Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
Three months later, the corporate offices of Hawkins Enterprises were running smoother than ever, though things in the executive suite had changed drastically.
The enormous framed portrait of Ethan in the reception hallway had mysteriously vanished—replaced, much to the amusement of the entire administrative staff, by a stunning, modern abstract painting of crashing ocean waves. When new clients asked about the missing portrait, Ethan simply replied that he preferred art with a little less vanity and a lot more substance.
Inside the private office, I sat behind my mahogany desk, reviewing the morning financial reports while wearing a diamond ring on my left ring finger that could have bought a small island.
The door opened, and Ethan walked in, carrying two cups of custom-ordered hazelnut coffee—with the exact amount of foam and vanilla syrup I liked, brewed without me having to ask.
He walked around my desk, leaned down, and pressed a warm kiss to the side of my neck, making me shiver.
“Morning, Boss,” I murmured, leaning back against his chest.
“Morning, Mrs. Hawkins,” Ethan corrected smoothly, resting his chin on my shoulder as he glanced down at the tablet. “Though technically, I’m still your employer.”
“Only on paper,” I smiled, spinning around in my chair to face him. “And don't forget, I own forty percent of the voting shares now. Technically, I’m your boss.”
Ethan chuckled, wrapping his arms securely around my waist and pulling me up against him. “Is that so? And what does my boss expect me to do today?”
I looped my arms around his neck, looking up into those brilliant green eyes that no longer felt cold or distant, but felt entirely like home.
“I expect you to take the afternoon off, cancel all your meetings, and take me to lunch,” I demanded playfully.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, a slow, devastating smile spreading across his face. “And if I refuse?”
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“Then I’ll go out to the hallway, find a picture of you, and yell at it until you give in.”
Ethan laughed, pressing his lips firmly against mine. “Threat noted, Miss Summers. Threat noted.”
