Chapter 2

Panic. 

That’s the best way to explain what is going through my mind as I enter Zane Incorporated. I placed a cup on top of coffee on Amber’s desk, “Good morning, Amber.” I say with a smile. Amber takes the coffee and nods to me,

“Good luck today.” She told me as I quickly made my way to the elevator. I pushed the button and watched as the doors began to shut, and I started going towards the top floor. 

Once I reached the top, I knocked on the door four times. When I heard someone call out, I opened the door and greeted each one with a coffee and a smile, “Good morning, gentlemen!” They glance at the cups of coffee and then back at me, 

“How did you know what coffee to get?” Anthony asked me; I smirked,

“I do my research, Mr. Zane.” He glanced at me with a smirk and began sipping his coffee. He hummed in satisfaction and then turned back to the documents. 

“Thank you, Lily.” Connor says, “And by the way, since there are four of us, you can call us by our names.”

“So, Mr. Connor, then?” I asked,

“Yes.” He replied. I set Dustins’ cup in front of him; he reached for it but went past it, grasping my hand. The fireworks erupted against my skin once again. 

“We have a business trip in a few weeks, and we will be gone for a few weeks as well.” He says, “We need the flight, hotel, and transport booked. Understood?” 

“Yes, sir,” I say, 

“Get five rooms.” Dustin informs me, “Though if you’d like to join one of us in our rooms, you’re more than welcome to.” He says with a wink. 

“Of course, I’ll set it up right away. Though, I think I’ll be fine with my own room, Mr. Dustin.” I say. The others chuckled at my statement toward Dustin. “Also, where is it we will be going?” I looked between the four of them until my eyes landed on Brandon, who sipped his coffee before returning my gaze, which set my core a flame. 

“Brindleton.” He replies, “Brindleton, Florida. They have the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.” My heart nearly fluttered with excitement! I’ve always wanted to go to Brindleton, but it’s so far away I’ve never gotten the chance. Alador City is located north of Oregon, just an hour before you enter Washington. 

“And don’t you worry, Lily,” Connor says, “we should be back before Thanksgiving? So, you can inform your family that you’ll be back.” I stiffened a bit. Trying to hold back my tears. 

“Y-Yes, Mr. Connor.” I cleared my throat of the lump that was beginning to form, “Excuse me, gentlemen, I’m going to go get to work.” I nodded, and I hurried out of the room and hurried to my desk. I didn’t even notice I was there. I took a shaky breath, wiped the tears that had started to fall and got to work.

After booking everything and marking the dates in the planner, I’m happy I decided to stop by the store on my way home to get a new planner and colored pens with matching highlighters so I can keep each of the brothers’ schedules separate and be able to manage their schedules for when they’re together. As well as my days off and more. 

Once I had everything written down, I checked my emails, which also contained an email from the brothers with the information as to why we were going on this trip. It looks like a business trip to market the new software to another company just starting. I add further information to the planner and then start checking the weather for the weeks we’ll be there so I can make my list of packing necessities and inform the brothers about what they should have packed. 

When everything was booked, and I had everything written down, I debated on emailing them all or going into the office to tell them. It would be easier to just email the four of them rather than tell them, and then one of them forgets something. 

Anything could happen at that point. 

I composed the email and then sent it before checking any other things that needed to be scheduled, then decided to check something for school. 

I found myself immersed in my work that I didn’t even notice the looming figure over me, startling me. I look over to see Connor, a look of worry on his face, for what, I couldn’t tell you. “Mr. Connor, you startled me.” I say, “Is something wrong? Did you need something?” He knelt down beside me, which, I must admit, made me curious,

“Why did you get upset when I mentioned that we’d be back in time for Thanksgiving?” He asked me, genuine concern laced into his voice. It was sweet that he is concerned, though; I hope it is what it appears and nothing more. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to be in that kind of relationship with him. 

With any of them, for that matter. 

I turned to face him, crossing my legs and cupping my hands before sighing, “I-I lost my parents.” I replied, “We were in a car accident when I was seven and on our way to my grandmother’s for….” I choked back a sob. 

“Thanksgiving, I’m guessing,” Connor asks; I nod. “I am so sorry, Lily. I shouldn’t have pried into such a personal matter.” I gave him a weak smile, 

“It’s fine, Mr. Connor,” I tell him, “It happened a long time ago, but I’d truly like to work if I can.” He nodded, 

“Perhaps something can be arranged,” Connor tells me, a wicked smile on his face. 

“Thank you, Mr. Connor,” I say as he takes my hand in his and places a soft kiss on it. Leaving me in a flustered state, just as Dustin had done yesterday. When he left me alone to rejoin his brothers, I was left with my mind running wild. I need to focus; I need to get started learning the way of this business so I can do what I can to be as successful as the men I work for.