She could hear the uncertainty in her own voice. She hated sounding like a naïve idiot. Why couldn’t she be confident and coquettish and bat her eyelids at him? Say something flirtatious like, Whatever you’re proposing, the answer is yes. But she wasn’t like that. She didn’t have the confidence to carry off something so forward.
‘I know you’re looking for a job. You alluded to that earlier, after the ceremony.’
A little part of her started to cry on the inside. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise he wouldn’t want to see her after the wedding, or even kiss her or take her to bed. No doubt he knew beneath the gloss of the hair and make-up and beautiful dress lurked ordinary, reliable Pamela, called on by everyone when they had a problem to be solved.
‘Yes, that’s true. What’s it to you?’ Wow, she shocked herself with her bitchy comeback. She put it down to the disappointment slowly building inside of her. In the muted glow of the balcony, she couldn’t tell whether her response surprised him or not.
‘Well, I happen to be in need of an assistant and wondered if you may be interested, but now I’m not so sure.’
He wanted her to be his assistant? The man who was Luciano’s business partner wanted her to work for him. She so didn’t see that one coming. And she knew the reason for his reluctance in offering her the job was because of what she’d said to him. It was probably just a pity offer anyway, but it wouldn’t hurt to find out a little more about it. She knew he’d flown in from overseas just for the wedding; perhaps there could be travel involved, that would definitely enable her to tick off one of the boxes on her new life to-do list.
Pam knew before she could ask about the specifics of the job, she needed to apologise for her outburst.
‘I’m sorry, Nick, I shouldn’t have spoken to you the way I did. Put it down to still being stressed about organising the wedding and making sure it all runs smoothly. But if I can go back and answer your original question again, the answer would be — yes I am going to be in the market for a new job. Do you know of one that’s available?’
Pleasure quickly replaced her disappointment when Nick laughed and lightly touched her arm. ‘Now, that is a better response, and I accept your apology.’
‘Thank you. So you need an assistant, what will the job entail?
Pam wasn’t sure she was suitably qualified for the position. Yes, she’d been Jasmine’s assistant, but Jasmine had been the Director of Marketing. Nick’s assistant would be required to do a hell of a lot more than her previous job had involved.
‘You’ll be required to do the usual things like vet emails and calls, deal with responses to invites, organise my day so that it runs smoothly, attend meetings, take notes, etc. But what I’m really after is someone who can keep her focus entirely on the job and not get distracted by me.’
She took a step back. What the heck did he mean by that comment? Had he just insulted her, subtly? Or was it a warning of some sort?
‘I’m sorry, but what do you mean by “get distracted by me”?’
Pam watched in amazement as Nick seemed to squirm, almost embarrassed by her question and what he’d said to her. She had to be imagining it. No way could this man, who had confidence oozing out of him, be embarrassed.
‘I’ve had to fire the last two assistants I’ve had because they had grand ideas about falling in love with me. The last one used her position to try and entice me to fall for her, and when I wouldn’t take the bait, she gave highly confidential information to a person who used it to their advantage. Her desire to “make me pay” for not seducing her has led to the untenable situation I’m currently in with our latest deal. I feel confident you won’t get any ideas of trying to lure me into the marriage trap. A trap I have no intention of falling into anyway, which is why I think you’d be perfect for the job. You dress the part of an assistant and have a quiet efficiency about you, which suggests your focus is definitely on the job and not on your love-life.’
Right on the heels of remembering her failed relationship with Wayne. Nick’s words stung, and they weren’t meant as a boost to her self-confidence. He made her sound like the most boring person on earth, and she’d had enough of their conversation. Not on her life would she work for a man who had such a big ego.
She slipped off the coat he’d given her and held it out towards him. ‘Thanks, but I don’t think I want to work for someone who thinks all I can bring to a job is efficiency because I’m a plain Jane and dress conservatively. Tell me, Mr Nick Rhodes, did all your other assistants dress the part and look efficient, or did they all wear designer clothes with designer haircuts that cost more than a week’s pay?’ She paused a moment to catch her breath. She was on a roll and she wasn’t planning on stopping, even if it meant she’d just killed her hopes of ever getting a job again. At this moment in time she didn’t care if she had to be a check-out chick at the local supermarket. ‘I don’t imagine a person in your position wants an unattractive, boring assistant, but you’ve just basically told me that’s what I’d be and that’s the only reason you’re offering me the job.’
Mortification swept over her, her vision blurred by the tears welling up in her eyes. She wasn’t going to let Nick see them, so she whirled around and all but ran through the doors. Once she got inside the ballroom, she stopped and took a moment to catch her breath, willing the tears not to fall. She needed to get to a bathroom quickly.
Pam headed in the direction she needed to go with her head down, not wanting anyone to see her. She walked out of the ballroom and towards the hallway where the bathrooms where located. One tear slid down her cheek and she swiped at it, as if it was an annoying fly. If only she could swipe away the hurt that easily. She’d known she wasn’t attractive, but today she’d felt beautiful and Nick had crushed it with a few simple words.
Pam was reaching out to open the door when someone grabbed her arm and turned her around so quickly she gave a little yelp in surprise. She found herself wrapped up against a warm, hard chest. A chest she recognised because she’d wanted to lay her head on it earlier.
