Page 51 of Selfish Suit

This place is a simple brownstone walk-up, far across town from the amenity-laden places Tracey showed me. Far away from anything that remotely resembles the world of Sutton.

I make sure I have my files and rush out the door to my new job: Front Edge Group—a mid-sized marketing firm that has upfront views of the Hudson River.

Another huge (and necessary) change…

I step into the conference room for onboarding and smile politely at the two other new hires beside me.

The Human Resources manager walks us through policies, perks, company culture.

Nothing exciting. Nothing scandalous. Just... ordinary.

Exactly what I need.

“Our owner will stop in shortly to introduce himself,” she says. “He’ll take over the second half of your orientation.”

I take a long sip of coffee and focus on the ferry boat cruising by our window.

Minutes later, the door opens behind us and heavy footsteps fill the room.

I glance up with a smile?—

And my stomach drops.

Dominic?

He stares at me for a few seconds before extending his hand to the other new hires. When he shakes my hand, every nerve in my body comes to life, and his fingers linger against my skin a little longer than necessary.

“I don’t typically come to my boutique firm this early in the season, but…” His eyes meet mine. “I received an email with your names and thought I’d make an exception.”

The other two women blush and hang on his every word as he gives a shortened version of his bio, and then he thanks us for our time and hands us his business card.

I never knew he had business cards, but as the card touches my hand, I can’t help but notice the tagline in grey italics:

“The most selfLESS CEO in Manhattan.”

I hold back a laugh.

“It was nice meeting you ladies,” he says. “If you ever need anything, or want to consider working at the main headquarters, let me know.”

“Thank you.” I push up my chair and follow them to the door.

“Miss Locke.” His voice pins me to the spot. “Stay behind, please.”

“I have work to do.”

“I doubt it. You just started here…”

I turn around to face him, hating how my heart instantly reacts. How it can’t determine the difference between lust and true emotions.

“I didn’t know you owned this company,” I say.

“It’s only a partial stake,” he shrugs. “Just enough to matter.”

“Well, it’s nice seeing you again, but?—”

“So, you’re trying to control shit that’s out of your hands?” A slow smile crosses his face. “I need you to come with me for brunch.”

“Now?”