"Dad, I don't need another secretary. I am perfectly happy with Johnson." Chase Ward glared into his father's steely grey eyes, slightly leaning towards him. Eyes that were so similar to his own, yet Chase was nothing like him. Nothing. The latter seemed unconcerned by his son's attitude.
Why was he meddling with my staff? Chase felt the muscle underneath his left eye twitch. It usually happened when he felt irritated.
"Sit down Chase. You're wearing out my carpet."
"I don't have time for this. I need to be in court in --" he checked his Rolex, "less than an hour."
"Johnson is ready for retirement, Chase. He has a heart condition too and he told me the stress was getting to him." Alexander Ward skimmed over the papers on his desk.
Chase sighed. He knew he's been working poor Mr. Johnson too hard, but never realized he had health issues. Johnson had never complained or mentioned anything to him.
"I think Ms. Morrison will be perfect for you. She is a very bright young lady. Give her a chance." He looked at his son over steepled fingers.
Chase narrowed his eyes at Alexander. I hate his 'I know best' attitude. Arguing with Alexander Ward was a futile exercise. But he still tried. "Besides, it was never mentioned during the board meeting. I was of the opinion that we were going to have some cutbacks."
The older man shrugged. "I am doing a favor for a friend." Alexander sat back in his leather wingback chair. His expression dared opposition.
Ah! There we go, the real reason. "Is she even competent? I don't have time to teach her." Chase stood,shrugging on his Armani jacket. Judge Kowalski was presiding and he didn't take kindly to tardiness.
"Of course," Alexander handed him a folder. "Here's her resume. Word of warning, Son. Don't be too quick to judge on appearances. This is a big break for her. I am throwing her in deep water, but I have faith in her."
He only has faith in someone or something if he stands to gain from it. "Well, you're throwing her into my pool, Dad. For her own sake I hope she's an excellent swimmer." He glanced over the contents of the folder. Studied Paralegal at Harvard, but had not graduated yet. Then he saw her photo. Gods, another Barbie doll. Of all the people my father would appoint. He sighed again and caught Alexander's smirk. He knows my feelings. The old Devil. "Fine. But three month's probation."
"Of course," said Alexander. "I know you won't be disappointed." He went back to reading an article about modern day piracy off the West Coast of Africa in the Daily News. "The world is going to hell in a hand basket..." he mumbled.
* * *
Christine Morrison took a deep breath to calm her nerves. It felt like she has been waiting forever. Her palms were all sweaty. She wiped them on her navy skirt, glancing around to make sure no one saw that move. Show no weakness. The Xanax she had taken that morning doesn't seem to be very effective today. Her heart beat like a bongo drum on steroids. Will he like her? What kind of man was he? She couldn't find much information about Chase Ward on social media. It seems he liked his privacy. The only information she could find was of his court appearances. Words like 'cutthroat' and 'formidable' were used to describe him. She could only hope that he would be a kind boss to work for. Someone who would value her as a person and not treat her like an object.
She looked up when she heard the ding of the elevator. Some people stepped out and then she saw him.
Gosh, he's tall. And so attractive. Well, here goes. Smiling sincerely she walked towards him, noticing the little frown between his eyes. She wondered if her skirt had ridden up to warrant such a disdainful look. She smoothed her hand down her backside just to be sure.
* * *
The photo did little to do her justice. She was breathtaking in person. Although dressed demurely, it didn't take away from her shapely figure. She had legs like a dancer, he observed when she came walking towards him. Her smile lit up her striking blue eyes. Her golden blonde hair was done up in a formal chignon.
"Mr. Ward, it's a pleasure to meet you."
He ignored her outstretched hand. A blush crept up from her neck to her cheeks. A twinge of satisfaction rushed through his blood.
"Follow me, Ms. Morrison. I don't have time for niceties. I am due in court in half an hour."
"Of course, Sir."
She had to almost run to keep up with his long strides. In the elevator a whiff of her perfume enveloped him. It smelled floral and light. He found it enjoyable. Damn it, I would have a tough time keeping the men out of my office. She kept staring ahead of her, not even looking his way. Well, she got the message alright. I won't be falling for her looks or charms. She had better be damn good at her job.
