Touch Me Boss: A Single Dad Office Romance

by Aria Ford

  She nodded and then her eyes brightened. “Let me make a quick call,” she told him and went into the next room.

  “And what are your feelings on this place, Gabrielle?” he put her on the spot.

  “I think it’s a lot of bedrooms if you intend to have considerable company, but I took you for more of a loner, so maybe they’re a waste of space?”

  “Exactly. See, my Gabrielle? You already understand me so well.”

  “Sheikh! I’ve got just the place,” came the agent’s voice as she approached. “Please, if you will follow me?”

  As they exited the house, Gabrielle began to snap photos using her phone, most especially of the artwork. The sheikh’s raised eyebrows caused her to say, “Just for reference later on,” and he nodded, accepting her explanation. He couldn’t help but notice that she focused on the art, however, and this told him considerably more about the type of things she coveted.

  They approached the next listing on the home tour and, unlike the first, it could be described as more of a compound. Its grounds and entrance were fenced with tall wire gates and they could not enter the grounds until the agent had checked in with a guard who was on duty. He activated the gates to open and the two vehicles proceeded inside.

  At that point, the world of Las Vegas disappeared behind them as acre upon acre of green grass, trees, bushes, flowers, and water features opened before them. Peacocks strolled the grounds and swans whiled away their time in ponds that dotted the grounds. Small fountains showered the ponds and there was an impression of Eden as trees bearing fruit stood sentry in rows. The property felt more like an Italian villa and indeed, once the house came into view, that impression was underscored.

  The house was more of a series of small villas, tied together by a central courtyard. In the center of the courtyard lay a magnificent pool shaped to mimic the courtyard boundaries. Ancillary fountains burst and were central to small conversational groupings of furniture and flowers. Here, there was also an outdoor kitchen and a bath house, but perhaps the nicest feature was the aquarium wall that met with the pool. Swimmers could paddle around on one side while watching sea life do the same on the opposite, saltwater side. Seats and a bar were mounted into the pool’s floor to accommodate guests who wanted to anchor themselves somewhat and relax while observing the life inside.

  Each of the conversation areas contained a cabana roof with flat screen televisions and surround sound systems. Upholstered lounges and sofas were custom designed like puzzle pieces to fit together at will. It was essentially an area where one could virtually live without ever going indoors.

  This was only a prelude, however, to the interior of the house. This one was far more to Gabrielle’s taste. It could have been considered rustic Italian with a French influence in the colors and patterns. It was inviting and comfortably furnished with windows placed to take advantage of the green space that had been developed on the outside. Each individual suite offered just about the same accommodations. The concept was that occupants could sleep in their bedroom, but join the household in the central rooms and outdoors for the remainder of their day. Privacy with still a sense of inclusion was how it felt to Gabrielle. This house had all the amenities of the first, but was far larger, yet cozier and welcoming—even with its increased security.

  Arran was watching her face and he could tell she liked this one. “Gabrielle, if you would wait in the car for me?” he nodded toward the door. She was surprised. She thought it was perfect for him, but did as she was asked.

  Alahan stayed inside so she sat in the back seat with only the driver in the Rolls. Arran came out promptly and slid into the seat next to her.

  As they pulled away, she looked over her shoulder. It had been such a pleasant break to visit a little paradise oasis in the middle of the desert.

  “What did you think, Gabrielle?” he asked politely.

  “Well, to tell you the truth, I’m a little surprised. I thought it was perfect for you.”

  “Good. We move in tomorrow.”

  “What? You mean you want it?”

  “The transaction is complete. I shall have someone come up this evening with luggage and pack your wardrobe. Please give them the address of your apartment that they might pack up your things there as well. I will settle the remainder of your lease personally.”

  He was looking straight ahead as he said this. Gabrielle was thrilled. In her enthusiasm, she cried out, “I can’t believe it!” and spontaneously hugged him. She pulled back quickly, realizing she stepped over the employer / employee line. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just happy was all,” she apologized.

