by N. Michaels
I sigh and suddenly the door behind us opens. The blond from before pops her head inside the room.
“Julia, I just got a call from Rachel, your nine thirty appointment is here.” She looks at Julia then at me.
“Thank you, Rose. This is Katherine Slav, she’ll be filling in for Portia.”
The woman turns her head to me and immediately holds out her hand.
“Hello, I’m Rose Baker.” She smiles.
I reach and shake her hand, “Pleasure to meet you.” I smile back.
I know we’ll be seeing each other everyday so I’m glad and relieved we started on the right foot, women usually give me the cold shoulder. Julia turns to me before leaving and mouths, “Good luck” and then flashes her I’m-so-glad- to-see-you smile. I nod and smile just as brightly. Julia closes the door behind herself, and I’m left alone in the office.
Well, not entirely.
As I sit down and place my purse on the desk, I realize a have a panoramic view of Mr. Miller’s entire office. Quite an office indeed, the walls are covered with beautiful paintings. Pop of colors contrasts to the pale white walls. I wonder momentarily if he’s the one who chose them. As I study the outstanding space, the woman in front of him straightens up quickly, smiling like she just won the lottery. When I glance at her right hand, I realize why. She’s holding a platinum American Express, fanning her face with it. Suddenly, I miss my little black plastic buddy…
Stop! You’re not going back with you’re tail between your legs!
I frown at myself.
The woman leans over to him, leaning her face to his.
Damn it! He’s taken? How will I charm him and maintain my job, if he won’t give me a chance?
I don’t want to sleep with him and steal him, I’m not looking for romance, but I want to secure my job. I’m sure I could do the basic assignments Mr. Miller will give me, but I’m still hesitant I’ll be everything he needs me to be.
The woman is a blond with blue eyes, the usual Barbie-want-to-be, voluptuous, wearing tight clothes.
Well, I’m not lacking.
She moves away from him and looks over at me, giving me the, he’s-mine-back-off glare.
I smile my sweetest smile at her, and notice a glimpse of worry that flashes in her eyes, a moment before she leaves his office.
Hmm… interesting. Not so sure of ourselves are we?
The leather chair swirls around, and Mr. Miller is facing me.
CHAPTER TWO
Wow…
I was expecting a middle-aged man. He looks really young for a CEO. My eyebrow lifts involuntarily as I wonder.
Mr. Miller stands and starts towards me. Instinctively, I rise from my chair and walk around the table. Mr. Miller opens the glass door, and his turquoise eyes are the first things I notice.
They stop me in my tracks.
The color is amazing. Bright blue and green mixed flawlessly, they’re focused and soul piercing.
Mr. Miller’s hair is jet-black and a few strands fall slightly on his forehead. His cheekbones and jaw are masculinely defined, and his etched lips complement his arresting face perfectly. His skin is smooth and lightly tan. He’s oozing raw sensuality and I feel a violent magnetizing pull towards him. I think I’m actually salivating. I silently thank God that my mouth is closed or I would drool.
Hey! Snap out of it!
I blink a few times, and swallow hard to come out of that sexual haze.
What the hell was that? I’ve never gotten dumbstruck when I’ve seen a man… not ever.
I hold out my hand to him, but he’s just standing there. Mr. Miller’s eyes float from my eyes, to my mouth, to my chest, to my waist…
“Ahem.” I clear my throat.
Mr. Miller’s eyes shoot up to meet mine. They’re burning and I feel my temperature rising. I’ve seen men look at me with desire, but this… this ferocity I’ve never felt. It’s like he wants to claim me right here, right now. It’s messing with my composure, and my heart thuds a bit harder and faster.
Mr. Miller looks down at my hand and quickly reaches out, shaking it slowly. His smooth and warm hand cradles mine in a confident grip. His touch sends a warm sensation from my palm, straight to my heart. I breathe in deeply.
“Good morning, Mr. Miller. I’m Katherine Slav.” I offer a sweet smile.
“Eric Miller, pleasure to finally meet you.” Mr. Miller voice has a sexy rasp, which I didn’t notice when we spoke over the phone.
