She’s thinking I’m just another receptionist with the hots for Mr. Carrero. Another woman to fall at the hurdle of meeting him.
I try to pull myself together, smooth invisible wrinkles in my clothes and straighten my body up, trying to get back my professional air and grace. I hate that I’ve shown signs of being rattled. I don’t normally break under so little pressure, and I’m not impressed with myself.I catch her expression warm up, and I relax.Perhaps I’m overthinking this.I’m mindful that Mr. Black Suit is standing in a corner by the window, glaring at us; it’s a little intimidating, but also reassuring. Just out of sight to my far left on the long cream Italian leather couch, the younger man is sitting below some huge prints of modern artistry depicting what might be naked women. I blink and look again. Yes, naked women.Ughhh. Really? Could you be anymore playboy, Carrero?Arrick is disinterested in what’s going on. He’s playing with his cell, and I think I recognize the Angry Birds music that Sarah loves to irritate me with. An annoying, immature game, although Arrick looks late teens to early twenties so he can be forgiven for a juvenile game, I suppose.“Here you go,” Jake’s voice cuts into my thoughts, bringing my attention back to him as he hands me a tall glass of something bubbly with ice. I take a sip and give him a grateful smile, expecting flavored water. It’s a cold, clear liquid that tastes sweetly tropical with a hint of unexpected alcohol.I guess it’s not iced water.It’s a cocktail and I try not to show my surprise, but a tiny frown hits my brow before I can correct it. Inwardly startled.Surprising. He did this himself. Booze at work though?“Thank you, Mr. … Jake.” I correct, and he gives me a soft smile again. I ignore the butterflies in my stomach rising from it, with a minor annoyance.Stop behaving like a fourteen-year-old!“So, Emma, Margo tells me you’ve worked here for just over five years?” he sits back to perch on his desk, body relaxed, and eyes fixed on me. Margo standing close by, listening. He is distractingly good-looking, more so when he lazes all casual and charming, and very un-boss like.“Yes. I’ve worked on various floors, but mainly tenth.” I move to place my glass on the table, so my fingers don’t toy with the rim showing my nervous habits. I’m disappointed to be putting it down, it tasted amazing, but I’m not a fan of alcohol at work, or anytime for that matter. He has skills with making drinks though.“You were Jack Dawson’s assistant for a while?” his eyebrows dip as he questions, unusually cute while studying me non-intrusively.Get a grip, Emma!“Yes, Mr. Dawson.” I smile, although I know it must look as forced as it feels. Dawson is an unbearable letch who grabbed my ass at every opportunity and pressed himself against me whenever I tried to pass him. In his late sixties, small, and overweight. I was surprised he still had those kinds of urges at his age. He’s the type of man I’m used to dealing with, with his wandering hands and sleazy smiles. The kind of man I can handle after years of practice.“It was Miss. Keith who recommended you for this position, I believe?”I hone in on his beautiful teeth, white and perfectly lined up, just as a billionaire’s mouth should be. I wonder how much he spends on dental work every year, to be Carrero model material. Easily distracted by his appearance.“Yes. I loved working for her while her own assistant was on leave, she was easy to attend to, and I learned a lot.” A surge of satisfaction at how cool and calm I sound once again rushes through my body. My nerves are settling and his effects on me winding down with effort. I guess the shock of meeting him is abating finally.I was wrong about his eyes, in person they’re the most gorgeous pure green I’ve seen; in fact, the photographs don’t do them justice at all.“She spoke highly of your efficiency and professionalism. It’s rare for Kay to make an internal recommendation for a position like this.” He smiles briefly, and the butterflies swoop back in. I blush, the heat rising up my face, and it annoys me as I try to maintain my professional maturity, but I’d loved Kay Keith as a boss. I was desolate when her assistant came back to work, and I was demoted back to Dawson’s office. The return to the letch and his slimy hands.“Thank you.” I smile genuinely, inner pride glowing. It’s not an easy thing to move from a lowly admin assistant through a company like this in just five years, especially with my meager qualifications. I have sacrificed so much in my life to get here.