Resisting the Boss
KL Humphreys
First Edition published in 2020
Text Copyright © K L Humphreys
All rights reserved. The moral right of the author has been asserted.
Cover Design by Simply Beautiful Designs.
Formatted by Author Bunnies.
Editing by Edits by Erin.
Proofread by Author Bunnies.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published without the prior written permission of the author. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Dedication
For Lee -
This book would never have happened if it weren’t for you.
Contents
1. Wendy
2. Jameson
3. Wendy
4. Jameson
5. Jameson
6. Wendy
7. Jameson
8. Wendy
9. Wendy
10. Jameson
11. Wendy
12. Jameson
13. Wendy
14. Jameson
15. Wendy
16. Jameson
17. Wendy
18. Jameson
19. Wendy
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
All the ways you can keep up to date with KL Humphreys
Also by KL Humphreys
One
Wendy
A low whistle has me smiling, "You look good Wends, and you're going to knock them dead."
"Thanks." I reply while running my hands down my skirt, smoothing out the non-existent creases. Glancing at the door, I get a glimpse of Althea in her pajamas. Her jet-black hair tied up into a messy bun, bags under her eyes, revealing that she's not got much sleep, again. "Althea, it'll be okay."
She nods, not really believing me. "You'll get the job and then I'll calm down."
I laugh, "Have you thought anymore about contacting Chardonnay?"
She sighs, "She only gave me her number because of who my dad is." She folds her arms across her chest as she does every time she gets defensive.
I shrug, "I don't think that's the case, but you need to find a job Althea." I've been paying the rent here since we both finished college, we've been tirelessly searching for work and as of yet, nothing has come our way. Until now, I have an interview at Limited Fractions, it's a software development company. I’ve applied for the human resource job they have going.
She sighs, "Okay, I'll give her a call and find out if she's still hiring."
I walk up to her and wrap my arms around her, "It's going to be okay," I promise her although I don't understand how, all my savings are gone, this month's rent is paid but at the moment I've no idea how we're going to afford next month's. I'm stressing, I've lost weight, not noticeable to anyone but myself. So I'm praying that I get this job today.
"Have faith, it will be, you're going to smash this interview and I'm going to pull on my big girl panties and call Chardonnay." She gives me a squeeze before releasing me. She glances at her watch, she's the only person I’m aware of who wears one to bed. Her parents bought it for her last Christmas, it reports what her sleeping pattern is and everything. "You'd better get a move on Wendy, you don't want to be late for your interview."
I smile as I reach for my purse, "God, could you imagine? That's a sure fire way to make sure you don't get the job."
She laughs, "Yep, now go." She shoos me toward the door.
"I'm going, I'm going." I say as I rush toward the door.
"Knock 'em dead."
Grabbing my keys from the table, I laugh, "Fingers crossed." I blow her a kiss as I open the door. Rushing down the stairs, I need to get to the subway. Althea is right, I don't want to be late.
New York City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but everyone is always in too much of a rush to take in the beauty of the city, and today, I'm one of those people. My is head down as I rush from the subway toward the Limited Fractions building. It's funny, I've been in New York for about four years now, and not once have I set eyes on this building, well if I have, I haven't taken much notice of it.
I'm not surprised to see the building is a high rise. Most of it is glass, there's so many windows. Craning my neck I gaze at the top of the building, there's a huge window, one that covers most of the width of the building. I'm guessing that will be Jameson Theroux's office. From what I've read about him, he's a pompous ass, he's not been able to keep any of his assistants because of the way he treats them. He's New York’s most eligible bachelor and self-made billionaire, he designed a video game called Picture That, it has become the fastest selling platform game in history. It's global. Hell, even Althea has played it, she's addicted to it. It’s why I’m grateful that I’m applying for the human recourses job, because if Jameson is anything like the magazines have made him out to be, I won’t last a week.
Sucking in a deep breath, I prepare myself for what's about to come. There's one thing I hate doing and that's talking about myself. I'm useless at interviews, but this time I need to put my awkwardness aside and nail this interview. Walking through the revolving door, I'm met by a smiley brunette who's sitting behind a massive white desk.
"Hello, may I help you?" she asks politely.
"Hi, I'm Wendy Evans, I have an interview." My leg fidgets as my nerves begin to rise even further.
Her smile widens, and her eyes soften. "Yes, Ms Evans, I have a pass for you. You'll need to wear that while you're in the building." She passes it to me and I glance at the word VISITOR written in bold lettering. "You're early but I'm sure Meera won't mind. She's currently setting up. If you take the elevator to the fifth floor, you'll be met by Sandra, she'll take it from there."
Nodding, "Thank you so much." I tell her gratefully. She's sweet, I like her.
