Hidden Gem

Chapter 5 - The Other Carmichael

A small yawn escapes my lips as I sluggishly climb up the stone steps towards the office. Our office is located in historical building that used to be bank in the 19th century. It's a large structure, with Roman pillars and an insane amount of stairs. The interior has been remodeled into several offices and one large portion was sectioned off for some government services. I'm usually charmed by the sight of it but this morning it's making me growl with some frustration.

I bring a lidded coffee cup to my lips for some sustenance to carry my fat ass up these stairs, but it comes up empty. I drank the last drop when I hopped off the bus, I remember now. I groan in sad realization that I don't have any more caffeine and will have to use sheer willpower to conquer these savage stone steps. I toss my empty coffee cup into a trash bin that was closeby and then begin my ascent up the stairs.

When I finally reach the top of the steps, I want to celebrate like Rocky by jumping up and down in one spot with my hands in the air in victory. However, I lack the energy and the coffee machine in our office is beckoning me. I forego my Rocky dance and quickly make my way to the office.

"This better be a legit emergency," I mutter to myself, spinning the office keys around my pointer finger.

The door was already unlocked and it appeared that Bradley made it to the office before I did. That was weird, he never made to the office ahead of me before. Yikes, I suppose the emergency is real?

"Good morning, Bradley! I'm going to make myself a coffee, do you need one too?" I call out after I fling open his office door.

"Excuse me?" A gravelly voice replies. I gasp when my gaze meets with the stranger sitting in Bradley's desk. There is something imposing about the stranger's energy as it swallows up the scenery of entire office with his magnetism. It takes me a few seconds to register that it is Bradley's older brother sitting there comfortably, and certainly not Bradley. This was easy to deduce since the family resemblance is strong. The handsome square face, the strong jawline, the Roman nose and sensually shaped lips. However, I would describe Bradley's look as sunshine and clear skies, with his golden mane and blue eyes. Eric is the polar opposite. He is a dark storm brewing over troubled seas. His face is far more rugged, his hair is jet black and he has stormy steel grey eyes.

"Um, Mr. Carmichael? I'm sorry for interrupting you but I thought Bradley was in and could probably use a coffee," I explain hurriedly. "But the offer still stands, I could bring you one if you so wish."

He rubs his chiseled chin as he considers my offer.

"What type of coffee is Bradley drinking these days?" Eric inquires.

"It's actually pretty good. He gets us the Lavazza brand ground coffee."

"Hm, his taste in coffee has improved immensely. I'd love a cup, one cream no sugar." Eric answers. "When you return, you can formally introduce yourself."

"Huh? Ah, yes. Of course! I'll be right back." I respond quickly with a bob of my head and turn on my heel. I really need to get out of here, there is something about this guy that really disorients me.

I brew a pot of coffee and while the fragrant beverage drips into the pot, I search for cups and small plates. Afterwards, I rifle through the pantry and the fridge looking for a snack to offer with the coffee that would be worthy of Eric Carmichael. All I can find are digestive biscuits and Miranda's vegan cookies. Seeing how particular he was about the coffee grinds I decide against the snacks. The machine beeps signaling that the brewing is complete. I carefully pour the steaming black liquid into the two cups, and then I splash a bit of cream into them as well. I finally scoop two small spoons of sugar into the coffee cup I intend to drink from and stir vigorously. I place the cups onto their matching plates and return to the office.

"There you go, Mr. Carmichael." I gently place the coffee cups onto the desk. I then sit in the plush chair across from the desk.

Eric looks up from the file he was reading and gives me a polite smile. For some reason, it could be my imagination or his dark features but the corners of his mouth twisting into a smile looked downright wicked.

"Thank you and please call me Eric from now on." He simply says. He picks up the cup, blows on the hot liquid and takes a sip. "This was sorely needed this morning."

"I agree," I reply as I join him. I bring my cup to my lips and take a much needed gulp. I already feel more awake than I did a few minutes ago.

"So, you've gathered who I am. Tell me a bit about yourself, what you do here and maybe some of your background." Eric asks with an inquisitive gaze.

"Oh, uh... I'm Ruby, Ruby Mills." I stammer out, clearly not expecting to be interrogated this early in the morning. "I'm the paralegal here, as well as Bradley's executive assistant. I've been with his firm since its start three years ago. And I graduated from Berkeley's paralegal program c*m laude."

"Impressive. Why did you choose to work here?"

