Red, White and Sensual

by Bec Botefuhr

  Once we’re through, Rose begins leading me down the long halls. There are rooms off to each side that are no doubt filled with people. We go through doors, turn corners and I have absolutely no idea where we are or how to get back to that front door. We finally step into a massive room, filled with red chairs, desks and people working away on computers. Rose smiles and begins talking with a man that walks over. He offers me a smile and I return one, still in awe at the size of the room.

  The next moment in my life, I truly wish I could take back. Totally in my own world, I don’t realize that the doors behind me have opened. I hear Rose say, “Sir, good morning.” And then I spin around. I lose my balance and fall right into a tall, hard form. A set of hard hands grip my arms and steady me, then gently push me back so I’m upright once more.

  My eyes slowly move up and over the body in front of me, a perfectly fitted suit over a firm, wide chest, a chiseled jaw with a five o’clock shadow, a perfect roman nose and then two deep, chocolate brown eyes. I gasp and leap backwards as I take in who it is that I so stupidly crashed into; the Speaker of the house himself. Color fills my cheeks and I open my mouth to stammer an apology but I’m cut off when Rose speaks.

  “Sir, this is Sierra, your new Personal Assistant.”

  I watch as he rakes his gaze over me. Marcus screams dominance, not just because he’s over six foot tall and broad, but because of the way he holds himself. He’s dangerous, powerful and in control. He reaches up and runs a hand through the dark mane of shabby hair on his head and then finally meets my eyes. My knees buckle. Up close he’s so god dammed beautiful, it burns just to look at him.

  “Sierra,” he murmurs, his voice like liquid fire rolling off his tongue. It’s deep, husky and oh god, erotic.

  “Mr. um…Harrison, I’m so sorry. It’s wonderful to meet you.” I manage.

  He reaches his hand out and reluctantly I take it. His fingers curl around my tiny hand and a bolt of electricity shoots up my arm at his touch. A small, sexy smile creeps up on his face as his eyes meet mine. Did my panties just get wet? Shame on you, Sierra.

  “It’s a pleasure.”

  I swallow and then pull my hand from his, oh god, is he this full on with everyone he meets? It’s not a wonder girl’s drop at his feet.

  “Yes sir, it most certainly is.”

  His lips curl again and I curse myself. God, I say the dumbest things sometimes. Seriously. He finally drags his gaze from me, no doubt laughing inside at how pathetic I am, and places it on Rose.

  “Show her to her room, then have her back in my office in an hour. We’ll go from there.”

  “Yes sir.”

  He moves his eyes back to mine. “I’ll see you soon, Miss?”

  “Walters,” I offer.

  He smirks. “Miss Walters.”

  Then Rose takes my hand and leads me past him. As I get to the door, I turn and glance over my shoulder. He’s staring at me with a look so powerful I tremble. Does he look at everyone like that? God I hope so, I truly do, because if he doesn’t, I’m in for a hell of a ride.

  ~*~*~*~

  My room, what can I say other than holy fucking shit. Yes, holy fucking shit. It’s huge, I mean three or four times the size of my room on campus. It has a bed, that I’m very sure is bigger than a king size, and has a canopy soaring over the top with a thin netting sweeping down each side. At the window is a reading spot, with lush, comfy looking cushions. The bathroom has a spa, yes a spa and it’s a beautiful white and black tiled design. It is certainly well thought out.

  A mini library sits in the left corner of the room, and is filled from floor to ceiling with books. A desk is in the other corner, decked out with a top of the range computer that has a screen bigger than a normal television. I gape and peer around in awe at the colorings, the cream walls, the pale red rugs on the floor, the cream tiles and the silk bed fittings. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve ever been in.

  “It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Rose says.

  “I have…I mean…oh god.”

  She laughs. “They’re all like that when they see it.”

  “I’m mind blown.”

  “If you put your things down, I’ll take you to your new office down the hall.”

