Charmed by Charlie

By Amanda Uhl

PAINT, PROMOTIONS & PERFECTION

Creative genius Charlie Solanger has it all: good looks, money, intelligence, charm. And when he swoops in to save Reynolds Paint Company with a brilliant marketing campaign, he has all the ladies in the office vying for his attention. Everyone except math whiz Valerie Wilson.

Val’s not happy Charlie stole her promotion. Worse, his brand of flirtatious charm is reminiscent of her cheating ex-fiancé. So, how come she can’t get him out of her head? The more she challenges him, the more interested—and interesting—he becomes. What secrets is Charlie hiding, and who or what is behind the sudden mysterious drain on their company’s funds? The only way to find out is to join forces. Then it will be a battle of wills...and a triumph of hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781944262655

Book preview

Chapter One

Who’s the new guy, Val? He’s hot.

I followed my coworker Bernie’s intense stare to the tall, blond and handsome man three cubes over and shrugged. Not sure, I said. We haven’t been formally introduced. But I’m pretty certain he’s Calvin’s replacement.

How do you know?

Because he’s sitting in Calvin’s cube. Calvin had been a merchandiser in my unit until he got fired last week. Rumor had it he’d been having an affair with Julie, the owner’s daughter. Never a good idea.

Has Julie told you anything…is he single? Bernie was on the prowl. With her mass of dark, curly hair flying in ten different directions, her head swinging from side to side and her bright, red lipstick, she looked like a crazy woman. A cute and lovable lunatic. Bernie was one of the few people I called friend at Reynolds Paint Company. We had a lot in common. We were both twenty-nine and single, at least up until recently, when I started dating George Haddad, my almost fiancé. I’d met Bernie nearly four years ago when I’d made the move from San Francisco to Cleveland and needed help finding the coffee machine. Bernie and I were both caffeine addicts. How else do friendships begin?

I don’t know, I said, shaking my head. If she did, I don’t recall.

Now Bernie placed her hands on her hips and looked at me like I had horns growing out of my scalp. I touched my hair but it was still the same—thin, brown and stick straight.

Why ever not? she said. Any normal woman would look to see if he has a ring on his finger. He’s gorgeous.

Because, unlike you, I’m not on the market. George and I are as good as married, remember?

You’re not married yet.

What’s that supposed to mean? What do you have against George?

It means… Oh God, he’s coming this way. Bernie’s hands flew to her head, trying to smooth down the wayward curls. Despite her best efforts, her hair looked like it had been swept up in a windstorm. Her small mouth hung open as the new guy approached.

Bernie, close your mouth. You’re drooling.

But she wasn’t paying attention. She stepped in front of the new guy, blocking his path. As introduction tactics went, it was effective. Hi, she said. I’m Bernie Berger. You must be new. Welcome to the company.

Even to my ears, her voice sounded deep and seductive. I wanted to vomit. Why did women always gush over attractive men? Because he was good-looking did not make him a good guy. For all we knew, he could be a serial killer.

The new guy towered over Bernie, making her look like a midget. He was over six feet by my estimate. He flashed us a full smile, revealing a perfect line of white teeth, and held out a hand. Bernie and I both looked at his finger. No wedding ring.

Charm oozed from his pores like he was a prince on a white steed and we were his damsels in distress. His golden-blond hair lay against his scalp like a talented artist had placed each strand just so. I took an instant dislike to him, which wasn’t fair. It wasn’t his fault he was handsome and charismatic. Nor mine that I had developed an aversion to those sorts of creatures. Experience had taught me they were cheaters. I preferred stable men, who also tended to be honest.

And boring, my alter ego reminded me. I ignored her. She was always coming into my head at inopportune moments, warning me that I was fast becoming an old biddy.

First day at Reynolds, he said. That obvious? I’m Charlie Solanger. Nice to meet you.

I’d be happy to show you around, Bernie said. I work over in sales, but if you need anything, anything at all, just ask.

I rolled my eyes. Bernie was laying it on a bit strong.

That’s great. Charming Charlie was saying. Have you been here awhile?

Ten years in March. I know every lunch spot around if you’re not familiar with downtown Cleveland. Let me know when you’re ready to get out and explore a little. I’ll take you to lunch.

She winked. He smiled. I shook my head, turning back to the numbers on my spreadsheet. Numbers were facts. They never lied. Not like people. I frowned. I loved my job at Reynolds. I was good at it. And I owed Larry Reynolds. He had taken a chance on me when no one else would. This company filled a void in my life I hadn’t even realized was missing until I joined as a marketing assistant more than three years ago and slowly moved up the ranks. Charlie’s deep voice cut into my thoughts. He was still talking to Bernie.