Looks like sex, talks like sex... thank you God.
“Likewise.”
“I hope the office is to your liking.” Mr. Miller looks around the room.
“Oh yes, it’s lovely.” I smile my irresistible smile, and notice him inhaling deeply.
Mr. Miller blinks and a smile curls up at the edges of his lips. He looks dangerously delicious. Mr. Miller walks around me to my desk, not taking his eyes off of me.
“Here is my schedule.” He points at an icon on the flat screen on my desk.
I return to my desk. I sit and slowly cross my legs. Mr. Miller seems unaffected at first but then he smirks.
Does he know what I’m trying to do?
I panic internally but keep my expression composed. Mr. Miller leans in behind me, pointing his index finger on a different icon on the screen. My eyes follow the movement of his long, elegant finger.
“These are the assignments I need you to do for today.” Mr. Miller says softly.
His face is so close to mine, and I feel… uncomfortable.
Why? No man has ever managed to figure out my charming technics.
Is he the exception?
The thought makes uneasy.
I nod and he continues, “They need to be done by the end of the day.”
Mr. Miller turns his head to look at me.
“You think you can handle that?” his voice is low but challenging.
“Consider them done.” I smile my bring-it-on smile at him.
Mr. Miller’s eyes shine and a small smile touches his etched lips.
Hot damn.
Being this close to him and looking into his eyes, I feel mesmerized. I’m barely holding on to my sanity. His skin is smooth, and his lips… my God, all I want to do is kiss them. I take a deep breath and look away.
Control yourself woman. He’s taken.
Mr. Miller straightens without saying another word, and heads into his office. He settles into his leather chair and resumes his work. I look away from him, back to the screen, and look over the assignments I oh-so-confidently promised I’d do. The first one is to write a speech for a conference with an attachment file. I click on it and it opens twenty pages of information about the price of platinum.
Oh lord… what did I get myself into?
I sigh. I’m going to die of boredom. I much rather be laying on the beach somewhere sunny.
Well, that’s not going to happen anytime soon! … I can do this.
I did have the best education money can buy. I’m not an imbecile for crying out loud!
True, I refused to take any classes that we’re remotely close to the neurosurgery field, but I do have a degree in Public Health. Papa was furious of course, telling me I was wasting more time. That instead of studying something so broad, I should focus on one department, preferably neurosurgery. And I had to remind him yet again, that it is my life and my choice.
The second task is to rsvp to a fundraising Gala, happening two weeks from today, for the Lenox Hill Hospital Cardiology Department at The Plaza Hotel at seven thirty p.m. I check Mr. Miller’s schedule, finding that he only has four meetings that day and his evening is clear. I look over at the phone on my desk, pick up the receiver and press the button that says Miller. I look over at Mr. Miller through the glass wall while he picks up the phone on the first ring, not looking at me.
“Miller.”
“Mr. Miller, it’s Katherine.”
Mr. Miller eyes shift from the large flat screen on his desk, finding mine. I smile when I s
ee that I have his undivided attention.
“Yes, Katherine?”
“I wanted to remind you about the fundraising Gala for the cardiology department. I checked your schedule and you are free that evening. How would you like me to reply?”
Mr. Miller’s expression changes into confusion, and he lifts an eyebrow.
“Well… if I’m free that evening you should say yes. I thought you had basic experience as a executive assistant…” he sounds apprehensive.
Ahh… what do I say?
Lie!
“I do. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be crossing a line by making these choices for you.”
“I see.” Mr. Miller says quietly.
Oh no… He knows, and if he doesn’t, he’s going to figure it out. Why can’t I fool him?
The thought irritates me while his eyes are locked on mine, watching me intently.
“Well, in the future, if I have any social commitments like this one and my schedule is eventless, the answer is always yes.” his tone is still suspicious.
“Yes, Mr. Miller.”