“Well, so far, I’ve found her to be a joy. Efficient and capable, with a good understanding of the business. Don’t think it will take long to get her up to speed with her requirements.” Margo’s beaming at me with an odd twinkle in her eye. I like her. She’s still standing close, observing us and is oblivious to the other two men behind her. I know she’s watching to see if we’re a fit and is standing back to let us get to know each other. Her presence calming me.“Glad to hear it—so, Emma; how has it been so far? Learning the ropes of life on the sixty-fifth floor?” There’s a slight humor in his expression, a hint of that Carrero charm he’s famed for. It’s hard not to fall for it if I’m being honest, but I know it stems from years of schmoozing with the rich and famous, and probably fake. He’s a pro.“A breeze,” I answer coolly, avoiding that penetrative gaze he has going on now. “Nothing I can’t handle so far.” I allow a half-smile of confidence.“Has Margo warned you about the frequent traveling you will have to undertake, or the unsociable hours we sometimes keep? This job can be full on, Miss. Anderson. It’s not for the faint hearted.” He’s frowning now, still watching me so closely, and it’s a little unnerving.“Yes, I’m aware that this is not a nine-to-five job, Mr. Carrero. I’m 100% committed to my career, so it will not be an issue.” I reply without emotion, lifting my chin a little to show my determination.“You’re young … What about a social life?” Still frowning at me. Still trying to scrape away at my surface and figure me out. I would never give a man like him that chance.“I haven’t much interest in many social activities … I left my hometown to come to New York, and I don’t know many people outside of work.” My voice sounds unsteady, but I doubt he has noticed. He glances at me contemplatively.“Career oriented? Can be lonely.” He tilts his head to the side and lightly hunches his shoulders in a move that’s devastating to my hormones and makes my body tingle and my temperature soar without warning. I gaze down to the floor for a second and take a breath to combat these alien feelings.Stop eye raping him, Emma. Have a little more professionalism.“I’m never lonely, Mr. Carrero … I’m an independent person who doesn’t need assurances, or company, from other people to be happy.” I realize I’ve let my mouth shift into gear ahead of my brain and revealed more than I intended to. Another “old Emma” habit that grinds on me, despite years of trying to overcome it.It’s true though, I’ve been self-reliant from an early age. I keep people at arm’s length, even Sarah, because it suits me to do so. Relationships bring complications, disappointment, and pain.He narrows his eyes and studies me again, more probing as this excruciating “chat” continues. Trying to peel my layers.“Oh, Emma, that’s not the way a young girl like you should live her life.” Margo cuts in, alarmed.“You’re so pretty … You should have young men romancing you around New York.” She reaches out, touching my shoulder with a motherly squeeze, before returning to her previous position. I smile emptily and ignore the urge to grimace at her words. If only she knew how that thought repulsed me. One thing I learned from my life was that romance does not exist in the minds of most men. Only sexual gratification whether or not you consent to it.“Sounds like you’re trying to talk her out of stealing your job, Margo.” Jake laughs, lifting his boyish expression to the older woman; a complete change to his first smile. This one seems more natural and even more devastating. I catch the affection flicker between them, and it surprises me. She shakes her head at him.“No. Emma knows I value her here. I think she’s a perfect fit …” She turns her cloudy gray eyes to me with a genuine warmth that thaws me a little.“Not too sure how much you’ll like it once Jake starts running you ragged, mind you.” She winks and places a hand on his arm, showing the special bond they seem to share, and I wonder at it. They have a casual and comfortable ambience between them, almost like a mother and son. Very odd.“I’m sure I can handle the demands,” I cut in confidently.“Despite Jake’s public playboy reputation, Emma, I’m afraid he’s a workaholic … Surprising, I know, but you’ll get used to it; you’ll rake up plenty of air miles in the next few months.” Margo smiles again wistfully, this time patting Jake on the shoulder. There’s a silent communication between them; secret smiles and glances, and I wonder how I will ever take her place.