by Ciara Cole
It wasn’t till a quarter to one that she had time to seek Gretchen out, and she found the receptionist already waiting.
“Have you had lunch?” Gretchen asked with one of her friendly smiles.
“I had a sandwich,” Gabrielle answered, while her mind suddenly went back to just yesterday and that quaint restaurant where she never got to even taste the food. Pushing it out of her thoughts, she noticed Gretchen was leading her right back to Adam’s office. Only, when they reached there, the blonde strode ahead a few more paces till they reached another door.
Gabrielle stopped short when she saw it read Personal Assistant on the door. Confused, she followed Gretchen inside. Staring around in amazement, she caught Gretchen’s chuckle.
“I was as surprised as you are when I first saw it. Well, Gabrielle, this is your new office.”
“What? For real?” she asked disbelievingly.
“The door said personal assistant, right? That’s what you are. For the next three months at least. Just move your things in here, and it’s official.”
She smiled and patted Gabrielle’s shoulder, then left. Gabrielle was still gaping around at the surroundings, which looked newly appointed. The spacious office was almost as big as Adam’s and had just as many windows overlooking the awesome view.
On the large desk were unopened items, but first Gabrielle tried out her new ergonomic chair. Damn it felt good, she thought, leaning back. She didn’t really understand what was happening right now, but she didn’t have time to question anything. The only thing that made her slightly wary was when she looked into the boxes on the table. One was smaller than the other and housed a brand new iPad. The other item was an Apple laptop very much like the one Adam used, if not the same.
Gabrielle wasn’t sure about accepting all this, but then she saw the envelope just peeking out from underneath the tablet’s box. A sheet of paper with computer-typed words from Adam, stating that the gadgets were for company purposes and to aid in making her work easier. He assured her not to feel burdened by them, since she would have to relinquish them at any point she left the job.
Gabrielle heaved a sigh of relief at that, even as she read the end of the letter. “I hope you like the office and that it’s suitable for your work needs. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”
Gabrielle still felt in a state of shock as she slowly rose and then checked the other doors. One opened into a great bathroom, which even had a shower along with the toilet and sink. Nice. Then she moved to the other door and got something of a shock.
The door was linked right into Adam’s office, though from this angle she got his side view. She was caught off guard and hovered in the doorway, until he turned his profile to her. Obviously he’d either heard the door creak open or caught her from the corner of his vision.
“Aren’t you supposed to be on your way to meet the client?” he asked, swiveling in his chair. “Or are you going to stand there all day?”
“I’ll be on my way in a minute,” she said, then advanced on slow feet. “It’s just, well I have a question. The office, and all the gadgets – thank you, but are those really necessary when I’m not officially your P.A. yet?”
“That notwithstanding, it’s important that you do a good job while you’re here. The office and all the other perks are to ensure that happens. It’s no indication that you’ll end up with the job, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“I know that,” she said, and smiled. He wouldn’t get her angry today, she decided. “And I’ll put everything to good use.”
“Fine. Now run over and get those papers from Mr. Williams.”
“Yes, sir,” Gabrielle said with a lot more warmth than usual and didn’t wait to see Adam’s reaction before she retreated and closed the door. She missed the slight smile that tilted his lips a moment after.
Chapter Eight
Three weeks. Has it been almost a month since I started at A.B. Financial? Gabrielle felt a sense of achievement. She’d just finished preparing for a big meeting, setting up the boardroom with water, clean glasses and the necessary documents for each person. The coffeemaker was all set, plus cream and sugars. She’d even managed some bagels and donuts, which she’d set in the middle.
From Adam’s look when he viewed the room, he seemed to be pleased with her efforts. She was glad she’d had it all arranged early and now could be available for any other emergencies or variables.
She’d basically figured most of it all out, how to cope with the whole situation of working around Adam. She could easily ignore the sizzling reactions her body had to him, if she always focused on just remembering every detail about her duties. There was always something new to familiarize herself with, and she spent a lot of time doing research on her handy iPad or if it was something more in-depth, on her computer.
