Her Salvation (Cadance and Rayne)

by E mack

  Knowing she didn’t she grabbed her house and hurried out the door. Moving down the stairs as quickly as she could in her heels, she soon came to the door of the apartment building'. Reaching the sidewalk she turned right and hurried towards the business section of town.

  Reaching the corner, she crossed against traffic, some of the drivers yelling at her. Finally back on the sidewalk she continued the rest of the way to work.

  Reaching the five story building she stopped to catch her breath. Looking up at all the shiny windows lining the building, she looked to the very top right side and read the name there. Douglas International.

  The company she worked for, Douglas International, was a family owned company. She had learned her first day there that three brothers had founded the company right out of college. The company dealt in stocks, bonds, and other financial areas. Cadance knew that the company had several other areas that they pursued also.

  Her boss was the middle son of one of the brothers. He like her, she'd been told, had graduated college recently and had taken a job at the family business. She hoped that he would be nice to work for. No one had really talked to his previous assistant. She'd kept to herself mostly.

  Finally getting her breath, Cadance began walking to the building. She approached the lobby doors and paused to let the man ahead of her go in. Holding the door for her, he smiled at her.

  Glancing at him, she smiled and continued walking into the lobby. There were people coming and going all over. The four elevators had several people lined up in front of them, waiting to get on. Moving to the first group, she stood waiting with the others.

  Pulling her black smart phone from her purse, she texted Jacie.

  Well I’m here. Wish me luck.

  Good luck she received the text almost instantly, which told her Jacie had probably been waiting to hear form her.

  Smiling she turned her attention back to the elevators. The first of the four finally opened. Moving forward with the twenty or so others, she filled inside with the group. It was a tight fit but they all managed.

  "Four please?" She asked whoever could push the button. Standing at the back of the group, she couldn’t tell if anyone had pushed the button. The elevator began moving up. Stopping at the first three floor many of the others got off, leaving only her and three other people. A short bald man, an older grey haired woman, and a chubby flushed faced, younger boy.

  The young boy looked her up and down, appreciatively. His beady eyes, watching her from behind large glasses. Turning her attention back to watching the lighted numbers above the doors, she tried to ignore him.

  The doors finally opened on the fourth floor. Letting out a sigh of relief she moved to get off the elevator.

  "Looks like we're going to the same place", the younger guy said as he moved up behind her.

  Smiling tightly, she tried to ignore him. Walking toward the right side of the hallway, she began walking to the large office there.

  The guy stayed right behind her, almost touching her with his arms as they walked. Scooting over slightly, she was irritated when he followed.

  "Sebastian", she heard a commanding voice say.

  The guy behind her stopped, his head jerking up to look at the man standing in the office door.

  "Leave my new assistant alone. Get to work." The man told him, Cadance could see the anger on his face.

  She watched as Sebastian gave the man a scathing look and walked passed him into the office.

  "I'm sorry. You'll have to excuse my cousin, he was dropped on his head as a baby." Reaching his hand out he said, "Hi I am Rayne Douglas and you must be Cadance."

  Nodding she shook the hand he held out to her. She was speechless. She hadn't expected this. The guy was gorgeous. Nice tanned complexion, full lips, chiseled figure, and chocolate eyes. The grey suit he wore fit him perfectly.

  She couldn’t stop staring. His hand in hers finally pulled her from her stupor.

  Embarrassed now she cleared her throat, "Yes. Yes I am Cadance, nice to meet you."

  "Ok, he said walking into the office. She followed right behind him. Leading her to a large cherry wood desk he stood aside so she could walk behind it.

  "As you know you don’t have an official title but, essentially you are my assistant. Grace, the girl that you are replacing for the moment, did a little bit of everything. Just try to keep up with things and you'll do fine."

  Nodding her head, Cadance sat down at the desk he'd shown her to. "Ok", she finally managed still overwhelmed by his presence.

  Sensing this he smiled and turned to walk away, "You know how the phone system works. Just never transfer a call to me without checking with me first. Ok?"

  "Ok", she said, nodding again. She was beginning to feel like a bobble head she thought.

  After he'd walked into his own office and shut the door, she put her head on her arms on top of the desk. How embarrassing, she thought.

  "Cadance?" She heard through the intercom on her black desk phone.

  Jerking her head up her said "Yes?"

  "Just turn your computer on and breath, you'll do fine."

  "Ok, Thanks", she said smiling.

  Turning the computer on, she watched as the blue screen lit up. Soon the home screen, showing the company name behind it, came on.

  Looking at the screen, she began to familiarize herself with everything there.

  "Cadance?" She heard through the intercom again.

  "Yes Mr. Douglas?"

  "Rayne, please. Can you get me a cup of coffee? If you’ll look there’s a pot against the wall to your left. Thanks."

  Getting up she got the coffee he requested and walked towards his office. Knocking on the door she waited.

  "Come in", he said. Opening the door she walked inside.

  She looked around the office as she walked towards his desk. There were floor to ceiling windows behind him. He sat at a large black desk with a glass top. There were bookshelves, in black, on either side of her. They ran along each of the walls and were filled with books.

