Making the Right Call: The Kick Off Trilogy

by Francine Beaton, Lidia de Jager

Synopsis

One chance. One choice. It’s his call.

Nicholas Carter is the billionaire owner of the Wild Dogs, a young and successful rugby club. His secret to success is simple; he keeps his business and his private life separate. When Emma Coles comes into his life, she tests his resolve. His new accountant is not his type, yet she has the uncanny ability to make Nicholas lose control.

Geeks shouldn’t look like Nicholas and neither should they kiss as he does. Emma is mortified to discover that the hot, sexy, green-eyed man with intoxicating kisses is her new boss.

They cannot deny the attraction between them. But giving in to the chemistry spells serious repercussions. During a business trip, they surrender to their passion and embark on an affair that forever changes their lives. Reality creeps into their relationship, and Nicholas must decide.

Will he take ownership of the resulting fallout? Will he make the right call?

Release date: October 20, 2018

Publisher: Francine Beaton

Print pages: 303

Sample

 

CHAPTER 1

 

 

She must have been insane. There could be no other explanation.

She leaned against the rail of the rooftop terrace, studying the area surrounding the building housing it, and frowned. Emma questioned her sanity for the hundredth time when she'd agreed to this.

Just look at this place! It was so far out of her comfort zone she might as well have been on Mars.

Who would have thought Emma Cole, a child genius, financial expert and the geekiest and nerdiest woman in the country would apply for a job at a rugby club? Okay, it was not just any rugby club, but still.

Rugby—or any sport—and Emma were not friends. Emma learned that lesson as a five-year-old at her first and last athletics meeting. She fell over her feet before the race began because Emma had her nose in a book, as usual. Her scraped knees and hand had saved Emma from her only attempt at sport. She had to suffer through PE periods her entire school career, but she got no better at it and was always on the side-line. Emma learned if you make a hash of it the first time, most teachers won't push you to try again. No, Emma was an accident waiting to happen.

Therefore, the answer to why Emma was here today for an interview at the Wild Dogs RFC was, of course, a man. And not just a man—far from it. The person Emma could blame it on was at over six feet six inches and two-hundred-and-seventy pounds, one of the biggest men she'd seen in her life.

It wasn't fair. Mark Bailey had everything. He was one of those people born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. If attractive, charming and intelligent were not enough, he was one of the best upcoming rugby players in the country at twenty-three. However, Mark had his secrets, and it was those secrets that brought her here for an interview as an accountant at the Wild Dogs. Mark was Emma's best—or rather only—friend, and he had begged her to apply.

Emma's frown deepened. She had been sceptical from the moment Mark had suggested it. It didn't matter that Mark and a few of her private clients played for the Wild Dogs. She knew nothing about rugby.

She was still considering if she should not take the next bus home but shook her head. She couldn't do it to Mark.

It was not as if she could pretend to have gone for the interview and didn't get it, because Mark's business partner, Nicholas Carter, was the CEO of the Wild Dogs and led the interviewing panel. He would tell Mark she didn't pitch.

Maybe she could phone Mark and pretend something had happened?

As if in reply to that thought, her phone buzzed with Mark's name flashing on the screen. Emma debated if she should answer, but knowing Mark, he would try until she responded. She pushed the button while raising the phone to her ear, "Hey," was all she needed to say before Mark spoke.

"Hey Em, we want to wish you good luck with the interview. Not that you'll need it. You'll nail it."

Emma raised her doubts again. "I'm uncertain about this, Mark."

Mark pleaded, "Please, Em. You'll be brilliant at it. I heard last night that Brett, the current financial manager, wishes to retire in three months. I don't like the idea that someone else would be privy to my secrets."

Emma knew how crucial it was for Mark to keep his financial status and business acumen under wraps.

When Emma didn't answer, Mark urged, "Come on, Emma. I'll worry myself sick about you if you work on your own. You'll never leave your house and will be a recluse before you know it. You'll be the lady with the cats," he teased Emma about her fondness for the species.

Mark was accurate in his assessment. She did that since she completed her internship and hardly left the apartment. Mark cut short that train of thoughts, "Come on, just do it for a year or two. Working with Nicholas will give you enough experience when you set up your firm. I know he may be grumpy and a tough taskmaster, but he knows what he's doing. You can learn a lot from him."

