by Regina Frame
The interior of the building was beautiful. My head was bouncing from wall to wall, taking in all the beautiful artwork. I felt like a bobble head. When Tabatha came to a halt in the middle of one the offices, I almost ran into her. I needed to get a grip. I’d hate to get fired on my first day.
“This will be your office.” She ran her finger over the dark wooden desk. The desk looked brand new, and sitting behind it was a black high back leather chair. I couldn’t stop smiling. “The windows have automatic blinds. They adjust with the position of the sun.” She turned around and looked at me. “Is everything okay, Ms. Layne?” It was then that I realized I hadn’t said a word.
“This is really beautiful. I guess I never saw myself working in such a beautiful space,” I admitted with a grateful smile. “How long did you say she would be off?” I couldn’t think of the secretary’s name that I was filling in for at the moment.
“Well, that’s something I’m going to need to speak with Mr. Decker about when he arrives. Maryann called this morning and said that she’d decided to stay home with the baby. She was due to come back today. You have no idea how relieved I was when you said you could help us out,” she told me. “I’ll leave you to it. Here is the key to the desk. You may keep your purse, lunch, or anything else you wish in there. Mr. Decker’s phone is still being answered downstairs, so there is no need to worry about that right now. It will give you some time to get things set up like you wish, and, the most important of all, the way Mr. Decker likes things to flow,” she explained with a smile.
“Where is Mr. Decker’s office?”
“Right through the door there.” She pointed to the big wooden door behind me. My stomach knotted, and my throat felt tight. “Please call me when he arrives so that I can discuss the matter of finding him a new assistant.”
I gave her a nod and forced a smile. I desperately wanted and needed the job, but I was sure it would be frowned upon to grovel on my first day. I spent some time organizing my desk, the best way I knew how, and there was still no sign of Mr. Decker. There had been several people stopping by to see him or ask if I knew when he would be in, and I didn’t know what to tell them.
I checked the time on my computer screen. It now showed 11:00. I had already been there three hours and hadn’t used the restroom. I had to go. There was no waiting. I just hoped I made it back to my desk before Mr. Decker arrived. What the hell kind of hours does this guy keep anyway?
I made my way down the long, carpeted hall, and some sweet lady took pity on me and asked if I was lost. When I told her I was new and just needed the restroom, she pointed me back in the direction that I’d came. I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my head when I found it. It was only two doors down from my office.
I took care of my restroom duties, washed my hands, and stepped back across the hall to my office. I could hear a deep male voice coming from the other room. My eyes flew to the big wooden door that was now open. He was finally here. I raked my hands down the front of my black skirt and sat in the big leather chair.
“Maryann, I need to see you for a moment, and bring a notepad, too.” No one had told him his assistant wasn’t here. Grabbing a notepad and pen from the top drawer, I made my way slowly to his office. “Have a seat,” he said, with his back to me. He was searching for something in the dark cherry credenza behind him.
“What the…?” we both said at the same time.
It was the no tipping suit guy from the coffee shop, and since I now knew that he could afford to tip, it pissed me off even more.
“Are you lost, Aubree?” He flashed his perfectly white teeth. That was when the little dimple in his chin made an appearance. Dimples were a weakness for me. They made babies adorable, and men like Grayson Decker irresistible.
“What makes you think I’m lost?” I crossed my long legs, pushed out my chest, and lifted my chin.
“The coffee shop is downstairs.”
He leaned back in his chair, causing his navy suit jacket to fall open, revealing a crisp white shirt that hugged his toned abs. His expensive cologne surrounded me, making me clinch my thighs together, hoping for a little relief. He smelled good enough to eat. He cleared his throat and smiled. He was letting me know that I’d been caught staring. I mentally slapped myself.
“What gives you the idea that I work at a coffee shop?” I squared my shoulders and waited for his answer.
“I’ve seen you there.” I arched a brow in question. “I’ve seen you there in the evenings. You usually stock the shelves, but, for some reason, you’ve been working the counter lately.”
Both of my brows shot up in surprise.
“You seem to know an awful lot about me. If I’d known you were a stalker, I would have had you arrested.”
I uncrossed and re-crossed my legs. His eyes watched every move. I cleared my throat and smirked when he lifted those lustful blue eyes to mine. Busted!
“How do I know that you’re not stalking me?” he asked. I couldn’t contain the nervous giggle that escaped my lips. Grayson Decker was too damn handsome, smelled heavenly, and intimidated the hell out of me! I had to come up with something. I needed to get a grip. “What was that for?” His brows dipped down as he sat there in that big chair, waiting for me to answer.
“You’re old,” I blurted. “I don’t stalk geriatrics.”
I mentally patted myself on the back. Where the hell had that come from? I could kiss the job goodbye. Open mouth and insert foot. He stood from behind his desk in one fluid movement and stopped in front of me. All 6 feet, 2 inches of him. My mind was swirling like a wind funnel. All I could think about was climbing him like a tree, and oh the things I’d do on my way up.
“How old do you think I am?” he questioned, crossing his arms across his broad chest.
“Maybe, thirty-five?” I guessed.