Great. I’m always looking for new places. Everyone here’s been so friendly to me.

I bet. I’d mumbled it, but I couldn’t stop myself from saying the words aloud. He had the word heartbreaker plastered on his forehead in big, bold letters.

I looked up from the file I had been studying to see Bernie and the new guy looking my way. Bernie sighed, as if I were a hopeless case. Which I was.

Charlie, meet Val Wilson. She’s in marketing like you.

Hi, nice to meet you. Charming Charlie held out a hand, turning the full force of his blue eyes and chiseled blond looks on me. My heart raced, and I had the urge to sit straight and flip my limp hair to the side.

Ridiculous. I nearly snorted out loud. Why would I care what he thinks of me? I didn’t need his attention. Didn’t want to feel such an instant attraction to such an obvious flirt. So he was broad-shouldered and built like an athlete. George was handsome, too. A bit on the short side, but I didn’t mind. George was dependable. I hated men like the one in front of me, didn’t I? All lean muscle and so damn tall, I practically strained my neck staring up at him. I blinked. Charlie waited, hand outstretched, as if daring me to take it. I was going to have to talk to him.

I gritted my teeth and shook his hand, pulling it back quickly. I couldn’t help but notice his strong grip and long fingers. You know what they say about large hands, my alter ego said, but I refused to give her attention. Instead, I bared my teeth and gave him a fake smile.

Hi. I turned back to my file, but I could feel Charlie’s eyes on me. Bernie stepped in, as I knew she would.

Val’s nice, really. She’s on deadline on a project, which makes her a little focused. Plus, she lives alone, so she’s not used to being around a lot of people. Ignore her. You need anything, you come talk to me.

What’s the project? Maybe I can help, he said.

I sighed and looked up from my folder. He was smiling. I tried to ignore the dimple on one side of his cheek, but I swear it winked at me. How good are you at math?

Um, well, okay, I guess. What kind of math?

Well, you know. The basic kind…probabilities, statistics, algebra, I said.

His face looked a little pale. Obviously, math was not his strong suit. Unlike me. I adored math. There were no surprises. That’s why I loved managing a product line. I could puzzle over sales figures for hours until I understood the pattern. I could also solve the Rubik’s Cube I kept on my desk in under three minutes. Not that I bragged about it or anything. I don’t think this is something you can help with. I went back to my folder, hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone. He didn’t.

Try me. His voice held a challenge. He had come into my cube and was leaning over my shoulder. I could smell his fresh, musky scent. Dark Water, my favorite cologne. Yum. I’d bought it for Christmas last year for George, but it’d never smelled quite like this.

I’m trying to determine the statistical probability that someone will actually buy our premium line of paints.

He pointed at my spreadsheet. His long arm brushed next to my right breast, causing my heart to thump painfully in my chest. His finger stopped in front of a column indicating revenue. How are sales so far?

Good question. Um… I struggled to think, staring not at the spreadsheet but at his bulging biceps. What was wrong with me? Not…great. I managed to glance at the spreadsheet, pointing to a column on the right. We’ve sold nearly 500,000 units. We need to be at a million to break even.

What are you doing to increase sales? The muscles of my neck tightened where I could feel his warm breath when he spoke.

Smart as well as cute. Figures. I swallowed. Charlie wasn’t moving, and my damn heart would not keep beating off-tempo until he did. I took a breath. Well…we’ve invested in some new signage. That’s what Calvin had been working on up until he screwed… God, I’m losing it. His cologne must be affecting my brain. Up, I finished brightly.

And how has that been working out?

Awful, terrible. Calvin? Obviously, not well.

I glanced over my shoulder. Charlie looked at me strangely, his blue eyes intelligent, perceptive. I struggled to form a coherent thought. He grinned, as if he knew the effect he was having on me. Bastard.

Oh, you meant the signage, I said, turning back to my spreadsheet. He could flirt with me all he wanted. I wasn’t playing his game. It’s too soon to tell, but it’s not looking great.

Hmm. Charlie straightened, finally giving my poor heart relief. He turned slightly and angled his backside against my desk, so now I was forced either to look at him or pretend like he wasn’t there. I gulped and my eyes met his. They were bluer than the sea in Maui, where I’d spent a week once with an old flame. I shook my head. A weaker woman could lose herself in those eyes. Not me, I reminded myself. Not after everything I’d been through.