That clinched her decision in Mark's favour more than all his pleading, and emotional blackmail had done. Emma had heard enough about Nicholas Carter and read enough articles about his business techniques to know that Mark was right. Nicholas was first a computer genius, but he was still successful in running his businesses. Emma wanted to find out how Nicholas became so successful since Mark believed Emma was just as big a geek as Nicholas, although she still doubted Mark's assessment. She didn't think there could be anyone geekier than her. 

Emma stopped Mark before he could fall into another tirade, "Okay, okay. You made your point. I'll try this, but don't say I haven't warned you. I know nothing about rugby or any other sport."

"That doesn't matter, Em. You know about sums, figures and budgets, and that's what you need for this position. However, I think it is about time you broaden your horizons, starting with rugby. Hell, I've been your best friend for six years, and you've never seen me play. Working for the club, you won't have any choice."

Emma heard voices in the background, and Mark muttered, "Okay, Em. I have to go. Good luck. Daniel and Cappie wish you the same. Let me know how it went. Cheers."

Before Emma could reply, Mark disconnected. Emma shook her head. Mark Bailey was sometimes like a bulldozer. Mark's bulldozing mentality had broken down the wall Emma built around herself. Emma had tried to resist forming a friendship with the big lock, but Mark had ignored her futile attempts.

Emma glanced at her watch. She had ample time before her interview. She was early, but Emma didn't want to take a chance as she had to rely on the bus service. The kind security guard named Fred let her in and escorted her to the roof garden on top of the office block next to the Wild Dog Rugby Stadium. As Emma could gather, the garden was Fred's pride and joy, and he loved showing it to her. He told Emma that it would be more relaxing waiting on the roof than waiting at reception.

He was right. Emma had relaxed, whiling away the time waiting for her appointment. It was still an hour before she had to report for her interview, but Emma was getting nervous. Maybe it was because Mark had mentioned Nicholas Carter. She had worked herself up over the interview. Would she be good enough to fit in if he was such a formidable business executive, as everyone said he was?

Restless, Emma took the stairs down to the ground floor. It was more to calm the sudden bout of nerves than needing the exercise.

She got to the second flight of stairs when she bumped headfirst into a firm chest, barely covered by a flimsy and sweat-soaked tank top.

If it were not for the firm hands that caught her upper arms, Emma was sure she would've flown along with her glasses, which must have landed somewhere on the stairs below as she heard its clattering noise. How she held on to her folder, she didn't know, but she clutched it with her one hand in front of her chest. The folder was the only barrier between her crisp white shirt and that sweaty tank top.

Emma didn't worry about the loss of her glasses. 

No, it was the sudden lust rushing through her body when her palm glided over the smooth upper arms covered in perspiration. Green eyes met hers and held for several seconds before the man pulled his gaze away to roam over her face.

Emma used the opportunity to make an appraisal. 

He had dark brown hair, cut short, which left his broad forehead open. A drop of sweat ran down his temple and disappeared in the stubble of his beard. It had to be the full lips curving in a seductive smile that had caused the unfamiliar lust.

His intense focus on her lips felt as if he was touching it.

Then he did it for real, shocking the living daylight out of her.

His lips were firm and warm when it captured hers, shooting off sensations like a sparkler to warm every hidden corner of her body. Her not pushing him away confirmed her earlier conclusion of insanity. 

Emma stared dumbfounded at him when he lifted his mouth from hers. 

His cocky smile vanished, giving Emma a bit of satisfaction. He looked stunned as he stared at her mouth. He slowly lifted his eyes to catch hers. He held her eyes for what felt like an eternity and then did something that made Emma gasp.

He winked!

Darn, that was cute.

It intensified her awareness of his solid body so close to hers, the beautiful and tempting mouth curved in a smile and the hands stroking her upper arms with a familiarity Emma never experienced before.

No, this would not do.

Mark told Emma about the rugby groupies. This man might be used to them but was not one. She was Emma Cole, and she didn't do men such as…

No, no, wrong phrase. She didn't do men. She was Emma Cole, and she was not interested in men. Period. Especially not men who looked like this one and who thought they were irresistible. Which he was, but that was not the point.

