by Pamela Yaye
“It’s yours if you want it.”
“That’s great. Thanks so much. When would you like me to start?”
“How does tomorrow sound?”
“But tomorrow is Friday.”
“I know. Is that a problem?”
“No, not at all,” Jariah rushed to say, again feeling foolish for letting her nerves get the best of her. “What time would you like me to be at the office?”
“Nine o’clock sharp.”
“Nine o’clock it is.”
“I’m excited about you joining the Morretti Inc. family,” he said after a beat. “I think we’re going to make a dynamic team.”
“I agree, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning.” Stunned by her loose, wayward tongue, Jariah cupped a hand over her mouth. I can’t believe I just said that! What was I thinking?
“Get a good night’s sleep, Jariah.” His tone was filled with an intoxicating blend of heat and sensuality. “Tomorrow’s going to be an exciting day. One you won’t ever forget.”
Chapter 7
Morretti Incorporated was housed inside a ten-story building located in the heart of downtown Miami on a street lined with billboards, palm trees and colorful flowers. It was surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, trendy art galleries and high-end restaurants and cafés frequented by local celebrities and gossip-hungry socialites.
Locking her car doors, Jariah swung her purse over her shoulder and strode briskly across the parking lot. Her palms were drenched with sweat, and her legs were wobbling, but she managed to march confidently through the sliding glass doors and identify herself to the impeccably dressed redhead manning the front desk.
In the reception area, Jariah drank a cup of coffee and read the Miami Herald—twice. Thirty minutes passed, but she remained upbeat, happy to be at Morretti Incorporated, instead of at home perusing the classifieds. But after an hour of waiting for her new boss and watching other employees come and go, Jariah’s good mood fizzled. Is he ever on time? she wondered, peering outside the front window in search of him. Doesn’t he know how rude it is to keep people waiting? Does he even care?
“Ms. Brooks, good morning.”
Jariah spotted the HR director traipsing across the lobby and stood. “Good morning, Mrs. Reddick,” she said brightly. “How are you?”
“I understand that you’re coming on board.”
“Yes, I am, and I’m very excited to be here. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the Morretti Incorporated team.”
“I must confess, Ms. Brooks, I was quite surprised when Mr. Morretti told me the news.” A sneer curled her peach lips. “Don’t you think being an assistant is beneath you?”
Jariah choked on her tongue. Taken aback by the question and Ms. Reddick’s curt tone, she schooled her features to remain impassive, unperturbed. She didn’t know if it was a rhetorical question, and didn’t know how to respond. What was she supposed to say? I don’t want to be an executive assistant, and I think Nicco is going to be a handful, but I’ve been out of work for months, and I have no other job prospects. But don’t worry, Mrs. Reddick, as soon as I find an accountant manager position, I’m out of here!
“I need to review the orientation packet with you, so be at my office at one o’clock.”
“That sounds great. I really appreciate you making the time to meet with me.”
“Don’t forget to bring a voided check and two pieces of ID for your personnel file.”
Jariah nodded her head in understanding.
“Very well. I will see you this afternoon.”
“Is there anything you need me to do?”
Lines of confusion wrinkled Mrs. Reddick’s face. “Excuse me?”
“Nicco isn’t...” Jariah saw the HR director’s eyebrows shoot up, and broke off speaking. Adopting a professional tone, she said, “Mr. Morretti isn’t here yet, so I was hoping I could help out in your department until he arrives.”
“No, thank you. I’m busy training new employees, and you’d just be in the way.”
“Can you point me in the direction of the accounting department then?” Jariah was disappointed that Mrs. Reddick was being brisk with her, but she remaining upbeat, determined not to let anything ruin her day. “It’s the end of the month. I bet they could use a hand.”
“I think not.” Turning her nose up in the air, she flapped her hands like a bald eagle taking flight. “Have a seat in the waiting area. Mr. Morretti will be here any minute.”
