Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Mr. Blake must have noticed I’d returned. “Georgia, sit,” he says with a commanding tone.
“Yes, sir.” I sink into the couch next to Noah.
“As you know, this internship is designed to provide you with real-world experience, build your skills, and enhance your résumé for life after college,” Mr. Blake says, glancing between us. “Over the summer, you’ll rotate through different departments—logistics, sales, and procurement—so you can see how each part of the company operates. You won’t just be shadowing; you’ll be expected to contribute. This involves handling reports, attending meetings, and providing assistance as needed. Consider this a hands-on crash course in the business world. Show initiative, ask questions, and most importantly, prove you belong. I expect you to treat this as a real job—no fucking around.” His gaze locks on Noah. “It will be paid. Normally, we don’t do paid internships, but I’m making an exception. You’ll both start in the sales department. I’ve set up training courses for you to participate in. Tomorrow, I’ll have you both shadow cold calls. Pay attention, take notes, and learn how to pitch effectively. Soon enough, you’ll be making those calls on your own.”
“What exactly are we selling?” Perhaps I should have done a deeper dive before accepting the internship.
Mr. Blake shifts his attention to me, his expression unreadable. “Yourself,” he states simply. “Anyone can push a product, but it takes skill to close a deal. I need to see that you can handle this job. There’s a long list of students who would kill for this opportunity.”
My stomach tightens. “I want to be here. I need this job,” I say quickly, trying to hide the edge of desperation in my voice.
His gaze lingers on me for a beat before he gives a curt nod. “Good. Then prove it. Learn quickly, adapt even faster, and you’ll do just fine.
“When’s lunch?” Noah asks, and his father’s demeanor changes. “We do get lunch, don’t we?”
“You know you get lunch. Your training specialist will handle that. You get an hour. Don’t abuse it.”
“Great.” Noah stands. “Let’s go,” he says to me.
I slowly rise, but his father’s voice stops me from moving any farther.
“Noah, go find Lewis. He’ll get you set up. I’m keeping Georgia with me.”
“Why?” he asks, his annoyance evident.
“Because you know your way around. She doesn’t.”
An older man pops his head into Mr. Blake’s office. “Noah, you ready?”
“Whatever,” Noah mumbles, shaking his head. He gets up, follows the man out, and I raise my eyes to Mr. Blake. He walks over to his desk and sits, leaning back in his chair, studying me. “So, Georgia, tell me about yourself.”
My heart thrashes. Blood whooshes in my ears. I wipe my palms down the sides of my skirt. It’s a simple question, so why am I so nervous? “What would you like to know?”
“Everything. Where are you from? What brings you to Chicago? Why were you really in my bedroom?”
His last question blindsides me, and for a second, I forget how to speak. “What—I—”
“I won’t have you pulling anything in my home, Miss Price. You aren’t the first of Noah’s girlfriends to find themselves ‘lost.’ Don’t think for a second you’re the exception.”
I straighten, my hackles rising. I work to keep the fire out of my voice as I say, “Respectfully, as I mentioned last night, I was lost. And I don’t appreciate the judgment you’ve formed about me. It’s downright insulting.”
He gazes at me, amusement in his eyes. “Is that so?”
“Yes. First of all, I’m not like his other girlfriends. You don’t have to worry about me falling into whatever trap you left for them.” He raises an eyebrow. “And not that it matters, but Noah and I broke up last night.”
He leans forward, linking his fingers on the desk. “Broke up?”
“Yes…” Maybe I shouldn’t have admitted that. If I’m not dating his son, will he fire me? I can’t risk losing this job. If he asks me to leave, I have nowhere to go. “It’s… complicated.”
“What happens between you and my son is your business. What happens in my home and with my company is mine.” He pushes his chair back and stands. “Now, I’ll give you a tour.” He rounds the front of his desk, and suddenly, I’m acutely aware of how imposing he feels up close. He extends his arm toward the door. “After you, Peach.” Once again, he catches me off guard, and I find myself unable to help but stare up at him. I stand slowly, and shamelessly, my gaze drops to his full lips, remembering how close they were to being against mine only hours ago.
“Yeah. Sure.” I shift directions, and the unexpected pressure of his palm against my lower back throws me off balance. I stumble, and his hand wraps around my waist to steady me. Heat blossoms along my spine, stirring something inside me.