Emma inhaled. She let her eyes drift over his body, hoping for something that resembled indifference. He shouldn't get a clue that his kiss affected her.

She slid her hands in the narrow space between them, fighting the impulse to slide them over that sweaty chest and shoulders, and manage to mutter in a way she could only pray sounded indifferent, "You need a shower."

In her ears, it sounded huskier than she intended.

Darn again. She needed to get a grasp of her libido and quick.

He wiggled his eyebrows at her and taunted, "You look hot. Would you like to join me?"

Emma gasped. She knew her face had changed crimson, and she cursed her fair skin. What arrogance! The man was attractive, but he was too full of himself. 

She couldn't answer him, because she had an immediate vision of joining him in that shower, and that opened another train of thought she should squash.

Emma didn't know how she managed, but she pushed his hands off her shoulders. She stepped around him, searching for her glasses, only then noticing that the man was barefoot. It explained why she didn't hear his footsteps.

She spotted her glasses two steps down. She ignored the man when she stepped down and bent as ladylike as she could—and as her skirt allowed—to pick them up. She slid them back on her nose and without a backward glance, walked the rest of the way down the stairs, grateful that she could hold on to the rail. 

She had escaped those mesmerising green eyes, but couldn't ignore the husky chuckle that followed her. The sound made her want to do something other than flee.

Emma hoped she didn't have to deal with too many of these rugby players. They had way too much testosterone. That's why she avoided going to watch any games, ignoring Mark's pleas over the years. She should instead think about Mark and the interview still to take place. Don't think about a hot, sweaty man with gorgeous green eyes and kissable mouth…

Emma groaned. She was only near a rugby stadium, and she was already behaving like them! This wouldn't do.

Just before she reached the last step, Emma took a deep breath to calm herself. Maybe a chat with Fred and a visit to the bathroom would help her settle down before her interview.

 

 

 

"Oh shit!

Nicholas muttered the expletive and a few other choice ones under his breath when his eyes fell on the woman who had followed his secretary into the conference room.

It was indeed 'oh shit' as it was the woman he had kissed on the stairs and caused Nicholas to take a long and cold shower. She was also the last candidate for the day—and his young business partner's friend.

While she acknowledged the introductions of Brett Underwood, the financial manager and Geoff Kingsley, the human resource manager, Nicholas took the chance to study the woman and to try to school his features at the same time. 

Not in his wildest dreams or imagination would he have expected the woman he'd kissed on the stairs to be Emma Cole. She looked nothing like the picture Nicholas had in his head. When Mark Bailey recommended Emma, Nicholas had visions of a Barbie lookalike as young Mark attract those types of girls—apart from the number of brain cells Emma Cole had.

If Nicholas had to describe Miss Cole as she looked now, he would've used the word nondescript—and that was a compliment. There was nothing distinctive about her appearance. Dark brown hair tied in an unflattering tight bun. The most hideous thick-framed glasses Nicholas had ever seen hid her almond-shaped and chocolaty-brown eyes. Her jewellery was minimal, comprising a black-and-white striped bracelet and small black earrings. She carried a black document folder in her hand, and a small, sensible handbag hung over one shoulder. A black skirt and blazer combined with a white shirt were simple—and boring.

Although there might be potential if Nicholas had to judge the pencil-style skirt ending just above her knees, revealing long and shapely legs and her shoes…

Oh, yes!

Her two-and-a-half inch black pumps might tell a different story. What would his sister-in-law, Thembi, make of this woman? According to Thembi, a woman who wore those heels was confident, sexy, and self-assured. If Nicholas hadn't seen her earlier, he would've laughed if someone mentioned Emma Cole and that idea in the same breath.

Dressed like this, nobody would dream of describing her as sexy. However, Nicholas' encounter with her on the stairs belied the impression that Emma Cole was nondescript.

Nicholas remembered the heat of her body against his own, brown eyes which could melt any man's heart, the peachy aroma that surrounded her and the taste of her lips. She tasted like peaches. Sweet. Tangy. Juicy. And then, the huskiness in her voice when she told him he needed a shower…

Nicholas squashed that memory when his body reacted just as it had then. 

