I notice security cameras at the end of each hallway. “What’s going on with all of the security cameras?” I ask curiously.
“Oh, those. Alex is big on security. Always has been.” She shrugs her shoulders and gives no more information than that. A bit strange, I thought. Or paranoid.
I meet two other executives – Harold Smith, the Chief Financial Officer, and Marvin Kelly, Chief Operations Officer. So far, so good. Everyone seems really nice and welcoming. Later, I watch a couple of videos regarding company policies and procedures. Before I know it the morning has flown by.
Finally, Alex emerges from his office. He walks over, knocks on my door and enters.
“Hello, Katherine. My apologizes. I’ve been on a conference call which lasted longer than I anticipated.”
“Hello, Mr. McCall. Yes, I understand,” I reply. Alex nods, a small smile playing on his lips. My heart suddenly beats a little faster, my breathing quickens. “Uh, Sandra has given me a tour of the office. I’ve watched the company videos. And I’ve made a start with organizing my office, labeling folders and such.” I say. Stop rambling, I tell myself sternly.
“Very good. It sounds like you’re settling in nicely. And please, call me Alex.” We hold each other’s gaze.
“Right. Alex.” I said. He was wearing a dark grey suit paired with a burgundy tie and matching pocket square. The man is a sharp dresser, I’ll give him that. He was even better looking than I remembered. I hope his good looks would not be a constant distraction for me. I tore my eyes away from him and looked down at the folders on my desk.
“Let’s go to my office. I want to brief you on an upcoming development.” Alex said, all business. Thank goodness, I thought, feeling a sense of relief. I was ready to start working.
Following Alex into his office, I sit down in front of his desk, pen and notebook in hand, ready to start taking notes.
“I’ve just secured investors for the London Cosmopolitan Hotel. It will be a new development with demolition of the existing building in two weeks. Opening of the hotel is scheduled in six months.”
McCall Enterprises was known for hotels all over the world, but especially it’s Cosmopolitan Hotels. It was the company’s signature hotel line with a Cosmopolitan Hotel in every major city in the world.
“Since it’s a Cosmopolitan Hotel, it will be ultra -exclusive. Private club with membership only. First class restaurant. I want this hotel to be the premier hotel in London.” Alex paused, his eye shining brightly. He was in his element.
> I was busily taking notes. This was a big project, one that I could sink my teeth into. A project where I could prove myself.
“Of course, I want to stay on schedule and under budget.” I could hear the determination in his voice. Alex McCall was known for building exquisite, high-end hotels that also managed to stay within budget and on schedule. It was a testament to how well he ran his business.
“Of course. I’ll start securing contracts with designers and architects.”
“Excellent. Keep me updated on everything.” He looks at me, his gaze lingering. “Oh, and by the way, welcome to your first day. I’m pleased you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”
I stood to leave, glancing at him quickly, trying to concentrate on work. I could feel his eyes on me when I turned to leave his office. I could feel the excitement that it gave me.
Alex watched as Katherine closed the door behind her. She had performed well. Attentive, alert, ready to work. Alex sensed she was hungry for a big project like the Cosmopolitan. Alex also sensed she was attracted to him. He liked that. It gave him a sense of power which was a turn on for him. Unknown to Katherine, he had been watching her while he was in his office during the conference call. He wanted to study her while she was unguarded. Observing someone when they thought no one was watching was always the best way to really get to know them. And he wanted to know everything about Katherine.
Chapter 6
It was an unusually warm and sunny Saturday. At least, warm and sunny by London standards. The weather here was a bit different than what I was used to in Georgia. I decide to go out for the day, ready to enjoy London. It seemed like all I had been doing since arriving was working. It was time to get out. Do some shopping and sightseeing.
Springtime in London is enchanting. The deep freeze of winter was finally subsiding and bright, colorful flowers were beginning to bloom. Hyde Park was scattered with people lying on blankets and playing ball, taking advantage of the warm weather. I put on a pair of sunglasses, look up at a cloudless blue sky, and felt the warmth of the sun on my face.
I stroll through the streets of London with no particular destination in mind, allowing myself to go wherever the city takes me. I stop and order a coffee at the closest Starbucks. The city was buzzing with activity. People darting in and out of shops, tourists snapping photos, and cars whizzing by.
I make my way across the street to Portobello Market. It’s a bustling open air market with pastel colored townhouses lining the street on each side. It’s full of merchants selling everything from tee-shirts to teapots. Walking along the market, it’s an endless procession of bargains and treasures. I notice a table full of soft, leather handbags. I stop and examine an antique brass clock. Admire a bold Western-style turquoise ring.
Then I spot it. A white cashmere scarf. I pick up the scarf, feel the softness between my fingers that is cashmere. It’s gorgeous. Elegant in its simplicity.
The saleslady immediately senses a potential sale. “It’s a lovely scarf,” she says. “It would look so good on you. Try it on,” she says encouragingly, while holding up a hand mirror.
I wrap the white scarf around my shoulders. “It’s beautiful,” I said, admiring my reflection in the mirror.
“Stunning. And so is the scarf.” A male voice behind my shoulder. His voice. Slowly I turn around and there he is. Alex.
My heart stops. I have to tell myself to breathe. He must be the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on.