Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)(96)

Hardly any of them good.

I’m in his office now, sitting in a plush, oversized chair, watching as the president and CEO of Fleur Cosmetics reigns behind his desk, trying his best to wrap up what appears to be an extra-long phone call all while sending me apologetic glances and holding up his finger, gesturing it won’t be much longer.

No big deal. I have all the time in the world. My schedule is slow this afternoon and I’m still grouchy as hell after the way I treated Violet. She didn’t call me, she didn’t text, she didn’t email, and usually she’ll reach out to me somehow. Some way. I know she’s pissed. I wonder if she told her daddy just how pissed she was.

If this conversation has anything to do with his daughter, I will lose it. Swear to God.

He finally hangs up the phone and reaches beneath his desk, hitting some secret button that shuts his office door with a quiet efficiency that only the very wealthy can afford. “How are you doing, Ryder?” He smiles benignly, and the sight of it puts me on edge.

I sit up straight. Something about this man commands my absolute attention. I don’t want to disappoint. I don’t want to look like a slacker. I want this man’s respect, and the only way I’ll receive it is if I give him the respect he deserves in return.

He also just so happens to be the father of the woman I’m f*cking, and I can’t lie—being in his presence makes me extremely nervous.

“I’m very well, sir. And you?” I sound like a putz. But shit, what else can I say? Definitely not the truth.

It’s been insane these last few weeks, old man. I’m jealous every time I see Violet with her smarmy * ex. Jesus, that guy is a prick. By the way, I think I know who you’re banging, so I guess it’s not such a secret anymore. And I’ve also been f*cking your daughter all over the building. As a matter of fact, I really pissed her off when I reiterated—yet again—that I’m just using her.

Other than all that crazy nonsense, I’ve been most excellent, sir.

“I hear you’ve been busy lately, working on Violet’s new project.”

His casual mention of Violet makes my heart drop. Here it comes. He’s going to demote me. Fire me. Whatever. “We’re in the process of having the package prototypes put together. By next week they should be available. I know … I know Violet is extremely excited.” Not a lie. She’s very protective of this project and I can’t blame her, considering her name is appearing on everything.

“Violet says they’re going to be beautiful.” He looks at me pointedly. “She told me you’ve been a big help with the line, even suggesting marketing ideas when that’s not necessarily your area of expertise. She says that you really know your stuff.”

“Uh, thank you.” I’m shocked. When did he talk to her about me? And why would she heap so much praise on me? I thought she hated me.

“I’m sure you know about Zachary Lawrence’s temporary promotion,” he says, changing the subject completely.

I try my best to remain neutral, but my lips curl into a sneer for about two seconds. Long enough for the very astute Forrest to notice. “Of course,” I say stiffly.

He laughs and shakes his head. “You don’t have a very high opinion of him?”

“Not in the least, sir.” I say nothing else. He can’t hold it against me if I remain fairly neutral.

“I understand, son. I’m not too fond of him myself.” His use of the word son startles me. No one calls me that. My own father called me a no-good, money-sucking bastard. I have no idea how to let an older man care about me in a fatherly manner. I didn’t think it was possible.

Not to mention the fact that he just revealed he doesn’t like Zachary Lawrence. Interesting.

“International positions are opening up within Fleur,” Forrest continues when I don’t say anything. “Not just the one Zachary is filling. Temporarily, I might add,” he says, making me like him even more. “I wanted to see if you were interested.”

“Interested in taking a position overseas?”

“Yes. More opportunities are set to open within the next few months.” He studies me, his gaze never wavering. “I think you would be a most excellent candidate.”

Triumph surges through me. This is exactly what I want. What I’ve been working toward over the last few years, ever since I came to Fleur. Recognition from Forrest Fowler accompanied by promotions and opportunities that’ll bring me the money and prestige I f*cking deserve.

“I’m honored, sir,” I say with all honesty. “Your consideration means a lot to me.”

He smiles. “Not that I haven’t noticed your hard work, McKay, because I have, but you need to thank Violet. She’s really been championing your work.”

I frown. Really? What about Pilar? She’s the one who’s supposed to be working Forrest over to get me a promotion. “Violet?”

“Yes. We had a meeting a few days ago with the board, discussing who we thought would be a good fit for the international positions. Your name was brought up by Violet. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she has a crush on you.” He winks at me.

A crush. That’s a funny way to describe what Violet and I are doing. How I feel about her.

And just how do you feel about her, *?