What had possessed him to kiss a total stranger?

That was so unlike the steely control he cultivated since his divorce. Nicholas had decided that one reckless mistake was enough for a lifetime. He didn't plan to make another one.

Dressed like this, Emma Cole might be what the club needed. He had way too many young, testosterone-filled players. Nicholas didn't need to add a young and sexy accountant to the mix. That would only ask for trouble, and he should be the first to remember that. He had overstepped the mark once already.

Nicholas lifted his eyes when Rachel reached him. He held out his hand to acknowledge the introduction and waited for her to recognise him. That awareness, as earlier, shot through him as soon as Emma put her hand in his. She might've felt it too as her eyes lifted to meet his.

Nicholas knew the exact moment when she recognised him as she drew her breath in. Behind the glasses, he could see her eyes widen, and the telltale flush spreading over her cheeks. Nicholas didn't look away as he struggled to hide his amusement. It was not a reaction he would've expected in the circumstances.

If he wanted to control this interview, he had to pull himself together. He murmured her name in acknowledgement, "Miss Cole," but like an idiot, he didn't let her hand go. Or not immediately, anyway.

The brown eyes holding him still looked shocked.

When she murmured, "Mr Carter," Nicholas realised he was doing the exact opposite of what he should've done if he wanted control over the situation. He dropped her hand and showed her to take a seat.

While she took her seat, Nicholas glanced down at her file. He didn't have to study it again. He heard enough about the woman over the last few years.

Why would the formidable Miss Cole want to work for the Wild Dogs if she was such a financial genius as Mark had mentioned? That was quite an accolade, coming from Mark. Nicholas had a suspicion, but he still wondered about it.

He listened with half an ear while Geoff went through the usual trivial questions. Nicholas was waiting for Brett's questions before he formed an opinion. In the meantime, Nicholas took his time in studying Miss Cole. 

Emma might've felt his gaze on her, because she glanced in his direction and then she pulled back her shoulders, returned his gaze for a millisecond before she turned to Geoff. Just one slight gesture and Nicholas was more intrigued than he should be. He had a definite feeling that Emma Cole was not as timid as she looked. Her whole appearance might be like a mask or armour to keep people at a distance. He couldn't wait to discover what Emma Cole was hiding behind her mask because Nicholas suspected that the zing he felt earlier was just a…

Damn!

Nicholas sat up straight. He couldn't think about her like that! Emma was a potential employee, and she was Mark's friend. There was no way he could think about it.

He picked Emma's file up again and attempted to read the contents.

At twenty-four, Emma Cole had done well for herself. She graduated high school at sixteen, two years earlier than most South African school-leavers. She got her B. Com honours degree at twenty, and her master's degree at twenty-one. She further got her certificate in the theory of accountancy at twenty-two. Now, at twenty-four, she was a qualified chartered accountant after having interned at one of the city's leading accounting firms. Emma had assisted a few of Nicholas' players with their taxes the last couple of years, and they and the accounting firm highly recommended her.

Nicholas glanced up when Brett Underwood took over the interview. Emma sounded confident when she talked about her work. That was a point in her favour. If Nicholas had to judge, she bowled Brett over with her knowledge and the solutions she offered for the problems Brett suggested. 

At last! He was sick and tired of interviews. When Brett glanced at him, Nicholas knew he wanted to know if there were any more questions. Nicholas shook his head, and Brett concluded the interview.

Nicholas didn't glance at Emma again, apart from shaking her hand. It was far safer. He barely waited for Rachel to escort her out before asking Brett and Geoff, "Have you made up your minds?"

Brett grinned, "Oh yes, definitely Emma Cole. She's brilliant, and we could do far worse. I'm telling you, Nicholas, that woman can take my position blindfolded. Just give her two months. I'm not as impressed with the other candidates, but the only other one with the qualifications and expertise is Conrad Dewey."

Nicholas nodded, "Yeah, I came to the same conclusion. Since we all agree, you can let the candidates know, Geoff. Offer Emma Cole the senior accountant position and Dewey three-month probation as an accountant."

"Thank goodness, that was the last of the interviews," he mumbled.

Brett laughed, "Yeah, and you probably can't wait for us to get out so you can get back to your computers. What are you working on?"