Before Jariah could respond, Mrs. Reddick walked off.
Releasing a deep sigh, she returned to the couch and sat down. Jariah was bored and growing impatient, but she had no choice but to wait for Nicco to arrive. She retrieved her cell phone from her purse and punched in her password. Jariah had a new text message from her supervisor at Premier Fitness, informing her that her Saturday morning aerobics class was canceled, but it was the message from Wesley’s mother that set her teeth on edge.
“Please have my granddaughter dressed and ready to go at five o’clock sharp. We are having dinner at the country club tonight, so ensure that her attire is semiformal.”
Jariah’s first thought was to call Mrs. Covington and ask her if she was out of her damn mind, but decided against it. On her lunch break, she’d call Stella and explain why Ava was not available tonight. She’d promised her daughter they could go back-to-school shopping, and then grab a bite at Chuck E. Cheese’s. And if Jariah canceled her and Ava’s plans, her daughter would throw a divalike tantrum.
“Good morning, Jariah. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Feeling guilty for getting caught on her phone, she hurled her BlackBerry into her leather handbag and surged to her feet. She parted her lips to greet her new boss, but when her eyes fell across Nicco’s face the word got stuck in her throat. His hair was a mass of loose curls, he smelled like baby powder, and his gaze was so crippling, Jariah couldn’t move. In his navy open-collar dress shirt, and tailored white slacks, he would be a shoo-in for a role on the television show Hawaii Five-O.
“Are you okay? You look upset.”
Nicco gave her arm a light squeeze. His touch made her hot in places that made her blush, and sent her hormones into overdrive. “Me, upset? No, I’m fine. Great actually.”
Jariah vigorously nodded her head, pretended everything was A-OK, but it wasn’t. Not by a long shot. Nicco had impeccable swag, a unique style all his own, and she was hopelessly attracted to him. Damn it. And her body was sending mixed signals to her brain. She was breathing hard, and her heartbeat was pounding in her ears. Nicco had a strong presence, and confidence to spare, and his tender caress filled her with a deep, aching longing. He’s just a man. You can do this. Keep it together.
“I love the cut of your dress, and the color looks incredible on you.”
Incredible? Really? Pleased, Jariah touched the pearl necklace she’d paired with her turquoise wrap-style dress.
“How about we kick off the day with a tour?”
“That would be great.” Jariah opened her purse, and took out a pen and notebook. “Lead the way. I’m right behind you.”
Nicco frowned. “What’s with the Sherlock kit?”
“I’m horrible with names, and I don’t want to offend anyone, so I figured I’d take notes of all the key players in each department.”
“Ingenious. I’m already impressed.”
Taking her by the arm, he led her through the lobby and into the waiting elevator.
For the next hour, Nicco escorted Jariah to each department and introduced her to his staff. At the end of the tour and the impromptu meet-and-greet, they returned to his tenth-floor office. Larger than a high-school gymnasium, it was filled with books, collectible airplanes and more electronic gadgets than the Apple Store. Framed photographs of Nicco at
various sporting events with his celebrity friends and at famous monuments covered the walls. The chocolate-brown decor was striking, and the leather furniture, modern lights and vintage movie posters created a laid-back feel. The windows were open, infusing the office with sunshine, and warmth, but the air held the faint scent of tobacco.
“What’s your impression of my company?” Nicco leaned against his white, lacquer desk and crossed his legs at the ankles. “Do you think you’ll be happy working here?”
“Absolutely,” Jariah said, unable to hide her excitement. Her first day was off to a great start, and she couldn’t wait to go home and tell her girlfriends about all of the amazing employee perks at the multi-million dollar company. “Everyone’s been incredibly kind, and your staff room is so cozy that I may never go home!”
“Fine by me. I often work late into the night, and I could use the company.”
His words and the grin that shaped his mouth were filled with sexual innuendo. To stop herself from making googly eyes at him, Jariah flipped open her notebook and scanned her notes. “I was hoping to meet your vice president, Tye Caldwell. Is he here today?”
