by Mia Ford
Isabelle smelled like cherries and I inhaled again to make sure. That was the best scent that a woman had ever worn, in my opinion. I kept going over the software, showing her the company email account that was set up for her over the last twenty-four hours. I made a point of getting her number programmed into my phone so we could keep in regular contact.
I excused myself to let her adjust to the new programs as I walked to the lobby. I saw that the coffee stand was empty and asked the young barista if they offered a cinnamon blend. She nodded, and I asked for a large, slipping her a bill as she rang me up. I watched as she prepared the cup, securing a lid to it as she handed it to me. I thought back to the stain on my shirt and thought that she had some cream, so I grabbed a few containers and a stir stick. I set the cup down and tucked a few sugar packets into my pocket before turning to walk back to Isabelle. She was sitting up, reading something on her monitor as I set the cup down on her desk. I dropped the creamers and sugar into a neat pile as she looked up at me with surprise in her eyes. I handed her the stir stick, and she took it, thanking me softly.
“It’s not from across the street but I know how I feel about my coffee in the morning,” I told her as she smiled at me, her pink gloss smeared from the way that she’d been nervously pressing her lips together.
“It’s a must to get going in the morning,” Isabelle told me solemnly as I told her to take a look at everything before I headed into my office, pausing to tell her to pop in if she needed anything. I gave her a long look before I walked into my office, cracking the door as I headed to my own desk.
CHAPTER 3
Isabelle
I wanted to die when he walked into the room. The very man that I spilled coffee all over was my boss. My very gorgeous boss.
I had stayed away from men since my last breakup. They were heartbreakers, and I had other things to focus on now, but Mason Drury was gorgeous. I’d heard his first name during the conversation between him and Hannah. He looked to be a bit older than I was and his eyes were mesmerizing.
Somehow, I managed to get through my paperwork as they both told me about the company. The pay was higher than I expected to get this soon and the benefits were amazing. I could afford to take Kendra to the doctor more often with my own money now and I thanked God for this job. I could afford our apartment and cook us decent meals. I didn’t have immediate family here, but the point was to get out on my own and be a mom to my six-year-old daughter. I just didn’t move so far that visits weren’t possible on a regular basis since I lived with my parents for most of the last five years. They watched her while I went on with my plans to finish college and get a degree that would allow me to have the job of my dreams. I appreciated them every moment of the long days at school and nights studying while Mom handled everything for me.
Once I graduated, I started sending resumes around California and the surrounding states. I’d always been interested in Oregon and Washington and saved enough money to move here, lucky enough to find this job just before the move. It all worked out too perfectly and Mason was going to be the hard part of the situation. I hadn’t dated since I broke up with Kendra’s father shortly before her birth. He didn’t want anything to do with her so we did our thing and moved into my parents. I didn’t want to, but I knew that supporting her and our own place would take all of my time and money. I’d have no time for school and Mom assured me that it was a good idea. She was a wonderful grandma, and I felt the sting of tears in my eyes for a moment.
I knew this was the best. I looked around my cubby for a moment, imagining the pictures I could hang here. I glanced towards Mason’s cracked door before I focused on the screen of the computer, reading over my welcome emails. This was going to be a great job, and I needed to keep my mind on that.
I researched the publishing company for a little while, recognizing some big names on the author list. The company had been around for some time and had a great reputation in the book world, so I felt like I scored a great job.
I knew that I could handle the programs and working with books felt too good to be true. I had lined up a great place for Kendra to go in the mornings and afternoons before and after school that had hours that went perfectly with mine. I had an older neighbor that I knew and loved they could watch her in a pinch. I felt like a responsible adult that was getting ahead of the game.
I was still close enough to visit my parents without too much of an issue. Dad was an airline pilot and got me free tickets even if standby was a regular occurrence.
I opened the company email that I was going to be reviewing with Mason and the list of books in the in-box was intimidating. He’d already shown me that departments were separated within the system and it would be relatively easy to remember the names after a few thousand emails. I took a deep breath and figured I’d go in order, reaching for the coffee and taking a large sip. It wasn’t bad but the best part was that he made the effort to get this for me. I figured that he would hate me forever for what I pulled this morning and I looked at his door for a moment and I took another drink from the cup.
I started with the oldest book, using the cues that Mason gave me to determine if they were being read yet. This one wasn’t, and I opened the document to see that it seemed to be a paranormal romance that I was going to read. Mason did tell me that he didn’t dislike any particular genre that the publishing company worked with so this might be fun. I reached for my reading glasses and pushed them on as I settled into my chair to begin reading. This was something of a dry run where I’d make notes about big changes before sending them on to Mason for the final thorough editing. His were the last pair of eyes to see the books before they went to production and I smiled at the idea.
I was a shy kid and spent most of my time reading. I had my close friends in school and out but once I arrived home, the house was overflowing with testosterone from my older brothers and I needed an escape. I started reading at an early age and grew to love it my whole life. Reading for a living was going to be amazing.