I blink at his question, not understanding why he was curious about this stuff.

"Because it was hiring, it's not too far in terms of commuting and the pay was decent." I answer.

"Why are you still working here? As a Berkeley graduate, what are your motivations to remain with a firm that appears to specialize in underachievement?" He cross-examines, his questions were getting downright rude.

"Seriously? Are you interviewing me right now?" I boldly ask. "If that's the case, you really should tell the interviewee ahead of time."

He chuckles and puts his coffee down.

"I'm sorry if it seems like that, but I suppose I am interviewing you. Now you see, I'm trying to determine whether we need to hire on another paralegal while I'm here, or if you could handle my caseload as well as what you already have on your plate." He explains.

"Well, that's pretty presumptuous of you. You could have just asked me." I retort.

"No, I need to make that determination myself. My criminal cases are slightly more critical than my little brother's litigation cases." Eric responded. I noted that he was using whatever opportunity that he could to disparage Bradley.

"My current caseload isn't very heavy. I should be able to assist you if you needed. But if you feel more comfortable with having a dedicated paralegal while you're here, we can accommodate you." I respond in a clipped tone.

"Well, I didn't bring a heavy caseload with me either, so you'll be my paralegal as well. You seem capable. I'll make certain that you're paid extra for the cases that you assist me with." He concludes. "What is your current workload like?"

"Well, at the present I'm only assisting with Carmichael Ranch sale. All litigation cases have been postponed until the sale is complete." I disclosed. Eric eyebrows raise in slight surprise.

"Bradley allocated all his resources to this sale? So, that must mean that you're very familiar with Carmichael Ranch contract?" He delved further.

"Yes, fairly familiar." I affirmed with a nod.

"Excellent. What is your opinion of the current contract?" His grey eyes narrowing in on mine, searching for any dishonesty.

"Well, uh... at first it was a horrible offer. However, through the many revisions it finally seems fair considering all the concessions Monsieur Bisset has to make," I honestly reply. "But I'm certain you can squeeze more money out him, he's very motivated to buy the ranch."

He rests his elbows on the mahogany desk and temples his fingers under his chin and gives me a serious look.

"I'm not sure if I share your opinion that current contract is all that fair, but I do think you're right that we can squeeze a better deal for ourselves here." Eric asserts.

"Can I ask what exactly do you think is unfair about the current contract?" I probe. "Your mom is finally happy with it, so what's your issue?"

Eric shakes his head and laughs a bit.

"Do you know that I've scrutinized every offer for the ranch since our mother decided to sell it? And there were previous offers that offered more money or more license, but this is one Bradley decided to back. This was offer he decided was the best one out of the bunch." Eric starts explaining his reasons to me. "But then I got one of my assistants to look into this deal, and that's when I saw image of the broker Valerie Laurent and then everything made sense. I've known Bradley for almost all his life and I know how he operates. He definitely has ulterior motives. "

I've only known him three years and I was fully aware of how he operates too. I nod along with Eric, actually agreeing with him.

"So, to be brutally honest, I don't trust his judgment as far as I can throw him. This Valerie could probably tell that Bradley was a chump from the moment she set eyes on him. I don't blame her for attempting to help her client get a renowned ranch like ours for a bargain basement price. But that doesn't mean I'm going to allow it." Eric declared. No wonder why Eric was belittling Bradley every chance he got while we were speaking earlier.

"Frankly, I think you are right." I reveal, but he interrupts before I can get my entire thought out.

"You and I are going to get along well." He interjects with that twisted smile. I can't help it but I giggle at his humour.

"I hope that we do. Anyway, what I really wanted to say before you interrupted me, is that you're probably right about your brother but he was able to negotiate it into tremendous deal for your mother and the family." I defended Bradley's honour. For all his faults, Bradley was still an astute, determined and compassionate man.

"It's one of his many talents. His ability to manipulate our mother of whatever he wants. He's her baby boy and she spoiled him rotten since he left her womb. I'm confident that he convinced her to accept the deal as it is and not because he improved it." He countered with a slight roll of his eyes.

Just as I opened my mouth to advocate for Bradley's negotiation prowess, the very devil stumbles into the office. He has the decency to look bashful when he pops his head in and finds me sitting with his older brother at his desk a whole 30 minutes later than he said would be.

"Good morning," he greets as his blue gaze flicks from his older brother to me and then back to his brother.

"Good morning!" We both chorus together, but unintentionally.

