Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Around us, people were chattering about the new information, but it wasn’t long before Griff dismissed everybody with a wave. “Back to your seats everybody,” he commanded. I took a step toward my desk when I realized Griff’s eyes had settled on me. I looked up at him eagerly and he motioned with his fingers for me to follow him. My eyes lit up. I followed close behind him as he, Kelly, and Isaac headed back to his office. As we walked past my desk, I snagged a notepad and a pen before I entered his office and sat down on the couch against the back of the office wall. Meanwhile, Kelly and Isaac sat down in front of Griff’s desk while the main man himself took his usual place behind the desk.
“Well, Griff, since I’m here anyway, I have to say that you have performed incredibly well during the last quarter,” Isaac said breaking the ice. “Before that, your numbers have shown steady improvement. It’s clear that the office is in good hands with you at the helm. I don’t see any need for big changes to office protocol here in Seattle.”
Kelly cleared her throat and leaned forward, her eyes locking with Griff’s. “It’s true that while your employees may be safe from additional scrutiny, Mr. Strong, unfortunately I’m not sure the same can be said for you.”
My eyes narrowed as I watched her. How dare she talk down to Griff like that? Who does she think she is? I couldn’t stop myself from disliking this intruder. I didn’t want to hear her views on whether Griff was a good boss or not, after all, she didn’t know the first thing about our office! This was her very first visit.
It was clear that Griff was feeling hurt by her words too. He masked it well, but I could see the way his eyes misted over and his shoulders sagged. He was clearly bothered by her and I wanted to defend him so badly, but I knew it wasn’t my job or my place to do so.
“As you might know already, Mr. Strong,” she continued, unaware of the daggers being glared at her by me. “The Anderson Group is a family-orientated organization at heart and that is especially true for the upper management. Men in positions like your own are expected to share and display those same values.”
“Well, Miss Sinclair, I also happen to believe that family is important, just like Mr. Anderson,” Griff explained.
“That’s not the case according to what we’ve heard,” Kelly interrupted. “Many people in the company attest to the fact that you are a bachelor.”
They’re being mean to Griff because he’s single? That’s not fair! I thought as I scribbled on my notepad angrily. All of a sudden something occurred to me and my eyes widened. Was Griff’s position in the company at risk because of his single status? The idea of not seeing Griff everyday saddened me and I couldn’t believe that someone’s personal life was being held ransom for a job. It was barbaric!
Griff didn’t look worried at all, however. He paused for a moment and then I watched as he smiled, wide and confident, like he always did when he was dealing with a particularly difficult client and trying to persuade them about something. He looked gorgeous when he smiled like that and it always made me feel hot all over. Just once, I wish he’d turn that smile on me and persuade me to do some sinful things for his benefit.
“Your intel is wrong, Miss Sinclair,” Griff stated simply as he leaned back in his chair.
“Oh, really?” she replied, looking between Griff and Isaac. “Does that mean you’re actually in a long term relationship?”
The question made my heart beat fast. Of course, Griff wasn’t. If he was in a long-term relationship, I’d know about it. Wouldn’t I?
Griff nodded, however, and I felt my heart shatter. All this time, I had been so certain that Griff was single. Even though he’d never shown interest in me, I had always held out the hope that somehow, someway, he’d fall in love with me, but all this time, it had been a joke. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry to be honest.
“That’s strange. I hadn’t heard you were involved with someone,” Kelly continued, narrowing her eyes at Griff. “Might I ask who the lucky woman is?”
I noticed that Griff’s smile had slipped slightly. For a moment, I wondered if he might have been lying for the sake of his job. I hoped that it was the truth and I watched with my heart racing as Griff’s eyes scanned the room. It looked like he was searching for something. A fake name, perhaps? I hoped with all of the strength within me. But then the impossible happened. Griff’s eyes landed on me.