  “You are happy, I am happy,” he summed it up and patted her hand on the seat.

  “Wait a minute,” she said, realizing what he was saying. “I’m want to make sure I understand what’s going on here. You and I will be living together?”

  “Yes, and Alahan and Serra, and most likely a half dozen other servants. You will have your own villa there, my little straight-laced Gabrielle. Your proprieties will be respected, rest assured.” He was grinning and his white teeth stood out starkly against his black moustache and full lips. Gabrielle had the incredible desire to kiss those lips, but knew that much affection was entirely out of the question.

  Chapter Five

  As promised, Gabrielle answered her door to find an attendant with a luggage cart piled high with Louis Vuitton cases. Behind him stood two women in neat maid outfits smiling. “We’re here to pack you up, Miss,” said one in a very British accent. Gabrielle nodded and stood back to let them in. She felt a bit awkward and didn’t know whether she should sit nearby on the bed and keep an eye on them, or leave the room so they could work unsupervised. She reasoned that Arran wouldn’t have sent anyone he didn’t trust so she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs to the restaurant to have some dinner.

  She had no sooner ordered when a shadow appeared next to her. She looked up and saw Carl Smithers, grinning with his sallow face and rotted teeth. “Leave me alone!” she cried out, edging back against the wall in the booth. No more were the words out of her mouth than Carl’s expression changed suddenly as he found his arms twisted back in a firm hold and he was being propelled out the room by a very stern and very capable Serra.

  A few moments later Serra was back. “You are unharmed?” she asked with minimal emotion.

  “I’m fine, but I never saw you.”

  “Yes, Miss, that’s the idea. I watch but you will appear unaccompanied. This way you maintain your privacy but I will still be sure you are safe.”

  Gabrielle’s meal arrived then and Serra gave a short bow and backed away, as if from a throne. Gabrielle felt foolish for having over-reacted, but it had been instinctive. She picked up her fork and began to eat when suddenly there was a new shadow at her side and she looked up to see Arran.

  “May I sit down?” he asked politely, even as he slid into the opposite side of the booth. He motioned to the waitress, pointing to Gabrielle’s dinner and was immediately served the identical meal.

  “I understand you have a bothersome fly,” he said by way of opening conversation.

  Well, it didn’t take Serra long to report in, she thought.

  “A fly is a good description, actually. He won’t bother me, though. He’s a coward.”

  “Stupidity and cowardice are often lethal combinations,” he commented, picking up the hot sauce on the table and adding it to his plate. “American food…” he muttered.

  Gabrielle watched him and smiled to herself as she resumed eating. “Don’t worry, Serra swatted him away,” she reassured him.

  “Perhaps it would be better if the fly suddenly found its life shortened,” he offered again and this made Gabrielle shiver.

  “No. I don’t even want to hear a mention of something like that again. It’s wrong, no matter how bad a person is.” Her voice was stern and her opinion fixed.

  “Very well. As you wish. In my country…” he began and she cut him off.

  “
This isn’t your country,” she reminded him. “Here, we have laws against that sort of thing.”

  “Indeed?” Arran looked at her. “It may interest you to know that some of the most notorious assassinations in history were orchestrated by the people in your country.”

  “I don’t want to argue over this. He may be an ass, but I won’t have anything like that on my conscience. Give me your word, Arran.” She looked up at him but he continued to eat as if nothing had been said. “Give me your word,” she repeated in short syllables.

  He nodded and that was as good as she was going to get. He finished his dinner and was wiping at his moustache. “Please meet me in the bar when you’ve finished.” With this, he left.

  Gabrielle began to wonder what she’d gotten herself into. She finished her dinner and went off to find Arran. He was sitting on his normal stool. This time, she took the one next to him.

  “Your dinner was agreeable?” he asked, looking into her eyes. She realized this was the closest she’d ever sat to him. She nodded. “You have very unusual eyes, Gabrielle,” he said, his voice intimate in tone.