  I nod, putting my purse on the bedside table and follow Rose eagerly out the door. We walk down the long halls and pass people chatting away as we go. When we reach the end, she opens a door and we step into a massive office. I gasp and stare at the huge room, with a desk in front of the large window. It looks a lot like the President’s office in the movies. It’s three times the size of the other office I went in and far more spectacular. Dark red rugs, wooden furniture, televisions, computers and a desk that’s the size of three desks combined.

  Rose leads me past it and to a door off to the left, there are three doors, but she leads me to the one closest to the desk. When we step in, I see it’s another office. It’s quite large in size, with a dark mahogany desk, and a lot of filing cabinets. It’s your typical office set up and I instantly feel a little relieved. I don’t know what I expected to walk into, but I’m thankful for some normality.

  “This is your office. The computer is top of the line, so is the phone. There is intercom straight out to Marcus’ office and also to numerous rooms in the White House. He will go over what he wants you to do, but basically his other PA, the one you are filling in for, left a massive list of what is to be done each day. I take it you’re familiar with office work, as you’re studying it?”

  “Yes, and I’ve worked as a PA before.”

  For a brief…horrible time, but she doesn’t need to know that.

  “Ok, well, I’ll come back and go over everything with you once you’ve read the manual and talked with Marcus.”

  I gape as she smiles and waves her hands around the office. “Enjoy, I am only a phone call away. My number is speed dial two on the phone.”

  Then she leaves. Seriously? She just left? I swallow down my nerves and pull out the large leather chair. I sit down and stare at the thick manual in front of me. What if I can’t do this? What if it’s too much? I don’t want to have to leave, I don’t want to be the girl that fails. I open to the first page and begin reading the daily work that needs to be done. It’s all quite basic. Take calls, organize meetings, attend meetings, organize affairs, accompany Marcus when needed. Things like that.

  “I see you’ve made yourself at home?”

  I yelp at the voice and the papers in my hands go scattering across the desk as I spin around and see Marcus leaning against the door. He chuckles and walks further into the office.

  “Sorry to startle you.”

  I quickly straighten my dress that rode up a touch too far after my quick reaction. “I’m sorry sir, I didn’t hear you.”

  “Call me Marcus, unless of course we’re out of these doors, then you can call me sir.”

  I nod quickly, unsure what to do next. Do I offer him a coffee? Or breakfast? Lunch? Ask him what work needs to be done for the day? If there any important meetings? Am I meant to figure all that out on my own and not bother him?

  “So,” he says walking in and leaning against the desk. “How have you found Becky’s journal of things to do?”

  I nod and laugh nervously. “It’s not so bad.”

  “No, it’s fairly simple.”

  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cell phone, and then he hands it to me.

  “This phone has all my contact details; it’s not for personal use. You can call me on this, but I prefer that you text, as I’m often in meetings that can’t be disturbed and can’t stand having a vibrating phone in my pocket. I will respond as quickly as I can of course, but if you’re ever unsure, call Rose, her number is also in there.”

  I stare at him oddly and a half grin slides across that perfect face. “I assume you’re familiar with technology, Miss Walters?”

  I nod quickly. “Of course, yes, it’s just…”

  “You didn’t think
the Speaker of the house knew how to text?”

  I nod sheepishly.

  “I am still a man, Miss Walters, and therefore I do keep up to date with technology. Texting is a big part of life, why, without it I would certainly miss a lot.”

  “Of course,” I say quickly.

  His beautiful brown eyes rake over me once more before he continues speaking. “I assume Rose has gone over meal times and the schedules?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Marcus,” he murmurs, looking at my lips.

  Why does he have to look at me like that? Does he even realize how sexual his gaze can be?

  “Sorry, Marcus.”

  “You should also know, if I need anything outside of work hours I will come and get you, so don’t walk around naked in your room because I’m known to barge in when I’m in a mood.”