It didn’t help that I read extremely fast while still managing to be thorough. That was certainly a bonus. I read and jotted down notes about the story of all sorts, suggesting any changes that I’d make and blinked when I felt someone staring at me. I glanced up to see Mason looking down at me with an amused smile. “Are you going to read right through lunch?” He asked me as I glanced at the corner of the monitor to see that it was inching towards one. I brought a variety of snacks to work with me and nibbled all day. Blushing as I realized that my desk must be a mess.
“It would seem so. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. You might have to tell me to leave at night, too.” I made the bad joke and smiled weakly as he raised an eyebrow at me. “Is there an outdoor eating area?”
He explained that he was going with a manager to grab a bite, inviting me along. I held up my lunch bag and smiled again as he told me that he’d point me in the right direction. I didn’t have the money to just grab lunch out every day so I packed something every day for both myself and Kendra. I certainly wasn’t going to get assistance for that with this job, but she liked her lunches. We’d plan them together and pack them the night before. I found a table in the courtyard and opened my salad before I cracked open my La Croix. I already arranged with the supervisor of the Adventure Club that I could text and get little updates and I reached for my phone, nibbling my lip. I asked how Kendra did this morning and Terry assured me that she had a great time and happily went off to the school around the corner with a few of the student aides.
I breathed out a sigh of relief and closed my eyes. My daughter was sweet and confident, given that we moved away from her only home and stuck her in a brand new school for first grade. She had dark hair like me with a hint of red and light blue eyes like her father and was getting tall already for her age thanks to Jackson.
Jackson Carter. He was my weakness in high school and I’d foolishly fallen for his lines in Junior year. We dated, or so I thought for six mo
nths and then I ended up pregnant right towards the end. It was foolish on both our parts but I was willing to accept that and run with it after a few tearful conversations with my mother. Jackson had already graduated, and I realized that he was moving on.
He left me and my baby behind, but my parents stepped up to help me. They knew that I was not going to be the kind of mother to let them raise my kid. I didn’t, either. I was there for every milestone and still finished school and even went to the university in San Diego. Mom stopped working when Kendra was born and helped me out so I could focus mostly on my classes. It was a tough choice to move here all on our own but when I was looking for jobs, this position jumped out at me. I applied, and the rest was history.
I stabbed the salad and took a bite as I looked around. The sky was cloudy but dry and I glanced up at the covering that might allow me to be out here in the light rain. I thought ahead to tonight where we would eat, do homework and try to start a normal routine that would allow us both to get some sleep. My apartment wasn’t in a quiet complex but Kendra slept like a champ. I appreciated the near constant noise since it was a new house and we lived there alone.
I heard the ding of my phone and cleaned up to go finish my day at work. I noted that Mason was walking to the elevator with another man and watched quietly. He was a handsome man but even if he wasn’t the boss, I’d never have a chance with someone like that.
CHAPTER 4
Mason
I was talking business with Mark as we made our way to the elevators, but I was thinking about dark green eyes. Something about Isabelle struck me from the moment that we made contact and I wondered if I could break my own rules. If things worked out, she could transfer within the company or even to another one altogether. I blinked as I stepped inside and laughed at something Mark said.
I didn’t date women. I met them and usually didn’t see them again. I was approaching thirty and my mom wanted me to settle down but I was busy working. My uncle ran the company, and I loved it there along with the travel that was included for some events. I had met a lot of great authors in the last seven years while I was moving up in the company.
I made a mental note to ask Isabelle if she could make some trips with me. We went to the bigger signings to represent our authors if they chose to go that route and attended many private ones all over the United States.
I told him that I’d see him Friday night for our traditional dinner and headed to my office, grinning as I approached the door. Isabelle would be back and I could approach the subject of travel. I glanced over to see her desk still empty and frowned as I walked through the door to my office and turned to look through the window. I stood at an angle where I wouldn’t be seen and noted Isabelle walking towards me. She was wearing a loose, black skirt that moved around her thighs, displaying tight calves along with some great curves in the fray blouse that clung to her. She was a gorgeous woman, and I noted the small stain on her shirt, more than likely from the incident this morning.
I was irritated by that but when I looked into her face, I was caught off guard. She looked mortified, but I was only thinking about the heat of her skin and those mesmerizing eyes. I hadn’t been affected by a woman like this in quite some time. I moved as she stepped behind her desk, setting her can down and pulling up the book with a smile on her face.
Isabelle loved to read.
I moved to my desk to get started on the novel that we were supposed to release next month. It was a little difficult to focus on it as I kept thinking about my new assistant but I turned on some classical music to get me into the book. It needed to be perfect since this was going to be a profitable release for everyone involved.
