Chapter Eighteen
“It’s unusual though,isn’t it? The fact that you employfriends.”
“Business is built on a number of factors, Louisa. A good business, a successful one, the one we have achieved, is built on hard work, friendship, loyalty, and sheer bloodydetermination.”
“Well, I think it’s incredible, what you’ve all achieved,” I say, looking around the place. I feel excited for them,proud.
“Hey, it’s not all on Hudson. Don’t give him all the credit, his head might explode. His ego’s big enoughalready!”
From a door to our left, Max walks into the office. He looks deliciously handsome in his navy suit and crisp white shirt. He has removed his tie, and the top button of the shirt is undone. His blonde hair is a little dishevelled, and I have the sudden urge to run my fingers throughit.
“Ha ha. Just because you want a little ego stroking yourself, don’t spoil mine. You were saying,Louisa?”
I grin. “You are all amazing. Seriously, I’m impressed.” Even though I feel excited about the opportunity to work here with them, self-doubt clouds my thoughts. What if I’m not good enough? What if I mess up? I chew on mynail.
“Louisa, you alright?” Hudsonasks.
“I have no experience at all. I don’t want to be a burden. I can go back to the café and work off the debt that way. You don’t have to give me thisjob.”
“You can do this. Pretty much all of our staff were trained from the bottom up. There isn’t anything we can’t teach you. Sarah, our overworked PA, is great. She’ll show you theropes.”
“Maybe. Honestly though, I don’t mind finding a job someplace else. It might take me longer to pay you back though…” My words still in my mouth as I see the stony expression on Bryce’s face as he enters theroom.
“That’s out of the question,” Bryce says. “You’ll work for us here, where we can keep you safe.” A look passes between them all. “Your debt has been paid. That prick has got hismoney.”
“You’ve paid italready?”
“Yes, I paid it the day after I brought you home. He won’t be bothering youagain.”
Unexpected tears fill my eyes, but I wipe them away fiercely. “Thank you. I don’t know how I’m ever going to repayyou.”
Bryce strides over to me. “Yes, you do. You will work here with us. Besides, in my book you’ve done more than repay any money loaned toyou.”
“How do you work that out?” I say, peering up athim.
“By taking a chance on us,” Bryce says, stepping closer. He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, then leans down and presses a delicate kiss against my lips, wrapping me in his arms. I can’t help but lean into his hold. He smells divine. “Besides, I wouldn’t be a very good boyfriend if I let that creep find a reason to hurt youagain.”
The lift dings and I can smell the food before I see Stuart bringing it in. Bryce lets me go, but not before Stuart notices. It doesn’t seem to fazehim.
“All your favourites are here. Have a great evening,” he says, placing the takeaway on thetable.
“You’re welcome to stay,” Max offers. “Looks like there’s plenty to goaround.”
“Ah, not tonight. Me and Liz are heading to the West End to watch some god awful musical. You know what she’slike.”
Bryce laughs. “She’s still a fan then? I remember how she loved Annie when we were kids. She wouldn’t stop singing the bloody songs fromit.”
“Tell me about it. She still does. At least you don’t have to live with her,” Stuart laughs. “Anyhow, I’d best be off. The building’s clear. Noah will see you out when you’re ready. See you Monday.” He turns to me and grins. “Lovely to meet you. I shall look forward to seeing you in theoffice.”
“You too,” I say, watching him get back into the lift. “Wow, he’s a really nice guy. Is Liz hiswife?”
“No, his sister. Stuart’s a good man. We went to school together. Aside from these two arseholes here, Stuart was my only friend growing up,” Bryceexplains.
“So he didn’t grow up in the care home withyou?”
Bryce flicks his gaze to Hudson who shrugs. “I explained that most of the people who work for us are from the care home, or friends of ours. I see no reason why she shouldn’t knowthat.”
“I’m glad you told her,” Bryce says to Hudson. “Stuart had a normal home life with great parents. He’s probably one of the few who work here thatdid.”