‘Wha — ’
‘I’m sorry.’
Pam pulled back a bit so she could lift her head and look into Nick’s face. ‘Pardon?’
‘What I said to you was unforgiveable. I don’t think you’re plain at all. You look absolutely stunning today.’
For a moment there she thought Nick was on the right track, and then he had to say she looked stunning — today. Of course she looked stunning today, she’d had professionals work on her hair and make-up and had on a designer dress. Anyone would look stunning after that treatment. If he’d just told her he thought she was beautiful then she’d probably believe he truly meant his apology.
‘Yes, today I look stunning. I had help, but you know what? It doesn’t matter what you think. I won’t work for you, Nick.’
She made a move to step out of his embrace, but instead of loosening his hold, Nick tightened it.
Pam’s breath caught in her throat as he reached out and caught the tear that had fallen from her eye.
‘Don’t cry,’ he said on a whisper, as he leaned forward and kissed the spot where he caught the tear. Her skin tingled and the hair on her arms stood to attention. ‘I don’t usually make women cry.’ He peppered each word with a kiss down her cheek until the last one landed on the side of her mouth.
She froze, unsure what was going to happen next. She could turn her head a fraction and their lips would collide. She’d already decided she wasn’t going to work for him. What would it matter if she gave into the little part of her that wanted to know what he tasted like? The little part of her that wanted to know what it would be like to be kissed by a wealthy, gorgeous man. The little part of her that wanted to know what it felt like to be desired.
‘Nick?’ She whispered his name and he knew exactly what she was asking for. He moved the millimetres needed and melded her lips with his.
His touch was gentle, testing the waters to see if she would pull back an
d slap him for being forward. She wasn’t going to do that. She wanted this kiss. She’d asked him for it. She pushed her breasts against his chest and his arms tightened their hold on her. His lips moved over hers, enticing hers to open beneath his. She did. As his tongue slipped between her teeth, Pam wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers entwining into his hair to keep him from moving away from her.
Her nipples peaked against her dress and she wanted Nick’s hand to move from her back and cup them. Feel the fullness of her breast and tease her nipple until she was crying out in desire. His body stirring to life against her belly gave her the power to get up on her tiptoes to deepen the kiss even further. Everything she did, every action, was purely on instinct, not experience. Feelings were overtaking her sensibilities.
‘Oh, get a room, you two.’
The words were spoken behind them but it was enough for Pam to remember where they were and what a spectacle they were making of themselves.
‘I’m sorry, that shouldn’t have happened.’ Nick’s muttered words had the effect of a bucket of water being thrown over her. Pam pulled out of his arms and smoothed down her dress. She heard a muffled groan coming from him. She looked up and found his eyes focused on her chest. She looked down and her nipples were standing proudly against the silky fabric. Pam cursed the soft material and the fact she couldn’t wear a bra underneath the halter gown.
‘You don’t have to apologise, Nick. I was with you every step of the way.’
‘Still, if I want you to work for me, I shouldn’t be kissing you.’
He still wanted her to work for him? After everything she’d said and done? It didn’t seem possible.
‘You’re still offering me the job, even though I said wouldn’t work for you?’
‘Yes,’ he ran his fingers through his hair. She knew how soft it was to touch. ‘I’ve spoken to both Luc and Jasmine, they both say you’re a fantastic assistant. Neither wants you to resign. I need someone I can trust to help me get this deal, which is falling apart as we speak, back on track. I think you’re the person who can help me achieve that.’
Pam should feel honoured that both Luc and Jasmine thought so highly of her. But part of her still held back, and she didn’t know why.’
‘You don’t even know me. Why are you so sure I can be the one to help you?’
‘I saw what you achieved last night. I walked into the rehearsal dinner and all I saw was chaos. There seemed to be something going on, I don’t know what, but there was anxiety in the air. When we sat down for dinner, not ten minutes after I arrived, the room was calm and peaceful. And today this wedding has gone off without a hiccup, which, from my understanding of weddings, is amazing. Jasmine is so calm and serene, enjoying her day the way a bride should. All because of you and your organisational skills. You’ve managed to keep this wedding on track without even getting a hair out of place, and you’ve managed to keep up with your maid of honour duties too. I’m seriously impressed.’
So was Pam, that Nick had noticed everything he’d mentioned. She also felt pride swell up inside her. It had been her goal to make sure that happened for Jasmine. If he’d told her all of those things outside on the balcony, then she would’ve jumped on the job straight away.
But you wouldn’t have experienced his kiss if he had, a little voice inside of her insisted. It didn’t matter what that voice said, there was no way they were going to kiss again.
‘Thank you, Nick, that means a lot. I’m blown over you think me competent enough to do the job. But there’s still so much going on here. Can I think about it, overnight?’
‘Sure, that would be fine. Do you want to meet for breakfast here tomorrow morning?’
Seeing as she was staying at the hotel, courtesy of Jasmine, it seemed like a good idea.
‘Yep, that will be fine. What time do you want to meet?’
‘Say about eight thirty? I’m flying back to New York the day after tomorrow, so I would like this sorted out before I go.’