I worked through until five and saved my progress. I was supposed to meet my family for dinner tonight and I closed down the computer, pulling on a light jacket as I stood up. I looked through the window to see Isabelle still lost in the book and I grabbed my keys as I walked out, closing my door. “Are you planning on leaving tonight?” I asked her as she pushed back and looked at me.
“It’s five. Oh, God. I have to go.” She saved her work quickly and licked her fill lips as she forced a smile. “I finished the book. I think it will be a hit.”
“Finished it?” I asked dubiously as she nodded proudly. “Do you remember what you read?”
“Completely. I was blessed with the skill of speed reading.” She gathered her things and stood up to leave, making me wonder why she was in such a hurry.
“I see.” We walked to the elevators and joined the crowd, pressing together as she flushed a deep pink. I was getting to her and smiled at the idea. We left the building together, and she told me to have a good night as she headed to the parking lot with rapid steps.
I watched as I moved with the slower crowd since I had an hour before dinner. I just liked to allow myself time to do things, and I wondered again if working late would be an issue for Isabelle. She didn’t say so during the orientation so I hoped not. It happened once a month or so depending on releases.
I was first at the restaurant and ordered a drink at the bar to settle down. My small family made their way through the door and I waved at them as Mom spoke to the hostess. She and my sister headed to the table and Dad walked over to order a drink, giving me a curious look. “Was it that hard of a day?”
“I just got here early,” I replied as he clapped me on the back. Lance was nowhere in sight, but he’d been like that since hooking up with my girlfriend. They lived in another part of Washington now and he only spoke to my parents every so often.
“Come to the table. Your mom has been missing you.” I was without an assistant for a few weeks and did all the work myself, so I’d been missing in action. We headed over and I hugged Mom and Reanna before sitting down with them. Mom asked me all about work and whether I hired someone new as my sister rolled her eyes. She knew the real reason I went through assistants so fast and teased me that I’d meet one that I couldn’t resist. Reanna was just a couple of years younger than me but we were close. She wanted me happy with a woman again and she didn’t know how close she was to her prediction.
“I hired someone. She started today and finished a book before leaving for the night. I am wondering how the notes will be but this girl might be a dream come true.” I admitted as Mom smiled.
“That’s great. You need to have more time to relax,” Mom told me as I laughed. I didn’t do a lot of that between work, the gym, and social time. I might not be dating but I wasn’t home feeling lonely.
“Nah. I have time for that.” I told her as she shook her head and picked up the menu. We ordered appetizers and dinner before settling in to talk about the upcoming holidays. They always had the family over at their big house without my brother over the last three years. I felt bad about that but he made the choice to sleep with my girlfriend. I listened as Mom talked about the menu and who would be staying at the house opposed to who would get a hotel. My family couldn’t be together for long periods of time and I smirked as she mentioned my aunt. Noel had a way of alienating herself from everyone in her life and I sipped my drink as Dad laughed.
I walked the few blocks to my condo after dinner, thinking about Isabelle. I wondered where she lived as I walked through the lobby and greeted the doorman before taking the elevator to my place on the seventeenth floor. I could have easily hit a bar and found a woman to take home tonight, but I wasn’t in the mood. I might actually go to sleep at a reasonable time tonight.
I went to bed with the TV on, trying to shut my mind down as I idly listened to the guest on the late night show. I always got up early if at all possible to hit the gym before work and I closed my eyes as I took in a slow breath.
I imagined Lana’s face in my mind for a fleeting moment and tensed. I wasn’t ready to marry her, but I was more serious about her than anyone else. It hurt when she cheated on me and I hadn’t been with anyone more than casually since that night. Why did the woman that brought me back to life have to be my assistant?
> I woke up early for a morning run and made it a long one. I needed the exercise, and I felt my feet hit the pavement steadily as I stared forward with the music blaring into one ear. I knew that I could get Isabelle with a little work and something inside of me sparked to life at the idea of it. I was going to try to deal with the consequences later.
CHAPTER 5
Isabelle
I chose a plum shift dress for the following day with black heels, slipping a cardigan on the dresser to wear. Kendra was happy to return to school and had a blast yesterday. We talked all about it over dinner and homework and I even convinced her to take a shower.
Once she was asleep, I wandered into our small living room to drop in front of the TV. I needed to wind down and found one of my favorite shows as I curled my legs under me. I thought about the last few years, knowing how hard they would have been if it had not been for my parents. Jackson certainly didn’t want anything to do with us and since she’d been born, I couldn’t imagine risking our hearts again. Kendra had no idea that hers was broken, and I’d managed to answer her questions vaguely so far about her father.
My eyes started drooping just about half an hour into the show and I sighed. It was time to be an adult, and I paused the recording as I wondered how far behind I would be by the end of the week. I missed my parents, and I rubbed my eyes as I decided to wash my face and go to bed. I checked her small room to make sure that she was sleeping before I went into my master bedroom and washed off my makeup and pulled on the big shirt to sleep in, frowning at myself.