▪️ 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
▪️Ace▪️ Having Amber to talk to about working for Emily took Ace's stress level down a few notches. She was able to give him a little more insight into Emily, both as a person and a boss. “Don’t let her growl put you off,” Amber said when Ace sat across from her. “Emily is the sweetest, but she’s got this hard outer shell she hides under.” “So what you’re telling me is she’s a tortoise. Or, considering who we’re talking about, more likely a hermit crab.” Amber's laughter rang out, and she clapped her hand over her mouth. “I shouldn’t laugh, but oh my God, that’s the funniest thing.” She pointed her finger at him. “You’re going to knock her off her feet. I think the two of you will be perfect together. She needs someone like you.” Ace recalled the heavy thickness of her breasts, the fullness and fought his body’s rising excitement. God knew, she’d needed him that night. The slide of all that fullness as he trusted in and out of her as they ta