  I gape at him. Did he just say that? His lip twitches with amusement but he doesn’t smile. Marcus has a sense of humor I see? That could be a good thing.

  “Yes, of course.” I stammer.

  He grins, his brown eyes twinkle. “Well then, that’s about it. I know this must be daunting for you, and I appreciate the time taken from your studies to help me while my PA is away. I trust this is a good opportunity for you and therefore you will follow all the rules.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  “I’m a patient, understanding man and I try my best. I have days, like any other person, but mostly I’m approachable. If you have a problem, you come to me and me alone. If I’m not available, you go to Rose. Anything you hear in this office stays with you, if it doesn’t, there are serious punishments that will follow. I’m easy enough to please, but let me assure you of this, I can’t stand liars, Miss Walters. You will do good to remember that.”

  I nod, swallowing. It felt like a threat and a warning all mixed in one. His face is deadly serious, his eyes set firmly on mine.

  “I too can’t stand liars, sir.”

  “Marcus,” he whispers.

  “Marcus.”

  “Good,” he says suddenly, straightening. “I have three meetings in a row. Any messages, you text through to me. I’ll be back around three, I expect you’ll have the usual duties done. Remember to call Rose if you need help.”

  I nod and wish him a quick good day as he turns and walks out. Three men in suits, who I didn’t even realize where standing outside the door, turn and follow him out. I hear a woman approach him at the door, asking questions about a meeting, and then their voices disappear and I’m left in silence.

  I stare back at the desk and sigh, well, here goes. I can only stuff up. I gather the papers that I scattered across the table when Marcus came in. I begin reading again and then turn on the computer and familiarize myself with the programs. I check the emails and respond where I can and then I write down what questions I need to ask Rose. My desk phone rings a lot, by the tenth time I’ve got it perfect and have the greeting mastered.

  “Good morning, Marcus Harrison’s office, how may I help you?”

  It’s the greeting I’ve been given, so it’s what I use.

  “Good morning, I was just ringing to inform Marcus that the meeting won’t be this afternoon,” a female voice says.

  “Can I ask who is calling and what meeting you are referring to?”

  She gives me her name and the meeting, and I find it in the calendar on the computer and cancel it, then I change it to a different date, as requested. Marcus has access to this calendar, so I know he can see everything I change.

  “That’s all sorted for you, I will let him know.”

  “Thank you,” the woman says and then hangs up.

  I stare down at the phone on my desk and know I have to text Marcus and let him know, but I really don’t feel comfortable doing it. I have to suck it up, I know this, so I pick up the phone and open a new text message.

  S - Sir, your three o’clock meeting with Sheila May has been cancelled and rescheduled for the same time tomorrow. Sierra.

  A moment later, I get a response.

  M - Thank you Sierra, I take it you have worked things out.

  Is he asking me a question or just stating the obvious? Deciding not to text him back, just in case, I go back to my work. Rose comes in and out during the day and helps me understand how everything works. She helps with inquiries and shows me how to work more of the programs on the computer. When Marcus comes back into his office at three, I’m swarmed in work and don’t even hear him approach.

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  I snap my head up and see him leaning against my door frame. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you wanted me to.”

  He narrows his eyes and then shrugs. “It doesn’t matter this time, but next time make sure you respond. How are you finding things?”

  “Busy, but it’s very enjoyable.”

  He nods. “I need you to accompany me to a meeting in an hour, then you can go. I need you to take notes.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Marcus,” he says, firmly.

  “Sorry, I’m not used to speaking about you on a first name basis…”

  He smiles slow and sexy at me. God he’s beautiful.

  “There you are.”

  I hear a woman’s voice and see the one and only Chayne Smith come up behind Marcus. He spins and looks down at her, and she gives him a dazzling grin before wrapping her arms around his neck, I expect to see them swarm each other like they do in public, but Marcus simply pecks her cheek and then, almost rudely, shoves her away from him. Ok then.