  Looking towards him as she approached his desk, she saw that he was focused on the computer screen in front of him. Glancing up he said thanks and returned to work.

  Just set it on the coaster there please, thanks again.

  Placing the coffee where he'd asked she turned and left the room. Pulling the door shut behind her, she returned to her desk. Soon the phone began to ring and she spent the rest of the morning answering calls. She made sure to check with him before transferring any into his office.

  Before she realized it the morning was gone. Looking up as his door opened she watched as he came out.

  "Can you run and get me a sandwich from the deli down the street?" he asked her as he approached the desk.

  Turning her chair to face him she said, "Sure".

  Handing her some money he said, "Go ahead and get something for yourself too. They have really great sandwiches there."

  "Yeah I know", she said as she reached for his money. "Me and some of the girls from the filing department go there sometimes."

  "Ok, well take as long as you need", he told her smiling as he walked back into his office.

  Walking out of the office she moved to the elevator and pushed the button. Glancing around she checked to make sure Sebastian was not around. Letting out a sigh of relief when the elevator doors opened, she got on.

  She walked the half a block down the sidewalk to the deli shop. It was on the same side of the street so she didn't have to cross the street.

  Reaching the counter she realized he hadn't told her what kind of sandwich he wanted. Looking at the curly haired, red headed woman she said, "I am Rayne Douglas’s new assistant you wouldn't happen to know what he normally gets here, would you?" She watched the girl with a hopeful look on her face.

  Nodding the woman said, "Sure his other assistant Grace, always got two of the hot turkey and Swiss. Is that what you want?"

  Nodding Cadance said, "Yes." Her shoulders relaxe
d with relief. Waiting for their food, she texted Jacie. She knew her friend would just be getting to work by now. She worked the evening shift at the restaurant.

  "What are you doing girl? She texted.

  Soon her phone buzzed with an answer. Just got to work. How’s your first day?

  Great! I think I’m gonna like it a lot. :)

  Good. Gotta go talk to you tonight.

  Putting her phone back in her purse she continued to wait for their food. When they called her name she grabbed the sandwiches paid and turned to leave the shop.

  "Well, well. If it isn't dear cousin’s new assistant." Sebastian said. He stood right behind her and she'd almost rub into him as she'd turn.

  Stepping around him she nodded, and continued walking.

  "What no hello?" he asked grinning.

  Ignoring him she walked out the door. Rushing down the street as fast as she could, she soon arrived back at the office building.

  Going back up in the elevator she soon arrived back at her desk. Setting her sandwich down on her desk, she placed her purse with it. Turning she grabbed the paper wrapped sandwich for Rayne and walked to his door.

  The door stood slightly open, she tapped and it moved further open. HE sat behind his desk, talking on the phone. Seeing her there he waved her in and motioned for her to set the sandwich down on his desk.

  After she had placed the sandwich were he'd indicated she turned and left the office. He still talked on the phone behind her.

  Going to her desk she sat down and unwrapped her own sandwich. Eating it slowly, she pulled her phone out and began playing a game. Jacie had gotten her hooked on some candy game and she'd been stuck on the same level for two weeks. Growling in frustration when she failed it again, she looked up when someone laughed.

  Seeing that he had moved to his office door and stood watching her, she blushed. "Sorry, just can't seem to get passed the level." She picked up her phone and started putting it back in her purse.

  "Yeah, I know what you mean I've been stuck on level 68 for three weeks. What level are you on?" He leaned against the door frame and folded his arms as he talked.

  "54", she told him.

  "Yeah that one was hard", he told her nodding his head. Smiling he said, "I think I was stuck for a week or two myself."

  Not sure what else to say, Cadance sat smiling back at him. He continued to watch her. His brown eyes seeming to cover every inch of her, she began to squirm under his penetrating look.

  "How long have you worked here Cadance?'

  "A few months", she told him.

  He already knew the answer before he'd asked the question. He'd seen her leaving the building several times before. Liking what he'd seen he'd checked up on her. Grace's maternity leave came at the perfect time. He'd had the personnel department offer her the position, knowing she couldn't pass it up.

  Looking at her now he was glad he did. Her glossy brown hair set off her deep blue eyes. Her full pink lips, made him want to kiss her every time he looked at her. He'd never been one to mix his personal life with work but, when he'd seen her he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to have her closer to him.

  Smiling at her he nodded his head and turned back to walk into his office.

  Sighing when he'd turned around, Cadance finished putting her phone in her purse. Setting the purse back under her desk she turned back to the computer to check her work emails.

  There was one from Rayne. She clicked on it and smiled when she read what he'd written. Welcome to the office he'd said. You're doing great.

  Still smiling she replied by just saying THANKS! And clicked send.

  The phone began ringing after that and she spent the rest of the afternoon answering calls. After a couple of hours he called to her on the intercom again, "Cadance come in here please?"

  Getting up she walked into his office.

  "Please have a seat", he told her indicating one of the black chairs in front of his desk.

  Sitting down she waited to see what he would say.