"Anytime, the elevator is just to your right."
I smile at her once more before turning, my phone buzzes in my purse but I ignore it, now isn't the time to check my phone. Hitting the button to call the elevator, I clip the visitor badge onto my blazer. The ding of the elevator announces that it's on this floor, the doors slide open and a gorgeous man exits, he has dark hair, his jaw is chiselled, tanned skin and forest green eyes. He doesn't even glimpse at me as he passes by me. Shaking my head, I step into the elevator and hit the fifth floor.
As soon as I reach the fifth floor, my hands are shaking and I'm sweating profusely, thank God, I'm wearing a blazer, otherwise everyone would catch sight of my sweat patches under my arms.
"Hi," I say to the brunette at the reception desk on this floor, "I'm looking for Sandra." I'm hoping she's Sandra and I'm at the right place.
"I'm Sandra, Ms Evans." Well at least I didn't take a wrong turn somewhere, "Please take a seat, Meera will be with you in a few minutes." She too has a bright smile and I'm wondering if it's a stipulation of working here? Must smile all the time.
I thank her and take a seat, "Ms Evans, would you like a tea or coffee?" Sandra asks.
"No, thank you." God, if I had a drink now, I'd need to pee constantly.
This seat is uncomfortable, they should really invest in something comfortable, especially if you're having people waiting. The walls could do with b
rightening up, it's very dull, it’s black and white everywhere, the walls are white, the desk is black as are the seats. A splash of color would liven the room up, add a bit more to the room.
"Ms Evans." A gray-haired woman pops her head around the door, her glasses are on the bridge of her nose as she glances at me.
Standing up, I walk into the room. “Hi.” I say holding out my hand to her.
“It’s nice to meet you Ms Evans. Please take a seat.” She waves her hand to the chair as she walks behind the desk. “I’m Meera.”
I sit down and she begins to ask me questions. My heart races with each one, I've never had an interview where the interviewee has been so thorough with her questions. The phone ringing breaks through her barrage of questions, I'm grateful for the reprieve that I've just been given. I feel as though I'm getting my ass kicked and I have no idea why.
Meera answers the phone and immediately grimaces. I can make out the deep baritone voice on the other end of the conversation. He sounds pissed.
"Mr Theroux, please calm down, I'm interviewing a potential employee as we speak."
Whatever he says to her next has her eyes widening, I don't like that expression grasping that whatever he's said is bad. "Of course sir, I'll send her right up." She smiles at me as she places the phone back on the receiver.
"This is a bit unorthodox, but this interview is now going to be a trial run. Mr Theroux is waiting for you."
I blink. I'm sorry, what? "Um, what? Waiting for me where?" I have no idea what to say, I'm shocked.
Her smile is soft, it showcases all the lines in her face, makes her appear less threatening. "Wendy, Mr Theroux is..." She pauses as if she's trying to find the right word to say. "He's difficult, he's been through more assistants than I've had marriages. We've yet to find someone who can deal with his..." Again, she pauses. Her lips turning up at the corners as if she's dying to smile. "Particular ways."
He sounds just as the magazines said, I'm wondering if I made a mistake coming here for this interview.
Getting to her feet, she moves away from the table and toward the door. "Ms Evans, I'll show you to Mr Theroux's floor."
I scramble off the seat and follow her out of her office. "So, what am I supposed to do?" I'm fresh out of college, I applied for a job working in human resources. Now I'm going upstairs to Mr Theroux's office.
Meera enters the elevator, "You're to do exactly as Mr Theroux asks you to. He needs an assistant and Ms Evans, the position you applied for has been filled and the only other position we have available is Mr Theroux's assistant."
"Oh." I reply unsure what to do.
"Ms Evans, being his assistant pays double what the job you applied for pays. It's hard work but you'll get loads of added benefits. Along with accompanying Mr Theroux on out of town meetings." She's selling this hard and it's making me anxious. Is he as bad as she's making out?
"I'm not sure. I don't even know what an assistant does."
She smiles at me again, "Ms Evans, you'll learn on the job. If you can survive today, you'll be hired."
I'm gobsmacked, "I'll try for today." The elevator doors open and she waves her hand for me to take a step into the foyer. It's huge. It's a lot fancier than the human resources office. It's got a swanky black leather sofa, and there's a white desk, it spans the entire back wall. I glance further around the room, there's a floor to ceiling window that's frosted.
"Follow me." She instructs me, her heels clinking against the white tiled floor. "Mr Theroux is through that door. He's expecting you."
I turn to her, shocked and scared at the same time. "You're leaving me?" I question in horror.
She reaches for my hand and gently pats it. "Ms Evans, you'll be fine. His bark is far worse than his bite."
