Page 16 of Massive Size Mountain Man
I stare at him.
“You didn’t? But what do you do, Mr. Carrington? Surely, you work.”
He grins, flashing that movie star smile again.
“I more than work, sweetheart. I’m the CEO of two companies.”
I frown.
“Simultaneously? Or do you mean, you used to be the CEO of one, and are now the CEO of another?”
The handsome man grins, although this time it’s a bit mirthless.
“No, I’m CEO of both at once. I don’t recommend it because it means zero free time.”
I stare at him, puzzled.
“But why did you agree to take the positions then?”
He shrugs.
“That’s a really good question, sweetheart, and I ask myself that all the time. Why indeed? It can’t be for the money because I’ve just been awarded a trillion dollar pay package by one of my companies, so I’m rolling in dough.”
My jaw drops with astonishment.
“Trillion dollar? Surely, you mean, millions or even a billion.”
Liam grins, his teeth white against his tanned skin.
“No, I mean trillion,” he says. “I’m already a billionaire, so another billion wasn’t going to be a big deal. But yeah, I guess the board believes in me, and believes that I’ve earned my salary. So a trillion dollars it is. It’s not a hundred percent cash,” he explains. “And it’s not going to be paid out all at once either. It’s a mixture of stock, stock options, retirement benefits, as well as cash, so there are a lot of things thrown into the mix.”
Still, I’m so surprised that I’m speechless.
“Wow,” I murmur. “Just wow.”
Liam grins again.
“Yeah, it’s a big wow, but actually, I do need the money, believe it or not. One of my companies is into space exploration, and one day, we’re hoping to colonize Mars. That’s going to cost a fuck ton, and I’m already resigned to the fact that most likely, I’ll be the one funding the effort.”
“Colonize Mars?” I gasp. “Really? That sounds like out of a science fiction novel.”
“Yep,” Liam grins. “It basically is, but I think we can do it. I believe in the potential of the human race, and this is a vote of confidence in humanity as a whole. With the right resources, timing, and people, as well as a stroke of luck, I believe that we can do it.”
I’m astonished and impressed by this handsome man because I figured I was here to service a run-of-the-mill CEO. I figured my client would be some dude who’s rich up the wazoo, and who can buy anything he wants, from fancy houses to exotic sports cars.
But Liam Carrington is at another level because he’s not about the material, although obviously he has plenty. Instead, this man dreams big and wants to help humanity. He’s not just about himself; he’s about moving the human race forwards as a whole.
You are out of your league, Avalon, the voice in my head remarks. You’re just a lowly barista, and here you are, chatting with a man who leads not one, but two companies.
Yes, but people aren’t their jobs either, another voice in my head retorts in return. People are more than their nine to fives.
Still, I can’t contain my feeling of awe, and stare at Liam.
“So you must work all the time.”
“I do,” he acknowledges in a wry tone. “I’m on the clock constantly, and that’s partially why I have this cabin. It’s remote, and people know not to bother me when I’m here. Plus, sometimes signal goes down, so what can I say? They’re not getting a response today, tomorrow, or even later this week.”
I giggle.