She always tried to think of smarter ways to achieve her tasks. Each new day working around an efficient corporate machine like Adam helped her learn new habits and skillsets. He was truly phenomenal when it came to his business, and Gabrielle grudgingly noted that he wasn’t just a handsome face and irresistible charisma. He really worked hard and had earned his spot as a top-notch CEO.
Which was why it came as a surprise to see him in a whole other element days later. She’d never imagined there’d be anyone who could get him on edge or even flustered. So when he arrived at the office seemingly agitated about a certain CEO of a tech company coming in randomly, Gabrielle wondered what was up.
The impromptu meeting was going to be an informal one by all indication, and Adam seemed intent on making the best impression. The CEO was Bateman Chandler, who ran one of the world’s most admired tech companies according to Fortune magazine. Internet services, computer software, entertainment and retailing were just a few branches his tech brand handled.
The two had met through a mutual contact and it seemed Bateman saw a likelihood of them having a valuable financial affiliation. From what Gabrielle gathered during her conversation with Adam as she tried to figure out what to prepare for, this was both a social and business relationship in the making.
There didn’t seem to be a clear agenda as yet, and so Gabrielle couldn’t even begin to decide what to stock the office with or what documents to print off for the meeting. Thinking fast though, it wasn’t so hard for her to ascertain this Bateman was there just to “shoot the shit” and Adam, being Adam, had no idea how to simply “hang out” with another guy. She’d already surmised he didn’t have that many close male buddies, just Jake, whom he’d known since high school.
When Bateman finally showed up, Gabrielle saw her instinct was correct. He was just like she’d envisaged after doing a quick Google search of him a half hour prior. He was built, had gray eyes, and a little bit of a goatee that matched his ginger hair. Though close to forty, he had a youthful bearing that came from not just his very active lifestyle but his easeful fashion sense.
Now this was a guy who knew how to lighten up at work. Gabrielle took in his choice of dark colored t-shirt and pants underneath a gray casual coat. It really offset his exceptional height and build, and that arresting face that she’d rather call “interesting” than plain handsome.
Adam looked just as stylish in his navy blue suit. She let the men head to the meeting then went dashing for some craft beers. She found Adam and Bateman already busy in conversation and though it hadn’t yet turned to business, Gabrielle casually set the latest financial documents next to Adam’s elbow on the desk.
The beers seemed to be going down pretty well, so while they were talking, she took the remote and set one of Adam’s many TV screens to ESPN. She hid a smile when the guys’ conversation soon shifted to the game on air. Then she ducked out again to her next door office. Tapping fast on her iPad, she found a high-end sports bar. Once she’d made reservations, she snapped her fingers in triumph.
Then she casually walked back into Adam’s office. “Sorry to interrupt, sir, but I wanted to remind you about your r
eservation? The client called and cancelled the dinner appointment and I wondered if you’d still want to hold the booking? It would be a shame to waste it.”
“Ahhh…” Adam looked confused at first, and as she smiled brightly his way, she began to wish they had a secret eye language so he could pick up her signals.
But thankfully, Bateman was the one who snapped up the bait, saying of course Adam couldn’t possibly waste the reservation and he’d love to go along.
The confusion cleared from Adam’s face and he seemed relieved at the idea of a more leisurely setting.
Gabrielle would learn later that the dinner went successfully, and that Bateman had even complimented her. “That place your P.A. picked out sure knows how to do a guys’ dinner right,” Bateman had said in appreciation.
Adam thanked her for reading the situation perfectly. Gabrielle felt ten feet tall from all that, but hid it behind her professional smile and stance. She knew she still had two months left to show her mettle, but she was glad for the small victory.
She was determined to build upon it.
Chapter Nine
Little did Gabrielle know, but Adam too saw the sense in cashing in on the new development. For one thing, he began to notice a pick-up in his invites to certain major social events.
