Page 30 of Money Reigns
Set my purse down.
Slide into the chair behind the desk and open the folder he gave me.
Focus.Breathe. Work like your life depends on it.
If I’m going to survive this, I have to prove I belong here.
***
The knock on my office door startles me.
I glance at the time.
12:15.
Damn it. I’m late.
“Come in,” I call, though my voice barely carries.
The door opens with a quiet click.
I start gathering up papers and open files from my desk as I rise.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Beau—Warren. I must have lost track of time, but I sent you the—”
I look up.
There he is.
My new boss.
Icy eyes locked on mine.
A chill licks down my spine. I’m about to speak again when I notice the tray in his hands. His sleeves are rolled to the elbows, forearms flexing as he holds the tray like it’s a peace offering.
But his stare tells me it isn’t.
“I had lunch sent up,” he says simply. “But you’relate.”
I clear my throat as I tap the file against my palm. “I—”
“You tend toalwaysbe late, Ms. Baker.”
My spine stiffens. “I was working, and I sent you—”
He doesn’t let me finish.
“The files. I heard you the first time. You’ll get better at efficiency.” His tone cuts, final. Then he sets the tray down, so close his cologne drags through me like smoke.
“Sit.”
My body obeys before my brain catches up. Heat rushes to my cheeks.
“Good.” The word lands like a verdict.
What the fuck was that?
He takes the seat across from me, and I glance at the tray.
