Chapter 14

Later that afternoon, Eve and Greg boarded the boat full of people. Many people they knew from around town and a few they had never seen before.

Adam walked over, helping Eve get onto the boat. He looked over at Greg, who was eyeballing him. "Stapleton. Nice to see you again. How's the arm?" Adams' sly, devious smirk swept over his face as he kissed Eve's cheek.

Drew came over, taking the food Eve had brought with her. "Hey guys! Welcome. Yummy. This all looks great, Eve. Thanks for the help with the party. We just got the food on the grill. You guys have fun and let me know if you need anything."

Greg just walked away, following Drew while glaring at Adam. He helped Drew with the food dishes and went to mingle with the other people on the boat, trying his best to keep distance from Adam.

Eve rolled her eyes as she noticed Greg's facial expression. "Ignore him. He is just under a lot of pressure right now with this move to Florida coming in a few weeks."

Adam pulled her to him with a kiss on her temple. "Trust me, nothing is going to keep me from enjoying tonight."

Eve slipped her arms around him. "Good. I missed you this week. We need to make up for lost time."

Looking down at her, his eyes softened. Something about Eve made him have a sense of peace. "Indeed, we do. I want to have you alone sometime tonight. I have plans for later." Adam nuzzled her neck, making her wiggle playfully under his touch.

Eve scanned the crowd, noticing people dancing around the deck and socializing. She waved her hand nonchalantly around the crowd. "I thought you hated all this."

Adam looked in the direction she was pointing, watching his friends with pride. "I don't mind when I can control the situation. I just don't like being ambushed by a bunch of overbearing socialites. These people are old friends and colleagues. Come. I'll introduce you."

They went around the deck as Adam introduced her to a few of his friends. She knew a lot of the people on the boat, but as always, the more affluent among them ignored her. She didn't mind being ignored in the social crowds. It hurt at times that she was so invisible to them. Eve was always considered Greg's plus-one at events like this. She was not anyone worth their time or even a second glance. To her surprise, being at Adams' side made it seem not so important anymore.

There were several people on the boat she had always got along with, and the party had been going pretty well. They ate, danced, and enjoyed the party until it was time for the fireworks. Adam and Eve were talking with a few friends when her phone rang.

Eve politely excused herself from the group. "Excuse me, please. I have to take this. Adam, I'll be right back." Eve walked away from the crowd down to the cabin area. "Hello, this is Eve Callaway."

"Ms. Callaway, this is Grace Ashford. I'm calling from the Omega Football League and Ashford Sports."

Eve's eyes grew wide with excitement at hearing the voice of the former Olympic medalist, now one of the heads of Ashford Sports. "Oh, my gosh! Yes, ma'am. I know who you are. It's an honor. What can I do for you?"

"Your resume came across my desk recently. My father and brother are very impressed with your resume and would like to talk to you about a position in the company. I hate to call you on a Saturday afternoon, but I was tying up some loose ends before I head out. I hope I am not interrupting anything."

"Oh, no. I'm glad to hear from you. I am so glad you called. May I ask what the job position is?" Eve shook with excitement.

"Personal assistant with potential to advance quickly to executive director of talent relations. I can't tell you much more right now, but we would love to set you up with an interview in the next few weeks?" Grace was the boss's eldest daughter, and the most respected in the family's business affairs.

"Sounds wonderful. Tell me the time and place and I will be there."

Grace sighed as she continued, "Ms. Callaway. Can we talk? Off record."

"Absolutely." Eve beamed with excitement.

"My father was asked to look into your application by my half-brother, Adam. I assume you know him. Is that correct?"

Eve instantly felt like they pulled the rug out from under her. "I do. I assumed I got this opportunity from the application I sent in, not my his connections."

"Well, yes. Your credentials and references speak for themselves. Adam was insistent that we look into your resume. I hope that your connections to Adam will not affect your job here. I didn't think you knew about this from what Adam told us, but I thought you should know. I have spoken to your current employer, and they assured me you are one hundred percent dedicated to your work. I just ask that you are careful to proceed on your own. From your experience and education, I think you would be an asset to our company. Without Adam's help," she said poignantly.

"I understand. I had no idea he did this. I told Adam I needed to get this job on my own. I apologize." Eve wanted to strangle him for going against her wishes, but tried her best to stay calm.

Grace sat back in the chair at her desk, tapping a pen on the hard tabletop. "No need to apologize. I just wanted to tell you… off record… be careful. This industry can be tough. Not everyone can be trusted. I wouldn't want such a great talent to be misdirected."

"Is there something you are trying to tell me about Adam, Ms. Ashford?"

Grace rubbed the bridge of her nose, thinking maybe she said too much. "No. Forget I said anything. I'm sure it's fine. I'll send you the time and date to meet. We will take care of your travel and expenses while you are here for the interview. I know you are coming from quite a distance. Anyway, enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. I look forward to meeting you." Eve hung up and rushed to find Adam. He was about to catch hell for getting involved. This was her one shot and not even an Ashford heir would screw up this chance for her.

Finding him lingering at the food table, picking at the hor devours tray, she grabbed him, pulling him by the bicep below deck. "What the fuck, Adam?"

"What?" He popped a crab puff in his mouth, seemingly oblivious.

"You called in a favor with your dad to get me an interview! How could you go against my wishes like that?" She threw her hands on her hips with pure fury radiating from her.

Adam wiped his hand on his jeans, looking very guilty. "Well.. yeah. But that doesn't mean you automatically get the job by association. That's on you. My dad doesn't hire anyone that doesn't deserve it. He's not one to hire people because of who they know."

"It didn't occur to you that since we are dating, he may do just that? You told me he is trying to make up for not being around you as a child. Even though he didn't know about you, Martin Ashford is a known big family man. His whole life is his children. Of course he would pull a favor, if you asked him. You have got to be kidding me! This is not how I wanted this to play out. Adam Weston, I deserve that job for all the time and effort I have put into my career. Not because the guy I'm dating just happened to be his son!" Eve was fuming as she waved her arms around while pacing the floor.

"Babe, listen. Please calm down? I did this because you have been so stressed about getting the job. Even Greg told Drew you have been a wreck waiting for that call. I just wanted to help. I didn't do it to upset you." He reached out for her hand.

Shoving his hand away, she pointed in his face. "From here on out, stay out of my business!"

"I just want to see my girlfriend happy. I shouldn't have overstepped. I apologize. What happens from here on out, I promise, I won't get involved." Adam pulled her into his arms. "Baby. Please? Forgive me?"

Eve wrapped her arms around him, relaxing into his embrace, even though she wanted to knock him for a loop. "Fine. No more meddling."

He kissed her forehead with an amused chuckle. "Deal. You're so cute when you're angry."

"Wait. Did you call me your girlfriend?" She jumped back a little in surprise.

"Yes. Overstepping again?"

Eve smiled up at him. "Well... A little. You're lucky I actually like the sound of that."

"At least I did something right today. Damn woman. You're hard to figure out."

"Get used to it."