Owned (Office Intrigue Book 8) by Nicole Edwards (bill gates book recommendations txt) 📕

I moved to stand beside Braelyn as she watched Jones disappear into the bedroom. Once he was inside, she led the way into the hall.

As the three of us were stepping into the elevator, she turned to Taurus.

“Will you keep an eye on his updates for me? Let me know when he’s completed his tasks.” She smiled softly. “Please.”

Taurus nodded once, his eyes never leaving her face.

Not many people would’ve noticed but I saw the delight that lit Taurus’s light brown eyes.

Not that I was surprised.

Considering I’d fallen for her charms, it seemed appropriate they did, too.

FORTY-ONE

TALON

I considered the week that followed Jones’s arrival to be relatively normal.

Aside from Braelyn spending some of her free time checking on him, it wasn’t much different than a regular work week.

Well, aside from the fact that we were moving at a faster pace. With Memphis and Ransom now well into their new roles, as well as Braelyn taking over as my assistant, they didn’t seem to be wasting time. And while it had started off with me having some free time, that was no longer the case. I found myself spending additional time reviewing new proposals, providing my input, and giving them the approval to implement.

“Any updates?” I asked the group gathered around the conference room table.

I noticed Braelyn peering around, waiting for someone to speak up. Her gaze swung to the telephone as she waited another second.

“I have something,” she finally said.

I nodded in her direction.

“I’ve been putting together the preliminary details for the next Owners’ Retreat,” she informed everyone. “Based on the calendars as they are right now, I’d like to suggest we schedule for February fifteenth through the twenty-first. I’d also like to suggest we go with a theme this time. It’ll be a belated Valentine’s.”

I smiled to myself but kept my expression masked.

“I know that’s only three weeks from now, but I’m happy to say, I’ve already got a list of Owners requesting they be added to the guest list.”

“How many?” Zion inquired.

“More than we can probably allow,” she answered easily.

“Yes,” I stated quickly before another question could be asked. “I want you to handle the setup. Submit your proposal by the end of day to me, Zion, and Ransom. This is your show, Braelyn. Show us what you’ve got.”

I could see the question in Zion’s eyes, but I ignored it. I was sure my right-hand man was wondering whether or not I’d lost my mind. For the record, I hadn’t. I’d already seen Braelyn’s ideas, knew what she was hoping for. And I’d made it clear to her my concerns. This was her opportunity to take things to the next level, and I trusted her to be rational.

“Thank you,” she said with a radiant smile.

“Anything else?” I asked the group. When no one responded, I ended the meeting with, “Very well. Memphis, I’d like you to stay on the line. Everyone else is dismissed.”

I waited until the room cleared out with the exception of Taurus.

“How’re things with Tiegan?” I prompted.

“Better,” Memphis acknowledged. “Much better.”

I’d expected as much since I hadn’t seen a resignation letter from my former assistant.

“Personally as well as professionally?” I inquired.

He chuckled, a good sign. “I’d say it’s a little better on the former than the latter. She likes to give me shit here at work.”

“She wouldn’t be Tiegan if she didn’t.”

“No, no, she would not. Sounds to me like things are going well there.”

“Better than expected,” I admitted.

“I heard there’s a potential new trainer coming in.”

“Yes. Ransom’s in conversation with one of the Owners. He’s changing the criteria, though, so it’ll be interesting to see where it goes.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” Memphis said, never one to hold back. “I think this is the direction you’ve been meaning to go for a while.”

“I have, yes.” Although I hadn’t expected all the changes to come at once, I certainly couldn’t complain. “Let me know if you need anything, Memphis.”

“Will do, boss. Talk to you later in the week.”

I disconnected the call, glanced at Taurus. “Find Sim. The two of you meet me in Jones’s room.”

Taurus nodded, then slipped out.

I wasn’t far behind, stopping at Braelyn’s office and peeking in the open door.

“I want an update on Jones,” I informed her. “You can give it to me in front of him.”

She seemed surprised but not bothered by the directive.

Because I enjoyed the feeling, I took her hand, walked with her across the grounds, taking my time to check on the possessions currently going about their daily chores. The conversation remained light, Braelyn noting a few changes that were being made to the grounds. Nothing major, just some additional outdoor areas added at Ransom’s request.

“I’ve been reading your updates on Jones,” I informed her when we walked out of the elevator on the second floor.

“I think he’s ready,” she said, her tone professional.

I motioned to the door and she opened it without announcing her presence.

“Ready for…?”

She hesitated when she saw Taurus and Sim inside, standing beside the wall. Her gaze shifted up to me, but she didn’t ask why they were here.

“What is Jones ready for?” I repeated.

“Oh … uh … to be put back in circulation.”

“Call him in here,” I told her.

“Jones, join us,” she called out.

I noticed, despite her tone being polite, it wasn’t a request, which I approved of.

“Once he’s reacquired by the resort, he’ll be off-limits to you,” I explained, leading her around to the sofa. “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Braelyn eased down beside me, sitting at an angle so she could look at me.

I looked at Jones, snapped my finger, pointed to the floor in front of me. “Stand.”

“It’s not about me, Talon,” Braelyn stated, watching Jones as he came to stand in front of me. “It’s about his needs.”

“And you’re certain you’ve determined what’s best for him?”

Her eyes narrowed on my face. “I’d like to think I have.”

I honestly believed Braelyn had been working to determine the best course of action for Jones. She