Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“Yeah.” He nodded. “So, we take all employee information very seriously. Don’t worry. That’s not going to happen again. We’ve added firewalls. Whoever the hacker was, was pretty clever.”

“Really?” She tilted her head. “But you never caught them?”

“No. Never. Anyway, if you’ve gone through HR, I think we

should talk about what’s next for you. Wouldn’t you like to know what you’re designing?” he asked.

She looked around. “This office is over-the-top. You could have at least put me in a cubicle so everyone else didn’t think I was sleeping with the bosses.”

“Is that what they think?” He smirked.

“Wouldn’t you if the new girl waltzed in and on her first day got the corner office with her own assistant?”

Cole shrugged. He didn’t give a damn what the employees thought about why Abby was here.

“I just need to know you have everything you need to complete the project.” He looked at the design table he had ordered this morning. He was pleased it had been delivered so promptly. She also had a new laptop, phone, and the latest design programs.

“I can’t think of anything else. I just need you to tell me the project. Is it a video game? One of your new apps?” She looked agitated.

“Is there something wrong with the products HiTech Global creates?” he questioned.

“No. I just can’t believe I’m going to help you make millions of dollars after all this, but that’s the price of my deal, so just go ahead and tell me. What’s the newest and greatest thing that will make you and Deacon ultra-rich.”

“Abby, it has nothing to do with making us rich.”

She huffed. “Likely.”

He sat in the soft white leather chair in front of her desk. “Would you like for me to explain it to you?”

“I’m listening.”

“You are competing for the winning design of the Soar Foundation.”

“A foundation?” Her beautiful lips parted with surprise.

He felt his chest tighten. Even the smallest movements she made, drove him wild.

“Yes. It’s our children’s foundation. The pinnacle of what we are trying to achieve at HiTech Global. Yes, we are fortunate to have padded bank accounts. Deac and I know how lucky we are. We don’t take it for granted. Over the years we’ve tried to figure out how we could give back. What the right way was to show our gratitude. This idea has been in the works for years. That’s why it’s so important that we get it right. The branding of the Soar Foundation has to show the world that if they give to our foundation, whether it’s through time or money, that they are part of a cause greater than them. They are part of a family.”

“I don’t believe it.” Abby blinked. The green in her eyes glistening. “This is for a charity?”

He chuckled. “We’re not green-headed monsters. We have hearts, despite all your pre-conceived ideas.”

“My pre-conceived ideas are based on the reality of my situation.”

“I’ll give you that.”

She paused. “Ok. So I’m supposed to design the artwork for a children’s foundation that does what exactly?”

She had started to take notes.

“We don’t want to narrow our focus too much, or make it too broad. Deacon would like to make sure we’re giving as many educational opportunities as possible to young children through high school.”

“And you? Do you have a different focus?”

Cole nodded. “I love his idea, but I want to make sure that kids stay healthy. That they get the chance to live out that educational dream of his. So, my end is more children’s health. Helping families pay medical bills. That kind of thing.”

Abby’s jaw dropped. “You are fucking with me right now, aren’t you?”