Venom & Velvet

Chapter Three

Addison

Mr. Carson casts me a friendly smile.

“Please, call me James.”

His eyes shift to the glass table with four chairs around it. There’s a couch in one corner of the room; a long one, white, matching with the walls and the chairs around the table. I’ll have to change it though. That’s if they permit me to extend to this floor.

“The CEO wants you to enjoy your stay here. He’s willing to change anything you’re not comfortable with, so if you find anything lacking…” his voice trails off as he turns on a few switches on the wall. The bulbs become brighter for a second, then he dims them again, and the room becomes a bit dark.

Wow!

He smiles.

“Exactly what I said the day I found out our lights are customized.”

My face flushes. I had no idea I had voiced my thoughts. How could I not? I mean this space is magical. It’s a lot to take in. And it’s just a baby company. Mr. Carson says it will be clocking 4 in a few months. That is two years ahead of my company.

I run my fingers on the curtain. It’s black. Too bland if you ask me.

Walking over to the miniature coffee maker on the shelf, a few steps away from the office desk. I can’t help but notice it’s new, sleek, and expensive.

Jura.

Caleb got his stuff from them last year when he needed a new set of kitchen appliances. I cringed when I saw the price list, but man, it’s worth every penny. I almost got drunk on coffee the first day I used it. The mouthfeel… it’s not gritty or harsh, and the quality is top-notch.

“So, that being said, you can go ahead and change anything you want, and the company will cover the bill,” Mr. Carson adds with a wide grin. For a second, he looks younger than the late forties I presume him to be.

I mirror his expression.

“Do I have this in my office?”

“No,” he says slowly, like he’s uncertain about something. “You will be using the one in the break room. We think it’s best that way. You see, we work closely here-- everyone contributes to everything. You’re a temporary employee of this firm and making your coffee in your office is not going to help foster a relationship with others during your stay here.”

I lower myself on the seat and cross my legs. I only had a cup of coffee on my way, then a bottle of water from Mr. Carson during the brief interview.

“So, in essence, you’re saying I must mingle with everyone here?”

“Right.”

“Oh. I wasn’t expecting that. To be honest, Mr. Carson, I wasn’t expecting all of this.”

“Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Archers. Mike is a good friend of mine whose recommendation I trust with no doubt.”

“Please call me Addison.”

He nods and gestures at the door with his head.

“Come on, let me show you the rest of the floor, then I will take you to the floor you’ll be remodeling.”

I shove in a deep breath before standing up. If I had woken up this morning as I’d planned, I would have had ample time for a toast and scrambled eggs before heading out. But then, that stupid dream had led me to linger in bed longer than my intended duration.

I smother a yawn.

“I need to grab my camera and take a few pictures to show my team the amazing space.”

“They can see it tomorrow. You are scheduled to start as soon as possible, and we agreed on tomorrow.” Caution edges his tone.

Apprehension tweaks my insides.

“Mike forgot to mention that part. He said I'll be given a week. A month if I ask nicely.”

“You can go ahead and try. But I tell you, we want this done ASAP. The business is expanding greatly, and we’ve buckled for the top.”

He opens a glass door to what appears to be the manufacturing room. Everyone’s busy. A few heads turn to stare-- winks and low whistles. I lift a hand in a short wave, flashing them a smile.

“We can leave if they make you uncomfortable.”

I chuckle.

“Oh, no. I’m actually enjoying the attention. Will I be seeing these faces in the break room?”

“Certainly. They are always hanging around. If they make you uncomfortable in any way--”

I shake my head and toss him a reassuring smile.

“I’m 24, Carson. I’ll be fine.”

He studies me for a long awkward second, then his eyes drift towards the boys again. He shoots them a dark glare, then turns his attention to me again. I want to laugh at his cute attempt to protect me from the beasts. Caleb will be thrilled to know I have a guard here. He’s always so worried, shielding me like I’m 12. If only he knew that I shagged his best friend in one of the guest’s bathrooms during my 19th birthday party.

I inwardly cringe at the thought of Caleb bashing Maxwell’s head against a wall. However, I can't deny the warm sensation that rushes from my toes to my core as the image of Max, touching me intimately, flickers in my mind again.

I step further into the room. My fingers itch to touch one of the shiny objects displayed on a shelf. I’ve always been curious about how a tech company works. They do so much and are the smartest people I know. Abigail will be thrilled when she finds out about my new gig. Matilda too. I can’t wait to tell everyone!

“Are you the new office manager?” One of the guys, tall with a delectable physique, asks, glancing up from the injection molding machine. I read the name from the bold label on the side.

“No, I’m an interior decorator.”

He grins. A dimple appears on his right cheek.

Damn. Coffee would be a thrill with these folks.

“Seriously? That’s terrific." He beams, tilting his head away from me. "Yo, Matt!”

One of the guys at the other end raises his head. His eyes meet mine, and he winks.

I stifle a laugh.

“What’s up, Mate?” Matt asks.

The first guy nods at me with his chin.

“I've found an interior decorator. She’ll fix up the house for us.”

Mr. Carson makes a grunting sound of disapproval. I bite back a chuckle.

“You're right. We’ll pay her double of her fees if she’s in.”

“Triple it.” I chirp in with an amused grin.

Mr. Carson clears his throat and moves closer to the first guy. I can smell trouble. My grin widens.

“She’s here on contract. She works for the firm, Malik. I’ll suggest you find someone else because Ms. Archers is going to be busy remodeling our offices.”

“Come on, James, let the lady speak for herself. It's work we're talking about here.”

Mr. Carson rolls his eyes. The expression is hilarious as his face is hardened with disapproval.

“I know that, and I’m saying she won’t be able to handle your home decor.”

“We’ll see,” Malik says, then he turns to me. “I’ll see you around, Ms. Archers. It’s nice to meet you.”

I nod, not willing to fuel the flame. If Mr. Carson didn’t say no, I would have accepted the job. I need all the money I can get for my first summer vacation with Abigail.

As Carson and I walk down the hall to another room, I draw in a deep breath and turn to him. “I can resume today if you want.”

The older man c***s an eyebrow.

“No,” he says, shaking his head firmly.

He stops outside the elevator door and presses the button for the 15th floor. The door slides open, and we step in. Then, Mr. Carson turns to me.

“I think you should start in a week. Let’s do it Mike’s way.”

I smirk. This is definitely not Mike’s way. He doesn’t want me to get bitten by the sharks.

I want to reassure him that I will give this gig my all, but all I can muster is a nod and a convincing yes.