Chapter 2

"Mr. Jones. I left your sunglasses and the Gillette budget on your desk, next to your laptop."

Jasmine gives Killian his messages as they walk towards his office.

"Thank you, Jasmine."

"Mr. King wants to see you as soon as you arrive."

"I know, he called and confirmed with me already."

"Would you like a beverage? I'm on my way to the break room."

"No, thank you."

Killian is about to walk into his office and is stopped by his loyal senior assistant Mallory.

"Ah-ah no time for that, off you go, you cannot be late to this meeting boss." She gently pushes him in the direction of George's office. "I will have the champagne on ice, ready to celebrate."

Killian looks at his watch and it finally sinks in that there is not enough time for him to go into his office. He is bloody running late.

"Alright Mal, are you sure you can handle the 44th floor?"

"I was made for the 44th floor. Now go, or you are going to be late for sure."

He winks at her and leaves to George's office. Killian can barely contain his excitement. He is the obvious choice for the vacant Creative Director position. It's not like he is at the bottom of the barrel; he is a bloody executive at a top agency. No one can sell better than him.

Killian arrives for his meeting with George only to find that the older man is running late as well. Luck is on his side, or so he thinks.

He opts to sit on the leather couch instead of the leather chair opposing the large black oak granite desk.

The anticipation of the confirmation of the promotion is making him antsy. He knows it will simply be a formality. He is prompted to wait while the other man returns from the 45th floor. He is still sitting as he searches through his phone's contacts. He is trying to find the right person to celebrate with, or perhaps he can go out and find someone new.

"Killian, have you been here long?"

"I've only been waiting a couple of minutes."

"Oh good, the partner's meeting lasted a little longer than anticipated."

"No problem, I understand."

George goes to sit on the couch opposite of Killian, but cannot maintain

eye contact with him which puts the younger man on high alert.

"George, is there a problem?"

"No Killian, at least I hope not. You know I love you like a son, and no one is better at what you do than you but..."

"Ah, but what is the problem?"

"I hate making speeches especially when I have you to write them for me."

"I sense there is hesitation in there..."

"The last few years, well there is no easy way to say it, but we have been struggling to stay on top, to keep the business..."

"Struggling? We are in the top five, I don't understand."

"I know, but we used to be the agency, and now we are grappling to make the top five," George sighs.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Have you heard of Emma Swan?"

"Aye, she won the Clio last year when we should have. She works at Hatter & Greenwich. I hear she is a man-eater, a witch on wheels. What of her?"

"She was the one that beat us for the award?" Killian nods his confirmation and George continues, "Well before I go on, listen to me carefully, this could be a really good thing for the company. She is extremely smart and I know she hasn't done it on her own..." George hesitates, unable to continue.

"I am listening, I'm at the edge of my seat, go on."

"She left Hatter & Greenwich, she is a free agent and—"

"I know, I heard and…" suddenly he realizes what his boss is trying to say, "let me guess, you offered her the Creative Director position?"

"I did, and she accepted. We need her Killian, she understands women, and buying power among women is at an all time high these last several years."

"I understand women perfectly well, George. We don't need her."

"No, you don't; you know how to get in their pants."

Killian is now completely frustrated and scoffs at the comment.

"Killian, she is coming later to meet the staff, her first day will be tomorrow. All I ask is for you to just give her a chance, this could be a really good thing for the company. I know you have the lunch with your brother, but make sure to be back this afternoon to meet Ms. Swan."

"It's isn't like I bloody have a choice, do I? If my presence is no longer required I'll take my leave now." Killian storms out without waiting for a response.

His morning is highly unproductive after his trainwreck of a meeting with George, and he finds himself relieved to be making his exit to finally go meet with his brother and sister-in-law.

Entering The Jewel, the hostess directs him to follow her and Killian thanks her with a wink.

Interesting, he thinks when he sees one of his one night stands, from a long time ago leaving his brother's table.

"Hello love, it has been a while."

"Killian, I had hoped to leave before you arrived."

"There is no need to leave on my account, Aurora. If I remember correctly, there was a time when you enjoyed my company thoroughly."

Aurora blushes and looks away. "Yes, I remember, but that time has passed. I'm on my way to meet my new husband."

"Oh, husband, Liam never mentioned you had wed. May I kiss the bride?" he asks as he leans down.

Aurora stops him before he gets too close. "Killian, I thought pursuing married women was bad form?"

"Aye, it is, but I was merely offering a kiss for luck. Just a kiss... nothing nefarious in that, is there?"

"Perhaps, but I really must go." She offers him a small smile then ducks past him to leave.

Killian sighs, shaking his head at the prospect of one less lovely lady in the world as he arrives at their table.

Liam and Elsa Jones are both Naval officers, each head of a special joint project between the US and British Royal Navies. The project's focus is combatting the mistreatment of disabled veterans. It aims to spread awareness of veteran rights, and bring help and better services to all veterans. Due to the importance of the project, the couple often has to travel for extended times. Unfortunately their job schedules are not always conducive to their one and only daughter who doesn't want to leave her life or her new boyfriend.

Unbeknownst to Killian, their hope is to leave her with Uncle Killian.

Killian Jones is about to become legal guardian to his young niece.

Liam believes this will be good for his brother, Elsa thinks it will lead to trouble.

"Hello brother. Elsa. So what is so important it couldn't wait?" he asks, sighing heavily as he slumps down into his chair.

"Killian, we have some news."

"I'm all ears," he responds with fake enthusiasm.

"Quit acting like an arse. This is serious; this news has the capacity to be life altering."

Killian rolls his eyes. "I'm sorry for my rudeness. Please, go on."

"KILLIAN!"

"Just tell me."

Elsa is the one that responds. "Killian, how about you tell us why you're acting this way."

