I snort. “Song lyrics are supposed to charm me?”
“It’s just the truth. Even angry, you manage to smile.”
“It’s forced,” I say, grinning.
He chuckles, but all humor quickly dissolves as his features darken.
“I was in London, meeting with my father,” he begins, and I nod because I’d heard as much. “He’s decided to retire at the end of the year and wishes for me to take my place as the head of the company.”
I scrunch my nose, eyes roaming over his still posture.
“You don’t want it.” It isn’t a question. I could tell by his body language that it wasn’t good news.
“I don’t,” he admits.
“Why?”
From what I know of Cavendish Corporation, it was always the goal for him to take over one day. It’s in the company’s manifesto on their website. So why would Charles not want to step into his legacy?
He grunts. “For starters, my father and I don’t get along these days.”
These days.
As in they did at one time. What could’ve happened to change that?
I don’t get the chance to ask because he continues.
“New York is my home now. I have no intentions of returning to London for any period of time.” He folds his hands on the desk in front of him. “Now, let’s discuss the new campaign position you will be working on.”
“No,” I say, and his one eyebrow lifts. “I want to know why you said what you said about me.”
His lips purse, and he looks genuinely confused. “About?” he drawls, and I wonder for a moment if maybe he truly doesn’t remember that part.
Not that it makes it any less horrific.
“You implied that I’ve risen in this industry by...” My eyes land on the wall of windows behind him as I try to gather courage before I say the next part. Looking back at him, I let a big breath out and quickly utter, “Sleeping my way through the offices.”
His eyes widen, his jaw clenches, and then his hands fist together on the table.
“I can assure you, Raven, that had nothing to do with you. In my lousy state of drunkenness, I clearly confused you with someone from my past,” he says, rushing on. “Not that it makes my actions any less heinous. But I give you my word. What was said did not and would never pertain to anyone in this office.” His head lowers. “I’m bloody embarrassed by my actions.”
I snort. “You should be.”
His head lifts, and all I see is sadness.
Who made him like this? So jaded and sad.
I nod, wanting to erase that look from his face. Needing to get on solid ground where he’s my boss, one that I respect, and I’m his employee.
“Tell me your thoughts about the Diosa proposal.”
One corner of his mouth lifts. “I definitely like where you are going with this plan. We’ll need to meet with Paxton and the other agent soon. But I think we’re onto something good.”
“I didn’t say I would take the account manager position.”
He huffs. “You’re going to pass up the opportunity of a lifetime out of anger?”
My shoulders straighten. “Not anger. Self-preservation. I don’t take kindly to being harassed and then given an olive branch by way of a job. That would make your words true, and I refuse.”