Nicco crossed his arms. “What do you know about Tye?”
There was a bitter edge in his tone that surprised her.
“I was doing some research on Morretti Inc. last night, and found the article you did for Eminence magazine back in 2001,” she explained. “Is it true that you met Mr. Caldwell during a stint in juvy when you were both sixteen?”
“Yes, unfortunately it is. Tye grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and I was a spoiled rich kid with a chip on my shoulder, but the moment we met we clicked,” he said with a fond look in his eyes. “We partied, chased girls and ripped and ran the streets together for years.”
“It sounds like you two have a tight bond.”
Sadness flickered in his eyes, but he straightened to his full height and tapped his wristwatch. “How about some lunch? I’m hungry and I bet you are, too.”
“Lunch? But I haven’t done anything yet.”
“You’ve done plenty,” he insisted. “I like the way you handled yourself with the department heads. They’re great guys, but they can be rude and curt sometimes. Don’t let them get away with it.”
“Duly noted.” Jariah dropped her notebook in her purse and zipped it up. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to see my office and get settled in before I take my coffee break.”
“Your office?” He extended his hands to his sides. “You’re standing in it.”
Completely floored, all Jariah could do was stare wide-eyed at her new boss. She struggled with her words, and foolishly said the first thing that came to mind. “Are you serious?”
Nicco grinned.
“You expect me to work here, with you, all day long?”
“Absolutely. After all, you are my executive assistant.”
He gestured across the room, and Jariah reluctantly followed the route of his gaze. An L-shaped desk and matching swivel chair was positioned beside the far wall. Next to the computer was a vintage lamp, an iPad, a leather-bound agenda and a glass vase overflowing with long-stemmed yellow roses. “I thought I’d be out front in reception.”
“Why? You’re a vital part of this company, and I need you close at hand at all times.”
“I can’t work in here,” she blurted out. Jariah could feel the tension in the air, and saw the challenge in Nicco’s eyes. “You smoke, and the smell of tobacco makes me queasy. How can I do my job effectively if I’m nauseous every day?”
“I’m not a smoker.” Nicco thought for a moment, then shrugged and said, “Sometimes, when I’m stressed, I like to fire up a cigar, but now that I know it bothers you I’ll stop.”
“You will? Just like that? Cold turkey?”
“You have my word. This is your office, too, and I want you to feel comfortable.”
Nicco’s words blindsided her. He was reputed to be one of the most charming bachelors in Miami, and now Jariah could see why. He made her feel special, made her think he cared. But still, her doubts persisted and grew with each second that ticked off the wall clock, so Jariah asked the question circling her brain. “What are you going to do the next time you’re stressed out?”
His eyes zeroed in on her face. “Sit back and enjoy the view.”
“You’re right. This is an amazing view of the Miami skyline,” Jariah said, moving toward the window. It was another clear, summer day, and seeing the deep blue sky had a calming effect on her. “Okay, I’m ready to get started. What would you like me to tackle first?”
“Lunch!” Nicco patted his stomach. “I’m starving, woman!”
Jariah laughed. “Would you like me to order something from one of the nearby cafés?”
“My restaurant provides lunch for all Morretti Inc. employees, but since today is your first day I’ve arranged something extra special for you.”
“You have?”
“I made reservations for us at Casa Tua. Do you like it there?”
Like it there? Hell, I’ve never even heard of the place!
“Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll run into the cast of Dating in the City,” he continued. “They’re in town filming their season finale, and they paid a visit to Dolce Vita last night.”
“You don’t have to take me out for lunch. It’s really not necessary—”
“I think it is,” Nicco said firmly. “You joined the Morretti Inc. family, and that’s definitely worth celebrating. Let’s go enjoy a great meal and get to know each other better.”