"An electronic ticketing system. I want it ready for the opening of the new stadium," Nicholas admitted, embarrassed that they knew him so well.

"You'll do it. You always do."

Brett sounded confident in Nicholas' abilities. Nicholas usually was confident, but he had been struggling with the finer detail of this programme. Nicholas wanted to have a prototype ready to test before they put in the gates at the new stadium, but the way things were going now, Nicholas didn't know if he could achieve it. According to the developer, he could hand the stadium over to the club at the end of November. That didn't give Nicholas much time.

Both Brett and Geoff had been with Nicholas from the start, the same as Rachel. When Nicholas bought the Wild Dogs, his core staff didn't hesitate to come with him. It made his transition in a field unknown to him a far lesser challenge than it would have been.

Nicholas often wondered if that was not why the Wild Dogs fared better than some other clubs. He ran it as a business, and not as a social enterprise.

What Nicholas had known about rugby two years ago, he had picked up from his best friend Nathan Sinclair, the conditioning coach for the Wild Dogs and Mark Bailey, his young business partner. Two of his brothers played the game, but Nicholas never did, preferring to watch from the side-line or spent time behind his computers.

Nicholas had to admit. He became passionate about the game and his club over the last two years. He loved what he was doing. However, Nicholas learned at a young age that he needed more to stimulate him than just one thing. He still did programming, and he had diversified in real estate, such as the two simplex complexes he was developing across the road from the stadium. 

Soon, he might need something else. Nicholas hoped that whatever it was would stimulate him enough to curb the restlessness he felt.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 2

 

 

Two weeks later Emma stood outside the office block entrance behind the Wild Dog RFC's Stadium, still doubting her sanity.

She preferred working for herself by herself. Now she had to share offices with other people. She wasn't good with that. She'd never been. She was a loner, working with numbers and problems and finding solutions.

She signed resignedly. She accepted this job now, and she had to do her best. 

After a deep breath, she pulled back her shoulders and took the final few steps to the entrance. She would make a success of this as she didn't doubt her abilities in her work. It's just people that freaks her out.

It didn't matter if Mark thought the Wild Dogs would be her family. Her family comprised only one member for the last eight years. Emma planned to keep it that way.

As soon as Emma reached the door, two men came out, one of them Nicholas Carter. They both glanced in her direction and nodded good morning. Nicholas held the glass door for Emma, but he didn't step away. Emma had no choice than to brush against him when she stepped inside. For one moment, Emma's eyes caught his before his eyes dropped to her mouth. He suddenly scowled and turned his head away.

Emma stepped around him, so she didn't have to touch him again. As soon as Emma was inside, he let go of the door so fast it made a swish sound. Emma glanced in his direction, but at least Nicholas didn't look back. He joined the other man and carried on with the conversation as if nothing had happened.

Nicholas Carter was handsome. She had noticed it the day of her interview and again now. At least Emma didn't have to work with him, not after the scene on the stairs. She needed to remember that he was off-limits, but she could see no reason she would forget it. She wasn't interested.

She glanced down at her clothes and lifted her chin. Yes, she was ready. No man should glance in her direction with this get-up. Her camouflage was her protection.

Emma walked up to the front desk. The receptionist looked up when Emma approached and gave Emma a friendly smile. "Good morning, I'm Emma Cole, and I am…"

"The new senior accountant. Welcome. Mr Underwood asked to let him know when you arrive. Do you mind waiting for a moment?"

Emma had little choice and shook her head with a smile. The receptionist, however, had already picked up the phone.

A few moments later, Brett Underwood exited through another door, his hand stretched out to welcome her, "Miss Cole. Welcome to the Wild Dogs. Come, let me first introduce you to your colleagues. We can then complete the documents at HR and get you a security pass."

By that time, they had reached an open area where about nine people gathered with cups of coffee. Brett interrupted their chatter by clearing his throat, and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen," he grinned, "let me introduce you to your other new colleague in the accounting department. This is Emma Cole, our new senior accountant. I'll appreciate it if you can welcome her."

He turned back to Emma and said, "Come, let me introduce you to each one individually."

