by Banks, Maya
What the hell was wrong with her?
She dressed and nearly died when she pulled on the skirt over her bare bottom. It just felt weird not to have underwear on. Not that a thong offered much more protection than a pair of panties, but even having something covering her was better than nothing.
She dried her hair and brushed it out. There wasn’t much hope for it this morning, and she didn’t have time to mess with it, so she twisted it into a knot and put on a large clip to secure it. After applying enough makeup to cover the smudges under her eyes, she took a deep breath and inspected her reflection in the mirror.
She wouldn’t win any beauty pageants, but she’d do.
After brushing her teeth and applying her lip gloss, she left the bathroom to retrieve her shoes from the bed. She stuffed her clothing from the night before in her overnight bag and then left the bedroom in search of Gabe.
He was standing at the bar in the kitchen drinking a glass of juice. When he saw her, he emptied the rest of the contents of the glass and put it in the sink.
“All set?”
She took in a deep breath. “Yes.”
He motioned her toward the door and then reached for her bag. “We’ll leave this here. No need to take it into the office. That would be advertising that we spent the night together and I don’t think that’s what you want. I’ll send it over after work if you like.”
She nodded and handed it over and then waited as he summoned the elevator.
The ride down was quiet, though she noticed that he kept glancing her way, his weighted stare raking over her. She kept her gaze averted, her nerve deserting her. Why she would be nervous now after the night they’d spent together, she had no idea, but she was seized by awkwardness and somehow making small talk seemed way too forced. So she remained silent as they departed the building and got into the waiting car.
“We’ll eat at Rosario’s and then walk to the office,” he said, referring to an eatery just two blocks from his office building.
She was famished. And she was already dragging and the day hadn’t even begun. If Gabe planned more nights like the last, she was going to be a walking zombie at work.
To her surprise, he reached across the seat and curled his hand around hers, lacing their fingers together. He squeezed, almost as if he were reaching into her thoughts and reassuring her.
She turned and smiled at him, warmed by the gesture. He smiled back and said, “There, that’s better. You were so somber. I can’t have everyone thinking on your first day that you’d rather be anywhere else.”
Her smile broadened and she relaxed, allowing some of the tension to ebb from her body. It was going to be all right. She could do this. She was smart and capable. She could think on her feet, even if Gabe reduced her to a blithering idiot at times. This job would be a challenge, but one she would embrace. Yes, she had no illusions that Gabe had hired her for her brains, but there was no reason she couldn’t prove to be a valuable asset outside of the bedroom.
They ate a leisurely breakfast, and at eight thirty, they walked the two blocks to his office building and rode the elevator up to his floor. She experienced a bout of nerves as they stepped off and walked past Eleanor.
“Good morning, Eleanor,” Gabe said in a formal voice. “Mia and I will be behind closed doors until my ten o’clock meeting. I’ll be getting her up to speed on her job duties. See that we aren’t disturbed. When I attend my meeting, I want you to take her around and introduce her to the rest of the staff.”
“Yes, sir,” Eleanor said briskly.
Mia had to stifle her laughter as she was reminded of her conversation with Gabe about master and sir. He sent her a quelling look as he directed her down the hall to his office.
When they went in, she was surprised to see a desk on the opposite wall from where his was situated. Furniture and fixtures had been rearranged to make room for the new desk, and two bookcases had been completely removed.
“This is where you’ll work,” he said. “Since you’ll be working so closely with me, I saw no need to give you your own office.” His voice lowered to a velvety, seductive timbre. “You’ll remain close to me at all times.”
She shivered at the sensual promise in his voice. How the hell was she supposed to get any work done with him sitting across from her and her knowing that at any moment he would get the urge to have sex with her?
And then all trace of innuendo disappeared and he was brisk and businesslike. He went to his desk and pulled out a folder thick with documents. He handed it to her and said, “These are files on investors, business colleagues and other various people important to this business. I want you to read over their profiles and commit them to memory. There are details of their likes, dislikes, their spouses’ names, their children’s names, their hobbies and interests, et cetera. It’s important you retain all of this information and can bring it to mind when you meet them at functions or in a meeting. I’ll expect you to be personable and warm and be knowledgeable of them as individuals. It goes a long way in business to know everything you can and use every advantage. As my assistant, you’ll aid me in charming these people. We want their money and backing. There’s no room for mistakes.”
Her eyes widened and she took the folder, feeling its weight. There was a lot of information here and she swallowed back her panic. She could do this. She could totally do this.
“I’ll leave you to your reading,” he said. “I need to catch up on e-mails and messages before my meeting. When I’m done, we’ll go over some of your other job duties.”
Nodding, she turned away and headed for the desk assigned to her. She settled into the sumptuous leather executive chair and pulled herself forward to begin memorizing the huge amount of data before her.
chapter twelve
“Mia?”
Mia looked up from the pile of papers she was reading over to see Eleanor standing in the doorway of Gabe’s office.
“If you’re ready, I’ll take you around and introduce you to the staff.”