Which gave rise to a whole kind of new problem: he needed dates for these things.
Since the functions were mostly to do with his corporate ties, he didn’t have to look very far to think of Gabrielle as a suitable choice. For one, she knew how to handle herself in the public eye, and secondly, she’d be in her professional capacity, not a personal one. That would save Adam worrying about getting a date who’d start to fixate on something deeper. He didn’t need the extra strings of a relationship. He required someone on his arm who’d look the part, play her role and then it was back to work.
For Gabrielle, this was intriguing to say the least. The first time it happened, she arrived at work and Adam informed her she had no tasks for the day. Only, she needed to accompany him to a banquet at three that afternoon.
Gabrielle’s eyebrows had climbed as Adam briefed her further. “It’s a black tie business event, very formal and exclusive. You’ll be required to blend in and that involves the proper outfit and appearance. This is a company expense card.”
Gabrielle stared at the black card he handed her, which seemed to gleam within her fingers.
Adam continued, “I’ve scheduled an appointment for you with a top stylist. She’ll pick out the appropriate look for the event. Make sure you purchase whatever you need. The stylist, Hilda, will see to the rest. Any questions?”
“I don’t think so.” She was still trying to wrap her head around things.
“Then you should get started. Please be ready on time,” he said as he dismissed her with a nod.
Gabrielle was outside his door before she realized she didn’t even know where to find the stylist. But there was no need, because a pretty ebony-skinned woman was waiting right in reception when Gabrielle emerged from Adam’s office.
“Hi. You must be Gabrielle. I’m Hilda Gold, your stylist for today.” Her dazzling smile took Gabrielle by surprise as she shook the woman’s hand mechanically. “We have the whole morning to get you ready for the event, and then you’ll get to put your feet up for a bit before proceeding with Mr. Bronson at the given time. I think this will go perfectly, don’t you?”
Gabrielle nodded, while thinking that she only hoped so. This was a bit of a whirlwind experience for her, one that would be a steady occurrence over the next few weeks. Shopping for couture dresses to wear, shoes and jewelry, her makeup, hair and spa treatment…the works. And each time she had to be Adam’s date, it felt like a whole new experience.
Wait, you’re not his date, she corrected herself quickly, as weeks later she stood in front of the dressing mirror while Hilda crouched to fix the hem of Gabrielle’s floor-sweeping gown. In an hour, she would be attending a corporate awards ceremony at which Adam was a multiple nominee.
Even though she knew there was nothing romantic about the times she accompanied Adam to the functions, she couldn’t help but feel a deep exhilaration. The feeling that she was needed, and that she could make herself an essential element in his business, was very gratifying.
Just then, she bent slightly to help herself into her heels while Hilda was trying to put finishing touches to Gabrielle’s updo. The next moment, Gabrielle felt a dizzying sensation that almost made her topple over. “Oh!” she cried out, righting her balance before she could trip over the long hem of her dress.
Hilda was quick to grab her elbow and help her get steady on her feet. Gabrielle lifted a hand to her head and shook it slightly of the woozy feeling.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. Must be all the excitement.” Gabrielle tried a wide smile. “My boss is getting some major recognition tonight, and I can’t help but feel nervous. I don’t want to ruin anything.”
“You’ll be fine. You look fabulous,” said Hilda, giving one of her huge, heartwarming smiles. Gabrielle was glad Adam had decided to keep her on for all Gabrielle’s styling needs. It felt less hassle to work with a stylist of color who’d understand better a black woman’s preferences when it came to her hair, clothes and what she felt comfortable with. Also, Hilda Gold really was simply a nice person.
That’s why Gabrielle felt uneasy for lying to her. It wasn’t just the excitement that had brought on that slight lightheadedness. It had been happening at an alarming frequency lately. She’d put it down to the challenges of holding down a busy, full-time job after so long without one. Maybe her body still wasn’t acclimated to constantly being up and about from early in the morning until late at night. Most times, the job was more fourteen-hour days than eight, but now that she’d been there two months and the deadline for her probation period was drawing closer, she was feeling the pressure or something.
