He nodded, taking a step back. I was about to head out when he said, “Ms. Hensley, come in. And close the door please.”
I did as he said, feeling trapped. Especially when he motioned to the armchairs around the small round table in the corner.
“Sit down with me.”
Why did his voice have to be so rich and deep?
“How is the mood out there?” he asked after we sat down.
Was he genuinely concerned about what people thought about him? I couldn’t get a read on him.
“How do you mean?”
“Let’s put it this way. If I left my sandwich unattended, is there a chance someone would slip poison in it?”
I grinned. “I wouldn’t try my luck if I were you.”
“Noted. What would you suggest I do to improve my odds?”
“Why are you asking me?”
“Because someone who dances to Kylie’s “Santa Baby” first thing in the morning at the office will give it to me straight.”
He looked at me as he said it. I maintained eye contact, even though my body temperature rose so quickly that I felt the need to splash cold water on my face right away.
“No one really knows you, Winston. You arrived less than two days ago, and everyone’s had at least two emails from you with shouty capitals. Your parents were everyone’s friends, and I think most people expected you to be the same. Everyone has different leadership styles, of course, but many of the long-term employees have stayed with Statham Stores because they’re loyal to your family. Because they love your parents.”
Something flashed in those dark green eyes. I had no idea why, but it made me want to reach out and pull him closer.
“Thank you for your honesty.”
“I wanted to ask you something. You didn’t mention the store’s rebrand in the meeting. Was that on purpose?”
“Yes. Please keep it to yourself for now.”
I stood, because his tone was final. He stood as well. I pointed to the unopened sandwich.
“Eat your sandwich. We wouldn’t want you to get hangry. Not the way to improve your odds.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
This time, he didn’t just give me a half smile, but a full one. I’d fulfilled my mission!
Only now I wasn’t just feeling that the distance between us was smaller, but that it was nonexistent. Those alpha vibes were simply too much. Well, well. Winston Statham was waving a white flag. A tiny one, but still, we were making progress.
I left his office because I didn’t think it was smart to be alone with him for longer than necessary. Then I remembered that I was meeting him at six o’clock alone.
Things weren’t going to get any easier today, were they?
Chapter Six
Sienna
At six o’clock, as everyone left, I gathered my laptop and notepad and headed to the meeting room.
I instantly lit up when I entered the room. I’d done so well with all the decorations, I couldn’t be in here and not smile. Mission accomplished.
I hurried to turn on all the twinkling lights. Fingers crossed that Winston wouldn’t object. On second thought, even if he did object, I’d find some way of convincing him that this was productive for work morale. After all, I’d convinced him this morning.