"I had no idea who you were. Why would I know you anyway? I doubt we hang out in the same circles," I argue.

He scoffs. "Of course we don't. But I'm sure you did your homework researching our company?"

My pulse races. I retort, "Yes, I did. But only the CEO's photo is on the website. It only mentions your name, along with other heads of the corporation."

"I'm all over the internet. Let's not act like you didn't do a search on me," he accuses.

Appalled at his audacity, I insist, "I did no such thing."

He grunts. "Sure you didn't."

"I didn't," I claim again, glaring at him.

Tense silence fills the air.

Victoria glances between us, then clears her throat. She interjects, "Not everyone cares to know you, Sebastian."

He acts like he doesn't hear her, keeping his scowl pinned on me.

She continues, "While we have your attention, are there any additional documents you'll need this morning for your meetings?"

He crosses his arms, and his biceps strain against the expensive fabric of his suit jacket. I curse myself when my eyes drift to them. He catches me and fixates his sexy yet lewd gaze on me. If anyone else looked at me like that, I'd slap them. But something about the way he studies me is irresistible. It creates an uncomfortable ache in my body. He finally shakes his head. "Not that I'm aware of. As of now, everything is adequate, Victoria." He glances at her, then pins his intimidating stare on me once again.

Why does he have to be so hot?

He's not.

I'm a liar.

I do everything in my power not to appear scared of him and announce, "I look forward to working with you, Mr. Cartwright."

His lips purse in an expression I'm unsure how to take. My pulse quickens as he replies in a dry voice, "Welcome to Cartwright Enterprises."

"Thank you," I cheerfully state, then spin and leave, exhaling deeply the moment I step out of the room. I go to the desk Victoria assigned to me and turn.

"Like I said, he's a teddy bear once you get to know him," she states.

"Sure he is," I reply.

She offers a smile, then points to a pile on my desk. "If you can start with those files, I'd appreciate it."

I nod. "Of course."

She starts to leave, then stops and adds, "He really is great once he drops his guard. He's just a bit aloof when he first meets people."

"Aloof?" I challenge. It's not exactly the word I would have chosen, but I guess it's more politically correct.

She nods, claiming, "Underneath the hard exterior is a brilliant, very generous man."

"Sure," I reply, then sit in my chair. "Should I tell you when I'm finished with each file or the entire pile?"

"If you can send me the individual files, that would be great."

I give her a little salute. "On it!"