Emma memorised all the names and faces as Brett introduced them. Everyone was friendly, except the last man in the line of introductions. As Emma understood was Conrad Dewey, another new employee. She thought he would be the one that would've been the friendliest as they were in the same situation, but she couldn't help to notice his slight antagonistic behaviour. Well, she guessed, he would not be her new friend.

Not that it mattered. The other people made up for Conrad Dewey's surliness. Benji Smith, the junior accountant, was one of them. He was friendly and helpful.

The first day was still a flurry of getting everything sorted out, but Emma had settled into a routine by the end of the week. The two weeks after that were quiet at the stadium as the teams were in George for a training camp. Brett took turns taking Emma, Conrad Dewey and Benji with him to meetings. It helped Emma to get to know the setup and the routine far quicker.

When Emma arrived at the stadium on the Monday morning of her third week, it was a bustle of activity. She was glad she took the bus because, with all the players back, parking at the stadium would have been a problem.

She walked to the office, where she put her bag away. She had just made herself a cup of coffee and settled at her desk when there was a commotion at the door. Emma smiled when she saw Mark and Daniel Cooper slipping through the door. 

"Hello, Em," Mark called, his voice booming through the office. Emma put her finger on her mouth to show him to be quiet. Mark scrunched his face when Daniel punched his shoulder, causing Emma to laugh. Those two had a unique friendship Emma had always envied.

Emma noticed the curious glances of the other people in the office when the two young players came to stand at her desk, and Daniel announced, "We came to welcome you to the family, Emma. We want to remind you you have no more excuses not to come and watch us play. It is now your duty."

Emma laughed, "Try another one, Daniel. You've been trying for years, and it never worked."

Daniel nodded, "Yes, but you've never worked for the Wild Dogs before."

Daniel frowned at Mark, "I don't want to be a Dog anymore."

Both Emma and Mark stared at Daniel in shock. Emma heard enough from Mark over the years to know that Daniel Cooper was the apparent heir of the captaincy role as soon as his brother retires. Daniel had been the captain of every other team he represented since he was a young boy, except now in the senior squad with Damian as captain. The Wild Dogs valued Daniel's strong leadership skills and talent, and she felt sure they would not want to lose him.

Daniel's announcement came as a shock and surprise to his best friend since Mark asked hesitantly, "What do you mean, you don't want to be a Dog anymore. Hell, Daniel…"

Daniel frowned at Mark, and then he understood Mark's confusion. He laughed, "No, don't be daft. I've just realised what a silly name the team has: Wild Dogs. I think we need a new name."

"What do you suggest?" Emma asked with a relieved laugh, "Cats?"

"Geez, no, Em. Now you're silly. We need something strong and mean that could scare the other teams," Daniel explained, emphasising the 'strong' and 'mean'.

Daniel thought for a moment, directing his next comment to Mark, "Maybe we should ask Nicholas."

"What should you ask me?" Emma sat up straight, ignoring the ripple down her spine when she recognised Nicholas Carter's voice behind her.

Daniel gave Nicholas an embarrassed grin, but Mark was not as restrained when he announced, "Daniel reckons he doesn't want to be a Dog anymore. He thinks we need to have a stronger name."

"So, what do you suggest, Daniel?" Nicholas asked, clearly amused.

"I don't know, but it had to be something strong, like a rhino or a lion or something. Something that other animals and people fear," Daniel suggested.

"Something like a buffalo," Mark suggested with a sly grin.

Daniel laughed, "Maybe. But bro', you're the one suggesting it, not me. He will kill you."

"Who?" Nicholas asked, interested.

Mark chuckled but shook his head, "I'm not brave enough to say."

"Ah," Nicholas frowned. "So, if we want to change the name, how do you suggest we go about it?"

The two men shrugged. Before Emma could stop herself, she suggested, "Call out a competition to the fans where they first have to suggest a few names and maybe vote on it?"

"Hmm," Nicholas said, studying her. "Not a bad idea, Miss Cole. I'll keep it in mind should we do it."

Nicholas turned back to the two players and demanded with a stern expression, "So what are you two doing here, apart from keeping my staff out of work?"

Mark explained, "We came to welcome Emma to the Wild Dog family," he sneered at Daniel. "And we want to lament the fact she will not do our taxes anymore."

