Prologue
Nell
“You did an amazing job, Penelope. I genuinely appreciate your hard work and patience with me.”
After double-checking that all our luggage was accounted for, I turned to look at my boss. “Thank you, Mr. Beckett.”
He sighed, “How many times have I told you to call me Grant?”
I grinned at him. We’ve had this conversation multiple times. “Only if you start calling me Nell.”
“Deal.”
Grant was a kind person. He reminded me of a grandfatherly figure who loved to tell stories. It was hard to believe he worked at one of the most prestigious and infamous law firms in the country. The office gossip was that he was a powerful force back in the day. Dealing with the clients of Weston & Whitlock requires a ruthless approach. Despite being difficult to imagine, his track record proves it.
He didn’t practice anymore. Currently, he oversees the main office operations, ensuring everything is running smoothly. With age, his need for help increased. That’s where I came in. I joined the firm as an intern a few months ago. My responsibilities mostly involve filing paperwork and doing various office tasks. Grant recently promoted me to his personal assistant. Although it wasn’t much of a change from my previous activities, at least I was getting paid.
“Oh! I almost forgot. Mr. Weston wants to speak with you before we leave.”
Shit.
I had just met Mr. Weston recently. While he was friendly, he still came across as extremely intimidating. It didn’t help that the man was panty-melting handsome.
Following his father’s unexpected death, Mr. Weston became CEO of the firm. That’s why we were here in Hawaii. He planned a special event to express his gratitude to the clients for their loyalty during the transition. I think that’s one reason Grant decided to bring me on as his assistant. It was quite a challenge to plan an event like this, especially in an entirely different state. Preparing for the flights, rooms, dinners, and activities was time-consuming.
“Do you know where he is?” I glanced around.
“I believe he is in the main lobby.”
I gave a single nod. “I’ll be back.”
Hopefully.
I didn’t really think I was losing my job. The trip we organized was incredible. I know the clients had a blast. I just had no idea what he wanted.
I briefly scanned the lobby. This resort was truly beautiful. It was a place that felt incredibly open and vibrant. The lobby alone gave off a tropical paradise vibe.
“Nell.”
I turned to the sound of my name.
“Mr. Weston.”
The closer I got, the more I noticed the day-old stubble on his face. Yesterday, he was completely clean-shaven when I saw him. And damn, that just made him even more attractive. I didn’t even think that was possible.
“Please, take a seat.”
I took a seat in one of the comfy chairs. As my nerves kicked in, my leg started bouncing involuntarily. It was a habit I was trying to break. I hated that I couldn’t hide when I was worried or nervous. It was always clear when something was wrong. As soon as he glanced at my leg, I immediately stopped bouncing it.
“I wanted to thank you again for all the hard work you put into putting this event together. I know it was challenging, and you didn’t have much time to prepare.”
“It was my pleasure, sir.”
A small smile began to form at the corner of his mouth, but vanished quickly.
“I have a business proposal for you.”
“I’m sorry?” He might not have realized that I was an assistant, not a lawyer, at the firm.
“A business proposal,” he stood up and began buttoning his suit coat, “I’d like us to discuss it on the plane ride home.”
I slowly stood up, still a little confused. “Okay. Are you on the same flight as us?”
“I have a jet waiting.”
Of course he did.
As he began to turn to walk away, he paused and looked back at me. “Are you coming?”
“Um…” I looked at my phone, then in the direction where I left Grant.
“Don’t worry. Grant will get back just fine. I’ll also make sure that we take care of your luggage.”
“But I already got a ticket.”
He smirked. “Aren’t you being reimbursed for that, anyway?”
“Well, yes.”
“Alright. Then let’s go.” This time, when he walked away, he didn’t stop to see if I was following. Which meant he expected me to. I quickly followed, trying to catch up with him.
The person whom I would assume is the pilot greeted us as soon as we stepped on the aircraft.
“Mr. Weston. Ms. Ellis.”
I smiled politely and nodded back.
“Holy shit,” I exclaimed as soon as we boarded the plane. From behind me, I could hear Mr. Weston chuckling. I covered my mouth with my hand. “I apologize. That was inappropriate.”
Taking a seat, he motioned towards the empty chair beside him while fastening his seatbelt. “I wouldn’t say inappropriate. That was basically my exact reaction. I believe I used the words, ‘Christ, Dad. This is a bit much’.”
I laughed in understanding as I looked around.
It was a very spacious plane. The seats were large and comfortable. There was enough room to relax and stretch out. It’s definitely an improvement from the flight I was supposed to take. The entire space was a bright white, except for the gold accents on the walls, windows, and furniture.
“I was hoping you’d help me with something, Nell.”
Right, the proposal.
