Page 13 of Charmed By Destiny

“Yes, that would be terrific,” Richard said, the calmness of his voice belying the dancing hormones still coursing through him that unfortunately sprang to life whenever Lucas was mentioned.

He’d barely met the guy. What the hell would it be like working with him every day?

Chapter 6

Rushing wasn’t something Richard liked to do, but he’d been doing it all morning. It’d taken him far too long to put together an outfit, and he refused to examine why. He also didn’t question his decision to choose his favorite pants that showed off his trim waist and firm ass to perfection. He’d spent a few extra minutes at his makeup mirror and ensured not a single hair was out of place, which meant he’d arrived at breakfast to find everyone already eating.

His mother had raised an eyebrow but hadn’t commented on his tardiness. Richard had guzzled coffee and fueled his body as he tried to line up his day in his mind. It was something he did routinely. He prided himself on his efficiency, sharp memory, and dedication to every Marwood guest.

Richard reminded himself of details he needed to check and ignored the acceleration of his heartrate as his mind inevitably landed on the new employee being added to his team. Lucas was another inspirit who needed safety, security, and whatever else the Marwoods could offer to ensure his life was a good one. That was the duty of a necromancer.

So yes, Richard would be expected to train Lucas. That was fine. Richard was devoted to his job and had showed more than one person the ropes of their office. He wouldn’t allow himself to be distracted by an attractive face.

Once breakfast was done, Richard went through his emails as a driver took him to work. They arrived, and Richard pocketed his phone and reminded himself that Lucas was an inspirit who needed aid and he wouldn’t drool over him. That was something Richard repeated to himself as he pulled open the door to his department and his gaze immediately landed on the raven-haired inspirit with the crystal gray eyes. At least the man was punctual.

Lucas stood and beamed at him. Richard decided that the way the dimple on his right cheek deepened with that expression annoyed him, but he wasn’t sure why. Or who the hell he thought he was fooling. That little dent in his otherwise perfectly symmetrical face was sexy. Irritated, Richard couldn’t find a smile as he greeted the inspirit.

“Good morning,” Richard stated.

Lucas’s grin faltered, and Richard’s annoyance with himself grew. He was supposed to treat the inspirit well, not take out his personal issues on the poor guy.

“Good morning, Gabe told me to report here this morning.”

Richard found his manners, and the corners of his mouth lifted in what he hoped was a friendly enough expression. “Yes, he told me you’d be here. Why don’t you follow me to my office and we’ll figure out how to get you started.”

“Sure.”

For some unfathomable reason, it was uncomfortable to walk in front of Lucas. Richard didn’t usually lack confidence, and he wasn’t sure why this man he’d literally met twice was unsettling him so easily. Rushing through the space, Richard greeted his assistant with an absent wave. His normal gait was clipped, and he let himself into his office and waved toward one of the guest chairs.

“You can have a seat,” Richard invited.

“Thanks,” Lucas replied.

There was a rap on the open door as Richard rounded his desk, and Douglas sailed in.

“Good morning,” Douglas said. Lucas’s presence was no surprise to the inspirit. Richard had texted Douglas the previous night to fill him in on the change to their office. “I brought you coffee.”

“You know you don’t have to do that,” Richard chastised for perhaps the millionth time.

“Oh sorry, I didn’t think. Can I get you anything?” Douglas asked Lucas.

“No, thank you, but I appreciate the offer. I’ve already had several cups.”

“Richard, I rearranged my schedule so we could both handle the meeting with Rosalind,” Douglas commented.

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. She understands you have a busy schedule. Honestly, if I’d told her this morning didn’t work for me, she wouldn’t have had any issue with coming later.”

“I love any chance to be with Rosalind, it was no problem,” Douglas insisted. “Thankfully, we didn’t have to shuffle much in the office. I helped Benjamin move things on your calendar.”

“That was kind of you,” Richard said.

“I also pulled several white-and-silver cloth tablecloth options for Rosalind to review.”

Although Richard appreciated the way Douglas strived to assist him, he’d wanted to handle the arrangements for his brother’s wedding to Gabriel himself. But he couldn’t fault Douglas’s enthusiasm.

“Thanks, last night I was looking at some stuff online for inspiration. I have some thoughts.”

“Of course you do, I’ll go get the tablecloth book and the swatches I pulled so you can add any that pop out at you to our pile of options,” Douglas said, heading for the doorway.

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