Charlie spoke, and I struggled to make sense of his words, fighting the involuntary shiver racing from my head to my toes.

Are these the reflective signs with orange letters I saw in the conference room? He picked up my Rubik’s Cube, randomly turning it as he spoke and ruining the colors.

I grimaced. He had some nerve. I forced my eyes back to my spreadsheet. That would be them. Calvin thought our customers would really go for those. But from these numbers, it doesn’t look like they’re having an impact. Of course, they’re not in all 1,196 of our stores yet. We’ve only covered about half.

I stole a quick look at him and deliberately yawned and covered my mouth like I was bored but didn’t want to be rude.

He smiled, setting my now wrecked cube down and leaning toward me. The rich scent of Dark Water wafted over me, causing my heart to pound out a crazy rhythm. I have an idea.

For a second, I couldn’t think. My eyes bounced from him to the cube and back again. I blinked in a desperate attempt to break whatever spell he had cast over my muddled thoughts. My alter ego came to my rescue. I bet you do, mister. First day on the job. Has to make a good impression. And what would that be? My voice oozed skepticism, even to my own ears. Charlie remained unfazed.

Well, I’m not certain, but part of the issue might be that they’re not reflective enough. I think if we switched to a mirrored background that might solve the problem.

Customers can look at themselves while they buy paint? Remember, the majority of our customers are male. They’re not interested in looking at their reflections.

I think you underestimate the male population. But that’s not why I would use mirrored signage. Mirrors reflect light. They will amplify the reflective nature of the sign, which will naturally catch a customer’s eye.

I opened my mouth to argue and shut it. He was right. It was a great idea. Brilliant, actually. I tightened my lips until they formed a thin line. I’ll think about it. Yeah, in your dreams tonight, girl.

Shut up.

Charlie, that’s a great idea. Bernie had had enough of my sourness and was back to flattery. Wow. I mean, you being new and all. Val, don’t you think that’s a great idea? Bernie was giving me the evil eye.

I sighed. I knew from past experience Bernie wouldn’t give up until I agreed. She had a way of digging in and holding her ground when she believed I was being unfair. Yeah, sure. Give the man a cookie.

Chocolate chip is my fave, Charlie said. His tone was flippant, but those deep blue eyes promised retribution. I recognized the look. It was the same one George gave the chessboard when he was calculating the success of his next move. I could have warned Charlie not to bother. It wouldn’t matter what he said; his good looks ensured I wasn’t buying it. I turned back to my folder, hoping he would now take the hint.

Why hello. The syrupy sweet voice of my boss sounded right over my shoulder. She was eyeing Charlie up like he was a mouse one of her cats dragged in. Julie loved cats. I suspected she was a cat in another life—a pretty white kitty with claws.

How are you, Charlie? Julie asked. It’s been a while. I keep hearing amazing things about you from my father. I understand you’ve agreed to help us out, and of course you come highly recommended. We’re expecting great things now that you’re on board. She brushed her soft blond hair from her face and purred. Welcome to Reynolds.

I was secretly envious of those waves, but tried hard not to show it. About the only time mine curled was on a humid day. I waited to see if her pink tongue would lick her lips, but it did not.

Great to see you, Jules.

Jules? Bernie and I looked at each other. In three seconds we managed a secret conversation. My raised brow: He calls her Jules? Her grimace: Looks that way.

Charlie flashed his mesmerizing smile at Jules, and I watched as the owner’s daughter and future president of the company fell victim. Another one bites the dust. Disgusting.

Why don’t you come with me, Julie said. I’ll fill you in on the company and show you around. Get you up to speed on your job responsibilities.

All right, he said easily. He looked back at me. Val, I’d be happy to take a closer look at that file. I have a few other ideas that may help. He caught my eye and had the audacity to wink. I frowned. His grin widened.

Julie was looking between us like she smelled a rat. I could have told her not to worry. I wasn’t on the market. That was Bernie’s territory. Besides, this was my livelihood. I had learned not to mix business with pleasure.

Valerie, I need those numbers on my desk by noon, Julie said, looking at me fiercely. She was always asking for numbers, and I was quite good at giving them to her. But I was not so good at coming up with new ideas. That had been Calvin’s department. And up until last month, most of his ideas had gotten the green light. Probably because he’d had a major in with the boss. Looked like the new guy was well on his way to becoming Calvin’s replacement in every way. I would have felt sorry for Charlie, except he was still staring at me with a stupid grin on his face. He obviously found Julie’s ordering me around amusing. I had the irrational urge to stick my tongue out but held myself in check. I did need to maintain a certain maturity level in the office.