  “Chayne, this is my temporary Personal Assistant from the university, Sierra.”

  Chayne looks over me, her eyes narrowed. It’s almost as if she’s weighing me up for something. She plasters a fake smile on her fake lips and saunters in. Chayne is a beautiful woman, with long legs, lush curves and platinum blonde hair. She’s older than Marcus, from what I can guess, but covers her age with expensive make up. Her blue eyes flicker over me once more before she speaks.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m sure you’re enjoying the experience.”

  It’s not a question, but I answer it anyway.

  “Yes ma’am, very much.”

  She nods and looks back at Marcus. “Are you going out?”

  “Meeting,” he says, staring at me.

  Chayne follows his gaze and then clears her throat. He looks back at her and seems to force a smile.

  “Dinner tonight?” he asks.

  “I can’t love, I have an appointment.”

  He frowns. “You have an appointment every night.”

  “Sorry, I will make sure we get dinner next week. Now, I have to run, I’ll see you later on.”

  She pecks him and then gives me one last glance before rushing out. So that’s the famous Chayne, she sure is cold. I watch her leave and then stare back over at Marcus, who has his head titled to the side and is staring at me with an odd expression.

  “So that’s your fiancé? She’s very beautiful.”

  He nods briskly. “Yes, she is. I have a few calls to make, meet me in the main office in twenty minutes. Bring the tablet to take notes.”

  He points to the iPad on the side of my desk. I look over at it, then back at him and nod. When he’s gone, I turn it on and familiarize myself with it, before walking out to join him in the main office. He’s still on the phone when I come out, and as I turn to give him privacy, he puts up a finger to indicate that I should wait.

  “Yes, I understand. Sort it out and call me back.”

  Silence.

  “I will discuss it further in the meeting, I’m not happy with those results Peter, I want more research.”

  Silence.

  “Fine, I’ll talk with you then.”

  He hangs up the phone and stands. His powerful body moves with grace, and he holds himself with such confidence it’s inspiring. I hope one day I can be that proud. He’s got a whole nation with him and against him all at the same time. His life never really stops and yet he’s so confident
about it. I ask him a question, not realizing that it’s none of my business until I’ve blurted it.

  “How did you do it?”

  He raises his brows as he gathers up a brief case.

  “Do what?”

  “Become a Speaker of the house at such a young age.”

  He shrugs. “Others have done it when they’re forty; it’s not that big a difference.”

  I nod. “I know that, but…it’s such an inspiration.”

  He meets my gaze. “I was always smart and I always knew I’d get to the top. I studied my ass off when I was fifteen instead of partying. Call me determined.”

  “Well, you’ve done a lot for yourself.”

  He nods briskly and begins walking towards the door. “Yes, I suppose I have.”

  When he gets to the door, he opens it for me and I hurry out. As we begin walking down the halls, I see the guards following him again.

  “Do they go everywhere with you?” I ask.

  He stares down at me from the corner of his eye and nods. “Yes, you should see how many follow the President and the Vice President.”

  I nod, swallowing. “I imagine, forgive me for asking so many questions.”

  “Ask questions, Sierra, it’s what you’re here for.”

  I gasp and then clamp my mouth shut. Hearing the way he said my name, has my body breaking out in shivers. He noticed my gasp and his lips curl in a small, devilish grin.

  “Did I say something wrong, Miss Walters?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “You gasped, rather loudly.”

  I flush and shake my head. “I’m sorry.”

  “Did you like me saying your name?”

  I nearly stop walking, it’s only the footsteps behind me that keep me moving. I don’t want to be slammed into by a guard.

  “I…oh…no…”

  “No,” he says. “You don’t like it?”

  “Of course, no, of course I do…”

  He nods but a ghost of a smile is still playing around his lips and his eyes are twinkling with humor. We go through a lot of doors and end up in a massive meeting room. People are sitting around the massive table, they are a blend of men and women. When Marcus steps in, they all stand.