Page 1 of Tempting the Billionaire
Chapter 1
Emma
I drop the final box in the middle of the living room and heave a deep sigh. I glance around at the sea of cardboard, blank walls, and sterile floors. I’m home.
My new home. The home that’s going to be a whole lot better than my last one.
While others might see my abrupt turn in life as a step down—newly single, living on my own, in a much smaller and crappier apartment—I see it for what it truly is. Freedom.
It took me far too long to see my relationship with Justin for what it was. Toxic. Borderline verbally abusive. And a hundred percent bad for my mentalstate. We’d met in college, moved in together right after graduation, and lived together for three years. I’ve never really known adulthood without him. But while I truly did love him, our relationship was peppered with a dynamic that left me feeling unloved, used, and lonely. And finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.
I’d left. The fight was epic, unbearable. I was almost afraid. But ultimately, he’d let me go. And here I am, in my very own apartment, out on my own.
It’s strange. I feel eighteen again, going off on my own. But deep down, I know it’s good for me.
I reach for the box labeled, “kitchen,” pulling out my coffee machine and setting it up for the morning. If there’s one thing I need up and running, it’s my coffee maker. And I need to be on my best game tomorrow. Because not only have I changed homes, I’ve changed jobs.
Ever since graduation, I’ve worked for Justin’s family jewelry company. They were hiring, I had an in, and I took a job that I assumed would be temporary that just ended up turning into years. I handled inventory, dealt with customers, and did a lot of the backend administrative work.
That is, until they went out of business three months ago. As a small family company, they just couldn’t compete with the big-name jewelers. It was sad—I did truly like Justin’s family, and the store—buteven if it hadn’t gone out of business, I would’ve left. I need all ties from Justin completely gone from my life.
I shake my head, knowing his blood would boil if he knew the new job I’d picked up. But my only job experience has been working at a jewelry store—it just made sense that that’s where I’d apply.
I didn’t think I’d immediately be hired by Bishop Jewelers, the oldest and most high-end jeweler on the East Coast. And Justin’s family business’ rivals for years.
Either way, I’m excited for a fresh start.
I glance around the apartment again, slightly daunted by the amount of boxes. Resigned to simply relax and leave the mess for slightly later, I order some Thai food on my phone. Unpacking can wait for tomorrow evening. Tonight, I plan on eating a delicious Pad Thai and watching reality TV on my laptop.
I stroll down Newbury Street, my kitten heels clacking on the pavement. The street is lined with some of Boston’s nicest and fanciest storefronts, including Bishop Jewelers. Nervous butterflies flutterin my stomach. It’s a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Excitement because this is a start to my brand-new life. And nerves because I feel like so much is riding on this.
I haven’t started a new job in years. And I really want to prove myself. Hence the stiff, high-necked blouse, pencil skirt, and heels. While I’d always dressed nicely at Stoll Jewelry, I never dressedthisnice. I don’t know, something about the high stakes, the Bishop legacy, and the idea of working on Newbury street just got to me, and I’d gone out to buy a completely new wardrobe. Hopefully it pays off.
The shop comes into view, and the butterflies intensify. I take a deep breath before gently pushing the door open and stepping into the grand and beautifully decorated flagship location of Bishop Jewelers. Gorgeous jewelry is displayed beneath elegant glass cases all throughout the store, the warm light above only highlighting their beauty.
“Welcome in,” a kind voice calls.
I glance over to see a woman who looks to be about my age smiling at me from behind the counter. “Hi,” I say. “My name is Emma Hayes. I’m the new sales associate.”
The woman’s smile brightens further. “Oh yes, Emma! I was told you’d be in today.” She comes around the counter, her hand outstretched. “I’m Rachel.”
I shake her hand, feeling a bit of my nerves washing away.
“I’m so glad to finally have another sales associate. There’s only a handful of us, meaning I end up working some days here all by myself. It’s gets hella boring and lonely.”
I laugh. “Glad to be of help.”
“I’ll show you around,” she says, turning and heading back behind the counter. I follow. “The register is over here, along with keys and security system info.” Rachel points out all the important aspects of the register, as well as how to turn the security system on when leaving, how to unlock cases, and the like. “I know I’m bombarding you with information, so feel free to re-ask any and all questions later,” she says with a laugh. “Also, Ezra will be in later, so you can also ask him questions.”
“Ezra?” I ask. I wrack my brain, suddenly panicking that I’ve forgotten someone important. The person I’d interviewed with was named Beth, the sales manager. Who’s Ezra?
“Ezra Bishop,” Rachel says. “The heir and current owner of Bishop Jewelers. He runs everything since his father retired about five years ago.”
“Oh,” I say, feeling slightly embarrassed to not have known. Honestly, I didn’t even realize Bishop Jewelers was still family owned and operated. I thought, like the majority of companies, that theirname was just a name. Especially for a company as prominent as this.
“How much do you know about jewelry?” she asks me.
“Quite a bit, actually,” I say with a humble shrug. “I worked at a jeweler for the last three years.”