C’mon, Charlie, Julie said, turning her back on us and calling over her shoulder. Valerie, I’ll see you at noon.

Would you look at that. Bernie was staring after them, a feral expression on her face. I refuse to allow that gorgeous hunk of a man to get chewed up and spit out by the she-cat.

He’s trouble, Bernie. You don’t need that kind of trouble. Go back to dating Matt in the lab. He seems steady and reliable.

I told you, Matt has commitment issues. I wanna get married and have kids one day. God, can you imagine the kids that Charlie and I’d have? Yow!

I dropped any pretense of looking at my folder to talk Bernie out of her insanity. You’re crazy, woman. Stop looking at every charmer that crosses your path as your personal sperm bank. Most are so self-centered, they hate kids. Focus on a real man like…like…

Like Matt? I don’t think so.

I was going to say like George. He’s kind, caring, dependable. All great qualities in a mate…and a parent.

George is…George. She shrugged as if to apologize for her dislike. He’s mule-headed. And his parents are way too involved in your life. No way do I want someone like George. One of us should nab Charlie before our kitty-kat boss sinks her teeth into him. Do you think he liked me?

I shrugged, picking up my Rubik’s Cube and twisting it three times horizontally then vertically until the colors were once again aligned. If I were you, I’d let Julie have him. Men like that are trouble with a capital T. I’ll stick with George.

Bernie sighed. This was an old argument. Bernie thought I needed fixing, and she wouldn’t let up. Before Charlie, she had been after me to date Calvin. That is, until Calvin had hooked up with Julie. He was now spending time at the unemployment office, and I was counting my lucky stars I’d found George. Nice, sweet, dependable George. I could do much worse. I had no idea what Bernie had against him, but she hadn’t liked George the moment I introduced the two of them. Even more surprising, George, who was normally the mildest of men, got worked up whenever he was around Bernie for more than a minute. Thankfully, that wasn’t frequent these days. I had no desire to play referee.

It still amazes me how you can solve that thing so quickly, Bernie said.

I shrugged, setting my Rubik’s Cube back in its spot. Listen, I gotta get these numbers on kitty-kat’s desk by noon, and I still don’t have them quite figured out.

Dinner tonight?

No, I can’t. I’m sorry. George is making me dinner. I promised I would help him with his billing.

Bernie wrinkled her nose like she smelled something foul. Again? Why doesn’t he hire someone to do that?

He will eventually. I told you, he’s saving for a ring. This is one thing I can do to add to our savings.

Bernie looked skeptical, but she must have decided not to push that particular hot button. Have you heard anything more about your promotion for the senior product manager position?

Shh. Bernie’s voice had a tendency to carry. I looked around, but no one was nearby. No, but I’m expecting it any day now. Kitty-kat needs me. None of the other product managers have as much experience. I can’t see who else she would give it to unless she hired someone off the street.

Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. Okay, I’ll let you get back to your data.

After Bernie left, I spent a couple of hours crunching numbers until I had a better handle on the sales pattern. Charlie’s idea of changing the signage was a good one, but from the spreadsheet, it looked like the problem was more a territory or customer issue. Sales were great in northeast Ohio, but the farther south you went, the numbers dropped. By the time you got to the Florida market, they were nonexistent.

I printed the report and walked to Julie’s desk. I suspected she would be out to lunch, but when I got to her office, she was just wrapping it up with Charlie. She motioned me inside.

Charlie was sitting in the chair across from her, his long legs stretched out in front of him. As I entered, he got up gracefully and turned to go.

But Julie stopped him. Don’t leave yet, Charlie. Why don’t you share the good news with Valerie? Julie always called me Valerie. I’m pretty sure she did it to drive me nuts. Everyone else I knew called me Val.

I’m going to be helping you out on your project, Val, Charlie said.

Okayyy, I said. Julie was up to something, and it was not good.

Tell her why.

Charlie hesitated, causing my spider senses to tingle. It was the same feeling I got right before the love of my life dumped me three years ago. I calculated the distance to the door. Five feet.

Oh, never mind, I will, Julie said. Charlie has been offered and accepted the senior product manager position. You’ll still report to me, but he’ll be managing the premium paint line. You’ll continue on as our assistant, of course.

A pin did not drop. If it had, I would have heard it. She’d actually gone and hired someone off the street. I was horrified, shocked, angry, dismayed. I tried hard to think of something to say, but all my brain offered was: Screw this crap. I’m outta here. Somehow I managed to keep those words from forming on my lips. But they burned on my tongue, scalding their way down to my stomach where they formed a bitter, churning acid.