"I'm sorry Elsa; I shouldn't bother you with the unpleasantries of my job."

"Killian, you are my little brother-in-law. I love you as much as your brother does. We worry about you."

"Fine, I got looked over for the promotion I thought was already mine. And just in case, I'm in no mood for a lecture about my love life. Oh, and I love you too. Now about your news does it have anything to do with Aurora? I saw her leaving your table."

"Oh, Liam maybe you should take over now."

"Sweetheart you are doing such an amazing job."

Killian looks between the two. He hadn't noticed it before but they are nervous. This does not bode well for him.

"At my lovely wife's request, but first little brother I'm sorry to hear about the promotion. What happened?"

"It doesn't matter; your news seems to be more important. So what is the big news?"

"Killian, as you know Elsa and I are heading the Disabled Vet Awareness Project and it requires us to travel quite a bit. Normally Annabeth stays with Aurora but we didn't want to impose with her new marriage."

"Liam, just tell me what you want."

"I, I mean we hope you would allow your niece to stay with you for a while. At least until the school semester ends."

"Liam, I would love to, but I'm not exactly role model material for the lass-"

"Killian, we wouldn't ask if we had another choice. She doesn't want to go with us. She is your family too."

"I know she is family, Liam. Elsa, is this acceptable with you?" Killian scratches his elven ear nervously as he waits for a response.

"Liam is right, you are family and besides I think some alone time with uncle Killy would be nice for her. You haven't been around much."

"Then she is more than welcome to stay with me. Does she know?"

Elsa smiles sweetly at him and he knows he is in trouble.

"She is meeting us here. She seems to be running late." Elsa frowns as she looks at her watch. "I need to go freshen up. I will text her for her status. I'll be right back." She leans to kiss Liam and walks away.

"Liam, are you positive this is a good idea?"

"Killian it is the only choice we have. Just keep your extracurricular activities to a minimum. Don't worry, I'm not going to lecture you about finding a good lass to fall in love with and settle down. Just don't corrupt my daughter."

"You don't trust me and yet you are about to leave your most prized possession with me."

"I trust you Killian and I love you, but your choices regarding women have not been the best. Now tell me what happened with the promotion. I thought it was a sure thing."

"I will strive to be on my best behavior while Annabeth is staying with me. I too thought it was a sure thing but the reason I was passed over is that I'm a man."

"I don't understand."

"George wants us to appeal to the female market and it seems my experience in that department is lacking so he hired some woman to take us to the promised land."

"Oh, I understand. Killian, don't take it personally. You are amazing at your job, but let's face it, understanding what women want is just not your forte."

Killian is just staring at his brother as Elsa returns from the restroom.

"Liam, Killian, look who I ran into as I was leaving the ladies room. Annabeth, greet your favorite uncle."

"Hello, Uncle Killian."

"Hello Annabeth, you have grown so much. You are quite the beauty."

"Thank you. Mom, I was wondering if I could meet my friends at the mall later today."

"Annabeth, I'm sitting right here. How about asking your father for permission?"

"Dad, may I go meet my friends?"

"Are you meeting your friends or that boy that has been hanging around?"

"My friends and I may want to meet Hans later."

"Elsa sweetheart is this alright with you?"

"That is why I asked mom, you always do whatever she says anyway."

"I do not."

"Sure dad. Uh, where is Aunt Aurora? I thought you guys were going to ask her if I could stay with her."

"Annabeth you know Aurora just married Phillip. They are leaving on a cruise within days. I'm so sorry sweetheart but you cannot stay with her."

Annabeth's face drops. "I'm not going with you guys! I can stay home alone."

"Annabeth, I'm not leaving my fifteen-year old alone. You will stay with Uncle Killian."

"What, are you serious? How is he going to look out for me when he is too worried about his next fling?"

"If you don't want to leave with us tomorrow you will stay with your uncle."

"Fine. How about you Uncle, will I be cramping your style? I know how much you love the ladies." There was a bite in her words.

He chuckles at her feistiness. "I have no problem with you staying with me, Annabeth. Is this all brother? I have to return to work for a quick meeting."

"No, that's all. Annabeth will be meeting you at home tomorrow."

"Annabeth, you will be on your best behavior. You will follow the same rules at your uncle's home as you do at home with us."

"Killian before you go," Liam leans towards Killian in hopes to prevent his daughter and wife from hearing him. "This Hans guy is older than her, please make sure he is on his best behavior."

Killian whispers to his brother, "Liam, isn't she a little young for a boyfriend?"

"If I oppose she will do it behind my back. I have to trust she will do the right thing."

"Dad, see you at home. Mom," she leans to kiss her, "Uncle Killian, I'll see you tomorrow. Later!"

...

Killian is back at Midas-Knightley for the dreaded meeting.

Back at Midas-Knightley Killian awaits the dreaded meeting. Try as he might, he is hot under the collar, and he's having a hard time imagining how he's going to give this interloper a chance.

"Killian, I heard, I'm sorry mate, I really thought you had it."

"Aye, it was not in the cards. Scarlett, you ready to meet your new Creative Director?"

"Let's get this over with."

Arriving at the conference room, Killian goes to grab some coffee. He wishes it was rum. As he is preparing his cup as he hears a voice coming from behind him.

"Hello, may I have a cup?"

He turns around to answer and is met with vibrant green eyes and waves of blonde hair that belonged to the most beautiful woman he has ever had the pleasure of meeting. He smiles his most dashing smile before answering, "Of course my lady, I never deny a beautiful woman. Killian Jones at your service." He licks his bottom lip and then he is hosed down when he hears her following words, "Nice to meet you Killian Jones, I'm Emma Swan."

He stands there dumbly as she fills her cup and walks away to take her seat.