place for you, don’t worry.”
“So should I come in tomorrow, or wait until you get home from the honeymoon? I’m anxious to start, not gonna lie.”
Before Liam could answer, a clearly agitated Emily, her face full of worry, sat next to Liam, picked up a glass of champagne, and drained it. “Shit.”
Liam nudged her. “Uh, you do realize that was Olivia's? What’s wrong?”
“Sorry. Just got off the phone with Amber.”
Ace idly kept one ear on their conversation while checking out apartment rentals on his phone. The breakfast was winding down, and he figured there might be enough time to see a few places. He zoomed in on a decent one-bedroom in Chelsea and winced. Four grand a month. Damn, that would eat away at his savings. The Company’s office was downtown, and he wanted to live as close as he could, but he might have to rethink his geographically desirable area.
“Leaving? Why is she leaving?”
Mason stopped scrolling and started listening in earnest.
“You know how her husband has been shuttling back and forth between San Francisco and here for his job? Well, on Friday he found out they’re closing the New York office effective immediately, and they want him full-time in California.” Emily grimaced, stress lines appearing across her brow. “She didn’t want to tell me and ruin the wedding weekend, but she’s busy packing.”
“Well, that sucks. I know how much you depended on her. She’s an excellent assistant. Won’t be easy to replace.”
“No, she won’t. Next to impossible, I’m thinking.” Emily propped her chin in her hand.
Mason surreptitiously watched that full mouth droop, and his mind went there, to that moment the night before in the elevator
when Emily's lips covered his, and he almost ceased breathing.
“I can do it,” Ace said.
Liam swiveled in his chair. “Do what?”
“Cover as Emily's assistant until she can find another one.” He watched his brother’s surprised expression change to a gleam of appreciation.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Emily's withering glance didn’t bother him. Ace expected no less.
“Why? It would be the perfect way for me to jump in and learn the business.” Ace held his breath.
“Yeah, why not, Emily? Ace just finished telling me he spent time as a personal assistant for a wealthy businessman, so he knows the score. The man wouldn’t have kept him if he didn’t satisfy him.”
Ace winced at Liam's innocent words. God, he was so glad he hadn’t told Liam the whole story. But the businesswoman– Taylor had trained him well, and Ace was ready to make his case.
“It’s true, Emily. And I’m just offering until you can find someone permanent. I’m ready to start tomorrow.” Ace tried not to sound too eager, but the prospect of spending another day with his mother looking over his shoulder, asking about his job search and apartment hunting, made him desperate.
Brown eyes skeptical, Emily drummed her fingers on the table. “It’s ridiculous. He doesn’t know anything about the clients or how I get things done.”
“Then teach me. I’m a fast learner and very eager to please.”
He smiled, and Emily's expression darkened.
That’s right. You remember, Ace thought.
“I’ll need to speak to your reference. I’m sure your word is good enough for Liam, but I’ll make my own decision. You do have a number for the person you worked for, correct?”
Ace pressed his lips together. He didn’t miss the insinuation. Emily didn’t believe him. “Right here, as a matter of fact. Would you like me to call her for you?”
“No. I will.” Of course Emily wouldn’t trust him and had already pulled out her phone. “Give me her number.”
Ace recited Taylor's personal cell phone number. “I have no idea where she is right now, so she might not answer.”
Emily turned cold eyes on him. “Then I guess you’ll be out of luck, won’t you?”
Asshole.
▪️ Emily ▪️ If Ace thought he would rush right out and call his supposed reference, he was sadly mistaken. Emily fully intended to enjoy the rest of Olivia and Liam's wedding. Emily could see Ace shooting her looks, but Emily deliberately set her phone on the table and folded her arms. Inside, however, she was a mess. Amber had been with her for over five years and knew her like a well-worn suit—in fact, she picked out most of her clothes. How was she going to handle everything without her? The Company had a big presentation at the end of the month, and she was handling all the minute incidentals leading up to it. “We’re going to check out now. Our plane leaves at eight, and we’ve got last-minute packing.” Olivia slid her arms around Emily's neck and kissed her cheek. “I love you so much. Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have asked for a more magical wedding. Or a better sister. I wish Mommy could’ve been here.” She sniffled. “She would’ve loved Liam, don’t you think?” It was a
▪️ Emily ▪️ “Did something happen to Ace? Is he all right?” At the genuine concern and fright in Croft's voice, Emily rushed to reassure her. “Ace is fine. I’m actually calling you for a business reference. I’m thinking of hiring him.” “The Emily who is his brother’s friend? You own The Company?” “Yes. Liam and I. Ace spoken of me?” Emily could only imagine what was said and braced to defend herself. “Oh, yes.” She laughed. “I’m rather shocked you’re calling as a potential employer.” “I’m rather surprised myself,” Emily admitted, and explained her predicament. “So what did you think of Ace as an executive assistant? That was his position; am I correct?” “Ace was invaluable to me. He’s quick on his feet, comes up with interesting ideas, and always kept me well-sorted.” “I’m assuming that’s a good thing. I need someone who’ll keep my schedule updated, make sure I get to where I need to go. Someone with whom I can brainstorm and bounce ideas off. Your reputation and standing in t
