Making It Personal Wells, C. (red queen free ebook TXT) 📖

title. Peter, a tall man in his early thirties, was in charge of art design. Will liked his no-nonsense manner straight away. Rick was next, all tousled hair and big blue eyes. He gave the impression of being the youngest one and Will had to admit he was definitely cute. Rick was in charge of marketing and promotion. Then came Beth, head of the editing department. She gave Will an easy smile. Finally there was Stephen, in charge of distribution. Stephen seemed very laid back. Will liked that.

“Okay, that’s it for all the introductions.” Blake took charge once more, his manner brisk. “Let’s get on with it.” Will listened as each member of the team gave their updates. He jotted down details, making a mental note to meet up with each person during the coming week to get a better feel for their teams. They seemed to be a dedicated group, personable and intelligent. Will was pleased to note his nerves had disappeared altogether.

A knock at the door drew his attention. It was the receptionist, Karen, whom he’d met the day before. Her style of dress hadn’t improved. Will thought the tight blouse and even tighter short skirt not entirely appropriate for her position—or her age, come to think of it. After all, she was the first person to greet any visitors to the building, and as first impressions went, her appearance was at odds with the rest of the staff that Will had met so far. Maybe he’d talk to Blake about it.

“Karen has been doubling up as my secretary until the PA position was filled,” Blake was explaining.

“So my job has gotten a lot easier as of today,” Karen purred, batting her eyelashes at Will. He gave her a tight smile. To Will’s relief, Blake stepped in.

“All calls to me will now to directed through to Will’s office. If there are any issues arising throughout the day, please ensure that he’s kept informed. And if you require any information as to my schedule, you’ll go to Will.” Blake was addressing everyone in the room.

Will appreciated Blake’s words. The two of them would be working closely together and Blake was making sure everyone knew that if they wanted Blake, they had to go through Will first. His chest swelled. He was overjoyed to have the job and determined not to let Blake down. And if Blake wanted things to remain purely professional between them, well, Will would have to accept that.

It didn’t mean he had to like it, though.

Chapter Five

Will stifled a groan as Karen appeared yet again in his doorway. This had to be her fourth visit that morning. He kept his expression politely neutral. “Karen, what can I do for you?” He sighed inwardly as she walked slowly up to his desk, hips rolling suggestively. Not for the first time, Will wished he was out at work. At least then he could tell her where the rubber met the road, and get her to stop flirting with him. He’d been there for one day before it had started and nearly two weeks later, it was starting to rile him.

“Sorry to disturb you, Will, but I’ve had a couple of calls from some of our authors with queries about their release dates.” Karen’s voice was husky, and Will had to wonder if she thought it made her sound alluring. “I took down their details.” She leaned on his desk on her elbows, her ample bosom nearly spilling out of the silky top which barely contained it.

“Thanks, Karen, but you didn’t have to leave your desk to come tell me. You could have called me, or emailed the information.” Will made sure nothing in his voice or expression could give her the wrong impression, gazing steadfastly at her face. But my God, the temptation to shout at her, ‘Lady, I’m gay, will you just get those heaving breasts out of my face?’ was overpowering. He held out his hand for the message slips that she’d brought with her. Karen handed them over with a look of extreme reluctance. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I’ll make sure these get to Blake.”

She pouted and left the room, giving that substantial arse an extra wiggle as she did so. When he was certain she was no longer in earshot, Will sagged back into his chair with a long, heavy sigh. Thank God Lizzie and Beth were nothing like her. In fact, the whole team was a delight to work with. Will had quickly becoming accustomed to Lizzie’s quiet manner, Rick’s teasing asides and Ed’s loud Cockney ways. And as for his boss… Will felt as though the job had been waiting for him his entire life: he simply slotted into his allotted space and got on with it.

“She is a handful, isn’t she?”

Peter leaned against the door-jamb, coffee mug in hand, a look of distinct amusement etched across his face. Will finally gave way to the groan which had been demanding to be set free.

“Is she like that with everyone?”

Peter chuckled. “Sorry, Will, but it’s par for the course around here. Karen’s come on to every bloke at one point or another.” He regarded Will over the top of his rimless glasses. “But she seems to be more tenacious with you.” That smirk was not helping. “And what makes it worse? I’m pretty sure she has a boyfriend.”

Will shuddered. Enough of Karen. “What can I do for you?”

Peter straightened. “Is Blake all right?” His forehead creased.

Will arched his brows. “What do you mean?”

“I caught sight of him coming out of the kitchen and I thought there was something up. It’s probably nothing, but… ” His words trailed off.

Will considered this. He hadn’t spoken with Blake for the past hour. Come to think of it, the closed door between their offices wasn’t usual.

“I’ll take him a coffee and see if I can glean what’s up.” Peter gave him a grateful look and promptly left him alone. Will got up and went