During the drive from the city to the suburbs, exhaustion from the day’s work settles into my bones.
God, I’m going to sleep like the dead tonight.
My thoughts return to Finn and the uneasy feeling he gave me tonight. It’s not the typical kind when you’re intimidated by a boss, but more like dealing with a man that’s interested in you when you don’t reciprocate his feelings.
There’s nothing physically wrong with Finn. He’s attractive and obviously wealthy, and I’m sure there are many women who’d like to date him, but not me. He’s not my type.
Actually, I don’t know what my type is.
There’s just something about Finn that makes the hackles on the back of my neck rise.
Maybe it’s because this job is so important to me, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.
Yeah, that’s probably it.
When the cab comes to a stop, I quickly settle the fee and get out. Taking a deep breath of the evening air, I let myself into the house and find Dad in front of the TV.
Instantly a frown settles on his forehead while he takes in my work attire, then he shakes his head. “You’re testin’ me, lass. I told you to stop workin’ at that place.”
The last thing I want to do is fight, and after pressing a kiss to Dad’s cheek, I ask, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine!” he snaps, anger darkening his eyes. “When are you goin’ to listen to me and stop workin’ at Byrne Enterprises?”
Adamant not to get into a fight with Dad, I give him a pleading look while saying, “Can we not get into it tonight? I just wanted to check in on you.”
His eyes sharpen with worry. “Did somethin’ happen?”
I quickly shake my head. “No.” Dad’s already against me working at Byrne Enterprises, so I’ll never tell him anything negative. It will only make matters worse. “I’m actually doing well at work.”
Dad lets out a sigh. “You’ve always been stubborn.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “Just like you.”
My comment earns me a rare smile from Dad, then he nods in the direction of the front door. “It’s late, lass. Get goin’.”
I take a moment to inspect Dad’s coloring. He does look better, his skin not so pale anymore. “Bye, Dad.”
“Text me when you get home, so I know you’re safe,” Dad calls after me.
“I will.”
Pulling the door shut behind me, I take my phone from my bag so I can order a cab.
When I get home, I plan on showering and going straight to bed. Today’s been really tiring.
Chapter 5
Kiara
Five days. Just five days, and I’ll get my first paycheck.
God, I can’t wait.
Every time I think about it, excitement fills my chest. Sure, it’s not my actual first paycheck, but this one feels different. It’s not part-time but permanent, and that makes all the difference.
I’ll save up for three months, then I’ll be able to get a bigger apartment. After that’s done, I plan on padding my savings account again.
“What’s that smile for?” Denise asks when she takes a seat behind the reception counter.
“Dreaming about my first paycheck,” I grin at her.
Putting in her earpiece, her smile matches mine. “I still remember mine. I spent it all on clothes and makeup.”
“That must’ve been so much fun.”
Will Gillen, who I think is some kind of assistant to Liam Byrne, places his hands on the counter, and leaning forward, he asks, “What was fun?”
He’s the only executive who’s actually down to earth, and his smile is always warm.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Denise teases him, her dark eyes sparkling brighter than usual.
Hmm…
“Teasin’ me again?” Will murmurs as he leans closer to her. “One of these days…” With a wink at Denise, he walks away from the counter.
I can’t keep the huge smile off my face as I widen my eyes at her. “What’s that about?”
Denise shrugs, but her face is shining with happiness. “Maybe something, maybe nothing,” she answers vaguely.
“Oh, that’s a whole lot of something,” I tease her. The internal line rings, and I quickly answer, “Kiara speaking.”
“My office. Now,” Finn orders.
The smile drops from my face. “Yes, Sir.”
Ending the call, I remove my earpiece, and it has Denise asking, “You’ve been summoned again?” When I nod, she frowns darkly. “He’s really starting to make a habit of it. I hope he’s paying you for the extra work he’s making you do.”
“I’ve been logging the hours,” I say to set her at ease, then quickly make my way up to the executive floor.
When the elevators open, it’s to see Will talking with Devon. Devon instantly frowns, then asks, “Again?”
I nod as I step into the lavish reception area.
“Again, what?” Will asks.
“Finn has Kiara doing his work,” Devon mutters, cautiously glancing in the direction of Finn’s office.
Will crosses his arms over his chest, then locks eyes with me. “Is that so?”