“You’ll soon get fed up with seeing the world.” He gives me a comical frown, those alluring eyes back on my face and I hate the way it makes me feel naked.“And the inside of hotel rooms.” He adds with a cheeky smirk that heats my stomach with a flash. My insides flip over.I try to ignore the remark. Hoping to take him at face value and hope this internal wave fizzles away as quickly as it appeared. I’m sure I’ll never see the inside of his hotel room. In fact, I can promise I won’t, despite his reputation.“I’ve seen enough of those to last a lifetime.” Margo waves her hand, throwing him a glance I cannot translate. Oblivious to my reaction.“Right, we have work to be getting on with … Emma, you’re with me for now.” She gestures to the door behind me, and I nod. Mr. Carrero stands from the perched position of his desk edge and smiles, lifting his hand out again while never breaking eye contact. Holding it to me.“To our working relationship, Emma.” I accept it, ignoring the same tingling sensation his touch creates, skin ignited and smile tightly to disguise all the sensations. Sighing with relief that this meeting is over; I nod before I turn and follow Margo out of his office. Exhaling quietly and pushing all my taught nerves and anxious tension out with a blow.Well, I survived meeting Jacob Carrero for the first time. My underwear didn’t self-combust, and I remained intact.Strike one to me.It’s after twelve. My head is a little woozy and stuffy as it’s ridiculously hot in the office now, stiflingly so and it’s making me feel nauseous. I’ve called maintenance twice to find out why they still haven’t fixed the AC yet, it’s blowing out tropical heat, rather than cold air and baking us all. My face is flaming, and my pulse is beating so fast and hard, like I’ve been sprinting. My clothes are almost clinging to me with dampness, and I’m irritated because of the inability to breathe or find relief. It’s oppressive.Margo has left the floor for lunch and I’m to follow on her return. She was wavering in the heat as much as me, but I told her I was okay to stay. Wanting to prove my abilities.Ever the hero, Emma! Good move.This is a huge sign of trust, and I think she’s testing my capabilities, leaving me to man the fort and cope alone during a very busy schedule. It’s been three days since
“Is that all Mr. Carrero?” I finish my notes and push the pen in the top of the notebook with a sigh. Clammier now than ever.“I’d like a copy of the letter sent to my father’s email and I would like it if you would call me Jake! … Like I asked!” He lifts his feet to his desk, swiveling his chair back to face it and regards me with a relaxed, smug look.“If that’s what you prefer?” I’m not used to employers showing so little concern for titles, or who behave so casually. I’m more than a little disappointed in the laxness I’ve seen from both Margo and Jake so far. In the way they behave with each other and it has me a little at unease. Here he is, sitting with his feet on his thousand-dollar desk, like a lounging teenager and it kills the image I once had of him.“I’m not Mr. Carrero … That’s my father.” His eyes flicker to the photo on his desk and I catch a d
Back at my desk after lunch, the switchboard is flashing like mad and I Margo and Jake’s lines are busy. Nina has a few calls on hold, so I buzz her to tell her to put one through to me too. I sit down to deal with the first call and catch sight of Margo waving through to me, smiling widely. She points at her head, then mine, indicating my hair and gives me a thumbs up, which makes me grimace. I don’t think I’ve worn it any other way than up during my five years working here. I feel like I’m not dressed properly, and it bothers me far more than it should. I focus on the call.Half an hour later, I’m lost in thought, absorbed in a financial spreadsheet Jake needs by this evening. I’ve already plowed through a mountain of work today, making light work of it and not conscious of eyes on me until I hear the movement of feet shifting on wooden floor. Looking up absent-mindedly, more from reaction than any actual realization, I see Jake Carrero is
