Justin Park and Nick Sherbrooke
Chapter 1:
Introduction:
As heir and CEO of Sherbrooke Enterprises, Nick is used to a certain lifestyle. His charm and good looks, along with his family fortune, make him admired by almost everyone he meets. Plus, his playboy behavior has covered dozens of magazines and attracted swarms of paparazzi on certain occasions.
At 29, standing at 6'4" and with a face created by God himself (with suggestions from the Devil), Nick has perfectly cut and styled dark brown hair with a magnificent wave to it. If that weren't enough, we can't forget to mention his incredible physique. With a hint of a British accent, his voice is deep and silky smooth. Arguably, his best feature is his deep blue eyes. However, regardless of his good looks, Nick is kind of a douchebag, as seen in all the magazines. He's incredible at his job, but he is not the easiest person to work with. His reputation definitely precedes him.
Justin is eager to take on his new position as Chief Financial Officer of the company. He wants to do well in his new role. He's worked for the company ever since his internship days during college. He excelled all the way to where he is now, and he plans to excel in his new role too. But, Justin finds Nick to be quite the interesting boss. No matter how attractive Justin finds Nick, it's not enough for him to fall under Nick's charm like everyone else. He sees through Nick's charming demeanor, something that Nick can't figure out. It's not that Nick is necessarily rude or anything, it's just how he seems to expect everything to go his way and get everything he wants. His spoiled upbringing is the exact opposite of Justin's, who grew up in the foster system.
Justin, 27, is the youngest CFO in the company. But it cost Justin a lot during his college years and early twenties. He didn't go out to parties and has never had a relationship. In fact, he's never been kissed. It's not because he's unattractive or has a bad personality, it's just he never put himself out there. In fact, Justin would be considered above average in the looks department. He's 6'1" and though he's very skinny, he has an athletic build. He has medium brown hair and dark brown eyes. He also has a sharp jawline and beautiful lips.
***Justin's Point of View***
It's been 6 months since I started my position as CFO of Sherbrooke Enterprises and I swear I'm going to lose my mind. Nick Sherbrooke is... ughhhh. I love my job, I love this company. But that man is so full of himself. If he wasn't so good at his job I would have absolutely no respect for him.
It's weird, he is perfectly nice and extremely charming with everyone, but he is also so full of himself. He makes everyone fall in love with him and then expects everyone to bow down to him because he thinks he deserves it. I think I'm the only one in the entire company that sees through him.
"Mr. Park?" My secretary said on the intercom. "Mr. Sherbrooke is here to see you."
"Okay, let him in, please." I responded.
Hannah let him in, I stood up and walked around my desk.
"Hello, Mr. Sherbrooke. How's your day going?"
"Please, Mr. Park, I think we've been working together for long enough, we can be on a first name basis." He smiled charmingly.
"Alright." I played along, holding back the urge to roll my eyes. "What can I do for you, Nick?"
"We have an issue with HB, the British company whose business we're trying to get. Our offices in London have been in contact with them, but our people over there think it would be extremely beneficial if I flew over. I think it would be good to have you there as well, and have a strong team to represent the firm."
"If you think that's best, it sounds good. When do we leave?"
"Tonight or tomorrow morning. My father is using the company jet, so whenever my secretary can get us on a flight. First class, of course. She'll take care of everything and send you the information.
"Okay, anything new I should know beforehand regarding HB?"
"Just that they feel a personal disconnect. We can discuss specifics on the flight."
"Alright, I'll see you then." I said as he headed towards the door.
He turned around and gave me a serious look. "I don't want to lose them. Let's make sure we're on our A-game." He adds, opening the door and heading out.
***
***Nick's Point of View***
After grabbing my suitcase from my driver, I head in to find Justin. I offered to give him a ride to the airport, but he said he was all set.
Justin's a nice guy and he does an excellent job with work, but I get the feeling he doesn't like me. I don't know why, I don't think I've ever been rude to him. It's weird, usually people are so fake around me, always trying to get something from me. Justin, on the other hand, will speak his mind and won't agree with me on everything, which I like. It makes me want him to like me even more, a feeling I've never felt with anyone else.
I see Justin sitting on a bench, still in his suit from work. "Hey, how's it going?" I say as I walk up to him.
"Good, you?" He got up.
"Yeah, great. Ready to head through security?"
"Yeah, let's go."
