Her Billionaire Boss by Gena Snow
Chapter 15
Harper
It’s been six weeks since I started working for Nick. Shortly after we returned from Beacon, he made me to the permanent property manager before the trial period ended. Of course, it means more responsibilities and work, but I enjoy the challenge. Alton Group has properties all over the state, and not all of them are shopping malls. Thus to manage them requires extensive knowledge in various fields.
I’m wrapping up what I’m doing when I see a text from Dylan, a friend from college. “Hey Harp, I’m back in town. You want to grab lunch?”
Dylan has been accepted to Berkeley Law. Since he couldn’t wait to get started, he went for their summer program.
Since I’m also interested in going to Berkeley, I agree without hesitation. “Where do you want to go?”
“What about Ricky’s Bar?”
“Ooh, I’m afraid I can’t go that far,” I say. “My lunch break is only thirty minutes. Can you come to Valley Mall? There’s a Subway.”
“That’s right. I keep forgetting it. Sure, I’ll be there in ten.”
“Good. See ya!”
I finish what I’m doing on the computer and rush out of the office. At the main entrance, I see Nick and tense. We’ve been seeing each other since our business trip and it’s hard to appear nothing is between us in public.
“Hi boss,” I say without looking into his eyes.
To my annoyance, he follows me. “Where’re you heading?”
“Subway,” I say.
“Good, I’m going there too.”
Shit. “What happens to keeping a professional distance at work?” I hiss.
“It’s what I want to talk to you about,” he says, walking beside me. “It’s impossible to do that. Therefore, I need to transfer you to Alton Shopping Center. There’s an opening for office manager.”
My mouth opens. As far as I know, the office manager holds the most power next to the owner. “Oh. Are you saying I’m being promoted?”
“Yes.”
I would’ve squealed if it weren’t for the fact I would be far from him. We haven’t had any office make out again, but I’m used to feasting on his gorgeous sight and fantasizing what we’ll do once we’re alone.
“Aren’t you excited?” he asks.
“I guess,” I say. “Thanks.”
“Good. See me in my office after lunch and we’ll talk about it.”
“Sure.”
Nick opens the door of the sandwich shop for me and I step in. I spot Dylan right away and wave at him. He waves me back with a grin. “Hey! Harp!”
I abandon Nick and run to my friend. Dylan and I hug like long-lost friends although we last saw each other just two months ago at the graduation.
“So, how’s Berkeley?”
“Oh it was wonderful. It was hell, but also wonderful.”
I giggle. “What do you mean?”
“I thought the summer program would be fun and easy, but boy was I wrong! I’ve never studied so hard in my life. I practically lived in the libraries. Can you believe that?”
I laugh. “That’s crazy. But hey, you did it!”
He’s still rambling when Nick clears his throat, reminding me of his presence.
“Oops,” I apologize to Dylan, although I’m annoyed by Nick. “Let me introduce. Nick is my boss, and Nick, Dylan is my friend from college.”
They shake hands, but Nick’s smile isn’t friendly at all. He looks displeased.
We order sandwiches and sit down at Dylan’s table. Again, I was hoping Nick would leave but he doesn’t.
His presence makes me nervous. Dylan isn’t daunted so much, though, and continues to share his experiences in the past month.
Halfway through our meals, he asks, “So, have you decided when you’ll go to Berkeley?”
I blush. Shit. I haven’t told Nick about it yet, so I blush before I speak, “I haven’t decided whether I’ll go there or Stanford. But either way, I won’t be going until spring.”
“Oh come on,” Dylan says with a pout. “Go to Berkeley. We can study together. Their libraries are awesome!”
I haven’t gotten the chance to respond when Nick cuts in. “You’re going to grad school? Does it mean you’ll quit working soon?”
“I haven’t decided…” I stammer when I notice how mad he looks. “I applied for it just in case.”
“You shouldn’t wait,” Dylan says. “Get started ASAP if I were you. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, you know?”
“I know,” I say. “But…”
Nick doesn’t speak after that. He avoids looking at me but keeps glaring at Dylan, looking as if he would murder him. Although I haven’t concealed my plan from him on purpose, I feel as if I’m guilty of lying.
He finishes his sandwich and leaves, telling me to take my time.
I stay chatting with Dylan for a moment longer, agreeing to go to a party at his house this coming weekend, and then I go back to work.