  I have some letters here I need you to mail", turning around he grabbed a stack of papers from the file cabinet behind him. Leaning towards her he held them out to her.

  Rising she took the papers and sat back down, waiting.

  "I also need you to find these phone numbers for me. Set up and appointment for next Friday with each of them. It doesn't matter what order they are in but they need to be an hour each and one right after the other. Earlier the better, though", he told her smiling.

  Nodding she stood to leave the office.

  "Thank you", he said as she walked out the door.

  Finding the office supplies to mail the letters, in her bottom left drawer, she pulled out the rolodex to look for the phone number and addresses that she needed.

  Making the calls she soon had the four appointments made. She’d managed to make them between eight and noon. Finishing with the mail, she sat it on the corner of her desk.

  Glancing up at the clock she saw that it was already 4:58. Grabbing her purse she, she leaned over and shut down the computer. Standing up she walked to his door and tapped.

  He was on the phone, again. Seeing her he told the person on the other end to hold on for a moment. Looking at her he said, "quitting time huh?"

  "Yeah, is it ok for me to go? Do you need me to do anything else?"

  "No just leave the letters on your desk and someone will com by in the morning to collect them. Have a good night. I'll see you in the morning."

  "You too, bye", she said as she tuned to walk away.

  He sat watching her walk away, until he could no longer see her. Shaking his head he returned the phone to his ear.

  Smiling as she left the building, Cadance was exhilarated. She loved her new job. She couldn't wait to get back there the next day. She grinned when she couldn't help but think, she couldn’t wait to get back to see the boss again. Smile still on her face she walked home.

  Chapter 4

  The next two weeks flew by. Cadance began to learn everything about her new position. Rayne was very patient and complimented her on her good work. They had talked several times and she fund that she liked to have long discussions with him. When Friday came around he told her he'd be in a teleconference all morning.

  With nothing else to do she pulled out her phone and began to play the game again, answering the few phone calls that came in. Several minutes after she'd started the game her phone vibrated.

  Crushing some candy?

  Smiling she looked up, his door was slightly open and she could see him grinning back at her. The person on the other end of the teleconference continued to talk.

  Nodding, she held her phone up and mouthed how?

  Getting another text she looked down to read it.

  I have all your contact information, of course. Hope it's ok but this is so boring. You looked like you were having so much more fun.

  Smiling she texted back, Yeah from what I can hear that is boring. Why does he keep droning on and on about building codes?

  This is the architect for the new office building we are putting in on the south side of the city. When it's built I will be running it.

  Her face fell, he'd be leaving the building? She thought. She knew that she'd have to go back to the filing room but, she'd thought she would at least get to see him occasionally.

  Hearing the architect ask him another question, Cadance leaned forward to answer her desk phone as it rang.

  There texting stopped after that, both of them became busy with their work.

  A little after one she heard him disconnect from his third teleconference for the day. She watched as he stood up and stretched. She knew she was staring but couldn't help it.

  Catching her eye he smiled and walked to his door.

  "Well that’s my last call for the day. Think I'm gonna call it a day. I have somewhere I have to go this evening so I have to get out of here early."

  Nodding she said, "Ok."

  "Feel free to
go ahead and go", he told her as he turned back into his office. He called over his shoulder, "you will get paid for the entire day."

  Knowing there wasn't anything else for her to do she decided to leave too. "Ok thanks", she called to him.

  Turning off her computer she grabbed her purse and stood up.

  Meeting him at the corner of her desk as he came out of his office, she walked with him to the elevator. Trying to relax she couldn't with him so near.

  Reaching the elevator, she gripped the strap of purse hanging from her shoulder. Glancing over at him she blushed to see he watched her.

  "Any plans for the weekend?" he asked.

  "Nope, just stay home with my roommate I guess."

  "Sounds good to me. I've got this family thing to go to tonight", grunting he said “You have to love them because they’re family but, they sure can get tiring.

  Seeing her eyes cloud over he wasn't sure what he had said wrong. Watching her face, he motioned for her to get in the elevator ahead of him. Standing next to her, he pushed the button for it to take them to the first floor.

  Putting his hand on her shoulder he said, "I'm sorry if I said something to upset you." Turning her to face him, he searched her face.

  "No. No you didn't I was just thinking about my mom." Smiling she looked up into his face, "She died of cancer when I was 12."

  "Oh, I'm sorry and here I am complaining about my family. So is your father still living?"

  "No, he died in a car accident when I was three."

  "Oh, stepfather then?"

  "No", was the only thing she said and attempted to turn away.

  "Ok, well this roommate is she a friend."

  Thinking of Jacie, Cadance smiled, "Yeah she is. She’s a great friend."

  "Good", he told her still looking at her. Turning her back to him he looked down at her face. Unable to stop himself he brought his lips to hers. Pulling her closer he deepened the kiss.

  Unable to believe it was happening, Cadance froze. Becoming swept up in his kiss she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  Finally coming to remember where they were he pulled back from her. Pulling her arms from around his neck. He looked down at the blush on her cheeks.