“Is all the documentation for the Christmas program ready?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Bring it with you. I want us to review it together.”
“Can we do it in about an hour? The sales team has a surprise for you. They’re waiting for you down in the store.”
>
The Statham Department Store in San Francisco was so huge that there was plenty of space for our offices on the upper level.
He cocked a brow. “I don’t have that on my schedule.”
“Well, no. It’s a surprise.”
“I don’t have time right now.”
“I’ll let them know and then be right with you.”
“Okay. And for the record, don’t let anyone plan any more surprises. There’s no time for that.”
Ouch. Everyone had been so anxious for his arrival. It was practically a company-wide event. So many employees had stayed with Statham Stores for decades because they were loyal to the family, because they loved and respected his parents, and him by extension. They wanted to meet him.
How could someone so good-looking be so grouchy? I had to suck in a breath and steel myself when Winston walked past me. Damn, damn, damn. The closer he came, the more handsome he seemed, even though his expression was serious. Did the boss even know how to smile?
I was making it my mission to find out.
Chapter Two
Winston
The second I entered my office, I realized that I should have structured my opening speech differently. I should have spent more time preparing it, but if there was one thing I didn’t have, it was time. I’d never been under so much pressure, and if the numbers didn’t improve, I’d have to close this store.
I refused to even consider that possibility. I would come through for my parents, who trusted me, but also for every single employee working in this store. Their livelihoods depended on it. Statham Stores owned twelve department stores around the United States and eight in Europe, but I refused to close even one—especially this one. I had so many great memories of this place.
I practically grew up on these floors, watching Mom and Dad run it. They’d shared this very office space. Back then, there were two desks in opposite corners. Now they’d been replaced with a long one for me.
Someone knocked at the door.
“It’s Sienna.”
“Come in.”
I took a deep breath. It didn’t help much. She was so beautiful, I just couldn’t look away from her. Her light brown hair reached the middle of her back. Warm brown eyes complemented her bronze skin tone perfectly.
“I have the Christmas program here. The sales team would still like to meet you, whenever you have time, and personally, I think it’s a good idea.”
I didn’t have time for pleasantries, but I’d already made that clear. If she insisted, it meant she disagreed. I’d call her out on it, but one of the reasons I chose to promote her instead of hiring a replacement for the branding VP was precisely because she never held back.
Sure, that led to some verbal sparring, but also very creative and productive solutions for the website redesign. Modernizing Statham Stores wasn’t an easy task, but Sienna hadn’t shied away from any challenge.
We sat side by side at the long desk. She’d brought the printed version of the Christmas program. It covered everything from pricing strategy to Christmas-themed events. At this point, I’d be screwed if she quit. She was indispensable for what I had in mind to save the store.
I refused to be attracted to her. And yet, I could barely keep myself from moving closer to her.
“Did our usual band for Christmas Eve confirm?”
“Yes, but we’re also holding auditions for a second band. It’s good to bring in some new blood.”