"Well, if you finished, get back to the training pitch before Coach looks for you. Miss Cole, I would like to see you in my office."

Nicholas sounded friendly enough, although the frown marring his features looked ominous. Emma flushed. It was not her fault the two friends came to welcome her, but she guessed she should have chased them out. Come to think of it. They spoke more to Nicholas than they had spoken to her.

Mark muttered, "Sorry Em. We didn't want to get you in trouble. Sorry, Boss," he smirked at Nicholas. It looked like a very cheeky expression to Emma and with a slight emphasis on the Boss part. Nicholas scowled at Mark and left without another word. Emma scrambled to get a notebook and pen before she followed Nicholas to his office. His secretary motioned for her to go in.

Nicholas was standing at the window when Emma entered. Her discomfort increased when he instructed, "Close the door and sit."

His expression and tone of voice didn't bode well. Emma instead did what he asked. She was unaware that she nibbled on her bottom lip as she approached his desk without making eye contact.

Nicholas spoke up before Emma could sit down. Emma lifted her gaze in shock at his words.

"Sorry I broke up your get-together. Although it's not against the rules to fraternise with the players, I suggest you keep it to the minimum in the office. Keep your affair discreet so you wouldn't make your colleagues uncomfortable."

Emma stared at him. "What? Sorry. Excuse me? I don't fraternise with the players, as you call it, and neither do I have an affair."

Nicholas raised his eyebrow, and Emma shook her head, "Mark and I are friends. I can't help if they wanted to come and say hello, but I'll make sure it does not happen again," she added stilted, folding her arms across her chest.

Emma wondered if that was why Nicholas had called her into his office. Well, if he wanted to say something else, he could do it. She said what she wanted to. She kept quiet, but when the silence became uncomfortable, she caved and asked, "Was there anything else, Mr Carter?"

Nicholas studied her for such a long time that Emma wondered if she did something else wrong. A frown marred his forehead when he walked towards his desk. He asked her to sit while he took his place behind his desk. "Yes, there are two things I would like to discuss with you."

Emma sat down, watching him with a wary expression, "Yes, Mr Carter?"

Nicholas cleared his throat, "First, I like your idea about the competition for a name change."

Emma frowned at Nicholas' sudden turnabout and mumbled, "Thank you."

"I'd like you to look into it. I need to know what the financial implications for a name change would be and running a competition like that."

"I'm not a marketing person, Mr Carter. Should they not do it?" Emma protested.

"Yes, it is, but I don't want them to run away with it yet. Just see what you can find out for me, please," Nicholas urged.

"Yes, Mr Carter. Anything else?" Emma asked.

Nicholas grimaced, "Yes, there is. I know you've only been here for a few weeks, but I've only received glowing reports from Brett and the others working with you."

He stopped and waited for Emma to acknowledge before he continued, "I don't know if you've noticed, but Brett is not well. He struggles to keep on top of his work. He suggested that you, as the senior accountant, take some of his responsibilities. Will you do it?"

Emma stared at him, open-mouthed. She hadn't expected that. "Yes. Yes, of course."

"Thank you, Emma... Miss Cole. Brett is only a few months away from retirement. I don't want him to go earlier if we could help it, as he would lose a fair amount of his pension. If you could help him with his duties, Brett might not feel so stressed. He has to go for treatment next week and wanted to postpone it. Please spend time with him before then and see what you could do to help him. Reassure him he don't have to worry. If you have any problems, please speak to me or, if I'm not here, Rachel. Your friend Mark knows the systems. Mark mentioned that you know about his involvement in the club. It's imperative you keep that knowledge to yourself and only ask Mark to help you as a last resort."

Why did he feel it necessary to warn her about it? There was no reason. Her voice reflected her irritation with him, but she couldn't help it. If he wanted to be grumpy, so could she. She lifted her chin and glared at Nicholas. "Yes, Mr Carter, I am aware. I would, however, never break Mark's confidence. I never had and never will."

When Nicholas pushed back his chair and got up, Emma read it as a sign that the meeting was over. She jumped up and headed towards the door, but it didn't matter how quick she had reacted, Nicholas was there before she could open it. 

He held his hand out towards Emma. Her irritation hadn't decreased yet, and Emma frowned at his outstretched hand, dubious if she should touch it. 