So far though, she’d say she’d enjoyed and not just endured the journey. Adam was possibly the best person to work for, now that they’d crossed over that point of angst. Once Gabrielle had come to terms with the fact that they were simply two people who’d accidentally had sex before they even knew they’d be boss and assistant, she managed to move on. Or so she believed.
When it was time, Gabrielle made it down to where Harold was waiting beside the black Mercedes. Gabrielle felt disappointed to see that Adam wasn’t in the car. “Mr. Bronson will meet us there,” Harold explained. “He just had a little emergency.”
Gabrielle hoped it was nothing serious and wondered if she should call him. She didn’t want to get too ahead of herself though, and instead decided to go on the Internet to catch up on any news about her boss. She liked to keep on top of things on not just his social media but any trending stories about him.
There was something about the awards ceremony tonight and how his nominations were well deserved thanks to his recent milestones in the field. He was noted as one of the most successful and promising CEOs under thirty. It always surprised Gabrielle to realize how young he was and how much he’d achieved.
Soon the car pulled up at the venue and Gabrielle saw Adam standing in front of the hotel where the party was hosted. Gabrielle had to admit the man was hot. His chestnut hair was combed back and he had his hands in his pants pockets. His eyes were trained on the car as it arrived, and Gabrielle tried to still her heartbeat as she looked at him. Why hadn’t this crazy infatuation with him ebbed even after all this while?
Harold had sprinted out to open her door. Gripping her clutch, Gabrielle set her feet out of the car first and accepted Harold’s helping hand. She straightened on her high heels and thanked Harold, before walking over to Adam. She could feel his forest-green eyes raking over her body from head to toe and back again. Her already warm cheeks flushed, and she almost couldn’t look up to meet his gaze. Two months around him and just one look made her feel like a shy teenager. Gabrielle gave an inner shake of her head.
&nb
sp; “Good evening, Adam.” They’d been on a first name basis outside of work ever since she began accompanying him to events. When she spoke his name, sometimes she could swear his eyes darkened and gleamed, like now.
He cleared his throat slightly and adjusted his bowtie while shifting around in his spot. Could he be nervous? Gabrielle knew it was a big night for him, but she’d never seen him anything but cool and calm.
“Evening, Gabrielle. Hilda did a great job. You look amazing.”
“Thank you. So do you.” It wasn’t the first time he’d complimented her, so dammit why those butterflies in her stomach already? She had to get a freaking grip.
“There’s a lot of Press tonight, but that shouldn’t be a bother. Some red carpet photos and such. We may have to be photographed together,” he said.
“I don’t mind if you don’t,” she replied, feeling nervous herself all of a sudden.
“I don’t mind at all. Not when I have the most alluring companion at my side.” So saying, he took her hand and tucked it in his. She hated herself for it, but she loved it when he decided to lay on the charm. It was only because of the setting – Gabrielle told herself that – but she couldn’t help the way her insides turned to mush.
It actually ached to think that in a month, all this would probably be a forgotten dream slipping out of her fingers.
From that moment, the evening seemed to move in a blur. Bright lights and cameras, men and women in exquisite attire and everywhere decorated specially for the occasion with breathtaking designs.
Gabrielle could really get used to all the spotlight and glamor, but it really wasn’t her thing. She simply wanted to not embarrass Adam and thankfully, she held her own from the point of the red carpet walk and photos, to gathering with all the other distinguished guests to be ushered into the gold-and-cream themed hall.
It was indeed fit for a banquet, and Gabrielle felt awed by the extravagance and glam poured into the occasion. They were seated at a choice table, and the first thing Gabrielle noticed was that on Adam’s other side was a gorgeous brunette who immediately struck up a conversation with him. Gabrielle overheard the woman introducing herself and asking if Adam remembered her. He seemed at a loss at first, and then suddenly he snapped his fingers and laughed, saying that he did.