Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 40867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
“My name is Lynn,” the woman behind the desk said, “and I’m the receptionist for all of the product managers and the research analysts.”
I nodded. “Oh, I’m sorry I thought you were Mr. Quinn’s assistant.”
She smiled. “Well, I’m the first line of defense. Ashley is actually his receptionist. I’ll introduce you to her since she’ll be working closer to you. But, if you need anything, I’m your receptionist, not Ashley. She’s dedicated to Mr. Quinn only.”
Leaning in closer to me, Lynn whispered, “Everyone in the office thinks they’re having an affair, but don’t let the rumors get to you. Ashley’s super sweet.”
I snarled my lip. “Is he one of those?”
Lynn laughed. “Wait until you meet him.”
“Speaking of, I’m actually late for my meeting with him.”
Waving me off, she said, “He’s running late this morning, so don’t worry. He doesn’t even have to know you were late.”
I gave her a warm smile. I liked Lynn, and I could totally see us becoming friends. I’d have to ask Mary what she knew about Lynn and Ashley.
Lynn led me down the hall and opened a door. “This is your office.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. It’s stunning.”
She giggled behind me. “Yeah, it’s one of the bigger offices.”
Turning to face her, I asked, “Why do I get it?”
With a shrug, she replied, “Mr. Quinn said he wanted his marketing research analyst closer to him. Next to you is another analyst and on the other side of him is one of the product managers. You’ve got the most experience, so I’m guessing that’s why he wants you close by.”
I nodded as I set my purse and computer bag on top of a dark mahogany desk. My old office back at Smith and Smith was half this size and didn’t have a single window. It was dark and dreary—not like this.
“I better take you to meet Ashley,” Lynn said.
Straightening out my dress, I glanced down to see that I had tea all over my light blue shirt.
“Crap,” I mumbled.
“What’s wrong?” Lynn asked.
“Oh, I ran into some jackass downstairs, and my chai latte spilled all over him. I guess it got on me as well.”
Walking over to take a closer look, she shook her head. “It’s fine. Besides, Mr. Quinn will most likely keep you for all of two minutes and then send you on your way. He’s totally focused on his job, and honestly, he’ll probably forget you’re even in the room.”
I chuckled. “You’re bad, talking about the boss that way.”
She winked. “Well, I could say naughtier things about him, but I won’t.”
My smiled faded. “Naughtier?”
Lynn was already walking out my office door, so I couldn’t quiz her on what she meant. Did that mean he was sexually naughty or an old dick who was naughty?
I followed Lynn around the corner to a recessed area. Ashley’s desk was set back from everyone else, and there was a small waiting room off to the side. I focused on the office door. I could see boxes lined up along the one window where the blinds were partially open.
“Ashley, I was just showing Ms. Night around since Mr. Quinn’s running late.”
The dark-haired beauty behind the desk looked up at me and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Night. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Returning her gesture, I grinned. “Thank you.”
She picked up the phone and said, “Mr. Quinn, are you ready for your meeting with Ms. Night?”
I leaned over to Lynn and pointed at the small set of windows. “Is he moving offices or leaving the company?”
Her head drew back with a confused look. “Huh?”
“Boxes are lined up along the window.”
Lynn chuckled. “Oh no. Mr. Quinn hasn’t finished unpacking.”
“Unpacking?” I asked, my brows lifted.
“Yeah, he just moved here from Chicago. He’s only been here about three weeks or so.”
I went to ask her another question, but then Ashley stood. “Mr. Quinn will see you now, Ms. Night.”
Nodding, I looked at Lynn and she gave me a thumbs up. “Good luck!” she said.
I smoothed out my black pencil skirt as Ashley opened the door. “Mr. Quinn, Ms. Night.”
I walked into the office to see his desk chair turned around to face a giant wall of windows that overlooked Manhattan.
Wow. I thought my view was nice.
“He’ll be a moment, please have a seat.”
Ashley pointed to a large leather chair in front of Mr. Quinn’s desk.
He was clearly on the phone, but only offered a simple “humph” in reply to whatever the other person on the line was saying.
Taking a seat, she asked in a whispered voice if I’d like a coffee.
With a quick shake of my head, I mouthed, “No, thank you.”
Ashley retreated, and I sat there, staring at the back of Mr. Quinn’s chair. My stomach was in knots, and I had no idea why. I was good at my job. Damn good, and if I was being honest, Maxwell and Locke was lucky to get me. After Mary had told me about the company, I’d put in my application here and at a few other firms. One in Boston, Dallas, and Miami. For some reason, Mr. Quinn had personally called me on the phone to offer me the position and that had pulled my decision to New York City.