Call Me Aarinola

Chapter 4

IVAN GATE

The roads shimmered in the heat of the midday sun. The sunny skyscrapers punctured the blue sky. I emerged from my car and made a beeline into the lobby.

I gave a dismissive wave to the mumbled greeting from the doorman and disappeared into the elevator. It dings and it began it's ascent. I paused at the eleventh floor. I saw my lovely pregnant red haired secretary.

"Good morning." Ms. Riley greeted me with a smile, which changed to a scowl the second I looked away. I don't think she likes me very much, but I don't care.

She had been working for the company much longer than I have and that was the only reason I had not fired her and the fact that firing her would raise the eyebrows of the board, especially the chairman.

The fact was she was his person, and she reported to him. It didn't count if I was the one in charge. The Chairman still controlled things.

My gaze dropped to the apple-shaped bottom bent underneath her desk.

"It's the... Ms. Riley started to speak.

Holding my hand up, I cut her short. I proceeded to ask her about a call I had been expecting and went straight to my office. On my way to my office, I saw some construction workers in the executive elevator and a new conference room. Maintenance of these two places was very much needed.

I pushed off my jacket and hung it behind my chair. My curiosity pricked my skin as I glanced at the windows covered with blinds for a moment.

Using my index finger and thumb, I flicked open the blinds to the reception area.

The apple-shaped backside belonged to her.

Of course. Annoying smile and sexy ass.

She was speaking with Riley, and I couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about.

It clicked. She must be confused, as to why she was in the marketing division. A genius plan on my part. Make her pay for her little trick and, most of all, find out what her agenda was because there had to be.

I was lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear or see when Gary came in.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing." My body spun to the door where he stood as my hands fitted in my pocket like I wasn't spying through the blinds. Clearing my throat, my hand went to adjust my tie, then realized I wasn't wearing one.

His eyes narrowed, looking at me suspiciously.

I pulled out my chair and sat down in front of my open laptop. "The morning reports?"

"Yes, I wanted to let you know we finally got the building downtown. Construction can start by the end of the year." Gary stepped forward, his tablet in his hands as he narrated the morning reports.

I crossed my arms and muttered an mmm, showing every sign I was actively listening when the only thing puzzling my brain was outside my office chatting with my secretary.

"What about the new employee?" I asked nonchalantly.

Gary let out an uncertain noise and glanced down at his iPad, his fingers sliding across his screen. "We don't have any new employees, except you are referring to the one we just hired... from the school."

Raising an eyebrow, I tossed Gary a glassy stare. I felt my patience wearing thin and annoyance churning within me, but I remained quiet.

"Yes. that one."