Mr. Miller hangs up and goes back to his work. I take a deep calming breath and exhale through my nose. I look back at the screen and email a positive reply for the fundraiser. I glance back at Mr. Miller, finding he’s talking on the phone, looking straight at me. His eyes unnerve me… like he’s seeing right through me. Quickly, I look back at my assignments. The last one is to pick up a package from a BVLGARI store that’s located on Fifth Avenue. I wonder for a brief moment if it’s for Barbie-want-to-be… A knock on the door startles me out of that meaningless thought.
“Come in.” I call out.
The door opens, revealing a deliveryman holding a crystal vase, with two-dozen perfect baby-pink roses.
“Miss Katherine Slavsky?” I hear the deliveryman’s voice, but the roses cover his face.
“Yes, that’s me…” I say, genuinely surprised.
Who would send me flowers?
No one knows I started working here.
And who knows my full surname?
“I need you to sign here.” The deliveryman hands me a clipboard.
I stand, take the clipboard and sign my name.
“Did it come with a card?” I say, hoping to uncover the mystery.
“Oh… yes, here it is.” He mumbles.
The deliveryman puts the vase on my desk, and then pulls a small envelope out of the roses, handing it to me. I quickly glance over at Mr. Miller, who looks at me with attentiveness. Mr. Miller’s eyes widen as he catches my gaze and his eyebrows pick up with amusement. I take the envelope and the deliveryman leaves. I tear it open and slide the card out.
Yekaterina,
Congratulations on wasting more precious time.
Good luck with your new craze.
Papa.
I shake my head and a sad smile lifts at the corners of my lips. Only papa can remonstrate by sending a delightful bouquet of roses.
But how would he know?
Laura!
Maybe papa sent her as a spy? I’ll have to talk to her about this. Out of habit, I lean towards the fragrant roses. I close my eyes and inhale. Their perfume is delicately sweet. When I straighten and open my eyes, I find Mr. Miller leaning against the glass wall. His arms folded across his massive chest and his entertained eyes meet mine. He looks so… attractive. Wearing a dark navy three-piece suit that fits him flawlessly, a crisp white shirt and a black tie. Mr. Miller looks like he just stepped out of GQ magazine. He’s tall, six feet three inches if I had to guess, and even under his perfectly tailored suit, I can tell that his sinful body is completely hard planes of muscles. His broad shoulders and narrow waist make me think about him stark naked.
Yummy…
“Boyfriend?” Mr. Miller’s voice laced with curiosity.
“No… just a friend.” I smile, looking at roses.
“Hmm… how’s my speech coming along?”
“I was about to start it but this distracted me.” I wave towards the vase.
Mr. Miller looks at his watch. “I’d like it before two.”
“And you will.”
Mr. Miller’s eyes narrow a fraction and he waves his hand towards my desk, telling to get back to it. He turns and walks back into his office. I quickly sit down and open the attached documents I reviewed earlier. As I read them carefully, I make keynotes and when I’m done, I get started on his speech. I work throughout lunch. Typing while I eat the delicious smoked salmon sandwich Laura made for me. After I finish the sandwich, I’m parched. I get up to ask Rose where the kitchen is and wonder if Mr. Miller is thirsty as well. I open the glass door and Mr. Miller’s head turns immediately away from his flat screen, his vivid eyes locking on mine. Mr. Miller’s gaze makes me hesitant for a moment, but I gather myself without him noticing I was affected.
“I’m getting myself a cappuccino, would you like something?” I ask sweetly.
“Oh… you don’t need to do that, just tell Rose.” The corners of his lips pick up into a small smile.
“Ok. What should I ask her to get you?”
“Water for now.”
“Water coming up.” I smile.
I close the glass door and go see Rose.
“Rose, Mr. Miller would like a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it and I would love a cappuccino please.” I smile.
I want to see how he’ll react to the lemon.
“No problem dear, I’m on it.” Rose smiles back.
I go back to writing the speech and a few moments later, my phone rings.
“Mr. Miller’s office, Katherine speaking.” I say professionally.
“Katherine, the drinks are ready, come and get yours.” Rose says.
