Boss by Sierra Cartwright Read Free Book Online Page A

plenty of gossip to spread through the company. Kelsey was beginning to get a toothache from the way her jaw was set in response to the youngest Donovan brother.
    The door opened and two VPs entered. A few seconds later, a sales manager joined them.
    It was go time.
    She squared her shoulders and made introductions. Within minutes, she was dealing with IT, ensuring remote logins from the docks were coming online and answering questions about Donovan’s intentions and Mr. Newman’s health.
    At one minute until eight, Nathan took control of the room.
    He raised his voice the barest hint and asked people to be seated, and he pulled back the chair next to his for Martha. The woman nodded in satisfaction.
    As much as Kelsey was loath to admit it, he did a masterful job. Mr. Newman’s meetings almost always started around five after, since he waited for everyone to arrive, grab a coffee and get situated.
    At exactly eight o’clock, Nathan began. He took out a piece of paper and began addressing the people in attendance as well as those joining via video. He had obviously prepared and rehearsed for this. Though he waved in two latecomers, he kept going and never tripped over a word. Meticulously, he crossed items off his agenda before moving to the next topic.
    At every turn, she was reluctantly impressed. She’d spent years trying to keep Mr. Newman focused, but his meetings had always meandered. In contrast, Donovan was on target.
    Then he surprised her by inviting her to say a few words about the going-away party. She promised details would be forthcoming by the end of the weekend.
    “Thank you,” he said, taking control again. “If you have any questions, feel free to ask.” He reiterated his key points—jobs were safe, Mr. Newman was appreciated and everyone’s help was needed in order to make the transition smooth. “I know you’ll do an excellent job of informing your people.”
    Next he addressed the video attendees, letting them know he intended to visit the docks before the end of the workday.
    He passed out a stack of business cards. “Please send me an email by lunchtime letting me know how your meetings went.”
    Shockingly, he wrapped up in under fifteen minutes. He stayed around to answer a few questions and greet the late arrivals.
    Kelsey realized Nathan had set a new tone. Things were more precise and better organized. He’d left no doubt there was a new boss, one who was serious.
    She stood and gathered her belongings.
    “I like the young man.”
    With a frown, she turned to look at Martha. “Mr. Donovan?”
    “Seems honest. I don’t think Mr. Newman would have chosen him as the new CEO if he hadn’t been the right person.”
    Kelsey kept her mouth shut. But she had to acknowledge he’d done a good job if he’d managed to charm Martha so quickly.
    After a few more words, Martha went to talk to someone else, and Kelsey took aside Lawrence, the head of HR, to notify him they’d be releasing Seward. She added that she wanted the tug captain to receive three months’ severance pay.
    “I’ll get it calculated right away and request a check from accounting,” he said.
    After the man nodded and went on his way, Kelsey felt a strange tingle at the base of her neck. She glanced up and saw Nathan looking at her.
    Though he was surrounded by others, he was watching her intently.
    Did the man miss nothing?
    She chatted with a couple of people before escaping to her office to call Sofia Donovan. The number Nathan had provided was her direct line rather than a general number for the company, and Sofia answered her phone on the first ring. Was every Donovan efficient?
    Even though she had misgivings about her new boss, Kelsey instantly liked Sofia. The woman struck a balance of warmth and professionalism as she went through a list of questions. Then she added that her sister now ran the Houston branch and promised to have Zoe call Kelsey within the hour to set up a meeting.
    Afterward, Kelsey telephoned