"You two are far too cheerful," Bradley states as he approaches us as pinches the bridge of his nose. "Ruby, could you make me a coffee?"

"Ruby is way ahead of you Bradley. She has brewed an entire pot of coffee already and it's waiting for you in the breakroom to make by yourself. " Eric told him with derisive smile playing on his lips, preventing me from assisting him. He then makes a bit of a show drinking the coffee in front of him with a sigh of satisfaction.

"Thanks for letting me know, Eric." Bradley replies through gritted teeth. It was plain to see how they negatively affected each other.

Bradley then turns his attention onto me.

"Ruby, thank you so much for coming in early. I really do appreciate it. Eric here is still operating in the New York time zone and needed us to come in this early to accommodate him," Bradley explained as his large frame leaned over me, his hand resting on my shoulder.

"Do you think you could assist him in getting settled in your office? He's in need of a spot to finish up a few of his cases while he's here." Bradley entreated of me before turning his attention back to his brother. "How long are you hanging about this time around? A few days? A week?"

"Two weeks to a month is what I estimate. However long it takes to close this sale of the ranch. I may 'hang about' longer than that, since I'll be assisting Ma on her move back to Montana as well." Eric answered with a smirk.

"I'm certain she's thrilled with the return of her prodigal son," Bradley mocked with a smile that didn't quite reach his blue eyes.

"Well, why don't I get started right now with helping Eric move his items into my office then?" I insert myself between them by standing up which creates a physical barrier between them. While their pleasantries with one another were somewhat civil, I felt that if I didn't interject myself into their conversation at that very moment, things would definitely go sour.

"Thank you, Ruby. I'll be in breakroom if you need me. You can just holler down the hall." Bradley replied, offering me a genuine smile.

"I'm certain we can handle it without you." Eric retorts as he stands up. He's about an inch taller than Bradley. Bradley glares up at him before he skulks out of his office.

"So, now I think I finally understand why you're still working here. You two are fucking." Eric surmises with a raised eyebrow.

"Excuse me?! No, we certainly are not!" I retort, my cheeks feeling hot.

"Maybe I misread the chemistry between the two of you." He said backing down quickly as he assesses my reaction. "And I'm sorry for assuming that about you. Honestly, you don't seem like the type to engage in an office affair like that."

His apology appears authentic and it disarms me right away. And to be fair, I suppose his hypothesis wasn't entirely out of left field. Only last night my own little sister came to a similar conclusion.

"It's fine, I guess. Just so you know, nothing romantic has ever occurred between your brother and me." I assured him.

Eric picks up a small box from the floor and hands it to me. He gives me a knowing look when I take the box from him.

"That's interesting. Now does this mean you have zero romantic interest in my little brother?" Eric inquired further.

My cheeks heat again and I avoid his steady grey gaze.

"Your new lining of questioning is just plain impertinent. I'm not even going dignify that with an answer." I reply as I head out of the office.

Eric follows behind me and tags along all the way to my office.

"I find it pertinent and perhaps I could make you see why it's in your best interest to share your feelings with me on this particular matter." Eric attempts to reason but I'm not convinced.

"I don't see how that could be." I say, slamming the small box on top of my desk. Eric gently places his banker's box atop the desk while giving me his best endeavour at a pleading look.

"Clearly, you like Bradley and he you. But there are a few reasons that I can think of why he hasn't pursued you yet." He enticed as he slipped into my leather desk chair. "However, I know a method or two that could change his current mindset."

"No way, I'm not even close to his type." I reply, remembering the type of girls on his social media.

Eric c***s his head and flicks his gaze up and down my frame.

"You have everything that he likes in a woman, you just need a little finessing." He states matter-of-factly. "And lucky for you I'm in surplus of finesse and have the inside track on what Bradley likes."

"And why would you help me with your brother?" I ask bluntly.

"I need to get Valerie Laurent's claws out of him. As long as she has him entranced, Bradley will agree to anything she offers at a discount price. Which also means our mother will agree to it as well. I need them both on side. You will be the perfect girl to break her spell. So, what do you say?" Eric persuaded with his solid logic and mesmerizing silver eyes.

I considered saying no to save my pride, but my pride didn't come with Bradley.

"What exactly would I have to do?" I asked him, accepting his proposal.

"The number one way to make yourself irresistible to Bradley is fairly easy. Requires barely anything of you." Eric tells with a crooked grin.

"Which is?"

"You simply have to date me."