He's not my dad

chapter 2

After three days of relentless hovering, I finally convinced my parents to let me return to my condo. I loved them—truly—but there was only so much fussing a grown woman could take before snapping. I was already two days late to my new job, and missing any more time would scream unreliable. Being ill during your first week was not exactly the impression I’d hoped to make.
Dad, predictably, tried once more to lure me into working at his firm. I refused—again. I needed this to be mine. Still, I wasn’t delusional enough to think his influence hadn’t helped. My boss and my father were longtime friends. Golf buddies. Their wives lunched together at the club. Connections like that didn’t disappear just because I wanted independence.
Mom hovered as I stepped out of the car, already halfway to following me inside before Dad gently stopped her. He reminded her—firmly—that I was an adult and it was time to loosen the apron strings. She sighed, defeated but unconvinced. I kissed her cheek and promised to call after my first day.
The moment I opened my condo door, I was assaulted by the unmistakable smell of rotten food—and sex. Which was… impressive, considering my roommate Bree’s boyfriend was deployed in Iraq.
Before I could process that mystery, Bree herself came flying at me, nearly knocking me flat.
“I missed you!” she exclaimed.
Only then did I realize how much I’d missed her too. Tears sprang up without warning. Bree laughed, hugging me tighter, blinking back her own.
“I missed you so much,” she echoed.
She dragged my suitcase inside and steered me toward the kitchen island.
“Tell me everything. Start from the beginning.”
“It was incredible,” I said. “France was amazing. I wish you’d been there—you would’ve loved it. I have a million stories, but I really need to get ready. I cannot miss another day.”
She pouted but let me go. I slipped into a structured dress, styled my hair, grabbed my bag and keys, and promised we’d go out for drinks after work to celebrate my first day. Bree agreed instantly. Of course she did.
The summer had been magical, but I was ready for reality.
The drive to the office passed far too quickly. Normally I wasn’t nervous, but my mind raced. Would they think I was lazy? That I’d coasted in on my dad’s reputation? I felt like I walked into this job already needing to prove myself.
Grove Ltd’s entrance stopped me in my tracks. The brownstone exterior gave way to an immaculately white, modern interior. Marble floors gleamed beneath plum-colored sofas, a sleek glass reception desk, and a wall of elevators. The space radiated money and taste. Iconic ad campaigns lined the walls—this was one of the best firms in the city, and I was suddenly very aware of it.
My heels clicked loudly as I crossed the floor, stealing a glance at my reflection. I looked polished: a fitted grey dress, black stilettos, my Birkin resting on my arm. Professional. Confident. Almost.
The bruise on my temple threatened to ruin it all. I’d covered it well, but it was still faintly visible. I hoped no one noticed.
When I reached my floor, it was nearly empty—just the receptionist behind her desk.
She had shockingly white hair and the boldest red lipstick I’d ever seen. She smiled and walked toward me, and I liked her instantly. She had presence.
“Hi, I’m Christine,” she said, offering a perfectly manicured hand. “You must be Mr. Benjamin’s new secretary. Taylor, right?”
“That’s me,” I said, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Come on, I’ll show you to your desk. I was expecting you Monday.”
I touched my temple without thinking. “I was in a small accident. Ended up in the hospital.”
Christine winced sympathetically. “Oh dear. I hope you’re feeling better.”
“I am,” I said brightly. “Just a bruised ego.”
She laughed and gave my shoulder a squeeze as we walked into the open-plan office. The space buzzed with creativity—walls plastered with past campaigns, sleek cubicles, glass-walled meeting rooms, and one unmistakably important office at the far end.
“You’ll like it here,” Christine said. “It’s a great company.”
“It’s my first job out of college,” I admitted. “I’m a little nervous.”
“Mr. Benjamin just got back from vacation,” she said. “That usually helps.”
My desk was minimalist and white. A blank slate. I wondered how long it would stay that way.
“Settling in okay?”
I looked up to find a dark-haired man smiling down at me.
“I think so,” I said, standing. “I’m Taylor.”
“Richie. Head of the department.” He gestured across the room. “We usually grab lunch together—want to join us?”
Relief washed over me. “I’d love that.”
“Just… watch out for Jack,” he added with a grin.
“Jack?”
Richie laughed. “The buff one staring at you like you’re lunch.”
I glanced across the room. Jack was tall, muscular, devastatingly handsome—and very much watching me. I had no intention of mixing business with pleasure.
“Does he know how Romeo ends?” I asked.
“Not much of a reader,” Richie said. “Unless Playboy counts.”
By the time Richie left, the office had filled with noise and movement. I was setting up my email when heavy footsteps approached.
My nerves spiked.
I looked up—and froze.
The man standing in front of my desk was very familiar. Navy suit. Red tie. Calm confidence.
“Hi, Taylor,” he said smoothly. “Long time no see. Why don’t you come into my office?”
Only two days ago, my father had casually mentioned that his friend was my new boss.
Apparently, working for family connections had its perks after all.