Back in the office, a cup of coffee in hand, I sat in front of the desk and decided swift action was best. I unfolded three boxes, and carefully piled everything off the desk and into the boxes, sorting as I went. As I went through the files, I noticed there was a system of sorts. One file contained a multitude of pieces of paper with jobs done, prices scribbled, and names. On the front of the file, written in a bold script, was the word INVOICE. I lifted my eyebrows in shock at the vast amount of money outstanding to Maxx. That would be my number one priority. “Yowsers,” I muttered, keeping that file on the desk.

It took me an hour to clear away the top of the desk, adding more papers to the invoice pile, finding unopened mail, bills to be paid, and a lot of junk. Once the desk was clear, I cleaned it, organized the top, and sat back, sipping my third cup of coffee. I glanced at the clock, noting it was almost seven thirty, and wondered if Maxx would want breakfast. We hadn’t discussed that last night—the fact was that we hadn’t talked at all. I pulled a piece of paper toward me and made yet another list.

The sound of the side door opening and the alarm switching off made my shoulders stiffen. I shook my head, preparing myself to face Maxx. Would he be friendlier today? I was determined to start the day off right and show him what I was capable of. I fixed a smile to my face and waited for him to walk in.

I wasn’t prepared for him, though. Freshly showered, his hair still damp, and smelling so good I wanted to lick him, he strode in. His T-shirt was stretched tight across his muscular chest, his biceps bulging in the short sleeves. The jeans he wore hugged his thighs, and I could only imagine how good they looked from the back. I had to swallow to clear my dry throat and force a neutral expression on my face.

“Morning, boss.”

He stopped in the doorway, clutching the frame. For a moment, he stared, his eyes narrowed, his frown deepening, then without a word, he spun on his heel and went back the way he came, leaving me staring at the door.

Holy moly, he was rude. He could at least say good morning. I scrubbed my face in vexation, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I returned to the task at hand, not bothering to look up when he walked back in ten minutes later.

“Charly.”

I cursed the way he made my name sound like a caress without even trying. It rolled off his tongue like an endearment, even though I was certain he wasn’t trying to do so.

I glanced up, attempting to appear casual.

“Oh, you can speak.”

He had the grace to look abashed. “Sorry. I realized I forgot my cell in the house.”

I rolled my eyes, not believing him for a moment.

“You don’t have to work Sundays.”

“I’d rather get a head start.”

“What have you done to the office?”

“I’m organizing it.” I lifted a file as proof.

“It was organized,” he huffed. “I knew where everything was.”

“Gosh dang it,” I muttered. “Already, Maxx? You’re going to chap my ass already? You said you needed help. I am trying to help.”

“There were parts there I need. How will I find them?”

“I took every part and placed it on the workbench. Every screw, every wire, every little mechanical piece that you left on the desk is out there.” I indicated the boxes. “All the paperwork is in these boxes. I will go through each box and organize it. Then I will invoice all these jobs and get some capital flowing in.” I waved my hand at the old computer sitting on the desk. “That needs updating.”

“It works,” he protested, crossing his arms.

“It’s ancient. Does it still run on Windows98?”

“I have no idea,” he admitted. “I’m not one for technology of that sort.”

“I do and I am. A nice laptop would work well. And a new printer. You want a decent website, I need the tools to do so.” I pushed a piece of hair over my ear. “I’ll use mine until we get one. Until then, I need the password for this one.”

“Cycle.”

“Original.”

“Stop busting my chops.”

“Stop being a dick.”

We were locked in a battle of glares. I gave in and shook my head. “Coffee is made. Do you want breakfast?”

“No.”

“Fine. I’m going to work in here this morning unless you want something else done?”

“No.”

He was obviously going to be difficult no matter what I said or did.

“I assume tomorrow you have appointments? Do I answer the phone? How do you want them booked?”

He blinked, for the first time looking unsure. “However they come.” He paused and ran a hand through his hair. “Why don’t you look after this, and I’ll look after the front. I sort of have my own system.”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Romance
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