Shane's POV

"I have to agree with Mr. Anderson. Thank you all for attending and being on time. So, let's get this meeting started."

"First, I wanted to let you all know that no one will lose their jobs. Also, Mr. Anderson told me that his employees are like his family. I am the same way. Welcome to my family. I will be moving the company to my building on Long Island. Over the next few weeks, I will be looking over everyone's employee profile." Throughout the whole time I talked, I kept glancing at her - Bliss. She is just so freaking beautiful.

"I will also offer you the same perks as my current employees. At Landes Industries, we offer - medical, dental, and vision insurance. We also offer maternity leave, family leave, and bereavement leave. Work hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We do have an on-site food court for employees to eat lunch. A gym and daycare are also available, as a game room if anyone needs a break."

"The only thing I ask of you is that you be on time and do your job. We do have company outings, such as picnics and company trips. This year, we are going to Rome, Italy. The company provides lodging and airfare. I will also be having one on one conversations with everyone at a later date."

"Thank you all for your time. Let's open the floor for those who may have questions."

I scanned the group for raised hands. "The hand in the back row, please give me your name. Ms. Sanders, can you do me a favor and jot down the names and questions? I will be emailing you a more detailed response list."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Landes. I can do that."

Just hearing the way she says my name gives me goosebumps.

"Sir, my name is Jennifer. My question is, for those of us who don't drive, how will we be able to get to the company in Long Island? From looking at the address on the email attachment, it is a long distance for me to travel."

"Good question. We will provide transportation to those employees that need it. We will have a company shuttle leave from Manhattan at 8:30 am. I will email the details to Ms. Sanders to pass around to everyone. Next question."

"Mr. Landes, my name is Tom. Will we still have Primedia Inc. as our company name? Or will it be changed to Landes Industries?"

"Excellent question. The Primedia Inc. company name will stay intact. It will be a division of Landes Industries. Next question."

My future wife raised her hand. "Do you require your employees to work on weekends?"

"Good question. I only ask my employees to work weekends when we have to meet a deadline."

"Good morning, Mr. Landes. My name is Kamilah. What will be the dress code?"

"Good question. The dress code will be the same as Landes Industries' employees - business attire Monday - Thursday. Friday is a casual day, so no meetings or visitors will be scheduled."

I scanned the group again for any more questions. "If there are no further questions, I would like to introduce my team here. They will help with the transition, which will be completed by June 30th."

I had my team all come up on stage and introduce themselves.

"I am Bill Jones. And welcome to Landes Industries."

"Brian Dorsey at your service. Welcome aboard."

"Welcome aboard. I am Denise Johnson."

"And I am Beverly Dawson. Welcome to Landes Industries."

"Back to you, Mr. Anderson."

Then, I made my way to the seat next to Mrs. Landes. I can't help being presumptuous.

Bliss' POV

Mr. Anderson is about to give closing remarks. "Thank you, Mr. Landes. Everyone, please sign out for the rest of the day. Mr. Landes wants to take everyone to lunch. Then, you can enjoy the rest of the day off. The restaurant's name is The River Cuisine. If anyone is allergic to seafood, they have other dishes one can choose from. See you all there. Right this way, Mr. Landes."

This is the best Monday ever. The meeting started to disperse.

As I was about to leave the room, I heard someone call my name. It was him - Mr. Landes.

"Ms. Sanders, can you forward those names and questions to me in a Microsoft Word document?"

"Yes, I can take care of them tomorrow morning."

"That would be great. Here is my card with my email address listed. See you at lunch." Then, he winked and exited the room.

"Did my eyes deceive me, or did Mr. Landes just wink at me?"

My friends - Kamilah, Mariah, and Jillian came over.

"That is one tall, sexy butt, man, girl."

"And looks like he has the hots for you, missy."

"He kept stealing glances at you the whole time. He may think nobody saw it, but I certainly did. And I just saw him wink at you. Bliss, I would pounce on him fast if I were you."

"There will be no pouncing from me because I do not date. I do not have time for drama. My life is fine as it is, thank you. Now, are you all driving or riding with me?"

"We are riding with you."

"Okay. I'll meet you all downstairs."

After talking to my girls, I returned to my office. It was a short elevator ride. After opening the double doors, I felt myself stumbling backward, almost falling. I felt a pair of hands catch me before I fell. I looked up into those mesmerizing, sapphire blue eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Landes."

"That's alright, Ms. Sanders. Now that you are here, I wanted to see if you would like to ride with us to the restaurant."

"Oh, that's okay. I am driving with my friends. Thanks for the offer."

I turned off my computer, grabbed my purse, and left the office.

***********

Shane's POV

"I see you took a liking to Ms. Sanders, Shane," Bill says while chuckling.

I can't stop blushing. "Is it that obvious? Mr. Anderson said the same thing. I mean, who isn't attracted to her?"

"Boy, you got it bad for her," says Denise.

"But, you heard what her boss said. It will be tough to tear down her independence wall," Brian adds.

"You all know me. I will not back down from having Ms. Sanders as mine."

"Just ensure you keep your crazy ex and the thirsty hounds in the office away from her," Beverly mentions.

"If anybody goes near her, they will have to deal with me. When we get into the office, please have surveillance cameras indiscreetly placed. I will have a special position created for her only."

"You better prepare yourself, and Bliss from the backlash received about this 'special position.'"

"I am well aware. I know I could handle it, but I don't know about Ms. Sanders."

We then stepped off the elevator and made our way to the limo ride to the restaurant.

***********

Bliss' POV

I wish we weren't coming to this place. They have the best seafood ever. But, sadly, I can't eat shellfish anymore. Within the last three years, I have been allergic to it. When we stepped inside, the hostess knew we were a part of the large party.

We were the last ones because we ran into a bit of traffic. That's New York for you. Four seats were left. Of course, they sat me next to Mr. Landes. I knew what they were trying to do because I saw them snickering.

"Hey Bliss, are you okay with being around seafood?" Kamilah says.

I saw Mr. Landes facepalm himself. "I'm sorry. I should have asked if anyone has allergies."

"Curse him and his sexy British accent."

"It is okay, Mr. Landes. You didn't know. I am fine if someone eats it near me. But I can't eat it. Over the past three years, I developed an allergy to it. If I eat shrimp, crab, or lobster, I could potentially die from it."

Shortly after that, "Welcome to The River Cuisine. My name is Matt. I'll be one of your servers. What can I get everyone to drink?"

Everybody ordered a drink. Then, two other waiters came to take our food orders. "I will have the tilapia with veggies, baked sweet potato, and rice." The servers then went to place our food orders.

"Now that everyone has ordered, how about we tell everyone a little about themselves?"

Everybody took a turn, mentioning a few things about themselves. Now, it is my turn to speak.

"I graduated from NYU three years ago with a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. One day, I would like to become a business owner. I have been working for Mr. Anderson for five years now. Two years, I started as an intern. And, for three years, I have been his secretary. I love my job. And I am going to miss working for Mr. Anderson."

"Did Mr. Landes put his arm on the back of my chair and touch my arm?"

Shane's POV

"Okay, I will tell you all something about me. I was born and raised in London. My mum is actually from New York, and my father is from London. We moved back to New York when my mum became homesick. Owning a company can be quite stressful at times. So, to de-stress, we have company-wide fun events."

"Will there be anything else for your party, Mr. Landes?"

"Not for now. Thank you."

After the servers left, trouble ensued.

"What the heck?!"

********************

Thank you all for reading chapter one.

The video is from YouTube.

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