Mia pushed back and rotated her stiff neck, all the information swirling around, jumbled in her brain. She smiled in Eleanor’s direction.
Eleanor was nice and she’d been HCM’s receptionist forever. Though Mia had only been into the offices a few times before, she’d spoken frequently on the phone with Eleanor. Usually when Mia was calling for Jace or when Jace had Eleanor phone her with a message. Usually that he was running late for one of his dates with Mia.
Mia had watched closely for speculation in Eleanor’s eyes. Or even surprise that it was Gabe and not Jace Mia had come to work for. But either Eleanor wasn’t surprised or she was very good at hiding her emotions. That wouldn’t likely be the case with the rest of the office staff.
Even if she didn’t know them, they’d know who she was as soon as she was introduced. The next while wasn’t going to be the most comfortable of moments.
Mia stood and straightened the documents before stuffing them back into the folder. Then she self-consciously slid her hand down the back of her skirt, praying that no one would be able to tell she had no panties on. She walked around the desk and met Eleanor in the hallway.
“I’ll take you down the other corridor where the offices are located and then we’ll hit the wing on the opposite side of the floor where all the cubicles are.”
Mia nodded and fell in behind Eleanor as she walked briskly through the reception area and to the opposite hallway. At the first door, she paused and stuck her head in.
“John? There’s someone I want you to meet.”
John lifted his head as Eleanor and Mia entered. He was a younger man—older than her, but younger than Gabe—with glasses and dressed in a polo shirt. When he stood, she saw the casual slacks. Gabe obviously didn’t hold the rest of his staff to his same dress code.
“This is Mia Crestwell, Mr. Hamilton’s new personal assistant,” Eleanor said.
John’s eyebrows lifted in quick surprise, but he didn’t offer a comment.
He held out his hand to shake Mia’s. “It’s a pleasure, Mia. I think you’ll enjoy working here. Mr. Hamilton is a great boss and a super person to work for.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Mia said, offering a smile.
“I’m sure we’ll be working closely together since you’re Mr. Hamilton’s personal assistant.”
Mia smiled and nodded, not knowing what else to say. She was terrible with casual chitchat.
As if sensing her unease, Eleanor was quick to retreat.
“Well, we’ll leave you to your work, John. I’m sure you’re busy, and I still have to take Mia around the office.”
“I’ll see you around,” John said. “Welcome to the team.”
“Thank you,” Mia murmured.
She followed Eleanor out and then repeated the process with five other employees, all in various positions of management within the company. The CFO was an impatient, fidgety man who seemed preoccupied and irritated at the distraction. Even Eleanor was brief and hurried Mia away.
The two vice presidents Mia met next were women, one who looked to be in her thirties with a warm smile and intelligent eyes. The other was slightly older, maybe forty or so, and she was a talker. It took several attempts before Eleanor was able to pull Mia away and cross the parallel hall to the other side of the building.
There, she met a myriad of people whose names she had no hope of remembering. Several looked speculatively at her when she was introduced as Gabe’s personal assistant. She couldn’t blame them really, as Gabe hadn’t had one in years. And there was the fact that she was Jace’s sister, and as soon as her name came out of Eleanor’s mouth, there had been instant recognition. And just as instant were the wheels turning in their heads as they’d stared at Mia.
Oh yeah, she was definitely going to be the gossip du jour.
When they were finally done with the meet and greet, Eleanor took her to the lounge and showed her the refrigerator and fully stocked kitchen. There was an eating area with an array of snacks and easy-to-prepare foods, and a cabinet with a variety of drinks, as well as a water cooler.
Eleanor turned and waved with her hands. “And that’s the grand tour. Oh, and the ladies’ bathroom is between the lounge and the cubicle section.”
Mia smiled warmly. “Thank you, Eleanor. I appreciate your taking the time to show me around and for your kindness.”
“Anytime. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m going to get back to my desk and relieve Charlotte.”
Mia followed her out but went in search of the bathroom instead of returning immediately to Gabe’s office. She needed to pee and freshen up. She was still feeling the effects of the night before and she was certain she looked hungover.
She went into the stall at the very end and closed the door behind her. Almost immediately, she heard the door open and more than one person enter. Ugh, she hated peeing around others. But the other women evidently weren’t going down to the stalls. The sound of a faucet running gave her time to do her business, and she was prepared to finish up and exit when she went still.
“So what do you make of Gabe’s new personal assistant?”
The woman’s voice was filled with amusement—and disbelief. Mia wanted to groan. Not even here half a day and she was already the topic of gossip. Which was to be expected, but she’d hoped not to have to hear it firsthand.
“Isn’t she Jace Crestwell’s little sister?” another woman asked.
“Uh-huh. Guess we know how she landed that job.”
“Poor thing. She probably has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.”
“I don’t know. I think I could go for some of that,” the first woman said. “I mean, hello. He’s rich, he’s gorgeous and I’ve heard he’s a beast in bed. Literally. Did you hear the rumor that he has a contract he makes all his women sign before he goes to bed with them?”
