My mother overhears and answers for me. “She’d be delighted.”
Oh, I’d rather put a salad fork through his eye—or mine. To say I hate this man would be an understatement. There’s no way I’m going to share a meal with him.
I nod, but we both know he has no intention of meeting me for lunch. It’s all for my mother’s benefit.
“See you soon.” He winks at me and walks off.
My mother sits down. “That man has been crazy about you since you were in elementary school.”
Hmph. If she only knew. “Mamma, I know you think Walker and I belong together, but let’s be realistic.” I dig out my phone and Google him. “Look at the women he dates.” I show her picture after picture of socialites. “These women are waifs, with pedigrees and rich families. He needs that for his political aspirations, not his housekeeper’s daughter and childhood friend.”
“Oh sweetheart, those women are all window dressing.” She pats my hand. “He loves you.”
“Not only does he not love me, but if we didn’t work together, he wouldn’t look at me twice. Mamma, I hate that man. He’s everything that’s wrong with our society.”
“Hate is just the opposite of love,” she says calmly. “And we all know opposites attract.”
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Forbidden Love
Billionaire Venture Capitalists book 1
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by:
Ainsley St Claire
CHAPTER ONE
Emerson
I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with him. I wasn’t supposed to need him. I wasn’t supposed to want him. But I did fall in love with him, I do need him, and I most certainly want him.
In the beginning….
I can’t believe that today of all days I’m running late. I’m usually never late. I live the mantra that late is if you aren’t at your destination fifteen minutes before scheduled time. Ugh!
Running into the new office in downtown San Francisco, I am greeted by a well put-together receptionist at Sullivan Healy Newhouse, often referred to as SHN. We’re the preeminent venture capital firm in the Bay Area. As of last Friday afternoon, they purchased my company, Clear Professional Services, and I’m now joining the firm as a partner to manage the professional services of all their investment start-ups. It’s a way to have a steady paycheck and work with some of the brightest people in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
The offices are bright and open with sparkling clear glass walls, leather office chairs in bright colors, white shellacked desks and tables, and bamboo wooden floors helping to give the space a clean and sharp look. Exiting the elevators, I introduce myself to the receptionist. “Hi. My name is Emerson Winthrop. I’m supposed to meet Sara White.”
Smiling, she stands from behind her desk in a soft blue skirt suit that meets just above her knees, a black patterned silk blouse and a soft blue matching jacket. Her highlighted blonde hair is up in a tight chignon, and her jewelry is tasteful yet expensive. Reaching out, she shakes my hand and says, “Welcome, Emerson. I’m Annabelle Ryan. We’re happy to have you here at SHN. I’ll let Sara know you’re here.” She makes the call and alerts Sara of my arrival, then tells her she’s going to bring me back to her office with a detour by the company break room. “Emerson, follow me. We’ll grab coffee and breakfast, and I’ll walk you back to Sara’s office.”
I saw the break room during the process of SHN buying my company; it was impressive then and even more so now. Located in the center of the office, it hosts coffee machines that make coffees, teas, different cocoas, and ciders, an espresso machine where you can make your own, and also a Nespresso machine. Lined atop white Caesarstone counters, there doesn’t seem to be any escape from caffeine should anyone desire it. Next to the sink is a glass-fronted Sub-Zero refrigerator stuffed with sodas, juices, waters, fresh fruit and vegetables. Open shelving on the walls gives the kitchen a giant pantry feel with each floor-to-ceiling shelf containing unending rows of almost every snack you can imagine.
In the center, an island which stores all the various plates, silverware, chopsticks, napkins and a food buffet. This morning’s breakfast food selection includes various fruit salad selections, bagels, pastries, a cheese plate and a warming plate with eggs and bacon. I’m awestruck. “Is this the spread every day?”
“Unfortunately for my waistline, yes. The guys can eat like crazy, though most of us girls here don’t have the metabolism to eat like this. I usually bring in my own coffee so I’m not tempted. Lunch is catered every day and arrives about noon. There is a menu on the fridge so you’ll know if you want to bring something in from home. And for those working late, there’s a light dinner brought in most evenings.” She reminds me of Vanna White as she points out the various amenities. “In the fridge is an assortment of sodas and beers. If we don’t carry your favorite, let me know and we’ll stock it.”
I fill my cup with pure black coffee and an artificial sweetener and follow Annabelle to meet with Sara. She’s the corporate counsel and currently runs all the operations at SHN. I’ll be taking all the human resources and talent pieces off her plate. She’s my peer and the only other female partner. During the purchase, we bonded, part of the reason I chose to sell to SHN.
Sara stands and approaches me with open arms. “Emerson! I’m so thrilled you’re here.” We make polite chitchat, and then she hands me a calendar for the day. It tells me I’ll spend the morning with her
