As I watch him, I barely manage to hold in a lovesick sigh. One glance at him, and I feel hot all over. Hell, I have the irrational urge to jump on him.
He greets everyone with nods or handshakes until he reaches his seat. As he pulls his chair out, he pauses. Our eyes meet. My thoughts evaporate from my brain.
Oh, god. I’m going to melt.
“Good morning, Ms. Young.”
Even his voice, deep and rich and like something out of a fantasy, has the butterflies in my stomach fluttering furiously.
I give him my most professional smile. “Good morning, Mr. Knight.”
He returns the gesture, then turns his back to me. “Let’s get to work, shall we?”
Once he takes his seat, I head to my designated chair in the corner with my notepad, not far from Kami. Around the large, contemporary conference room, everyone else settles into their seats, intent on every word my boss utters. On his left sits his siblings, Nathan and Mia Knight. On his right, the company’s cofounder and chief technology officer, Jake Hall.
Being Jonathan Knight’s assistant, I expected to learn more about him personally. Unfortunately, the only personal thing I know about him is his daily schedule and how much coffee he drinks. In fact, anyone who isn’t in his immediate circle sees him as an enigma.
Shortly after I started working at KH Industries, I heard through the office gossip that Jonathan was engaged to be married a couple of years ago. No one knows why it ended—or if they do, they aren’t spilling.
I don’t know much beyond that except that Jonathan comes from old Southern money, his father has impressive entrepreneurial skills and influence, and he built KH Industries from the ground up with his buddy, Jake Hall, without a shred of help from his dad. His siblings joined not long after. It’s a mystery why their father isn’t involved.
Though I’m fascinated, his personal life is none of my business. I need to remember that.
“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy morning. Jake and I truly appreciate it. Let me assure you, the more involved everyone is in these meetings, the faster we resolve our collective issues, then the more we”—he gestures to his siblings and Jake— “are able to make the tough decisions that help us progress. But everyone has a role to play in our success. The more effort you put in, the better the outcome for us all. Your actions today and in the future can either help or hurt KH Industries. If anyone has any individual concerns regarding their work, let my assistant, Ms. Young, know. We can arrange a private discussion.”
His statement is supportive yet firm. Clearly, Jonathan knows how to run this company. He is reasonable, honest, and flexible with his employees. He simply asks for everyone to do their part. It’s only fair since he more than does his own. I understand how important it is for KH Industries to uphold their reputation as a fast-growing start-up.
After forty minutes of interoffice problem solving, everyone disperses. Walking out with the crowd, Kami finds me, firmly grabbing my forearm and whispering in my ear. “He’s so hot.”
“Who?” I pretend I don’t know, but in my estimation, she can only mean one man.
She sends me a reproving glance. “You know exactly who. Your single, supposedly great-in-the-sack boss.”
I shrug, acting as if he’s barely crossed my mind. “No denying he’s easy on the eyes.”
Understatement of the century.
Kami snorts. “Oh, please. He’s more than that.”
I quickly realize where she’s going with this conversation. “You’re not suggesting that I—”
“Oh, I am.” She smirks. “It’s just my opinion, but he’s the kind of guy who could get the job done, if you know what I mean. Besides, I know you think he’s hot. It’s all on your face.”
I’m afraid she’s right. Worse, I can feel myself blushing. But I have to power through, or she’ll never give up this silly idea. “I love you, but you’re delusional. He’s an admittedly attractive guy. You’re forgetting that he’s my boss, so there’s no way in hell I’m risking my job for the sake of my…sexcursions.”
“Sexcations,” she corrects.
“Whatever. The answer is no.”
“Okay, I get how that might be inappropriate. But make no mistake, he would make sure you scream in utter ecstasy.”
As I shush her, worried that someone might overhear, I flash hot. Worse, I’m pretty sure she’s right.
Kami giggles. “I’ll see you at lunch. Don’t forget about that email you’re sending me. And don’t back out because you’re scared. Think of it as an adventure into your sexuality. Rediscover yourself,” she says before slipping her arm free and heading to the elevator.
Unfortunately, she has a point. Despite the time that’s passed since my disastrous date with Chris, my feelings haven’t changed. I need to chart unfamiliar sexual territory. Honestly, with the right person—not Jonathan Knight—what could go wrong?
Back at my desk, I open a blank email. During lunch, I’ll launch my personal address and send Kami a draft of my inappropriate come-on from there, but I can flail and sound ridiculous here just as easily.