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Chelsea’s morning had been chaotic. She logically knew that she couldn’t blame it on a missing beignet, but it sure felt like that one little donut sent her life into a whirlwind. Her alarm refused to ring. Her coffee maker wouldn’t even give her one cup. And now, she broke her heel on her favorite pair of shoes on the way into the office. Seriously, life was a mess after last night.
After a restless night, Chelsea arrived early at the office and settled into the meeting room before everyone else. Thankfully, coffee was abundant, and she was thrilled to find her beloved beignets set out on a side table. That was different. At least the boss had excellent taste. It wouldn’t make up for the one she missed last night, but it would sure taste great first thing in the morning too. Maybe the day would get better at this point.
Chelsea rolled her eyes at herself as she opened her laptop and tapped in her password. She knew that she was being silly and superstitious, but there was an order to life, and she liked it that way.
As she opened up her emails and began to filter through the garbage and the important notes that she would have to respond to immediately after the meeting, the conference room door swung open and slammed into the wall, causing Chelsea to nearly fall out of her chair.
Chuckling to himself, the handsome man who sauntered in tried hard to hide his amusement. “I’m so sorry to scare you. But check out this view! It’s so bright and sunny and gorgeous out there!”
He stepped over to the windows and opened his arms wide as he stared out over the city. He was loud and boisterous, and Chelsea had no clue who he was. She’d never seen him, though this was not surprising. Editors were coming and going all the time. That was probably one of the things the new owner was going to address. She hoped this one would be going soon. As nice as he was to look at, he would be too much of a distraction in the office.
Maggie wandered in and snuck into the chair next to Chelsea. Leaning in quietly, she nodded to the strange man by the windows. “Who’s the fox?”
Chelsea nearly choked on her beignet as she shrugged. She loved Maggie more than anyone in her life. Maggie had always been there for her. But Maggie had only one thing on her mind and a new man in the office was an easy target.
The “fox” took a seat across from Chelsea and Maggie and began filtering through paperwork that was laid out on the table in front of him. Chelsea couldn’t deny that he was attractive. His dark features were intriguing. His black hair and dark brown eyes combined with his olive skin gave him a Mediterranean flare that suited his tall, lean frame.
Chelsea gasped when he glanced up directly into her eyes. She’d been caught. Embarrassment reddened her cheeks as she quickly returned her attention to her email. Biting her bottom lip, she was grateful when Susan (the assistant to the owner) began her introduction of the man.
“As all of you know, Orbital Publications was taken over two months ago by Marcus Teresi. Mr. Teresi has been in the publishing business for over two decades. Orbital is his third publishing house. We have no doubt that he has the tools needed to lead us into the future of publishing. I’m pleased to introduce to you, Mr. Marcus Teresi!”
Everyone was looking around the room and toward the door for the new boss. After what seemed like an eternity, the “fox” stood and made his way toward the front of the room. Taking Susan’s hand, he shook it gently and whispered something in her ear. She couldn’t help the blush that began at her ears and covered her face.
Chelsea’s mouth hung open. He even had that effect on Susan, and she was a rock! Nothing shook her.
Chelsea glanced over at Maggie, who had her face in her hands. Nudging her, Chelsea nodded toward their new boss. “Pay attention, Maggie.”
“I flirted with him in the elevator this morning,” Maggie groaned. “I flirted with the new owner of the company. I’ll never be able to show my face again.”
Chelsea bit her lip to stop from laughing.