Chapter 5

• Chloe POV
• I am up way too early, but I have so much to do before I leave for work. I want to make a good impression. I go into the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast for myself. Joelene is already here and in the kitchen.
• "I did not expect you to be here so early. I came in here to make some coffee and breakfast," I say. I rub my eyes. I did not sleep well.
• "Cane asked me to come in earlier this morning and every morning from now on. It works out well for me. I will get home earlier every day," Joelene says.
• "I am happy it works for you. I would not want to put you out in any way," I say.
• "No, it is great. I can get home earlier to my kids. This job is really a blessing. Cane is a great boss, and the money is good. I will cook and make coffee. Go get ready for work," Joelene says, ushering me out of the kitchen.
• "Thank you, Joelene," I say. I leave her to make breakfast and coffee.
• I picked out clothes last night according to the dress code. This company has an odd dress code. I can only wear black or white, no colors. Jewelry is allowed but modest. No high heels that is a problem, most of my dress shoes are heels, but I have one pair of flats. I will go shopping after work. I need to pick up a few things, and it will give me a chance to explore the small town.
• I do my hair and makeup modestly. I do not want to cause a stir on my first day. I tone everything down and try to look more natural. I have never worked somewhere with so many dress code stipulations, and I do not want to get in trouble on day one.
• I pull my hair up in a bun and go into the bedroom. I take a look at myself in the mirror. I look cute and professional. I am so nervous. At least I do not have to drive to work this morning. I wonder who will pick me up for work.
• I go into the kitchen and grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee. "You look tired, Joelens. Sit down a minute and take a break," I say as I take a seat at the table.
• "I will have to get used to the earlier mornings," Joelene says.
• Joelene sits at the table with me. She has a cup of coffee and makes small talk with I eat my breakfast. I have never had a housekeeper or a maid.
• "I will clean your bedroom and bathroom on Friday. If that is okay?" Joelene asks.
• "I can do it, and you do not have to wait on me. However, I do appreciate the breakfast and coffee," I say.
• "No, it is my job. Trust me, you will be too tired to clean up after working long hours," Joelene says.
• "I appreciate it," I say.
• A car pulls up in the driveway and honks the horn. "I hope that does not wake up Cane. He is mean in the mornings," Joelene says, laughing.
• "Well, if it did and he is mean to you, let me know. I will kick his ass," I say.
• I put my plate and coffee cup in the sink. I smile at Joelene as I head out the door to start my day. I walk around to the passenger side door, and the back door opens for me. I look inside to see Mr. Arden in the car.
• "Good morning," Mr. Arden says.
• I was not expecting Mr. Arden to pick me up. I get into the car and sit down next to him. I put my purse in between us. "Good Morning," I say.
• "This is Randall, my driver. If I ever need you, he will be the one to pick you up," Mr. Arden says.
• "I was not expecting you to pick me up this morning," I say.
• "Well, I thought it would give us time to talk on the way to the office," Mr. Arden says.
• "I see," I say.
• "You can relax. I knew you were nervous yesterday, and Cane told me you had concerns. I wanted to talk to you about your concerns before we get to the office," Mr. Arden says.
• I shift around in my seat. I am going to kill Cane for telling my new boss too much about me. "Mr. Arden, I assure you I will be fine," I say.
• "I know you will, but I want you to know that the building is secure. We have security. No one knows you are here, and I will keep it that way. Your ex cannot bother you at your job, and if he does, I will handle it personally," Mr. Arden says.
• I smile at him. I am grateful. I thought maybe Cane told him about our parents. That is not something I want to talk about either. I like to keep my life private. Cane, on the other hand, likes to talk about his life and personal problems. I do not.
• "Thank you, and I appreciate you looking out for me. I do not think he will bother me. At least, I hope not. I only want to go to work and do my job," I say.
• "Your brother also told me that you are afraid of wolves," Mr. Arden says.
• I sink down in my seat. I feel like I am two inches tall. "I do not have a problem with wolves or you. It is just that..." I stop; I cannot say it. I do not want to talk about it.
• "I know what happened to you and your brother. You should come to the Shadow Creek Pack and meet some of the wolves. My father is a great man. We would welcome you into our pack," Mr. Arden says.
• "Thank you for the invite. I will think about it. It is hard to talk about, and I would prefer we changed the subject," I say.
• I look forward and try not to think about my parents. It is my first day on a new job, and I have already had to think about two things I do not want to think about, my parents and my ex.