The elevator stopped at the twelfth floor of Ward and Associates, Attorneys at Law and he got out before the girl. Johnson came to meet them. Mr. Johnson had been with the firm for years and Chase trusted him with his life.
"Johnson, this is Ms. Morrison. She is your unfortunate replacement. Please see to it that she gets settled." He glanced at his Rolex. "I've got to fly. I am running late already."
"The Trelawney file, Sir." He pushed the required documents into Chase's hands. "Don't worry about a thing Mr. Ward, sir, I will take good care of Ms. Morrison."
"I have no doubt, Johnson." He ignored the girl. "Reschedule my appointments for today."
"Already done, Sir."
"Good man." Chase rushed to the elevator before the door closed.
* * *
Christine turned to the elderly gentleman called Johnson. He had a kind face. Other than the unmannered asshole who was now her boss. What the heck was his problem anyway?
"Ms. Morrison, this way, if you please." Johnson led the way to the office.
It was a spacious setup; stylishly furnished. Above a two-seater russet leather couch above hung a courtroom sketch of the man himself.
And they say women are vain.
Three wingback leather chairs of the same color and a glass and chrome coffee table completed the waiting area. Her desk faced the clients' area and she would have the dubious pleasure to bask in his likeness all day. Those grey eyes seemed to be watching her even now, judging her with displeasure. He was the spitting image of his father; just a younger version. But that was where the similarities ended. She found Mr. Ward Senior, a charming, sympathetic gentleman . He had promised her to keep their arrangement confidential.
I would do my best to prove myself worthy of his trust. Even if it meant tolerating his obnoxious son.
Johnson spent the best part of the morning explaining what he expected of Christine as well as Chase's daily routine.
"As long as you make sure your work is impeccable and you don't let mistakes slip through, Mr. Ward is not a difficult man to work with." Johnson said, "He likes things to be done a certain way and – "
"You mean, his way or the highway?" she smirked.
Johnson smiled only slightly. "Well, yes. He's been under a lot of pressure lately so he might come off as a bit disgruntled."
"I suppose that's one way of putting it. So, what you are in fact trying to say to me is: Don't poke the bear?"
The older man's brown eyes crinkled with mirth. "Exactly. I have a feeling you will be just what he needs."
I have my doubts about it. But I plead the fifth.
The day went buy at an alarming pace. Christine's head was spinning with information overload. Fortunately the client database was up to date as well as his schedule. Johnson took her on a tour of the office floor. There were four other attorneys on their floor and Johnson introduced her to their respective secretary's. She smiled until her face felt stiff. The judgey looks the women gave her made her feel like the new kid at school. Technically she was, she thought.
"How long have you worked for our Mr. Ward?" She was curious to know if Mr. Johnson was as old as he looked, or if he aged due to work stress.
"I started with Mr. Ward's father when he was a young attorney. It's been now well over 30 years. I basically raised young Mr. Ward." He smiled, gazing into the distance. "He adored his father and came in here almost daily to spend time with him. That is until..." Mr. Johnson sighed. "Would you like me to order some lunch for you, my dear? I am sure we need a break, don't you?"
Surprised by his sudden switch in topics, but not wanting to pursue the matter, she welcomed the offer. She was ravenous. Being nervous about her first day, Christine didn't think to pack something and couldn't bring herself to have breakfast. Just as he left, a man entered the office. He was tall and fair, not as broodingly handsome as Mr. Ward junior. She frowned. Broodingly handsome? Where did that thought come from?
"Good morning, how may I help you, sir?" She managed to give her best professional smile.
"So, it's true."
"I beg your pardon?" What the hell was he on about?
He smirked. "Oh, my dear, your presence has the office buzzing. I just had to come check for myself." He stretched out his hand and enveloped hers. "Mason Pritchard, at your service." He brought her hands up to his lips and touched the knuckles briefly. Christine quickly pulled them out of his grasp.
For a moment she was speechless.
This man spelled trouble. "Mr. Pritchard, pleased to meet you. Unfortunately, Mr. Ward is still in court and – "
"Oh, I know, Darlin'. I came to see you. I needed to see for myself what all the fuss was about. And let me tell you, I am not disappointed." His eyes wandered over my entire body. "It's about time Chase replaced good old Mr. Johnson. He's not much for the eye, if you know what I mean."