‘New York? Does that mean if I took the job I’d be going to New York?’ The prospect of seeing a place she’d heard so many people rave about was too good to be true.
‘Will it sway your decision if I said yes it was?’ Nick asked with a teasing glint in his eye.
‘It may.’ Pam surreptitiously pinched herself. She couldn’t believe they were having this conversation in front of the ladies room.
‘Then, yes it is. The job with me is in New York, currently. After this deal is completed, who knows where I’ll be headed. I could be headed back to Sydney or back here in Perth and head office, or I may have to go to Europe. Depends what deal Luc wants me to work on next.’
The job was becoming more and more tempting with every word Nick uttered. She’d wanted to travel the world, experience new places, but had lacked the freedom and the funds to do so. Now she had one, and the other looked like being a perk of the job. It really was too good to be true. Plus being on the other side of the world would give her the necessary breathing space she needed to sort her finances out, and hopefully keep the debt collectors at bay.
However, she didn’t want to get too ahead of herself. They still had a lot of things to work out. Come tomorrow morning, Nick might have had a change of heart and not want to proceed with the offer. It would probably be best if she finished up the conversation before she blurted out she’d take the job and bugger the consequences.
‘Okay, as I said, let me sleep on it and we can talk about things in the morning. I still have a lot of things to think about.’
Nick nodded. ‘Sounds good. Oh, one more thing,’ he paused and she wondered what he had to say next. ‘It’s about the kiss we shared.’
She wanted to say, what about the most amazing kiss I’ve ever experienced in my life, but somehow knew that wasn’t the direction he was heading. ‘Yes, what about it?’
She hoped she sounded casual.
‘It can’t happen again. If you’re going to be my assistant, we draw a line in the sand, forget everything that has happened before and start fresh.’
Was he saying that he regretted the kiss? She had too much pride to ask. He couldn’t take the kiss back. He may think by drawing the metaphorical line in the sand the kiss could be forgotten, but she knew it had happened. It would always be there between them. But she also knew if she wanted the job, and quite frankly she did, then she would have to agree with him.
‘Yes. I can work with that.’
‘Good. Well, I’ll see you back in the ballroom. I think there’s still cake to be cut?’
She laughed and nodded. ‘Yes, I’ll see you back there.’
As he turned and walked away, Pamela wondered if he would look back and if he did, would it mean something, like everyone talked about in the movies. How if a guy looked back as he walked away, it meant he wanted her?
Her breath caught when Nick looked back over his shoulder and winked.
Chapter 2
Pamela looked at herself in the mirror wearing her plain black trousers and sensible white blouse. They were perfectly suitable clothes for the office; understated, efficient and boring. They would work for the breakfast meeting she had with Nick, but she wished she had a sexy little dress. The type of dress some of the girls in the office wore. Wraparound dresses which accentuated the body, but were still demure enough to be worn in a professional capacity.
She sighed and pinned her hair back with a boring black clip. She recognised the girl in the mirror. It was the girl she’d always seen. But after yesterday, experiencing what it felt like to be all dressed up and looking beautiful, she wanted to be that girl again.
The room phone ringing had her pulling her attention from the mirror and walking over to answer it.
‘Hello?’
‘Good morning, Pam, I hope you slept well?’
Pam gripped the phone a bit tighter, her heart beating a little faster as it recognised the voice on the other end of the phone.
‘Hi Nick, I slept well, how ab
out you?’
Such a mundane conversation they were sharing, so domesticated and a little surreal.
‘I slept fine. I wanted to let you know I’ve got to make a quick call before I can meet you. I didn’t want to let you get down there and think I’d forgotten we had arranged to meet up.’
‘Oh, okay, no problems. Do you want to change the time to meet?’
Pam was crossing her fingers in hope he would agree and she’d have time to run down to the hotel boutique, to see if they had something a little more fashionable for her to wear.
‘No, it’s fine, you go down and order and I’ll get there as quickly as I can.’
‘Right, I’ll see you then. Bye.’
She hung up the phone on the sound of Nick saying goodbye to her. She shouldn’t feel disappointed there was no time to go down to the hotel boutique. What was she trying to prove anyway? The way she was dressed today was who she was. She was discreet, reliable Pamela Bishop. The girl no one ever saw in the office. The girl who went about her duties, each day, in a quiet and efficient manner. The girl who caused no ripples or disruption to the mechanics of how the office operated. She laughed when she realised she’d pretty much echoed the same words Nick had said about her last night. They were true and, up until yesterday, she had always been proud of her achievements and how she conducted herself in her professional life. Why, all of a sudden, was she finding herself lacking? Why was she feeling so out of place in the corporate world?
Pam pulled herself out of her funk. It was probably the let-down from the buzz of organising the wedding. It had been exciting to go over the plans with Jasmine. To hear the way she spoke about Luciano, love infusing each and every word. She wanted that type of love in her life, and maybe taking off to the other side of the world could be one way to achieve the dream. Perhaps her knight in shining armour was waiting for her in New York right now. Biding his time until they met. Perhaps her new and exciting future was about to begin.
Bound By His Desire Page 2