Page 10 of A Bossy Surprise

4

ADAM

She’s avoiding me.

Though I was terrified about having to talk to Kayla, I have to admit I was a little disappointed when she stole out of the room.

I tried so hard not to look directly at her after the meeting, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t aware of her movements the entire time.

I’ve been bombarded for about 45 minutes by members of my new staff when the woman Kayla was talking to earlier walks up to me.

She is petite. She looks to be about our age and has a sharp brunette bob, and is wearing a dress that I think is possibly a little too tight for the workplace.

She saunters up to me in her heels. When she reaches me, she sticks out her hand. “Hello, Mr. Grant. My name is Amanda Wilson. I am the Deputy Head of Digital Platforms. So I basically help manage GNN’s online presence.”

I shake her hand. “Ms. Wilson, it’s lovely to meet you.”

She preens under my attention. “The feeling is mutual, and I have to say I am pleased that you’re coming on boardhere. It would be nice to get some more young blood in top management.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Oh, yes. Arthur got a lot of pushback from the previous owners. They were too set in their ways, but I imagine he won’t have that problem with you.”

“No, I don’t think he will.”

“Great…”

“Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”

Without another word I turn and leave the room before someone else can corner me.

I go in search of Arthur and track him down in his office.

When I walk in, he has his reading glasses perched on his nose and is reading something on his computer.

“That was an interesting meeting,” he says, not even looking up from the screen.

“Yes, it was.” I know exactly what he’s talking about, but I have no desire to discuss it. So I don’t.

Arthur looks up with a sigh. “What can I help you with, Adam?”

“I was wondering if you could direct me to the office of our news head. I would like to have a word with her.”

“Oh. Kayla’s office is two doors down to your right.” I offer him a quick nod and turn around, but he stops me. “Go easy on her. Today is her first day on the job.”

I roll my eyes. “Calm down. I’m not that bad.”

“Yes you are,” he says with laughter in his eyes.

I leave his office and make the short journey to Kayla’s office.

Once I’m there, I take a breath before I knock.

My heart stops when she calls, “Come in,” from within.

I take another deep breath and push the door open.

When Kayla sees me, her face falls.