  “Not sure how to answer that… thank you?”

  “Indeed, it was a compliment. You are quite lovely.”

  Gabrielle lapsed into an awkward silence, waiting for him to fill her in on what he wanted to talk about.

  “The staff arrived to pack your things?” he confirmed.

  “Yes, they were doing it as I left for dinner. I left them with my apartment key and address as well, as you told me to.”

  “Very good. Tomorrow I would like you to drive your car to our compound early in the morning. You shall have your pick of the suites; just direct the workers to take your things where you’d like them. Take the day to get settled in and in the evening, I’d like you to join me for dinner.”

  Gabrielle nodded. “That’s no problem. Then I’ll see you tomorrow. How will I get in through the gates?”

  “The security code is your birthdate.”

  “My birthdate? How do you know what that is?” Gabrielle felt her privacy had been invaded.

  “Do you believe I would ask you to be my assistant without some kind of background information? Surely, even after our brief acquaintance, you can tell I’m a thorough man.”

  “What I believe is that you should have asked my permission before doing it. You had no right to check out anything about me until I agreed to come to work for you. Then, by all means, have me fill out a form; let me fill in the details. But at least get my permission. I’m not sure that what you did is even legal.”

  “Why so alarmed, Gabrielle? You have nothing to hide, remember?”

  “That doesn’t justify disrespecting my right to privacy. What else did you check out? My medical history? How often I’ve been to the dentist? Parking tickets?”

  “You’re completely healthy, have an allergy to penicillin and have one filling in your third molar, right side. No parking tickets.” His voice was dead calm and Gabrielle began to get a chilled feeling about what she’d gotten into. He had everything there was to know about her.

  “I don’t like this. It’s not what I bargained for.” She looked around and spotted Ben. “Ben, have you filled my job yet?” she called out, motioning to him.

  Ben shook his head. “Not yet.”

  “Good, because I’m back. I’ve changed my mind about my career advancement. Sheikh, if you don’t mind, please give me back my key to my apartment and ask them not to touch anything there. You have everything you’ve given me. I paid for my dinner out of my own money. I’m giving you notice immediately. Thank you and goodbye,” she finished and slid off the stool. Holding out her hand she said, “The key, please?”

  Arran could feel a flush coming over him. He wasn’t certain whether it was anger or fear of losing her, but he knew now was not the time to define it. He reached into his pocket and handed her the key. “You have my apologies and I welcome you to change your mind.”

  Gabrielle pocketed the key and nodded, but left the bar. She went up to her room and found everything neatly aligned and waiting for transport. She managed to isolate her own belongings and called downstairs for a bus boy and cart. Together they carted everything down to Gabrielle’s car and packed it tightly enough that the trunk lid would shut.

  She had changed into her work uniform and went back inside to begin a shift. She didn’t get twenty feet before Carl was blocking her path. “Going to work?” he asked her and her skin crawled.

  “Get out of my way,” she growled and looked toward a plain clothes security officer of the hotel. He came close and she said, “This man is accosting me,” in a cold, calculating voice. The security officer advanced on Carl, but he’d already turned and was headed out the door. “Thank you,” Gabrielle told the guard and headed back into the bar.

  Arran’s stool was empty and Alahan was nowhere in sight.

  Gabrielle worked her shift and there had been no further sign of Carl. Exhausted, she walked out of the hotel and found Serra standing under the portico, next to the red Ferrari. “Sheikh Muhalla asked me to meet you,” she said politely. “He has asked me to tell you that he expects you at the compound tomorrow morning, as scheduled. He said you may continue to live where you prefer, but he will not release you from his employ.”

  Gabrielle opened her mouth to protest when she spotted Carl standing off to one side in the shade of some hedges. Fear shot through her. “Tell Sheikh Muhalla I will be there on time,” she said abruptly and climbed into the waiting car.

