Sandra Lawson wasn’t sure what it was about Chris that drew her to him. He was charming, sure, but it was more than that. It was like some part of her recognized itself in him. So when he flirted with her, she smiled and pretended to be embarrassed by his attention. But she never discouraged him. She knew she should, but she couldn’t bring herself to do what was expected of her, given their respective stations in life.
So he kept flirting and she kept smiling.
It was only a matter of time before her brother found out. The rational part of her had known this would happen. Her overprotective brother, who had inherited their parents’ real estate empire after the plane crash, was also her legal guardian until she turned 18.
Sandra didn’t see how that gave him the right to determine who she dated, but like I said, he was overprotective. It was understandable given all the responsibilities that had immediately been dropped on his shoulders when their parents died. It would drive anyone a little crazy, especially a man in his mid-twenties who hadn’t been expecting to inherit anything for at least a few more decades, and certainly hadn’t been planning to become responsible for a teenaged girl anytime soon.
That didn’t change the fact that Sandra found his overprotectiveness annoying. For the most part, she put up with it, but when it interfered with her relationship with Chris, she decided enough was enough.
“Why don’t you make him your assistant?”
“Who?”
“Chris.”
“Not Chris Gordon.”
“Yes, Chris Gordon. He knows this city like the back of his hand. He can run any errand for you.”
Her brother gave her a look that said, You’re joking, right? Aloud, he said, “He can’t run any errand for me. Have you seen how he dresses? I work with people whose doormen wouldn’t let him inside.”
“Then give him a uniform.”
Her brother snorted.
“I’m serious. I bet he’ll be so good at his job that he’ll make back whatever you pay for his uniform within the first month.”
That got her brother’s attention. He looked up from his work, and for the first time since the conversation had started, looked her dead in the eye. Sandra instantly regretted giving such a short time frame, but there was no backing down now. If there was one thing her brother couldn’t resist, it was a bet. Especially when the stakes included the chance to prove her wrong.
“All right,” said Hugh. “One month.” He extended his hand, and they shook on it.
To be continued…