by Lexy Timms
She settled for a pair of tan slacks and a dark red blouse. She still looked like she was ready for the office, but at least she looked comfortable and not stiff in the clothes. She surveyed the rest of her clothes critically. She should have bought a dress or two.
She hurried to the bathroom to add make up and let her hair out of her bun. “This’ll have to do,” she told her reflection in the mirror. Slipping on a pair of Mary Jane pumps, she then cautiously stepped out and stuffed her key in her pocket. She walked around to the front of the house and casually made her way inside Alex’s.
There were about a hundred, maybe more, guests chatting and mingling in the living room and spilling out into the backyard. They walked around outside in small groups, eating mini baked pastries and drinking apple cider and mimosas. There was a constant trickle of people going back into the living room for the extensive buffet of food.
Jamie poured herself a small glass of mimosa, too nervous to actually want food. Maybe if I’m in enough nerve-wracking situations like this, I’ll be a size two by the wedding. I could wear any dress I like if that happened. She smiled and then jumped when a hand touched her lower back. She turned around, thinking it would be Alex, but instead, she met a handsome man she had never seen before.
He grinned as his eyes roamed down and then up her. It was a gross gaze, but more like one appreciating the company. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s fine,” Jamie giggled. He was really cute.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” he said. “I’m Nicholas. I’m the founder and CEO of Sunrise Applications.”
“Oh, I’ve heard of you,” Jamie snapped her finger as she spoke. “Nicholas Wright. I’m Jamie Connors, Mr. Reid’s assistant.”
He held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jamie.” He smiled again. “I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”
Jamie went to shake his hand and Nicholas squeezed it gently before raising it to his lips to kiss. Butterflies fluttered in Jamie’s stomach, which were not altogether unpleasant.
Just then, Alex walked in with two other guests. He caught Jamie’s eye just as Nicholas kissed her hand. She thought she saw him frown and his face turn dark, but he smothered it quickly, or it never happened. He turned to talk to the woman next to him.
Jamie took a sip of her mimosa and smiled at Nicholas, turning her attention back to him as he continued chatting.
“So, tell me, how does an amazing woman like yourself end up working for grumpy Alex Reid?”
Jamie bit her lip to keep from giggling. A pickup line it definitely was, but that was something so rare that when she got them, she couldn’t help but feel incredibly flattered. “An excellent resume and a need for a job. How did you end up creating Sunrise Applications?”
Nicholas’ face brightened. Perfect question to ask a guy like him. “Well, I and a friend from college wanted to go into business together. He was the nerdy smart guy, I was the risk taker. He happened to know a lot about technology, including developing wicked-complicated cell phone applications. I majored in business with a minor in marketing. It made sense for us to start a cell phone application company. Hard stuff behind the scenes, easy click for customers.”
Jamie loved hearing people’s stories on how they got to where they were today. It was fascinating. “Very humble beginnings, for a company with a net worth of five million dollars today.” Jamie smiled, and ignored Alex’s blatant stare from behind Nicholas’ shoulder. He wanted her to interact and mingle. She was doing that.
“Even more humble than you think.” Nicholas laughed. “We had nothing, and a whole lotta college debt. We couldn’t even afford to buy groceries when we started. We were living off of Ramen noodles and care packages from our parents.”
At least you got care packages. Jamie brushed the bitter thought away. She was done with negativity in her life. What was the point of moving forward when you couldn’t let go of the past? She might be a story like Nicholas one day. You never knew. “I’d love to hear more.” She watched Alex from the corner of her eye as he chatted with the wife of another investor. Her husband had gone to get some more food and Jamie recognized him from the meeting she’d taken over for Alex. He saw her and waved her over. “Sorry, Nicholas. Do you mind if I grab something to eat?”
“Of course! I didn’t mean to chat your ear off.” He smiled apologetically. “You’re here to work, not listen to my rags to riches story.”
“I like your story.” She smiled genuinely. “But you are right, I probably should mingle with the other people here. Mr. Reid would probably appreciate that.”
Nicholas chuckled. “I’m sure Alex appreciates you. If he doesn’t, be sure and let me know. I can find you a job in my company like that.” He snapped his fingers and winked at her.
Jamie laughed with him. It was nice enjoying attention from a man who wasn’t complicated, or her boss, for once. “Don’t hold your breath. I’ve got a great set up with Mr. Reid.” She watched Alex order another drink from the bar. “I’ll find you again shortly, I’d like to hear the rest of your story.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Nicholas smiled warmly and raised his glass as he walked off to join another group of men chatting.
Jamie moved to the buffet and put a few small things on her plate. She wasn’t hungry after the omelet a few hours ago but it was the easiest way to make conversation with the gentleman from the meeting on Friday. Alex was standing awkwardly close to the man’s wife and she didn’t want the investor to get the wrong idea with Alex. Not that she knew it herself, she just assumed he wasn’t the kind of businessman that dabbled in that part of the business. However, did she really know? “Hello, Mr. Watkins?” She hated that she made his name sound like a question. She just wasn’t a hundred percent sure she had the man’s correct last name.
“Hello, Miss Connors!” He slipped his plate into his left hand and held out his right.
