Chapter Seventeen
“To the office please,Cal. I want to show Louisa around. Bryce and Max are expectingus.”
“They are?” I ask, climbing into the back seat of the large peoplecarrier.
“Yes, it’s almost five o’clock, kicking out time. Well, for today at least,” Hudson says, giving me an easy smile. Hudson had decided to work from home today, and given I am starting work as their personal assistant on Monday, he thought it a good idea he show me my new place of work. Frankly, I am itching to get out of the house. Not that it hasn’t been fun spending so much time with them all, but I need to get back into working again. I don’t want them to think I’m taking it easy on their time. They may be my boyfriends now, but they are not responsible for the state of my bankaccount.
“No problem,” Calum responds, giving a wave to Nisha, who is standing in the doorway watching us leave. “Traffic going into London this time shouldn’t be too bad. Coming back might be a bit iffythough.”
“We can grab a cab, Cal. I know you’re clocking off soon, I should’ve checked if you have plans,” Hudsonsays.
Cal catches my eye in the rear-view mirror. “No, no plans. It’s all good,” he says, pulling out of thedrive.
Almost another week has passed since that night at the club, and a few days since we visited my mum’s grave. Nisha and Calum have spent time together as friends, despite Nisha wanting more, despite Calum’s obvious attraction for her. I haven’t quite figured out what his issue is, why he’s holding back. But so long as Nisha is happy, like she seems to be, then I’m happy forher.
“I wish you’d mentioned we’d be going to the office. I would’ve dressed a little smarter,” I say, picking at my frayed jeans and flannelette shirt. Hanging around the house dressed like this is one thing, going to their swanky office looking like a vagrant is quiteanother.
“That doesn’t matter. Aside from when we have meetings or have an important function to attend, none of the staff wear suits. We never wanted our company to project a stiff image. I think you’ll like it. Besides, most of the staff leave at five sharp on a Friday; by the time we get there most will haveleft.”
“Okay then, but just so you know, this isn’t the kind of casual I’ll be wearing when I start working with you. I mean, I don’t own a suit, but I’d feel more comfortable in something a little less…grubby.”
Hudson grins. “I kind of like the laid-back look on you. It’scute.”
“Hmm,” I say,unconvinced.
Hudson stretches over and takes my hand in his. “Seriously, you could be dressed up in a bin bag and I’d still find youhot.”
I smile. “Well, that’s never going tohappen.”
“How about some leathers? I swear to you, Louisa, I haven’t forgotten how great your arse looked in those trousers you wore in the club back in France. I don’t think I’ve ever been more turned on, seeing you dressed like a rock chick with the attitude to match. You caused quite a stir thatnight.”
“Hudson,” I say, my eyes widening. It’s not that I don’t like Calum or anything, but I am not so comfortable with him listening in on ourconversations.
“Don’t worry about Cal, he’s very discreet. Plus, he’s learnt to tune out our talk.” Hudson winks at me. “Cal, are youlistening?”
Calum doesn’tanswer.
“See, notinterested.”
“Funny,” Isay.
Before long we arrive at a five-storey, glass-fronted building along the river in Chelsea. It looks like a larger version of their home. Above the double doors in silver lettering are the words Freed Corp. It’s impressive and intimidating all atonce.
“Cal, head on home, this may take some time. We’ll catch a cab backlater.”
“I can wait,” Calum says, glancing at us both in the rear-viewmirror.
“No, you go on home. Keep Nishacompany.”
Calum’s eyes flick to mine and I can’t help but smile. Nisha will be over the moon to have some alone time withhim.
“Sure,” hesays.
Hudson opens the door and I slide along the seat, stepping out behindhim.
“This is yours?” I ask inwonderment.
Hudson takes my hand in his and we walk towards the entrance. “Yes, this is ours. You likeit?”