Page 40 of Boss of Me

Emerging from the elevator, I step through double glass doors opening onto a glossy reception area. The huge circular desk is manned by two receptionists wearing headsets and beauty pageant smiles.

They look me over as I approach, taking in my gray dress and white sneakers before chorusing, “May I help you?”

Before I can respond, a striking redhead materializes to intercept me. “You must be Marlowe,” she says smoothly, shaking my hand. “I’m Veronica, Mr. Ransom’s executive assistant. He told me he was expecting you.”

“Yes, I brought him a fresh suit and shirt.”

The assistant’s perfect eyebrows furrow in confusion. “A suit?”

“Yes. For him to wear tonight.” I hand over the garment bag I’m holding.

Veronica gives it a puzzled look before her professional mask slides back into place. “Thanks for dropping this off. I’m sure Mr. Ransom will appreciate it.”

“No problem. Just doing my job.” I smile, preparing to leave. “It was nice meeting?—”

“He asked you to wait in his office.”

“What?”

“He’s in a meeting, but he requested that you wait for him.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting to see him, and I’m not sure I want to. But it doesn’t sound like I have a choice in the matter.

“He shouldn’t be too long. Right this way, please.” Veronica escorts me past the reception desk and through a set of imposing glass doors. We head down a long corridor that forks off in two directions, both leading to corner suites.

“That’s the COO’s office.” Veronica points to the right before steering me left, through an anteroom. “And this is the CEO’s.”

My jaw drops when we walk through the double doors. The office is gargantuan, all pristine glass and sleek chrome.One entire glass wall frames a commanding view of downtown Austin. Another wall showcases an impressive collection of abstract paintings.

Veronica strides forward, her shapely calves flexing with each step. I watch as she opens a closet door to hang up Gunner’s suit . . . next to several other suits.

Wait a damn minute.

“He already has?—”

“Yes, he always keeps a change of clothes here for emergencies, and for the days he works out during lunch.” Veronica shuts the closet door and turns. “Maybe he wanted a different colored suit.”

“Maybe,” I mutter, but I’m not buying it.

Veronica studies me with undisguised curiosity. “How long have you worked for Mr. Ransom?”

“I just started this week.”

She nods.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Three and a half years. He hired me right out of grad school.” Veronica smiles. “He can be pretty tough and demanding, and sometimes his people skills need a little work. But his brilliance is undeniable. I’ve learned a lot from him, and he never forgets birthdays and anniversaries.”

This bit of information pleases me more than I care to admit. “I’m glad you’ve had such a positive experience working for him.”

“Me, too. I can honestly say he’s the best boss I’ve ever had.” Veronica smiles again. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Um, no thanks. I’m good.”

She gestures toward the seating area. “Make yourself comfortable.”

After she departs, I walk slowly around Gunner’s inner sanctum, admiring the high-end furnishings and expensivemodern art. I don’t even want to speculate on how much money was spent decorating this office.