“Each year, my dad and his colleagues organized a massive Halloween celebration for clients, employees, and their families.”
I responded with a nod. I wasn’t here for Halloween last year, but I heard all about the famous parties.
“I want you to be in charge of planning it.”
I gave him a confused look. “Halloween is still a few months away.”
“This party is going to be huge. I want to make sure you have enough time to properly plan for it.”
I coughed and attempted to hide my surprise. “I’m not really an event planner, sir.”
“I understand that. To be honest, I could simply hire someone. However, I think you’d do a better job. You’ll receive a generous compensation for your work, and anything you might need.”
I locked eyes with him, captivated by his piercing green gaze. I had to force myself to look away. Just as I was about to agree, because how could I say no, the plane started to take off. I saw him tightly clutching his seat and leaning his head back.
“Are you afraid to fly?”
“Absolutely not,” he hastily peeked through the window and then lowered the shade, “I’m terrified of falling.”
I closed my lips tightly to hold back my laughter. He looked so innocent and adorable at that moment. “Then why do you fly?”
He shrugged, “It’s faster.”
Well, I couldn’t argue with that.
Max
Fuck, I hated flying. You’d think I would be used to it by now. My father flew us everywhere. It was one reason he decided to invest in the private jet.
The pain of his sudden death was still fresh. I wasn’t prepared to take his place. Honestly, I never wanted to. I had intended to talk about that with him, but now it’s too late. I’m stuck with his legacy. For now, at least.
I briefly glanced at Nell, who had her attention on her phone. I was fully aware that this was a terrible idea. It would be best if I hired someone and kept my distance from her. However, I couldn’t find the will to do that. She was incredibly beautiful, with her light blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her body had all the right curves in all the right places. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to get a handful of that voluptuous ass. Not only was she beautiful, but she was smart and incredibly sweet. Despite not knowing her for long, I already felt the desire to spend more time with her. And damn, I’m about to lose my mind if she keeps calling me sir.
There were many reasons I shouldn’t have been attracted to her. First and foremost, she worked for the company. That alone made me a complete idiot.
Second, there was a ten-year age difference between us. The age gap alone should have discouraged me.
Third, I didn’t know much about her, to be honest. There’s a chance that she is in a serious relationship. It’s possible that she was attracted to women. The last thing I wanted to do was make a fool of myself.
The sudden jerk of the plane made me clutch the seat tightly and close my eyes.
“What do you think of this?”
When I opened my eyes, she was holding her phone out to me. I grabbed it to get a better look. “What is this?”
“It’s a catering company that specializes exclusively in themed events.” She grabbed the phone, clicked on a link, and handed it back to me. “There’s even a list of their Halloween themed food and drinks.”
I tried to hide my smile, but it was too difficult to hold back. I knew exactly what she was doing. She was trying to distract me from the flight. And fuck, that just made me want her even more.
While she pulled out a notepad and pen from her bag, I scrolled through the phone. She jotted down notes as she adorably whispered to herself. I couldn’t care less about the catering company. I had complete faith in her. I played along, though. I acted as if I was interested. As she wrote, I couldn’t help but notice her leg bouncing. It seemed like a nervous habit. I had a sudden need to learn more. I felt a strong desire to know everything about her.
I was completely clueless about what to do. I had never been so captivated by someone in such a short time.
I needed to get laid, that’s what I needed. It’s been too long. It’s possible that’s why I find myself so drawn to her. Maybe a night of taking out my frustrations on someone will help get Nell out of my head.
Just the thought of it made me feel slimy. I never really indulged in the playboy lifestyle. Despite what most people think.
Have I occasionally had one-night stands? Yes, but I never intentionally went out just to sleep with someone. It would always just happen in the moment.
“Mr. Weston?”
My name snapped me out of my thoughts. “I’m sorry. What was that?”
She gave me a sweet smile. “I was just saying that our first step should be to decide on a place for the party.”
I nodded. “I already have that covered.”
The only thing I already knew was the location of the party. Right before I heard the landing gear deploy, the pilot announced we were about to touch down. I exhaled with relief before giving Nell her phone back.
“See. That wasn’t so bad.”
I gave her a doubtful look, as if to say, “if you say so.” A giggle escaped her, and I groaned internally.
Get ahold of yourself, Weston.
If I can’t maintain professionalism around Nell, someone else will need to handle the party arrangements with her. I had no plans to remove her from the assignment. Her talent was undeniable, and she rightfully deserved it. Plus, I’m sure she’s looking for something more thrilling than filing paperwork.
It’s been decided. After landing, I’ll still be CEO while she remains Grant’s assistant, nothing more.
I let out an exasperated breath, doubting the truth of my own words.