She knew exactly what he meant and didn't like it one bit. One of her pet peeves was how people - men in particular - treated her like some kind of sex object. He literally measured her cup size with his gaze.
"I will tell Mr. Ward that you stopped by." She offered, hoping he would get the message and leave. But no such luck. He plopped himself on her desk. She glared at him, frowning, her plump lips narrowed in a thin line. He reminded her of a fox, the way he watched her, his hazel eyes had a cunning glint.
"You are stunning. Don't look so offended. It's just a compliment, Miss... Morrison, was it?" He raised one eyebrow at her, leaning in closer.
Before she could reply her peripheral vision caught movement at the door. She breathed a sigh of relief. But the relief quickly turned to terror when she noticed the look on Mr. Ward's face.
"Pritchard!" his voice lashed through the office.
Mr. Pritchard's body jerked upright, almost overturning the computer screen. Christine grabbed it just in time.
"Has no one in this building have work to do?" He threw a folder on the desk, those grey eyes boring into Christine's. His mouth turned down in contempt.
Christine's stomach made a weird flip-flop and she had to swallow hard. Her heart rate sped up, she felt faint.
No time to get a panic attack, Christine. Get it together.
"I was just admiring your new acquisition, Chase. Kudos to you." Pritchard said, seemingly unfazed.
Mr. Ward sneered in reply. "I do not appreciate you bothering my secretary. This is not a dating service."
Pritchard lifted his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay I'm leaving. See you later, Ms. Morrison." He blew her a kiss and left.
Mr. Ward turned to me. "Just a word of warning, Ms. Morrison, you can flirt all you want with the men in this building, but not on my time." He gestured to the file on the desk. "This needs to be filed and – "
"I was not flirting with Mr. Pritchard!" All the blood had rushed to her face, making her head throb with a dull ache. She grabbed the folder, glaring back at him.
He cocked his head to one side, studying her as if she were an insect under a microscope. "Good to know. Now be a good girl and fetch me a coffee and a muffin. I am starving." He turned abruptly and went into his office and closed the door.
"Son of a..." Throwing the folder down Christine stomped down the corridor, passing Johnson on her way out. With her lunch.
Six months later. Chase thought how Christine surprised him every day. He could not fault her work. She was always on time. He admired her flawless typing and the way she kept up with his hectic schedule. So far. Only one thing bothered him. Ms. Morrison was as cold as the Arctic winds. She despised him. He found it amusing. The way she pursed those full lips in a thin line whenever she saw him ... Well, I suppose I do have something to do with that. I am not exactly warm and fuzzy towards her. In the past he's had too many women getting the wrong idea when he treated them friendly. Not to mention those that tried to use him to get promoted. And let's face it, she is damn hot. The only thing bothering him - no, pissing him off - is Mason Pritchard has his lecherous eye on her. Not again. Not this time. But I don't want to complicate my life with a simple physical attraction. I am attracted to her I can't deny it. But I can't act on it. Es
The drive to Christine's apartment occurred in silence. Mostly. Chase's stony face made Christine anxious. Usually she would be concerned with the speed they were moving at. She observed his slender fingers strangling the steering wheel. Is he angry at me? Is it because we couldn't finish the work? I've gone over almost over all of his personal documents and couldn't find a single discrepancy. Or is he angry because Mason saw us? Oh my word, the gossips are going to have a field day with this. "Mr. Ward?" she almost whispered. He just grunted in reply, his teeth locked together. "I'm really sorry about this. There really was no need for you to -" "Just shut up, Morrison." Christine looked away from him, balling her fists to stop herself from crying. How can he be kind the one moment and a bastard the next? She is not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much he upset her. After a while he said: "Is this whe
Christine spent the rest of Friday and the weekend in a daze. She messaged her parents telling them she was fine. Then she turned off her phone. In case Chase decided to call. Her mind kept going back to the kiss before he left. What the hell was she supposed to make of it? She cried when he left, turning into mush on her kitchen floor. She hated him for humiliating her, except a part of her didn't want him to leave and continue with his assault on her lips. I am going mad. That must be it. This was not the same as when her professor propositioned her. Chase didn't ask anything from her. Professor Maloney offered to pay for her tuition if she slept with him. She was shocked initially, no - horrified actually. And then it turned to indignation and anger. Is that what men would want from her? Her brain did not matter in the least, they only saw her pretty face and body. She thought Chase was different. He never once made an advance. Until Thursday night. B