It’s raining by the time I get home and I’m soaked walking from the station through the few blocks to my apartment. Sarah’s out when I get into our third-floor apartment and I take in the coziness of the small rental instantly relaxed. I’m glad to be home, surrounded by our familiar comforts and bright rooms, our feminine haven. I’m tired, it’s been a long day and I want to take a bath and go to bed.I screw up Sarah’s note, informing me she has made Mac “n” Cheese, from the counter. It’s in the refrigerator for me and I throw the paper in the garbage.The perks of living with a chef. She works late most nights and I can’t remember the last time we spent more than five minutes in each other’s company. Our lives comprise occasional brief conversations in passing, and notes on the refrigerator which suit me more than when I had to keep her company every evening.Sarah has been my best friend since f
“Nowhere in the office uniform manual does it say—have your hair tied up like a school mistress.” The two women giggle rather surprisingly, killing the whole aura of mature professionals.“We work in a very high-profile business that requires a certain attention to image.” The heat in my cheeks rises with irritation, at the giggling, and the fuss over my hair.“Emma, darling, do you realize how gorgeous those waves are? You’ve such a lovely color of hair, like pale autumn leaves.” Donna chirps over enthusiastically.I lock eyes on her blankly, trying not to dredge up images of moldy sodden black and brown splodged leaves on the New York paving stones last fall. Ignoring how uncomfortable I am looking “softer”.“She’s right, Emma. I think you look so much more natural and pretty like this. I think Jake agreed yesterday.” Margo says a twinkle in her eye. A hint of a mischievous smile lurk
Less than twenty minutes later, I’m in the back of a large SUV with tinted windows and I’m sitting mere inches away from him. My briefcase on my lap and a pen in one hand. I’m preoccupied, mulling over the weirdness of this request.“That habit is at odds with how you present yourself, you know?”I look up at his remark questioningly. The way he is regarding me, and half-smirking my way.What the hell is he talking about?I realize I have a strand of hair between my fingers, absent-mindedly twisting it. I drop it and still my hands on my lap, internally cursing him out.For god’s sake …It’s the being unprepared, it has me on edge.Nice move, Emma.I scowl at teen Emma, always peeking at me from the recesses of my mind and smile tightly in response.“Nervous habit?” he presses further, looking smugger.“I don’t get nervous, Mr. Carrero,” I respond drily.
As the car draws up to a grand hotel, I’m not relishing what’s coming, trying not to over-analyze any of this. Before I know it, his driver is opening my door. I step out as Jake follows behind me; we immediately see the hovering photographers with long-lensed cameras hung around their necks and they pique their interest as Jake slides smoothly up behind me, reaching his full height. Even without touching me, I sense him behind me. My body suddenly on high alert at his proximity. Nerves twist my insides to mush.“Ready?” he whispers and loops his fingers in mine as he comes around me to lead, pulling me toward the doormen. I can’t concentrate on much else except the uncomfortable heat of his skin on mine and the way his hand practically dwarves my own. I’ve never let anyone hold my hand … Well, my mother, maybe once or twice, but she doesn’t count. It’s not a welcome experience and I have to steel against the urge to recoil and snap my hand away. Too soft, too hot, too intimate.
I sit and pay attention as we eat from the breakfast buffet; the business merger sounds promising and I take key point notes on things he will want to recap. I listen intently to them thrash through proposals and possibilities with enthusiasm and can see that these men are genuine friends. They have a rapport you can only find between men who know each other well. Sarcasm and banter interlaced with business talk. Jake is one of the ‘guys’ when he’s around Daniel.I can’t help but notice as I’ve been sitting cross legged that Daniel Hunter has not concealed his open appraisal of me, his eyes following my legs and arms intrusively as Jake outlines some points of business. He makes my skin crawl and I’m doing my best to ignore him. I catch Jake glance my way a couple of times, with an unreadable expression before he looks back at his friend.I look up occasionally from note taking and am intrigued with the differences between them. The friendship seems genuine, but I don’t see th