I swallow harshly as I try and calm my nerves. "May I ask why you're doing this? I mean you must have had plenty of other candidates, those who are far more qualified than I am? Why me?"
She shakes her head, those thick deep lines showing once again as she smiles, "Ms Evans, I like you. I think that you'll be a great acquisition for Mr Theroux. Now, just knock on the glass and enter."
"What does that even mean?" Why is she talking in riddles?
A little laugh escapes her, "It means, my dear, that you are going to give Mr Theroux a run for his money. Now go, he's expecting you." She turns on her heel and walks back to the elevator, "Have a wonderful day, Ms Evans." The elevator doors close behind her and I glance around the room once again. I’m all alone.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself as I walk toward Mr Theroux’s office. One foot in front of the other. I keep repeating over and over to myself. Once I reach the frosted glass door, I lift my hand and knock.
“Enter.” The deep baritone voice calls out.
Releasing a long breath, I straighten my skirt and open the door.
Here goes nothing.
Two
Jameson
I study the outline of a woman’s profile, Meera told me that she had a candidate for me. I sure hope she’s better than the last one that was here. That woman drove me insane and not in a good way. She thought that she could flirt her way into my bed, that she’d be the woman to tame my playboy ways. That was never going to work, one, she was my employee and I don’t mix business with pleasure. Two, she was as bland as the color on the walls. My women need to have some substance to them, it’s all well and great them appearing the part but I need someone who can hold their own when we’re discussing things.
The door pushes open and in walks this fucking goddess. Her hair is down and flows to just above her breasts, her eyes are deep brown, but she's got this deer in the headlights look going on. She's got an ugly ass blouse on but an amazing tight skirt. If she were to bend, I'm sure she'd split it. When I peer at her, she's focused on me, as though waiting for me to speak. Her lips are plump, and they're pulling up at the sides. There's something about this girl that's making me want her. She's got to go.
"Take a seat." I instruct her and she scurries to the seat in front of me.
"Did Meera explain to you what I expect?"
She coughs, "Um, Mr Theroux?"
I raise my brow, "Yes Ms...?"
She smiles and leans forward, her hand out for me to shake. "Evans." She replies as I give her a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Theroux." Damn her voice is sultry, she's polite with me, and she's not flirting which is something that none of my previous six assistants have been. She's professional so far, which is putting me in a little predicament.
"Ms Evans. What is it that Meera conveyed to you?"
She glances at her clasped hands, "She didn't really say much. She informed me that I'd learn as I went."
I close my eyes as I breathe through my nose. "Okay, why did apply for this position?" Her eyes widen as she nibbles on her bottom lip. "Ms Evans?" I question. "If this is going to work, then I need honesty."
She nods quickly without glancing at me. "Mr Theroux, I had applied for the human resources position."
I like this girl, she's honest, most would have made up a lie on the spot. "Do you want this job?"
Her eyes connect with mine, "Yes, Mr Theroux, I'd love to have this job."
"You've got yourself a trial." I say and witness the relief wash through her eyes. "One week."
She smiles brightly, "Thank you, Mr Theroux, I'll do my best. If you could be precise with what you'll need me to do, I'm sure we'll work well together."
I nod, that's a good way to start. "Okay, grab a pen and a notepad. It's time to take some notes."
She moves quicker than I thought she would in that tight skirt, she returns in a couple of minutes with a notepad and pen. She takes a seat, leaning forward with her pen ready to write.
"How is your grammar and spelling?" I question.
She frowns but answers me, "Pretty good, I took English Lit in collage."
"You'll reply to my emails, if you're unsure what to say, talk through it with me. You'll organize my sche
dule along with anything else I may need."
She's writing everything down as I speak, "Okay, Mr Theroux. What about people who come to the office?"
"There're seats outside, Ms Evans."
She blinks, "Mr Theorux, I noticed them as I walked in the foyer. I meant are there people who you wouldn't like to be let in?"
I smile, that's a fucking good question. "I'll make a list."
Her eyes twinkle but she doesn't show her amusement. "Okay, that's good, until I receive that list, I'll check with you as to whether or not they're permitted entrance."
“Ms Evans, if you could please get me a coffee, black, no sugar. We can begin our day.”
She rises from her chair. "Yes, Mr Theroux, what time is your first appointment?"
I glance at my watch, "Mr Lexington should be here within the next few minutes."
"I'll offer him a coffee so that you can get ready. Is there anything you need for your meeting?"
Jesus. She's better than any of my other assistants and she has no fucking idea what she's doing. "Just the coffee."
She closes the door behind her and I wait for it to click. Picking up the phone, I dial human resources. "Meera."
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Resisting The Boss (Office Romance Book 1) Page 1