My stomach quivers in excitement or maybe confusion. “How did you find me?”
“Find you?” he questions.
“We met at Atlas 22,” I say quietly. “How did you know that I work here? I never mentioned Garent Industries.”
Clearing his throat he looks me dead in the eyes. “Our run-in at the restaurant was purely coincidental.”
My brow furrows as I take in what he said. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ll make it crystal clear.” He takes a step closer to me. “I’m Barrett Adler. I’m your new boss.”
Chapter 7
Barrett
Isn’t this an interesting turn of events?
The beautiful woman standing in front of me is my new assistant. She’s also the woman who sat down at my table at Atlas 22 the other night and inserted herself firmly into the middle of my date.
“You’re my new boss?” Her eyes widen but her expression gives nothing away.
I live for moments like this.
Surprising an employee is always a test to their character. If they handle it well, they gain my respect. If they don’t, that’s a mark on their record.
I’m not a three strikes and you’re out kind of man. Two strikes will land you in the unemployment line. If the infraction is serious enough, one strike is all it takes.
I value hard work, integrity, and honesty.
Self-control is a must.
Isabella Calvetti is about to prove if she has any.
“That’s correct.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Her eyes follow my movements. She takes in my tailored gray suit, black button-down shirt, and matching tie.
First impressions set the t
one, so I chose carefully before I arrived at the offices of Garent Industries thirty minutes ago. Every person who works in this building will in some way be answering to me.
“You’re mistaken.” Her head tilts. “Where’s Duke?”
That’s complicated and messy. Tragic as well, but it’s not my place to delve into the finer details of why Duke Garent isn’t in this office, and I am.
“I need you to arrange the removal of this.” I jerk a thumb over my shoulder at the monstrosity of a desk that Duke had hand carved. Personal taste is subjective, but Duke’s is shit. “The chairs as well. All of the chairs.”
She gazes past my shoulder. “Where’s Duke?”
Persistence is admirable, but in this instance, it’s a waste of time. “Ms. Calvetti, I want these items removed as soon as possible. I have new office furniture arriving at four.”
She glances at the watch on her wrist. “I’m not doing anything until you tell me where my boss is.”
“You’re looking at him.”
Her hands drop to her hips. “I need to make a call.”
“Good.” I exhale. “The sooner they take this out of here, the better.”