His sensual tone made her temperature soar. Jariah was experiencing emotions that were foreign to her, desires she had no business feeling. Not about her new boss, anyway. “I’m not hungry,” she lied, ignoring her hunger pangs. “I’ll just grab something from the vending machine later.”
“First, you ditch me at my restaurant, and now you’re giving me a hard time about taking you out for lunch. Do you have a problem being seen with me in public?”
Jariah dropped her gaze to the floor. “No, of course not, but I have a one o’clock meeting with Mrs. Reddick, and I’m worried we won’t be back in time.”
“Trust me, Mrs. Reddick won’t mind if you’re a few minutes late.”
“Maybe not, but it’s important to me to me to be punctual and prepared. My dad always said it’s better to be an hour early than a minute late, and it’s a motto I live by.”
His scowl faded. “Your father sounds like a wise man. I look forward to meeting him.”
Confused, she looked at him inquiringly. Come again?
“I’ll call Mrs. Reddick from the car and give her a heads up. Sound good?”
“I guess that would be okay.”
“Of course it’s okay. I’m the boss, remember?”
Gesturing to the door, Nicco scooped his keys off his desk and hustled Jariah back through his office. In the reception area, he stopped to give instructions to his secretary and checked the day’s mail. Jariah felt uncomfortable with the hand Nicco had on her back, but what made her break out into a cold sweat were the murderous glares she received from the other female employees in the lobby.
Chapter 8
Jariah popped a breath mint into her mouth, slapped a smile on her face and knocked on the open door at the end of the hallway on the ninth floor. The office was spotless, and furnished with oil paintings and scrumptious furniture.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reddick. I’m here for my employee orientation. Is now a good time or would you like me to come back?”
“You’re late,” she said coolly, not bothering to look up from the document she was reading. “I was expecting you an hour ago.”
“Mr. Morretti pushed back our meeting. Didn’t you get the message?”
Mrs. Reddick whipped off her eyeglasses
and dropped them on her desk. “I don’t appreciate the last-minute notice, or having to rearrange my schedule for you, either.”
Then take it up with the boss, not me, Jariah thought, but didn’t dare say.
“Come in and close the door behind you.”
Her tone was sharp, but Jariah didn’t take offense. She was in a great mood, feeling as light and carefree as a ballerina gliding across the stage. And for the first time in months she was hopeful about her future. She’d had a long, relaxing lunch with Nicco, and learned some surprising information about her new, Italian-born boss. He spoke three languages, had traveled to more than fifty countries and was a die-hard sports fan. The biggest shock of all? He coached Little League Soccer, and mentored at-risk youth. Nicco Morretti was a walking, talking contradiction, and when they finally left Casa Tua two hours later, Jariah realized that there was more to the CEO than met the eye. And that intrigued her.
“I said come in and sit down.”
Startled, Jariah blinked, and snapped out of her thoughts. Commanding her legs to move, she strode inside the office and took a seat at one of the brown arm chairs in front of the desk.
“I need to ask you a few questions.” Mrs. Reddick sat up taller and clasped her hands together. “Why did you take the executive assistant job?”
“Because Morretti Incorporated is a successful, innovative company with countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
“And,” she pressed, leaning forward in her leather, swivel chair.
“And because I know I have what it takes to be a top-notch executive assistant.”
“You expect me to believe that your attraction to Mr. Morretti had nothing to do with it?”
Jariah felt her eyes pop and her mouth sag open.
“The only reason you took the job is to get close to Nicco, isn’t it?”
“Excuse me?”
Mrs. Reddick leveled a finger at her. “Don’t play dumb with me, Ms. Brooks. I see the way you look at him, and more importantly how he looks at you.”
Her words shocked Jariah, causing adrenaline and desire to flare inside the walls of her chest. So what? She was attracted to Nicco. Big deal. It didn’t mean she was going to sleep with him or do anything to jeopardize her new job. That’s why instead of coming clean, Jariah furrowed her eyebrows and wore a confused face. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