Nicholas couldn't miss her irritation as he apologised. "I've offended you. I'm sorry."

Emma didn't answer, but she now had no choice but to shake his hand. She willed herself not to react, but it was no use. As soon as Emma lay her hand in his, heat zinged through her. She couldn't even pull her hand out of his. Nicholas also put his left hand over hers, sandwiching her hand between his. Emma scowled at him, but Nicholas seemed oblivious of his effect on her. He might be, as he didn't look at her but kept his eyes locked on their hands.

Maybe Nicholas realised what he was doing, as he dropped her hand so suddenly as if it was burning him. Emma felt the tension radiating from him, but he turned away in a hurry, hiding his expression. He mumbled, "thank you," but Emma didn't reply. She fled his office, breathing in only when she had put some distance between them.

 

 

 

When the door clicked shut behind Emma, Nicholas exhaled. Was he insane? What had made him do something so stupid? 

He rubbed his hand through his hair and frowned. There were gazillions of reasons he shouldn't think about the woman, or worse, to touch her. He didn't understand what made him want to touch her every time he got close to her, but he did anyway.

Since he kissed Emma on the stairs, he couldn't get her out of his mind. She appeared in his thoughts and his dreams, driving him insane.

His fascination with her was affecting his life. He couldn't even go grocery shopping in the fruit aisle anymore, especially this time of year. When he went shopping and handed the fruit to the helper to weigh, he smelled Emma Cole. It had hit him so hard in the gut he groaned, earning him a concerned glance from the poor woman. But he should've expected it when it took him an eternity to select the biggest, juiciest and fragrant peaches.

His personnel might wonder about him. He was grumpy most of the time and had avoided the staff room since Emma's arrival.

When Nicholas held the door open for her on her first day at the club, he knew he could be in serious trouble if he didn't avoid Emma. Therefore, that's what he did, giving the admin offices a wide berth.

Nicholas only managed because he'd been on a business trip for most of the time. Today he had little choice. He checked on Brett before most of the staff arrived and noticed that the older man didn't look well. They had a more extended discussion than Nicholas planned, so he couldn't avoid running into Emma. It wouldn't have helped, because he still had to speak to her about Brett and her additional duties.

His flare of jealousy when he walked into the office and found Mark and Daniel chatting and laughing with her still had him reeling. It was so unexpected.

Hell, Emma Cole was so not his type. Not at all. Why then was she the one to awake the feelings he thought long buried?

No, he couldn't think about it.

 

 

 

Emma ignored the curious glances when she returned to the office and walked straight to Brett's office. She immediately noticed it then, but probably only because Nicholas brought her attention to it. Yet Nicholas was right. Brett didn't look well. His face was almost a sallow yellow. Emma walked up to his desk and asked gently, "Is there anything I can do to help, Brett?" 

Brett lifted his eyebrow, "Did Nicholas speak to you?"

"Yes, he did. I'm sorry. I didn't notice…," Emma faltered.

Brett quickly reassured her, "Don't worry, Emma. You've only been here a short time. Not even those who had been working here for a while had noticed it. I am, however, glad that you are here. I already came to rely on you. Come, sit down so I could fill you in," Brett instructed.

Emma listened and made copious notes. She only left Brett's office two hours later with an armful of folders. Before she went, Brett warned, "Emma, you may experience jealousy, and more so with this new development. Don't let it get you down. Just be careful who you trust."

Emma nodded. She had dealt with jealousy and pettiness so many times in her life she could do it again.

Back in the office, she powered up her computer and opened the first file. Four hours later, she leaned back in her chair, stretching her back. She still had a lot to do, but at least she made a significant dent in the pile of work Brett had given her.

For the next three days, Emma put her head down, working longer hours than she had been the previous weeks. That she had to attend meetings on Brett's behalf, also ate up valuable time. She didn't complain, though, as she enjoyed the challenge.

The only blemish in her otherwise happy work environment was Conrad Dewey. He had already made himself unpopular with the rest of the staff, except one woman hanging onto every word he said. He resented Emma since she took over Brett's tasks. Emma ignored him most of the time, relying on Benji. She had dealt with men like Dewey before.