Jamie shook it and smiled. “It’s good to see you here.”
“It’s lovely to see you as well. Great job on Friday, by the way. I think you could sell a submarine to a camel herder.”
She laughed politely. “Thanks. I was a little frazzled at the meeting, but I’m glad it went smoothly.”
He filled his plate some more. “You did a great job. Mr. Reid is a smart man to have hired you.” He looked up and frowned when he noticed Alex’s hand resting above his wife’s elbow as he leaned in close to whisper into her ear.
“Is that your wife? I’d love to meet her.” Jamie set her plate down and linked her arm through Mr. Watkins’. She carried her mimosa in the other hand and cleared her throat as she approached Alex. “Mr. Reid! Mr. Watkins was just talking about the meeting the other day.” She watched Alex move abruptly back and glance at her, and then the man on her arm. “Did you have any questions, Mr. Watkins?” Not one that has to do with Alex apparently hitting on your wife, and your wife enjoying the attention.
“Nope. You did a great job, Miss Connors. I’m still not a hundred percent sure on investing.” Mr. Watkins stared at Alex and then darted his eyes to his wife.
“You must be Mrs. Watkins!” Jamie held out her hand and smiled at the dark-haired, petite and yet well-busted woman beside her boss. “I’m Jamie, Mr. Reid’s assistant.”
“Hello.” The woman’s eyes ran down Jamie’s figure and then back up. She smiled smugly, obviously assured Jamie wasn’t Alex’s type. “I’m Tara Watkins.”
It annoyed Jamie, but she kept her mouth shut. She was here to do a job. That was it.
Alex stepped around her and put his arm on Mr. Watkins’ shoulder. “Let’s go grab the ladies a drink and let me see if I can answer any concerns you might have about the venture.” He didn’t say a word to Jamie as he walked away.
Jamie chatted politely with Tara before excusing herself to talk to Nicholas, who was standing on his own staring out the large cathedral windows that overlooked the pool and forest in the back.
“Miss Connors!
Nice of you to join me again.” He smiled at her. “It’s quite the view, eh?”
She smiled. “It is.”
“How was Mrs. Watkins?”
Jamie continued to look out the window and admire the scenery. “She’s well.”
“I believe she still has her claws out.”
“Pardon?” Jamie turned her head and then smiled. “Oh, yes. She seems nice.”
Nicholas chuckled. “She’s been after your boss for several years now. Doesn’t seem to know quite how to catch the mouse, if you know what I mean.” He waved his hand. “No matter. Alex has always been polite around, and manages to hold off, her advances. Mr. Watkins, on the other hand, hasn’t been as lucky in keeping his pet off other people’s property.”
Jamie pressed her lips together, not quite sure on how to respond to his comments. She had assumed it was Alex hitting on Tara, but it seemed apparent now that it was Tara who was the trouble starter. It kind of made sense. However, it wasn’t her job to gossip with the investors.
“I apologize,” Nicholas said. “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s a common joke about Tara. I assumed you knew, or had been warned.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not the gossip or talking type. I can assure you on that. I had thought you knew because you handled Mr. Watkins perfectly.”
“You were watching me?”
Nicholas smiled again. “I believe nearly every man in this room is. You’re hard not to notice.”
She blushed, completely blown away by the compliment. “Th-Thank you.” She stared down at her hands, embarrassed, and not believing that others were watching her. She slowly raised her eyes and glanced around the room. She noticed Alex at the bar again.
“Give me another,” Alex growled in a low voice to the bartender.
Jamie stiffened when she heard his voice, but she tried to ignore it. “Sorry, what did you say?” She turned back to Nicholas and moved a little closer.
“I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner sometime.” Nicholas watched her, bemused. “I understand if you don’t. You must be incredibly busy with work.”
“Busy, but not that busy,” Jamie said. “I’d be happy to.”
Nicholas’ face lit up. “Excellent! I can finish my rags to riches story, and you can tell me yours. I’d love to hear it.” He dug into the pocket on his shirt, right over his taut chest. Jamie watched, enjoying the pull of the shirt across his upper body. “Here’s my card. My personal number’s on the back. Why don’t you text me when you’re available and I’ll make the arrangements?”
Jamie took the card and enjoyed the warmth of their fingers touching, but was disappointed to not feel the tremor she felt when Alex and she touched. She forced the comparison out of her mind. Not professional, Jamie.
There was a muffled crash near the bar and Jamie winced at the sound. Jamie looked around to find Alex trying to laugh off a tray of drinks spilling all over the floor. “I’m sorry, Nicholas, would you excuse me, again?”
“Of course.” Nicholas grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Make sure you let me know about that dinner. I’ll be waiting.”
“I will.” She returned the gentle squeeze briefly and then let go. “I’m afraid work calls at the moment, though.”
“Good luck,” said Nicholas.
I’ll need it. Jamie slipped past the others to help Alex. Most hadn’t noticed the crash or had gone back to chatting, already bored. “Everything all right?”
