“Please stand for Mr. Cash,” Meredith announces.
Everyone in the room stands up, so I follow, but my curiosity gets the better of me. I glance at the door as Mr. Cash walks in. His greeting is simple, just a “Please sit” before he gets himself settled. How bizarre Meredith requested everyone stand like he’s the king or something.
Today he’s wearing a navy suit without a matching vest. His white shirt is buttoned down, showing a small area of his chest. I can’t help but stare, blaming Ava for putting thoughts in my head.Fine, thirty is not so old if the person is hot.
Then, his eyes dart to mine, forcing me to smile politely from nerves. He doesn’t smile back, instead turning away to talk to Meredith. I swallow the lump in my throat, wondering why he would insist I join this meeting if he can’t even smile politely.
The meeting drags on for what feels longer than three hours. Each department has its turn of speaking, mainly numbers and projections. Occasionally, Mr. Cash voices his opinion, to which no one disagrees.
Jeffrey smashes the finger sandwiches, and Monica stares at the little cherry tarts for the longest time before eating three in a row. I try not to focus on anyone else, but boredom finds me when a heated debate starts about subscription fees, and I assume the argument shouldn’t be part of the minutes.
Mr. Cash calls for the meeting to end, wrapping up with a speech about what he expects to see next month.
As everyone chatters while exiting the room, I pack up my things to follow. Meredith walks over to me with an unusual expression. I’m not sure what it is. A mixture of confusion and worry.
“Alexa, Mr. Cash would like to speak to you privately.”
Confused, I tilt my head. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” she’s quick to answer. “He has just requested to speak to you once everyone leaves. Please stay back.”
“Um … okay,” I stammer.
My heart begins to race like I’m running a marathon, making it hard to do simple tasks without my limbs turning to Jell-O. I think back to all the times there have been confrontational moments, but oddly, they mainly involved my father.
Then, I think, if I can go up against Lex Edwards, to which many people have tried and failed, I can go up against anyone.
Okay, calm the fuck down. You don’t even know what he wants.
With a deep breath, I gather my things and walk toward where he sits. Meredith is standing next to him but leaves as I get closer, shutting the door behind her.
It’s just us alone in the boardroom, making it all the more intimidating. Mr. Cash glances at me with the same expressionless look as before.
“Please, sit,” he commands.
I place my belongings on the table, then sit where Meredith was sitting during the meeting.
“I’d like to formally introduce myself,” he begins, extending his hand. “Hunter Cash.”
My hand reaches out to him, and as our skin touches, the warmth of his sends a sensation throughout me which catches me by surprise. Instantly, my thighs press together as the unknown feeling stirs.Blame Ava.
His chestnut-colored eyes continue to watch me. With a courteous smile, I pull back my hand and place it on the table, ignoring my now sweaty palms.
“Alexandra Edwards,” I introduce myself in a rush, realizing it was rude of me not to say anything during the handshake. “I’m Meredith’s assistant, but I guess you know that.”
“I am always aware of what goes on inside my office and more importantly, at my company.”
“Of course,” I say with a forced smile. “It makes for a successful entrepreneur and CEO.”
He tilts his head with a curious gaze, making me regret what I said. I hate that my father’s influence has stuck with me over the years. Some things are hard to forget.
“An interesting observation,” he simply replies, “especially from someone as young as yourself.”
My lips press together, not wanting to say anything else, especially about my family. I’m sure the internet reveals my identity, but as far as I’m concerned, I won’t be mentioning it unless asked directly.
“Thank you.”
Great, what kind of a response is that? Sweat forms on my back, causing my blouse to stick uncomfortably to my skin.