CHAPTER 6

The weekend passed very quickly in a hazy blur. Lana had dragged me downtown to a bar for some much-needed relaxation after a stressful week in her department and the looming reality of my new job. Still, every spare moment, my mind faltered, circling back to Jack. What was it about him I just couldn’t resist?

His piercing blue eyes?

That impossibly handsome face?

The searing warmth of his touch? Or the way he made me quiver when we were in close proximity?

I was by and large slipping into a reverie about Jack every fleeting moment. I was losing myself in want, one I hadn’t planned for. This job meant the world to me, I would never want to ruin it with an insatiable desire I had no right to feel.

My first day at the confectionery was tranquil. The grandeur of the factory was unlike anything I’d ever seen before, its interior nothing short of breath taking.

I work here now? At McCullen Confectionery?

 It felt incredible. The Confectionery rose with a quiet confidence; dark glass, clean lines, steel-grey panels framing the wide windows with a touch of modern architectural theme. The smooth white curve of the glass-clad softened the sharp edges of the building. The imposing building didn’t demand attention. It commanded it.

I could never thank Lana or Mr Betton enough. Mr Betton was a financial magnate, an entrepreneur, and the CEO of Betton Conglomerate. His influence was boundless, his connections and networks amassed like trophies over decades of expertise. Turning him down for any favours whatsoever was unheard of and practically obscene – something that should never be done. When he called in a favour, you answered without questions or interrogations.

The day was primarily for basic introductions and acquainting myself with the varying departments. The supervisor, Millicent, was a striking blonde in her mid-thirties, pouty lips and an air of authority. She oversaw the brief training, her sharp demeanour and precise explanations making her both intimidating and impressive. We toured the entire facility—a walk so long it felt like traversing a city. My awe was palpable. Millicent was the backbone of this place as rumoured, and it was quite obvious –her command of the production line was flawless, and for a moment, I aspired to be just like her.

Until lunch…

“Is this seat taken?” A voice stabbed at my back

I shook my head. “No, you can sit.”

“Are you liking it here so far?” The voice said, circling around and sitting beside me.

“A dream come true.” I said honestly.

“Right?” He grinned. “William. William Knight.”

“Robin.”

“No surname?” He winked at me, his face flashing with a loopy grin.

“Clay.”

“Beautiful name.” He leaned closer towards me, his face just an inch away from mine. “You know, I heard the biggest news today.”

Despite myself, a sweet smile broke across my face, trying my best to look and sound intrigued. “What’s that?” 

“Millicent and the big boss are an item.”

“The big boss?” As far as I was concerned, there were a ton of big bosses in this behemoth. Could he be more specific?

I arched an eyebrow, a crease forming on my forehead. I gazed at him, urging him to let the big news out already.

“Mr McCullen.”

Something splintered inside my chest.

“Oh.”

That was all I could manage.

What had I expected? A man like Jack; successful, confident, extremely attractive… single? I bet he had women falling at his feet wherever he went. I forced calm into my reeling thoughts, I wasn’t going to torture myself any more than I already had.

The rest of the week passed uneventfully, feeling dejected and out of sorts. I was moping over the loss of something I never had in the first place. My fractured heart resolved to completely forget Jack McCullen and focus on my career, because there was only one way this obsession with him was going to lead me…in tears.

The weekly reports would end eventually, they had to. I would make sure of it. To survive, I’d have to keep my encounters with him brief, a minimal contact and professional distance.

Friday came sooner than I had anticipated. Lana was already at the bar. If her last text was anything to go by, I’d better not keep her waiting. She’d made it her mission to sleuth around for new bars and explore only the best together every Friday. I liked the distraction. Though I was positive this ruse of an idea wasn’t going to last for long. Lana was far too busy a person as the laboratory assistant in Oxford’s biology department to be playing bar detective.

The journey from McCullen Confectionery Factory to McCullen Heights was exhausting on foot; endless flight of stairs and flyover climbs. I paused for a moment, letting my eyes roam over the building’s exterior. It was just as imposing as the factory its self. They both exuded the same character – majestic, commanding and alluring and I couldn’t suppress the flicker of admiration spreading across my face.

I glanced past the stairs and stepped into the elevator. Those stairs were as good for cardio as an inclined treadmill. My heart pounded rapidly against my chest in anticipation as I strode to his office.

Get in, hand it over and leave, get in, hand it over and leave, get in, hand it over and leave.

I repeated the mantra like a catholic prayer, and boy did I need it. If I was going to stay sane and not combust, I needed every muscle and prayer.

God help me.