I’m taken aback. I knew the guy was kind of a jerk, but this is too much. I’m simply trying to remedy the situation. “I’m sorry, sir, but if you want the food, I have to grab it.”
“Incompetent.” He mutters under his breath, and that’s when my switch finally flips. Three years of getting coffee for assholes. Three years of being treated like I’m less than because I don’t have a law degree oranydegree for that matter.
“You know,” I step toward him, my feet possessing a mind of their own. “It’s not like I made the breakfast. In fact, I’m not even the one who ordered it. I’m just doing your executive assistant a favor while she’s nursing a shitty hangover.” Oops…that last part was probably a secret.
Around the table, a few of the men adjust their glasses, tap their pens, anything to relinquish the awkward tension floating in the room.
Vance Clayton hulks over to me, meeting me in three long strides. “Get the hell out of here,” he grunts low enough so that only I can hear it.
I should be scared. My job’s at stake, but I’m taking one for the team. For all of us lowly admins who are pushed around day in and out. “I’m trying to, Mr. Clayton.” The words come out like a hiss. “But you won’t stop talking.”
His green eyes grow wide, and a rush of pure fear rushes through me. I don’t wait for his response. I rush out to reception, beg Evelyn to bring in breakfast, and sign the delivery guy’s little slip. I even tip him the customary twenty percent because I’m so shaken up.
Two
Vance
I can barely concentratefor the rest of the meeting, and I can’t tell if it’s because that woman pissed me off so much or because she’s the most stunning creature I’ve ever laid eyes on. Even though I saw red when she talked back to me—something that no one ever gets away with around here, I’d fire them in a heartbeat—I also couldn’t pull myself away from her deep brown eyes. With her cascading chestnut waves and curves that would put Marilyn Monroe to shame, my body reacted to her like I’ve never experienced.
Maybe it was the thrill of someone actually standing up to me, but I couldn’t get my mind off of her long enough to convince the board that we deserve an increase in funds to hire at least one more chemical engineer. I’m burned out and stressed. The last thing I needed was that woman making me look like a fool in front of the men who control a good portion of the money.
I run a hand through my hair and sit at my desk. After catching up on work emails and still unable to cool down, I call Evelyn at the front desk to find out the curvy brunette’s name. Once I obtain the information, I call her desk.
“Research Department,” her sultry voice croons. I grow rock hard at the sound of it. “This is Ainsley speaking.”
“I need to see you in my office.”
She hesitates. “I’m sorry, who is this?”
“Vance Clayton,” I say and hang up the phone before she has a chance to answer. If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll get her sexy round ass in her before the count of ten.
Within seconds there’s a knock on my door. “Come in.” I clear my throat and straighten my tie, realizing that it’s excitement I’m experiencing at the thought of seeing her again.
At first, Ainsley peers her head into my office. We lock eyes, and again I’m struck with an overwhelming feeling of familiarity. She certainly acted familiar this morning, but I’m certain we’ve never even had a conversation. I would’ve remembered a face like hers, the face of an angel.
“Get in here.” I bark. Ainsley closes the door behind her, then squares her shoulders when she turns to face me. She doesn’t utter a word. Instead, we both partake in a brief staring contest.
“I believe you owe me an apology,” I say. Damn her for making me break the silence first.
“You’re right.” She says, smoothing her skirt. “I was out of line.”
“Thank you,” I say through gritted teeth, thinking of a hundred and one different ways I’d like to punish her for being such a naughty little assistant.
“And I think you owe me one, too.”
The dirty images die in my head. “Excuse me?”
“You were so rude to me in front of everyone.” She takes a step toward me, her deep brown eyes filled with genuine hurt. “I didn’t deserve that.”
“You?” I move in her direction, towering over her even though she’s quite tall for a woman. She’s built sturdy and tough, just like I like them. “You are the one who tried to embarrass me in front of the board. Was that your goal, Ainsley? Trying to make me appear weak?”
“No,” she says, slightly cowering. “I just didn’t appreciate being talked to like I’m some kind of servant because I’m not.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and I try my hardest not to stare at the slightest hint of cleavage playing peek-a-boo from the top of her button-down shirt.
“What you are is an assistant, and you are here to follow orders.” My lips curl over my teeth. No one ever talks to me like this and gets away with it. “I should fire you for this.”
“What’s stopping you?” Her wide-eyed stare is so confrontational that I’m not sure how to respond. Usually, when I throw out the ‘f’ word, it ends the conversation and my working relationship with anyone standing in front of me. Not with Ainsley. This woman is one tough cookie.
“That would be too easy, Miss North.” I lean down a little so that I can meet her eyes. “No, I have other plans for you.”