  Gabrielle absolutely detested the effect and control that Carl exercised over her. Who was he to her? There was no legal connection. She was an adult now. The child’s fear of being rejected no longer came into play. There was nothing he could do to her. She knew she was doing it to herself. It came from a place of insecurity – of knowing you were alone in the world and the only familiar person in your sphere was toxic and dangerous to you. Does Arran represent this same sort of threat to me? she had to ask herself. Her inner voice was screaming, “Yes, yes!” Being aware of something is only the beginning of being able to control it. It would simply take time. The river of trust need not be the width of the Mississippi; it could be as narrow as a trickle, if you let it.

  Chapter Six

  Gabrielle approached the compound gates and found the keypad. Using her birthdate, she unlocked them and drove up to the house. She felt, in a certain sense, like she was reporting to fulfill a prison sentence. How did I lose control of my life in the space of a week? she asked herself.

  She opened the door of the compound and found it already filled with staff. Movers were going in and out from the back entrance, laden with boxes and shrink-wrapped furniture that appeared to be brand new. I hope he doesn’t replace everything…I sort of liked it the way it was, she thought.

  She spotted Arran out by the pool and joined him.

  “Good morning, Gabrielle. I’m glad you’ve come.”

  “Thank you. Can we have a talk before we get down to business?”

  “Of course,” he said, waving her into a seat. “Coffee?”

  She remembered what he’d said and nodded. “That would be nice, thank you.”

  He poured a cup from the cart next to himself and handed it to her. “Now, tell me what’s on your mind.”

  “I don’t mean to belabor the point, Arran, but I’m feeling a bit violated. You have been exceedingly kind and generous. I also realize your need for security and that you just can’t pick up someone from the street and make them part of your intimate staff. I just wish you would respect my privacy.”

  Arran listened and nodded thoughtfully. “May I share a story?” he began and she nodded. “My full name is Sheikh Arran Muhalla and my family is very wealthy. We own a variety of businesses; some of which my younger brothers, Sinhad and Farrah, oversee. All of which I am responsible for. Thus, they work for me, too. My family has been in business for generations and earned their success. They did not do so by stealing, ruling, or
torturing others. They simply used their intelligence and passed what they knew down to the next generation who kept it ongoing. The result is what can afford; that which you see around you. I have never been married and when I do, it will be to a creature who is extraordinary. The reason for this is I intend to have an extraordinary life. This does not mean she must be the most beautiful woman, or the richest, or the brightest – she must simply be right for me. I was born on the twenty-second of June and I have a weakness for sweets but combat this with daily exercise for a minimum of an hour. I enjoy water – obviously, it comes at a premium in my country. I do not have a social security number because we do not require these. I speak four languages in addition to my native tongue and I’ve been on every continent except Antarctica. I am educated and my blood type is A positive. There, now you know almost as much about me, as I know about you. Does that make you more comfortable?”

  She thought about it a moment and smiled, “You know, in an odd way, it does. Maybe that’s what was lacking. It wasn’t so much that you researched me as that you knew so much about me and I knew nothing about you. I felt violated.”

  “Now then, would you care to tell me more about this man who continues to follow you?”

  She shook her head. “I told you before. He really is a foster parent from the past who overstepped himself. He frightened me. I left that life and have a built a new one for myself. It’s disconcerting when an unpleasant past comes back to haunt you.”

  “Is that what haunts you? The past or the man?”

  She thought a few moments and answered, “Perhaps it’s both. He represents the past and they are inseparable.”

  “Where are your parents?” he asked her, knowing it would hurt but needing her to say it.

  “I was abandoned as a baby and grew up in foster homes.”

  He nodded. “There we have it. You don’t fear the man. You fear the abandonment by anyone with value.” He set down his cup and kicked off his sandals. “You need not fear that here, Gabrielle. This is your home until you say otherwise,” he said cryptically and walked to the pool and dove in.