“I miss my family and friends something fierce. The city, not so much. But my parents understand the demands of my job.”
“No siblings?”
I shook my head. “I’m an only child.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve got four sisters, and I didn’t get to spend more than two minutes alone in a bathroom until I moved out on my own to California.” He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. “I know what you mean though. I haven’t been back to Texas in years. I’ve barely communicated with them since I got out of rehab two years ago.”
“But you’re on a healthier path now. I’m sure they’d love to see how far you’ve come.”
Dylan shrugged and shook his head. “I don’t know if anyone wants to see the ‘golden boy’ who made it big and then done wrong, you know? I hurt a lot of people, so I keep avoiding them.”
“You might be surprised at their reaction.”
“Andrew, I need you down here.” Cassie’s voice echoed in my earpiece.
“Copy,” I replied. “Sorry, Dylan, I’ve got to grab the rest of lunch. I’ll be right back.”
Dylan perched his sunglasses on his nose. “No apology needed. It’s my fault for going on and interrupting you.”
“You didn’t. I enjoy talking to you,” I replied, and I meant it. Unlike most of the high-profile clients I dealt with, Dylan was a down-to-earth guy.
“Why is only half the lunch on the table?” Rowan’s steely voice boomed from behind me. “Less time chatting and more time working would be best, don’t you agree?”
I turned slowly, and despite the electric glare of Rowan’s blue eyes, I didn’t waver. From first impressions, I’d foolishly thought Rowan was one of those rare billionaires who wasn’t a total asshole. I wasn’t sure where this sudden irritation of his was coming from, but I wasn’t going to bite. I’d lost my cool once this morning, and it wasn’t happening again. “Dylan and I were talking about football – American, not English - but I was still payingspecial attentionto my duties. And I’m heading down right now to get the rest of lunch, if you’ll both excuse me.”
I left them alone but not before I heard Dylan’s reply.
“Why’re you being a dick to him, Ro?”
“Sorry. I’m tired and tense.”
I couldn’t agree more. An angry flush spread over my cheeks, and I willed my racing heart to calm. I slammed the patio door harder than normal, and it felt damn good. I took pride in my work, I was a professional, and Rowan’s comment unnerved me. Between this and my travel exhaustion, I couldn’t wait until this day was over. Rushing downstairs to the kitchen, I grabbed the platters of lobster and steak, and headed back outside, where all the guests were taking their seats. I served the food and drinks with ease and ignored the intense stare of my boss until I heard a cough.What’s wrong now, dickhead?
I finally glanced at Rowan, and I was shocked to see a contrite smile on his face. Rowan mouthed “I’m sorry” as the other guests were busy chatting and eating.
I nodded my acceptance of the apology and made my way over to Jordan. “Can you take over the rest of lunch service?”
“You got it.”
I headed down to the lower level to inspect the guest rooms, ensuring clothes were hung up, the laundry was seen to, and every item in the space was in clean, perfect order. My consistent attention to detail was noted by previous employers and colleagues and stood in my favor.
Taking one last glance, I noted that the rooms were perfection and returned to the deck to observe how the rest of lunch service was going. Jordan was clearing plates, and I asked Kayla to head back to laundry duty. I’d have a talk with her later about the break misunderstanding with Cassie. Dylan and Rowan were the only ones left seated until Dylan got up and headed upstairs to the sun deck, offering a wave as he walked by.
“Andrew, a word please,” Rowan requested.
“What can I do for you, sir?” I stood in front of Rowan, waiting patiently for my boss to continue. Warm eyes stared up at me, and I nervously licked my lips.
“There’s been a change in plan on board. I’m promoting you to my personal assistant and bringing on another interior crew member to take on the role of chief steward.”
My heart began to beat double time. “But, sir… I mean, Rowan…”
Rowan held up his hand. “Ravi just informed me that he’ll need a month off. His mother broke her hip. It appears she’ll make a full recovery but will require Ravi’s help for the next while. He sent you a text, but perhaps you haven’t read it yet. I require a personal assistant, and I would like to offer you the temporary job. You’re more than qualified, and Ravi can email you his list of recurring tasks. You’ll receive a twenty percent addition to your current salary. But you will be required to sit in on meetings and interactions with clients as well as attend to my personal schedule. Is this amenable to you?”
I was still in shock. “Thanks for the offer. My knowledge of real estate is limited, so I’m not sure I would be helpful.”
“You’ve worked as a personal assistant before, so this would be no different. Any details about the real estate part I am more than happy to teach you, one on one.”
What kind of a teacher would Rowan be? Attentive? Demanding? My face grew hot under Rowan’s intense scrutiny. Accepting this job would bring me in closer contact with him, day in and day out. My heart took off running and wouldn’t slow down.