“Wonder which employment contract the new girl signed,” the second woman said in a knowing voice.
There was laughter from at least three people. Great. Girls’ meeting in the bathroom and Mia was trapped. She pulled up her feet so no one could see and just prayed they never made it down this far.
“I’d rather be the filling in a Jace and Ash sandwich,” one of the women said. “Can you imagine having two dominant billionaires in your bed?”
Mia rolled her eyes and shuddered. Like she wanted to hear all of this about her brother?
“What do you think the story is behind those two?” the first one asked. “They always seem to go for the same woman. It’s kind of weird if you ask me. I mean not that I would mind having a threesome with them, but for them it’s a regular thing.”
“Maybe they’re bisexual.”
Mia’s mouth fell open. Holy shit. Not that she gave gossip much credence, but apparently the rumor mill was that Jace and Ash had some major kink of their own going on, and Gabe wasn’t the lone ranger in this company.
She so did not want to imagine her brother in those kinds of situations.
“Ten-to-one, Gabe’s fucking Jace’s sister. Can you imagine if Jace finds out? Everyone knows he’s way overprotective of her.”
Mia sighed. It was probably too much to hope for that she could come to work and not have instant speculation.
“Maybe he knows and doesn’t care,” another woman offered. “She’s an adult.”
“She’s way younger than Gabe, and if he made her sign a contract, I don’t see that going over well with Jace.”
“Maybe she’s into that sort of thing.”
“Uh, guys,” a new voice piped up in a hesitant voice. “I kind of know the contract thing is real. I snuck into his office one night when I was working late. I was curious. You know, because of the rumors and stuff. He had a boilerplate contract in his desk. Very interesting reading. Let’s just say that if a woman goes to bed with him, she basically signs her life over to him for that period of time.”
Mia’s head dropped to her knees with a thud.
“Get out! Are you kidding?”
“Are you insane? Do you know what would have happened if he had caught you? You would have been fired on the spot and God only knows what else he would have gone after you for.”
“How the hell did you get into his office? I know for a fact he keeps it locked.”
“I, uhm, picked the lock. I’m pretty good at it,” the newer woman admitted.
“Girl, you’ve got a death wish. I wouldn’t be doing that shit again if I were you.”
“Shit guys, we need to get back to work. That report’s due at two, and Gabe is not as understanding as Ash is about tardiness. I wish Jace and Ash would hurry up and get back from wherever it is they are. They’re much easier to work for than Gabe.”
There was a flurry of activity and the sounds of scurrying feet, paper being pulled from the dispenser and then finally the sounds of retreat. The door squeaked shut and Mia let out a long sigh of relief.
She scrambled off the toilet and hurriedly fixed her skirt. She opened the door to the stall and peeked out and then fled to the sink, doing a quick wash. At the door, she hesitated, cracked it open just an inch and peered down the hall.
The coast was clear so she bolted out and hurried back to Gabe’s office.
Oh, the things you learned at work.
Gabe would be so pissed if he knew his office had been broken into and his personal documents had been read. Not that she was going to be a tattletale on her first day of work. She didn’t even know which woman was the guilty party. All the names and voices had run together during the introductions.
Thankfully Gabe had not returned from his meeting, and Mia sank into her chair. She opened the folder again and the words swam in front of her eyes. It was a lot of information to process.
She jumped when her phone rang. She eyed it nervously and then hesitantly picked up the receiver.
“Mia Crestwell,” she s
aid by way of answering. Hello seemed unprofessional, and she didn’t want to come across as a complete idiot.
Gabe’s voice filled her ear, warm and sensual. “Mia, I’m running a little late. I’d intended for us to have lunch together, but I’m going to be delayed. I’m having Eleanor order in lunch for you.”
“Okay. Thank you,” she murmured.
“Did she take you around the office?”
“Yes, she did.”
“And? Everything go well? Was everyone polite to you?”
“Oh of course. Everyone was great. I’m back in the office, obviously, since I’m talking to you. I’m working on the folder of stuff you gave me this morning.”
“Just don’t forget to eat,” he said, admonishment in his voice. “I’ll see you after lunch.”
Before she could say bye, the line went dead. Ruefully, she replaced the receiver and turned her attention back to the folder.
Thirty minutes later, Eleanor popped her head in the door and Mia waved her in. Eleanor carried a takeout bag with her and placed it on Mia’s desk.
“Mr. Hamilton said you like Thai, and there’s a really good place down the block that delivers so I ordered you the special. If you’ll give me an idea of your likes and dislikes, I’ll make note so that in the future I make sure and get you something to your taste.”
“Thai is perfect,” Mia said. “Thank you. You didn’t need to do this.”
Eleanor frowned. “Mr. Hamilton was very specific that I was to order in lunch for you and also to make certain you eat. Oh, and if he didn’t tell you already, he has a stocked minifridge here in his office with an array of drinks, so help yourself. It’s over underneath the cabinet.”
“Thank you, Eleanor. You’ve been very kind.”
Eleanor nodded and then turned and disappeared from the office.