The rest of the week flew by. Chase avoided Christine as much as possible. Christine spoke when spoken to, not daring to meet his penetrating gaze. She noticed some of the employees staring when she passed by, conversations suddenly silent.Let them talk. I have nothing to hide.Even Mason avoided the office. Which definitely was for the best. She hadn't seen him since he noticed Chase carrying her to the elevator. Just thinking about it had her face heat up. No, she must banish Chase from her mind. He humiliated her and treated his father like crap in front of her. It did not sit well with her at all. She adored her father, even though he put them through agony. It was unthinkable for her to treat a family member with so much contempt as she had seen. But she still felt sorry for him when Mr. Ward hit him. She could feel that slap in her deepest being. Then there was the thing with Mason. Maybe she should ask Mason about it, because she certainly wasn't going
Christine woke up with a dull, throbbing headache and a cotton mouth. Did she really drink so much last night? She couldn't remember exactly what happened last night. Everything is but a faded blur. She didn't want to get up, but needed the bathroom. Slowly she sat up. Where the hell am I? This isn't my bedroom. "Oh no, no,no!" Horrified Christine scuttled away from the person lying next to her. Her back touched the headboard. She clutched a pillow to her chest. Lying next to her, without a shirt on was - Chase fucking Ward. Christine wanted to die. What did they do? How on earth did she get here? He was fast asleep lying on his back. He still had his pants and shoes on. Okay, that's a good sign. Men don't usually wear pants and shoes when they have sex. She groaned, holding her head in both hands. The metal band playing in her brain was getting louder and she wished she could make it stop. Chase's stormy grey eyes stared back at her. She
The week sped by. Between court appearances and appointments Chase and Christine kept it professional between them. Mason kept his distance still. Chase buried himself in his work, trying not to think about the upcoming trip. I lied to her. I looked her straight in the face and I lied. There's no need for her to come with me, but I want her with me. Heaven help me, I am becoming a lunatic. His Dad was going to have a lot to say about him taking Christine with. Or not. He was currently too involved with the twins' latest fuck up. He couldn't help smiling. Couldn't have been better timing. I am just glad he didn't involve me like he usually does. Maybe he was still upset about their last altercation.The old man can still deliver a punch though. I thought my nose was broken.But Chase didn't feel the need to apologize. He still hasn't completely forgiven him for what he had done to their family. Especially to his mother. She
Christine checked her makeup in the mirror. She didn't want to make it look like she put in too much effort. But she wanted to look good. Satisfied she brushed her long blonde hair until it shone. Her blue off the shoulder dress matched her eyes. She wondered what Chase was doing. He seemed pretty upset she was going on a date with Mason. She scoffed at the sudden image of him following them in his red Ferrari. What a sight it would be. She remembered the beastly look on his face when he told whats-his-face to let her go outside the Clud Deja Vu. Like Charlie said, he was hot. Damn him. But Mason was just as attractive.Maybe she should sleep with Mason. Would it get Chase out of her head? Besides, he is unobtainable. Yeah, she should give it a go. It's not like Mason would be difficult to sway. He's been after her since day one. Her buzzer sounded and for a fleeting heart fluttering moment she thought it would be Chase."Hey, gorgeous, I'm waiting outsid
"Morrison! Hurry up for God's sake! Our flight's boarding.""Yes, just a minute, Mr. Ward!"Ugh! That insufferable man! God, I am shaking!Christine steadied herself against the basin. The Xanax she took before leaving the apartment doesn't seem to be adequate. The drive here was nerve wracking to say the least. Morning traffic in the city always made her anxiety hyper. She popped a Valium and dry swallowed it. If this didn't work, she won't be able to keep it together.A lady walking out of the toilet gave her an enquiring look. She pretended to fix her hair."If you're not out of that restroom in five seconds I am coming in! I'm sure you're pretty enough.""Oh, for goodness' sake." She quickly checked her face in the mirror. It was white as the wall. Her eyes were huge dark orbs staring back at her. Not that he would notice her anxiety. Of course not, the world revolved around Chase Ward. Walking out of the ladies' restroom