Tempting my CEO

Chapter 2 - The last person I expected to see

Hudson

I made my way into the Brady publication building. We ran four different magazines out of this building, hence why it needs to be this big. Today though, I was heading up to the tenth floor to where Unique beauty magazine is based, well, one department of it, anyway. This was our biggest magazine out of the eight we own in total. I was the CEO of the media and publication part of our company. My four siblings are the same for other factors. Our family-owned a lot, from publications to hotels to art galleries, just to name a few.

I headed to the elevator, pressing number 10. As I made my way up, the woman from the coffee shop came to mind. She was so beautiful. I was surprised she caught my eye instantly. She wasn’t my usual type. I usually go for blondes, tall and slim. I know all women are beautiful in their own ways, but I had a specific kind, like most. However, the woman in the coffee shop was the opposite of my type. She was a few inches shorter than me, a brunette and had gorgeous curves. There was a shyness about her too. The way she looked around, not seeming to believe I was looking at her, was cute. I recognised her from somewhere, from a brief encounter. I haven’t spoken to her or anything, but her face was familiar.

I got pulled out of my thoughts when the elevator dings, letting me know I had arrived. I pushed her to the back of my head and headed out, going to Kate’s office. I found her pacing. She was nervous, especially since she doesn’t know why I am here.

“Kate, will you please calm down? You have nothing to worry about,” I laugh.

“Oh, I am sorry, Mr Brady, I didn’t see you there,” She replies, stilling.

“Kate, how many times do I have to tell you, call me Hudson,” I laugh, “We have known each other a long time. You have known me for more than half of my life,” I added.

“Sorry, yes, Hudson,” She laughs, “So how can I help? Everything OK?” She adds.

“Yes, everything is fine, just need to discuss a few things with you, that is all, nothing to worry about, promise,” I smile. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“OK, then follow me,” She smiles, “I have a conference room set up with coffee too,” She adds.

I loved my coffee. I drink more coffee than anything else. I was addicted to it. I followed Kate to the conference room. Kate was informing me that her assistant would join us for the meeting. I hadn’t had the chance to meet her new assistant yet.

“Avalyn can be a little shy with new people, so if she seems off, it isn’t personal, just how she is,” Kate stated.

“I will keep that in mine and try not to embarrass her,” I chuckle.

Avalyn, that was an unusual name, beautiful though. I don’t think I have ever met an Avalyn in my thirty-two years of living. We arrived at the conference room. I let Kate go in first. I was a gentleman that way. My mother would give me a slap across the back of the head if I acted any other way. My parents raised me to treat women with respect and as equals. I learned a lot from my parents. They were incredible.

I followed behind.

“Hudson, this is my assistant, Avalyn. Avalyn, our CEO, Mr Hudson Brady,” She said, introducing us.

I looked up, and standing there was the last person I expected to see—the girl from the coffee shop. How strange is this? Maybe that’s how I knew her face. Perhaps I saw her personnel file before our company hired her.

When her eyes meet mine, a surprised look takes over her face, a blush rising on her already natural rosy cheeks.

“It is nice to meet you, Avalyn,” I smile, offering her my hand.

I don’t think she wants her boss to know about the little moment in the coffee shop. I don’t wish for Kate knowing either because it is strictly forbidden, any of us getting involved with someone that works for the company. It is a rule that I stick with because it could bring a lot of trouble if it goes wrong.

“It is nice to me you too, Sir,” She smiles, taking my hand.

I feel her shudder slightly as our hands touched. I felt it too. There was like some sort of spark the moment our hands came in contact. I held it for longer than I needed.

“Thank you,” I smile.

Avalyn smiles back at me and quickly pulls her hand away from mine.

“There is fresh coffee there. Can I get you both one?” Avalyn asks.

“Nonsense, I will get them. Both of you sit down,” I smile.

Avalyn didn’t look too sure about it until Kate gave her a nod. The two of them sat down, and I went to get our coffee. I knew Kate’s order, but not Avalyn’s, until I asked. I made the three of them and took them over to the table.

“Thank you,” They said in sync.

Avalyn got her iPad set up, setting it on the table.

“Right, I will get straight too,” I said, “Firstly, I am here to check the numbers for the last few months for both sales and online. Second, my parents wanted us to discuss the fundraiser that will be happening

in a couple of months,” I added.

“What idea do your parents have for this year?” Kate asked.

“My mother would love it if we have a masquerade ball for this year,” I smile, “It is something we have never done,” I added.

“Oh, that will be fun,” Kate said excitedly.

I had a feeling she would like that idea.

“Yes, my mother said you would love that idea,” I laugh, “And lastly, my father has decided that he would like me to do an interview and photoshoot for this magazine. He is making us all do something like for the companies because he wants people to know us better, remind them that this is a family-run business,” I added.

I wasn’t one for interviews and photoshoots. It wasn’t my thing. I would rather keep myself hidden, but it is something my father would love for me too, so I will do it. That man has done so much for me. This is the least I can do for him.

“I will get my best people on it,” Kate smiles.

“Thank you,” I said, giving her a quick nod.

I went over everything with Kate, Avalyn taking notes the entire time. She was taking notes even when she didn’t have to.

“Avalyn, what are your thoughts on the Masquerade ball?” I asked, looking at her.

“I think it is a great idea! Everyone can be who they want to be for the night, and it will be a great way to raise money for the chosen charity this year,” Avalyn gushes.

“Yes, we can all be whoever we want to me,” I said, smirking at her.

“Yes,” She whispered and turned away from me.

“I will get those reports for you. It may take an hour or so if you can hang around?” Kate asked.

I told Kate that I would be sticking around for most of the day, which Kate was fine with. It would allow me to see what everyone was doing and maybe discuss the fundraiser more with Kate. A small part of me was also sticking around because of Avalyn. I know she should be a factor, but I couldn’t help myself. It wasn’t like I was doing anything wrong.

I let the two of them go and get on with their work. I would busy myself until the report was ready. It would be good to be amongst everyone. I miss working like this. It has been a while since I have.