“I’m thirty.” He leaned forward, invading my space. Fire flickered behind those pale blue eyes. I could practically feel the warmth of his body, and that, along with his spicy cologne, had me clinching my thighs in hopes for relief of the steady pulse that was growing stronger by the moment.
“How old are you? Wait. Let me guess.” He paused a moment, letting his eyes roam over me. “I’d say you’re probably twenty. Maybe twenty-two.”
My lip curled upward.
“That’s one of the best compliments you can give a woman; guessing that she’s younger than she actually is. I’m twenty-five.”
“Why are you here, Aubree?” he snapped. Not a good sign.
“I’m filling in for Maryann.” I decided the shorter the answer, the better off I’d be.
“For how long?” he asked, staring down at me where I sat in the chair.
“I-I’m unsure of that.” I coughed lightly around the large lump that was now in my throat. He turned his back on me and started for the door. I suddenly remembered something that Tabatha told me earlier. “Tabatha in human resources needs to see you.” He stopped when he made it to the door.
“That’s where I’m headed. Don’t move from that spot.” Then he disappeared from my sight.
I don’t know how long I sat there, but it was long enough for my legs to go numb, and I could really use the restroom again. I know he said not to move, but I’d take my chances. I stood from the chair, and almost fell due to the numbness in my legs. I just hoped I could make it to the restroom and back before he made it back to his office. As I stepped into my office, there was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair standing in front of my desk. She was wearing a very short, very tight black skirt along with a white silk blouse and black heels.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were out here.” Her eyes raked over me, judging me from head to toe. “May I help you?”
When she told me that she had an appointment with Grayson, I ushered her into his office and explained that he would be back momentarily. Once she made herself comfortable in the exact chair I just vacated, I walked out in search of a coffee pot or some type of beverage to offe
r her while she waited.
GRAYSON
After a lengthy discussion with Tabatha in human resources regarding Aubree, I gave her the go ahead to keep her on for the ninety-day trial period. According to her resume, she had taken some college courses, but didn't finish. She'd been working part time at the coffee shop for minimum wage. I’d never had to work for minimum wage, but I didn’t imagine it was very much. I felt like such a dick now for not leaving a tip those times she waited on me at the shop. What Tabatha didn’t realize was: I came in there with the intentions of hiring Ms. Layne full time. I needed her within my grasp at all times. There was something about her, other than being beautiful, that drew me to her, and that confused the hell out of me. When she gave me attitude in my office earlier, I wanted to turn her over my knee and spank her ass.
When Tabatha cleared her throat to gain my attention, I knew I’d spaced out momentarily in my Aubree fantasy.
“Mr. Decker.”
“Tabatha, how many times do I have to tell you to please call me Grayson? We’ve known each other for years, and you still insist on calling me mister?”
“Mr. Decker.” I exhaled a loud sigh and gave up on arguing about the name. “I know that this is your company, and I’m only saying this because it’s my job to look out for you and your company. Ms. Layne is a beautiful woman.” Why was she telling me what I already knew? “You need to keep things on a professional level at all times. You don’t need to be slapped with a sexual harassment suit.”
I swear this woman could see right through me. After I made her a promise that I wasn't sure I could keep, I headed back down the hall.
When I made it back to the office, Aubree wasn’t at her desk. Had she really taken me at my word and stayed put in my office? I was shocked to say the least when I stepped into my office to find Hannah from Jameson's party sitting in a chair in front of my desk.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, a little harshly. I was mentally plotting about all the ways to kill Jameson for telling her where to find me. I walked around my desk and sat in my chair. I tried to ignore her by opening up my email and focusing all of my attention on that. I guess I was hoping she’d just go away. Suddenly, I heard her clear her throat from across the room. As I glanced up from my desk, I found her standing in my office in nothing but a red lace thong and white bra, which barely covered her nipples. My eyes flew to the door, and found it closed. Thank God. She at least had the decency to close the door. I’d hate for Aubree to walk in. She sashayed her way around my desk and stood between my legs. Leaning forward, she placed her hands on the armrest of my chair, her breath paused when she gazed into my eyes, which sent a surge of desire straight to my cock, and that, for some reason, disgusted me.
"I believe I asked you a question, Hannah,” I snapped. She bit her lip and hesitated a moment longer before finally speaking.
"You haven’t reserved your Jingle Belle girl.” Her pink tongue peeked out and licked her bottom lip. “I thought I’d show you what you have to look forward to.” Just as her bra hit the floor, I heard a loud gasp from across the room. Aubree stood there with her mouth open, frozen in place.
“Aubree, my door was closed. Don’t ever barge into my office again when the door is closed. You always knock first!” I scolded, and her eyes immediately filled with tears. A slight giggle came from Hannah when Aubree turned and ran from the room. That action alone spoke volumes about the kind of person she was. Hannah may have been beautiful, but, she had got an ugly heart. It suddenly became all too clear that Hannah was the type of woman that I’d wasted years on, and it was becoming tiresome. I was even a little disgusted with myself. “Put your fucking clothes on and get the hell out of my office,” I bit out.