I managed to walk to the witch kitty’s desk and set the folder down, while my alter ego screamed at me to throw it. Without saying a word, I turned my back and walked out. I was about halfway to my cube, when I heard the sound of someone following me.

Val, wait up.

Charlie. I ignored him and kept walking, passing my cube. I would go to the restroom. No male would dare follow me in there.

By now the tears of disappointment had formed two pools threatening to stream down my face. I refused to turn and acknowledge his presence. Most people would take the hint and lay off. Not Charlie. His ridiculously long strides caught up with me until he was by my side.

Go away, I said.

Val, I’m sorry. Julie didn’t just offer me the job. I interviewed with Larry Reynolds for the position, and he made the offer a week ago. I don’t know why she let it drop like that. I think she was purposely trying to shock you.

No, you think? I regretted the sarcasm the moment the words came out of my mouth. I didn’t want anything to do with Charlie, but Julie had clearly set him up to take the fall. It wasn’t his fault. Maybe she thought my hatred and resentment would keep me from pursuing him. She could have saved herself the trouble. He was all hers.

I stopped walking. "Listen. I wanted that position. Julie’s been hinting for months the position was as good as mine. I’m angry. Really, really angry. If you

Reviews for Charmed by Charlie

[pelusa41-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was an ok book. I personally do not like books, where heroine's friend ends up with boyfriend and she is ok with it. Val has a steady boyfriend, so even though she is attracted to Charlie, she tries not to be, she want the comfort of George. Her friend does not get along with George or vice versa, but it is really because they are attracted to each other. Every other woman, wants Charlie, but he wants Val. Eventually everything does come out, George ends up with Beverly, and Val gives her blessing, there are a lot of misunderstandings, but they do get resolved, and Val ends up with Charlie.

[thegenreminx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Office meets Sixteen Candles! Charmed by Charlie is a sweet romantic comedy that is entertaining and heart-warming. From the start, you can’t help but be charmed by Charlie’s character. He is the total package but he also actually seems to care about what happens at the Reynolds Paint Company, the place where Val works. Val is not so thrilled about Charlie’s presence at the company though because he represents everything she wants to forget. She has her “safe and reliable” almost fiancé and here comes this guy who not only steals her promotion but everyone seems to be in love with him. Too bad Val is not as immune to his magnetism as she wishes to be.Poor Val, she has had a rough go of things for the past few years. Having followed a man to Cleveland who she thought was her future, only to be crushed under his heel, Val is no longer looking for anything other than safe. Her world is exactly as she wants it to be. Even if it is a little boring, at least her life is consistent and secure. When she meets Charlie she immediately writes him off as no good but in his relentless pursuit of her, she comes to find out there is more to him than meets the eye. She is just not ready for anything exciting or unpredictable.Charlie knows that Val is just the person he needs on his team, even if he is unable to tell her the entire truth about why he is at the company. He also can’t help wanting to know more about the woman who seems to be immune to his charms. Someone is sabotaging the business, divulging company secrets, and Charlie must find the culprit! There is little time before the company will be pushed past the point of no return. In order to figure out what is happening Charlie needs eyes and ears on the inside. Someone like Val who is smarter than she is given credit for. Val can tell that he is holding something back but agrees to help him because he does seem sincere about wanting to help the company. Also, he really doesn’t give her a choice as he is unrelenting in his charming ways.Such a hilarious story with Val trying to deny the attraction between her and Charlie all the while managing inter-office relationships with malicious and quirky characters. Then throw in her coming to terms with her “safe and reliable” fiancé, Val needs to choose which world she is going to pursue. After having her faith in herself shaken does she have what it takes to trust her heart?I really found this story to be a romantic read with just the right amount of conflict to keep the story moving. It is not just a romance read though, it is about life, relationships, and learning to seize the day. The ending is climatic but also very satisfying. I recommend that you give this story a try and see if you too are Charmed by Charlie. This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Amanda Uhl, Author. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

[nelispelusa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was an ok book. I personally do not like books, where heroine's friend ends up with boyfriend and she is ok with it. Val has a steady boyfriend, so even though she is attracted to Charlie, she tries not to be, she want the comfort of George. Her friend does not get along with George or vice versa, but it is really because they are attracted to each other. Every other woman, wants Charlie, but he wants Val. Eventually everything does come out, George ends up with Beverly, and Val gives her blessing, there are a lot of misunderstandings, but they do get resolved, and Val ends up with Charlie.