Page 29 of His Secret Gift

Seconds later, his voice is booming on the loudspeaker.

“Apologies, folks. But before the recent hires climb into bed, please make your way into the bridge for an official meeting with Mr. Shelley.”

As we wait for their arrival, I’m trying my best to hype myself up. I may understand why I need to see their faces and interact with them, but that doesn’t mean I’m thrilled to do so either.

Pretend they’re all renowned authors.I’m always kissing those peoples’ asses because all I see is money over their heads.

My focus is interrupted when the phone starts ringing nearby.

“Yes, everyone. What do you mean?” Bryant asks after answering it.

Then, he slams it down and clicks his tongue.

“Who was that?”

“Denver. He asked me if every new person had to come.”

My eyebrows furrow. “Did he say why?”

“No. But then again, I didn’t really give him the chance to.”

“Huh.” That isn’t like him to try to bend the rules… especially not on behalf of someone else.

Finally, when everyone arrives, I take a deep breath before scanning down the line. There are the typical youngsters who likely only applied after watching that new stupid reality show and other more seasoned looking people as well.

I smile flatly. “It’s nice to meet you,” I mutter with my mouth closed as much as possible.

However, it isn’t long before I notice a head peeking from behind the last person. Bryant stops shy of her when telling me the names of each man or woman.

So, I walk closer.What are they hiding?I have no criteria for attractiveness among my staff—that would be gross.

“Um, hello?” I call out to whoever it is.

“Yes?” by the meek and high voice, I can tell it’s a girl.

“Would you mind stepping out?”

She seems to hesitate.

I chuckle. “We won’t hurt you; I promise.”

Then, as she steps into the light, my heart almost stops.

It’s her. It’s Kayla.

My first instinct is to turn away as my eyes dart from side to side.

“Sir?” Captain Bryant mutters after stepping over. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah, fine.”

“Listen, I know this isn’t your favorite thing in the world but—”

“I said it was fine.” I bite back a little harder than I intended.

“Okay.” He backs away with his hands up.

My mind is still spinning.Did she know who I was the whole time? Was it all a setup?With those possibilities, that innocent moment feels so dirty, and I want to confront her.

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