I come out and pick up my cup, then return to my seat. I settle and watch Rose entering Mr. Miller’s office, holding his glass of water on a coaster, with a slice of lemon floating there. She places it on his desk and he says ‘thank you’, looking briefly at her and then back at the flat screen. Rose leaves, and he reaches out for his glass. Mr. Miller takes a sip and his eyebrows shoot up. I almost burst out laughing at his reaction, but I clench my jaw shut and inhale deeply to ride the urge out. Instantly, Mr. Miller looks at me then calls me by moving his index finger twice, toward himself. I’m still holding back a giggle when I open the glass door and walk towards him. As I walk, I watch Mr. Miller’s eyes as they study my body’s every move but his face is controlled. When I reach his desk, his eyes meet mine.
They’re breathtaking.
“Yes, Mr. Miller?” I ask softly and look at him innocently.
Mr. Miller’s lips curve upwards, his eyes lit with amusement, “Lemon, huh?”
“Bad?” I ask playfully.
“No, not bad… quite refreshing actually.”
Mr. Miller brings the glass to his lips. He takes a quick sip, running his wet tongue over his upper lip without taking his eyes off of mine. I know he’s trying to see if I’ll fall for it, blush or look away, but I know this trick too well. Even though I find it insanely sexy, and I’m dying to do the same with my tongue, I hold his gaze and give him my game-on smile.
“I’m glad it pleases you. Is there anything else that you might need?” my voice purrs like a kitten.
Mr. Miller’s eyes narrow slightly and he shakes his head.
“That’s all for now. Thanks for the new flavor.” He smiles.
I nod and turn back to my desk. I walk slowly, swaying my hips, knowing where Mr. Miller’s eyes are looking at, as I hear him inhale deeply, right before I close the door behind me. Triumphed, I sit down and go back to finish up his speech. From time to time, I sense Mr. Miller’s scrutinizing eyes looking at me and without moving my head, I peek and see him doing exactly what I thought, gazing at me. It makes me feel good, back in control. He is affected and my plan is working, I can keep my position here and support myself.
You like him… the thought pops up in my mind like a wisp of smoke.
He is insanely att
ractive, and I’ve never felt such a strong sexual pull like I did with him… he’s successful… but there’s something about him that makes all the red flags in my head pop up. Mr. Miller knows my game, and plays it well... maybe too well. He’s also taken and I don’t play dirty. I must not fall for him. Just keep it to harmless flirting. I need this job.
I finish Mr. Miller’s speech and glance at the digital clock at the bottom of my screen, its one thirty.
Not bad!
I smile and print the speech, three pages in total. I find a black folder, with the company logo display at the center, and put the pages inside. When I look at Mr. Miller through the glass wall, I find him standing and talking on the phone, through his earpiece, looking out of his floor to celling window. I drink my cappuccino as I wait for him to finish. Admiring his stance, the way he handles his impressive body with elegance and power. Moving like a big cat, in a jungle he knows well. When I see Mr. Miller settling down at his desk, I stand up and take the black folder with me.
“Your speech.” I hold the folder up.
I hand Mr. Miller the folder and wait to see his reaction. He opens the folder and skims through the pages. His eyebrows slowly rise and he starts nodding in – approval? I wait – I’m actually a little nervous – and wait. Finally, Mr. Miller looks up.
“Well done. One of the best speeches I’ve ever read.” he sounds impressed.
Oh yeah… I’m not just beautiful.
My lips stretch into a victorious smile, “Thank you, Mr. Miller. I’m glad I could meet your expectations.”
“Yes, you did.” Mr. Miller smiles back, his eyes are saying what his mouth won’t and I know.
He’s interested.
Damn it.
I just want to keep it simple. He’s taken. My breathing accelerates for a moment, and I know I need to remove myself from Mr. Miller’s alluring eyes. I search my mind for any reason to excuse myself, and remember my third assignment. Immediately, I relax.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll head to Fifth Avenue.”
“Ah… yes, that’s all… for now.” Mr. Miller frowns slightly.
I give him a small smile and quickly, turn back to my desk. I grab my purse and wave lightly at him as I open the door to exit my office. Mr. Miller nods in acknowledgment.
