Page 1 of Accidental Theirs

Chapter One

OLIVIA

“Oh my god,can you imagine it? He’s actually going to be there.” Marie, a coworker, who is also a friend of mine, is leaning toward Roland, my personal assistant and one of my best friends.

I walk over to where they are by the water cooler, frowning. “Who are we talking about?”

Roland smirks at me. “Hey, boss. You finally coming up for air?”

I shrug. “Girl’s got to take a break sometime.”

Leaning down, I grab myself a cup of water, shooting it back like a liquor shot.

Roland chuckles. “If you really want a break, come out with us for drinks tonight.Damienis coming.”

Damien Blackwood, CEO of Carter Holdings. My boss.

He doesn't do outings, work-related or otherwise, unless he’s schmoozing with a client. And there is no client to impress this time.

I shake my head. “I doubt it.”

“Really,” Roland insists. “He promised me. And you know he’s a man of his word.”

He’s right. Damien may be many things, but he is also, in fact, a man of his word.

“Well, then. Looks like I need to go, too. See this miracle in action.”

Marie groans. “Both the bosses are coming? How are we supposed to have any fun?”

I shrug. “You know me. Anything that happens downtown stays downtown.”

As if he senses we’re talking about him, Damien comes out of his office and looks over at us.

Roland and Marie look away from his intense gaze, but I look back at him, unafraid.

Though Damien and I aren’t exactly friends, we work well together, and he’s always been there for me through all the ups and downs that Carter Holdings has been through.

He might be the CEO, but this company has been mine ever since I lost my mom. And though he’s my rock in the business world, I honestly don’t know much about him otherwise.

I mean, of course I know he’s handsome, with his green eyes, strong jaw, impeccably shaved face, and broad chest and shoulders.

He definitely puts in the work–I’ve seen him down at the building’s gym, and he does some serious numbers. And he doesn’t wear a ring, so I assume he’s not married, but how would I know?

He walks over to me, towering over me at six-foot-four, but I’m not intimidated.

Damien may be the serious type, but he’s kind, and I can see it in his eyes.

“Ms. Carter.”

“Mr. Blackwood.” My voice has a lilt of a tease to it, but he doesn’t seem to notice. “I heard a rumor that you’ll be going out for drinks with us after work.”

He looks bemused as he glances at Roland and then back at me. “Wonder who told you that.”

Roland clears his throat and excuses himself, and I chuckle.

“I’m just surprised. You never go out.”

Damien’s shoulders stiffen. “I go out plenty.”