▪️ Emily ▪️ Emily took a corresponding step away from Ace. “It’s not about satisfying me. It’s about the clients and getting the job done and done well. I’m fine with a trial run.” Again in control, she lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “I’m going to the office now to set things up for you to come in tomorrow. You should be ready to work. Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you because you’re Liam's brother.” Ace's eyes narrowed. “I’ll meet you at the office later so I can start early and be fully on board and ready to go tomorrow. And for the record, I don’t need anyone to go easy on me. I can take it as hard as it comes. You should know that. Especially after yesterday.” “Cut that out,” Emily snapped, clenching her fists. This was the Ace she knew—obnoxious and always ready to push her buttons. “What?” Ace's wide-eyed innocence didn’t fool her. Emily darted a swift glance to each side and lowered her voice. “All the innuendos about what happened between us.” “I th
▪️Ace▪️ The guard inside the entrance of The Company’s offices stopped him. “Can I help you?” “I’m meeting Emily Lyre.” Ace gave his most winning smile, but the guard wasn’t Joey the saleswoman and didn’t return it. The nametag on his uniform read Ted. “I’m starting work for The Company. Nice to meet you, Ted. Liam Holland is my brother.” That thawed him a bit. “Okay. I can see it now. You look a little alike. Miss Lyra not here. The offices aren’t open today.” “I know, but he’s coming in to get things ready for me. We just came from Liam and Olivia's wedding.” That got a grin out of the older man. “Oh, she’s a sweetheart. Always has a nice word and a smile.” One of the great mysteries of life was how Olivia was so sweet, kind, and funny while Emily was…well, Emily. Must’ve missed the sign-up for the happy gene when they were being handed out. “Ace, what’re you doing here?” Emily stood in the entranceway with a coffee in hand. “I told you I’d be coming. If I’m jumping in righ
▪️Ace▪️ Emily shot him an unreadable look but said nothing and continued tapping on the keyboard. “All right. IT will also give you access to my calendar and the client lists. We have a lookbook of all our accounts. At the moment there are sixty active campaigns. You don’t need to know all of them, only the ones I’m dealing with, and right now, the main one we’re pitching for is Mojo, a lifestyle company that includes fitness, grooming, and food.” “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of them. Taylor used their stuff, but it was too rich for my blood.” Emily reached into a drawer, rummaged around, and pulled out a few tubes and a jar. “Here. They sent over samples. Take what you want.” “Seriously? Thanks.” Emily opened the jar and sniffed the hair pomade. “Nice. I know a lot of guys use their stuff and follow their routines.” “Yes. We’re hoping they hire us for all their media, and we can run their print as well as social-media campaigns.” “Yeah, sure. I’ll go over their files tonight.” “Good.
▪️Ace▪️ “Don’t you have to eat?” Ace didn’t want to be alone. With the wedding over, the last place he wanted to be was with his parents, having to rehash the afternoon. They’d begun to nag him about his personal life, and he’d be forced to sit and listen before escaping to his bedroom. Liam and Olivia place had been a much-needed haven where he enjoyed hanging out, but that lifeline had been cut off. He hadn’t thought to ask them to stay at their place while they were away, which he now regretted. If he didn’t find something soon, he’d need to call them about it. Emily finished locking the doors. “I usually order sushi and prepare for Monday morning’s group meeting.” “I was going to have sushi. How about we eat together?” Emily pushed the elevator button and didn’t speak until they were on their way down. “Look. I don’t know what’s going on in your mind, but I’m not interested in a repeat of what happened between us. Whether you like the word or not, it
▪️ Emily ▪️ "Of course. I expected nothing less.” Emily spoke to her empty office as she paced and checked her watch. Eight thirty in the morning and no Ace. But should she really be surprised? She hadn’t believed Ace when he’d stated he’d be at the office early. Still, Emily couldn’t help the little sting of disappointment. “At least try and make an effort.” Her phone dinged with a text. Can you let me in? I don’t have the key. Emily strode to the front of their offices, where Ace stood shifting from foot to foot. “So much for getting in early,” Emily said after unlocking the doors. “I stayed up late studying the client list, and after the little sleep I had the previous night, I guess it all caught up with me.” Ace breezed past her, and Emily held the door open as Kass, their receptionist, exited the elevator on their floor. “Good morning, Kass.” She’d save his choice words for Ace for when they were in the safety of her office. Never los
▪️ Emily ▪️ A faint smile rested on his lips. “Supremely confident” and “arrogant as hell” were the words most coworkers used to describe Simone, and while Emily agreed, she also had to admit the man was a damn hard worker. Simone made it a point to become personally familiar with the clients in a way Emily never could, which made for a good working relationship between them. It was why Emily chose him as her second. Jude let Simone lead when it came to personal interactions, while he handled the numbers end. Pretending nonchalance, Emily raised a brow. “Oh? What did you hear?” “Aside from the food being delicious, somehow Liam's brother ended up with a job here? How’d he manage that? I thought he was a fuckup, a party boy.” Emily winced at the harsh words. “First of all, he’s a man, not a boy—he’s around your age. And I wouldn’t say he’s a fuckup. After working at a luxury resort, he became Taylor Croft's personal assistant. I’m sure you’ve heard of he