I sat at my desk long after Hannah left. I thought back to all the times that women just like Hannah showed up at my office in the middle of the day, and Maryann, my previous secretary, never said a word. It was almost as if she thought if she didn’t see it, it was not happening, but she knew. Now it just felt wrong. I scrolled through a few emails before forcing myself to go out and address things with Aubree.
Tabatha’s words from earlier in the day played through my mind. Keep it on a professional level. I stood in my doorway and watched as she pulled a tissue from the box on her desk.
“Aubree,” I murmured.
Her back straightened, but she didn’t turn around.
“I’m so sorry.” She cried. "I had gone in search of some type of beverage to offer her while she waited for you.” She sniffled and tossed the tissue in the trash.
“I know today is your first day and it will take a bit to get the flow down, but from now on, if my door is closed, you knock or call my extension. It’s unacceptable and unprofessional to barge into someone’s office when the door is closed.”
She swiveled in her chair, and her red puffy eyes flew to mine.
“First of all, I said I was sorry. I can assure you it won’t happen again. I had no idea you were having sex in your office.” She glared at me and pointed toward my office door. “Nowhere in the company policy did it state that the owner of Decker Investments had sex in his office. You really should add that, or is it in the small print and I missed it?” she lectured.
There was the little spitfire I knew she had in her, and it made my dick hard. I bet she was a wildcat in bed. What I wouldn’t give to find out.
AUBREE
When I walked into the lobby, it had been transformed. There were huge Christmas trees everywhere. Beautiful garland decorated in red, green, and gold. It was my favorite time of year. Even though I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on gifts, it was all about the season. People were cheerful. They smiled, held the door for you, and wished you a Happy Holiday. All the trees in the downtown area were decorated with white lights that twinkled like the stars, and storefronts were decorated in their finest. As I was growing up, my family never really had money to buy gifts. We always got some little something, even if it were just a pair of gloves, and that was okay. To me, it was all about making the memories. When I stepped out of the elevator on our floor, I immediately noticed that there were no decorations of any kind. No garland and no trees. It was depressing after seeing all the beautiful decorations downstairs. Dropping my purse into the bottom desk drawer, I went in search of our Christmas decorations. I guess each office was responsible for decorating their own, so I went into our file closet and looked around. I didn't see anything that remotely looked like decorations. There were some boxes on the top shelf, but I was too short to reach them. I dragged my desk chair into the closet and stood on it in order to reach the boxes. I would have the office transformed before Mr. Decker arrived for work.
***
GRAYSON
As soon as I entered my office, I could hear mumbling coming from the file closet. Aubree was dropping boxes from the top shelf, and papers rolled past the door and out into the main hallway.
"What are you looking for?"
"Shit!" she gasped.
I had caught her off guard, causing her to fall from the rolling chair that she was standing on. Cradling her small frame against mine, fingers skimming the smooth skin just above her skirt, caused my chest to tighten. A feeling that was becoming more common since the first day I laid eyes on her. She smelled so damn good. Like the light scent of Jasmine in the summertime. Her sparkling green eyes burned into mine, speaking without words. Our gazes didn’t waver as I lowered her slowly, down my body until her feet to touch the floor. I didn't want to let go, but I had to.
"What are you looking for?"
"I was looking for the Christmas decorations for your office. I was going to decorate," she replied.
"You won't find them in there," I grunted.
"Oh. Where are they and I'll go get them?" she asked as she straightened the bottom of her shirt where it had ridden up behind, exposing that soft creamy skin.
The skin I stroked just moments ago. My dick strained against the zipper of my slacks, begging to be
set free. Begging for a taste of sweet Aubree, but I knew there was no chance of that, and it pissed me the fuck off. And now I had to deal with this Christmas shit again.
"I don't decorate my office." I hissed.
“What?" she asked in disbelief.
"I don't decorate my office. I never have, and before you ask, that's the way it will stay."
She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, her perfect brows dipped as she studied me like I was some alien life form. Surely, I was not the only person in this world that despised the holiday season.
"How can you not decorate? It's the holidays. It's . . ."
I interrupted her before she could finish.
"Let it go, Aubree," I snapped as I reached into my pocket for my vibrating phone. This was shaping up to be a hell of a day as I stared at my mother's name on the screen. "Mother," I answered.
"What? I don't even get a good morning? Where are your manners, Grayson? Did I teach you nothing while you were growing up?" Her tone was flat and impersonal as it always was.
"I wouldn't know. You were never around. I seem to recall several different nannies, but not one memory of you doing anything for me."
"Don't be so dramatic, Grayson. You know your father and I only wanted what was best for you," she replied.
I dropped down into my chair and fired up my computer. "Was there a point to this call, Mother?"
"Oh yes!" Her voice was full of excitement now. "Do you remember the Tates?" I knew where this call was headed, and she wasn't getting away with it this time. I was putting a stop to this now.
"Yes. I remember them. Isn't their daughter, Ronnie, a Hospital Administrator or some shit like that?"
"Grayson, her name is Veronica, and, no, she's not an administrator. She's a state senator, and here's the good part. She'll be in town the week of Christmas and I invited her for Christmas dinner. I think she'd make the perfect wife for you." I swear her voice rose a whole octave higher at the end of that sentence.