***
The flight was good, we discussed what options we would add to keep the company happy. Justin's idea of guaranteeing a 15% increase in their revenue in the first year, even if it means we'll take a small hit, is great. Their business isn't just a one year thing, I want their products under our branch for years to come, I know they'll be massive.
We get to the hotel and head to check in. "Hello, welcome. Are you checking in?" The concierge asks.
"Hello, yes, checking in. Last name is Sherbrooke."
She typed on the computer for a minute then looked up. "Alright, we have you in room 525. Two room keys?" She asks.
"Um, sorry, I think there should be two rooms?" I correct.
"Hm, let me check on that again." After a minute she looked up. "I'm sorry, sir, we only have one room under your name."
"Oh, uh, then can you look under Park, Justin Park?" Justin asked.
Another search and nothing. "I'm sorry, it seems we only have one room, four nights."
"Alright, how much for a second room?" I asked, pulling my wallet out.
"Oh, I'm sorry sir, there's a Royal wedding this weekend so we are completely booked. I'm afraid all other hotels will be just as full."
I looked at Justin, both of us shocked and confused. This is what happens when you book at the last minute and you let your new secretary handle things.
"Is that alright?" I asked him.
He nodded. Then turned to the woman behind the desk. "Um, two keys please." Justin said.
"Alright. Sorry for any inconvenience. I'll have a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board brought up for you. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you during your stay." She said kindly, sliding the keys towards us.
Opening the door to our room, I walked in first, holding it open for him to follow. It's a normal room, not very big. Wait, there's only one bed?!
"Uh, I just realized we forgot to clarify if it was two beds." I looked at Justin, watching his reaction.
"Welp, not much we can do about it now." He tried to smile, but I could tell he was not necessarily looking forward to sharing a bed.
I have to be honest, a small part of me isn't that upset about it. I probably should ignore those feelings, I tell myself.
"Last time I shared a bed was with my parents as a kid." I tried to lighten the mood.
"Really?" He gave a look that suggested he thought otherwise. "So those magazines have been lying?!"
He made me laugh with that one. "Don't believe everything you hear." I said, lifting my suitcase onto the luggage rack.
"Well, the last time I shared a bed was when I was 17." He put his suitcase on the other rack. "Oh, at least we have a balcony." He walked over to the door and opened it up, taking a step outside.
I followed, curious to know more about his bed sharing comment. "So by my calculations, it's been ten years?"
"What?" He looked at me confused.
"The last time you had to share a bed."
"Oh, right. Yeah, ten years I guess."
"This is a personal question - and you don't have to answer it - but why so long?"
"According to my calculations, it's been about 20 years for you. You explain first?" He said boldly.
"Alright, so I may have been joking." I put my hands up playfully as if I were caught.
"Yeah, I figured." He sarcastically muttered. He turned away from me to look at the view again.
"Take the time to enjoy this non-rainy weather. Looks like it's gonna rain most of the time we're here."
"Do you have any plans for the extra two days we have free?" He asked.
"Hit up my favorite food spot in the city, can't get it anywhere else. You're welcome to join if you want." I offered. "You?"
"Sightsee. Never been to the U.K. before."
"I can get you a tour guide if you want?"
"Don't waste money on something unnecessary like that." He said.
"Okay, first off, it wouldn't be a waste. Second, we both know I have way more money than I could ever use. And third, the tour guide is me, so it wouldn't even cost anything."
"You? Tour guide, Really?" He looked surprised. "Are you even qualified?"
"I went to school here, so yes. I think I'm fairly qualified with my 7 plus years of living here."
"That explains the weird accent."
"Weird?!" I pretended to be hurt. "And what, did you think I picked my accent up in New York?"
"Honestly, yeah." He nodded playfully. "I thought you were faking it to sound more posh."
"Oh, dang, you really don't like me, do you?"
"Hmmm. I don't... dislike you..." he shrugged. "But I respect you."
"Oh, you respect me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, you're amazing at your job. Seriously, you were born into the position but you still deserve it."
"That's kind of you, thank you. I'm really trying to make a difference, I'd love to make the company 80% sustainable in the next 10 years and 100% in 15."
"I support that goal, I think it's something that will make a real impact on our company and the world in general. I mean, society is moving in that direction, and might as well be a global leader. And the company is such a force, so reaching that level of sustainability will have a great trickle-down effect."
"Thank you. I hope it will happen and works well." I paused for a moment. "I just realized you never answered whether or not you'll let me give you a tour?"
"Fine." He nodded slowly. "I'd really appreciate a guided tour of London."
