“It’s late. Are you hungry? Do you want to join me for dinner?” Kellan asked as he stood up from his chair.
Like a date?
I shook my head at the ridiculous idea. I was afraid of making a fool of myself if I stayed longer.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’d better go home. I have plans with my friend,” I managed to say and I was glad I didn’t jump on his offer when he only shrugged.
The next morning when I was back in my office, continued to read the files, taking notes about them and my ideas, I didn’t realize how the time had flown by. I didn’t even see when Kellan came in, but he gave me a call a few hours ago to say that he was working and he didn’t want anyone to bother him.
So we were back to that… cannot-be-bothered-Mr.-Hawke, I sighed, but focused on finishing the files in front of me.
When I was done it was already lunch time -or I assumed it was- since that was my first official work day. I didn’t know what to do, working in an isolated floor with do-not-bother-me-Mr. Hawke was making me nervous. It was like being in detention at high school; the only problem was I didn’t know when my detention would end. Yesterday afternoon was pretty good, though. He was so fun I hoped that side of him would be back soon.
I stood up from my chair, smoothing my skirt, taking a deep breath and relaxing my tired neck muscles as I tried to gather enough courage to see Kellan Hawke. He was my boss and I had to give him a heads up before figuring out what to do and where to go for my lunch break.
With a straightened back I walked toward his office. The clicking sound of my heels was giving me confidence. Knocking the door, I didn’t wait for his reply in case he would be an asshole and tell me to go away.
“I don’t remember giving you permission to come,” he said, roaming his eyes over my body from head to toe. His voice was full of innuendo.
“And I don’t remember asking permission to come,” I said, quirking an eyebrow at him with a slight smile on my face.
“Hmm… no, I don’t remember, either. But I remember your begging for other things,” he smirked, undressing me with his eyes.
His words caused throbbing between my legs, reminding me how awesome he made me feel that night. But I couldn’t keep feeling like this for him, he was my boss for fuck’s sake. I tried to hide my arousal behind my anger, “Will you just shut it? Because if you continue this shit I will just leave your arrogant, sorry ass here to find a new assistant!”
“Watch your language, Miss Crown. You need this job as much as I need an assistant. Now, before you say anything you will regret later, go to the cafeteria, eat your lunch and bring me a French toast with an iced tea,” he said, slowly, dangerously, and as a challenge or me to say anything.
I didn’t.
He was right.
He could find another assistant easier than it would be for me to find a new job.
I needed this job.
I had student loans, apartment rent I need to help Rebecca pay. This wasn’t just about me. I couldn’t continue being a burden to anyone.
Taking a deep breath, I left his office, satisfied with the loud voice the door made.
He said cafeteria and I had no idea where it was. I headed to the reception area, looking for Stacey. Since she was the first person I’d met here I thought her like a friend already.
“Melody?! I couldn’t congratulate you in person yesterday. How was your first day?,” she came up next to me, giving me a hug.
“Thank you! It was good, but I already have lots of work to do,” I laughed.
“I can only guess. He is a workaholic, moody asshole, but hot as hell,” she said dreamily, but hit her forehead before adding, “I shouldn’t have said any of these about the boss, right? Am I in trouble?”
Laughing, “If you can show me where the cafeteria is and keep me company for lunch, I think you’re pretty good,” I said.
“Hell yeah! New friend, me likey!” she clapped her hands and linked her arm with mine as she guided me.
The cafeteria in the Hawke Building was like a fancy restaurant, only it was self-service. Stacey and I got burgers and fries as she told me about the company.
“Most of the people in here, the design team mostly, are fun to work with. They are like those artistic nerd types in high school, you know? The business side of the company, like finance, law department, they can be a pain in the ass sometimes with their big egos, but they are generally good people. So you’ll be fine.”
Nodding, “How long have you been working here?” I asked.
“Two and a half years if you count my internship. I was an intern on Mr. Hawke’s floor, helping his assistant back then. But as you can guess, I’m not so good with the formality, I’m too friendly for that kind of uptight behavior. So instead of kicking me out Mr. Hawke transferred me to reception area to welcome the guests. Win-win situation if you ask me,” she said.