Alex looked at her with bloodshot eyes and a grin a little too wide. “Just a crap tray table that knocked champagne over. I’ve got the caterers coming to clean it up.” He shrugged. “Shit happens.” He glanced over to Nicholas, who appeared to be leaving. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
He was drunk, but it could be a lot worse. It wasn’t that bad. He was coherent enough to get out of there with his dignity intact and no one noticing. “Mr. Reid, Murray asked me to find you,” Jamie said. “Something about in the kitchen.” Jamie swallowed. “Please,” she said, trying to keep her voice cordial. “It seemed important.” She raised her eyebrows at him and somehow the situation processed in Alex’s slightly intoxicated head.
He nodded and followed Jamie into the kitchen. Murray was wiping the sideboards. “He needs water.” Jamie made Alex sit down in the nearest chair.
“Wuss wrong, Murray?” Alex’s words slurred slightly.
Murray handed him a bottle of water and eyed him suspiciously. “Nothing, sir.”
“Nope,” Jamie said, stepping in front of Alex. “You need to sober up and stop drinking alcohol before you do something stupid. It’s only two in the afternoon for Pete’s sake.”
Alex waved her off. “I’m fine,” he growled. “I don’t need your help.”
“I suggest you listen to her,” Murray said. “I can smell it on you. If your personal assistant suggests you slow down. Then I suggest you listen to her.”
“Seriously?” Alex looked at both of them with raised eyebrows.
“Isn’t that why you hired her?”
“Not to gauge my alcohol and school me like she’s my mother.”
Jamie thrust the bottle of water into Alex’s hands. “I’m not your mother. But I like my job and if you make a scene, in your own home, it’s going to look bad on me.”
Alex stared at her. “It’s all about you, isn’t it?”
She’d just used the line as an excuse. “No, it’s my job to make sure Billionaire Alex Reid keeps the investors believing he is solid like a rock. He doesn’t mess up on anything.”
Alex sighed. “Fine. I won’t drink anymore.” He stood and chugged the bottle of water. “There. Happy?”
“For now.”
“If you don’t mind, I have guests waiting to talk to me.” Alex stomped out of the room and back to the party.
Jamie watched him go. “I’m worried about him. He doesn’t seem himself as of late.” She didn’t realize she’d said the words out loud until Murray nodded and spoke.
“I don’t blame you.” Murray went back to cleaning the counter. “You’re not the only one worried about him.”
What was she supposed to do?
Jamie turned Nicholas’ card over and over in her hands. The brunch had long since finished. She hadn’t returned to it after talking to Alex in the kitchen. Instead, she’d gone down to her room and let him deal with his guests. He hadn’t called her back in, so she figured it was okay.
She stared at the expensive card twirling between two of her fingertips. She had already programmed the number into her phone, but she hadn’t sent him a text yet. She wasn’t sure what to say. He seemed like a nice guy, who was funny and handsome. She knew he would make the dinner into an amazing date, but every time she thought about texting him, Alex’s face popped into her head. He’s not interested in you. You’re just his PA. Don’t pretend there’s something there that isn’t. He didn’t hire you to date you. Do your job, get in and get out. It’s that simple. But somehow it wasn’t. Maybe getting out and going on a date would help.
A knock on the door distracted her from making a decision.
“Jamie? It’s me. Alex.”
Jamie sighed. “You can come in, Mr. Reid.” She heard the door open and Alex’s footsteps as he came around to sit across from her on the other couch.
He looked at her with an embarrassed expression. “I’m sorry,” he said, “for today.”
So, what was the correct way to handle this? Coddle him? Forgive him? Or tell him not to be an idiot and still keep her job? “You can drink at your own party, Mr. Reid,” Jamie said carefully. “It’s perfectly acceptable and I’m sure your guests would agree.”
“Would you stop addressing me so damn formally, Jamie?” Alex snapped. “I’m trying to apologize for acting like an asshole! I know you can talk to whomever you damn well please, but it drives me crazy.”
She blinked in surprise. “Pardon?” Did he just admit to being jealous?
He stared at her, his chest heaving. “Look! I know I
told you to come and mingle. That doesn’t mean you have to shack up with the first guy that hands you his business card.” He pointed to the card in her hand.
“This,” she held the card up and then stuffed it in her pocket, “is none of your damn business. I thought you came here to apologize for drinking.” She jumped up, anger taking control of her mouth. “And if I decide to go out with Nicholas, then that’s none of your business.”
“It is if it stops him from investing or he tries to hire you and pull you and my business away.” Alex waved her off, shaking his head. “I don’t even know why you’d want to date that trust fund jackass anyway.”
“As a matter of fact, he doesn’t have a trust fund,” Jamie retorted. “He couldn’t even afford food when he started Sunrise Applications. He lived off of Ramen noodles and care packages from his parents.”
“Oh, care packages,” Alex said sarcastically and rolled his eyes. “Trust funds come in different forms. It’s a hell of a lot better than being sent away and ignored for all of your life.”
Jamie froze, she realized Alex must have continued drinking when the party finished. He was drunk. “Is that what happened to you?” she asked softly, her irritation disappearing instantly.
Alex swallowed. “It doesn’t matter. I came here to apologize and instead I’m yelling at you.” He ran his hands over his face. “I don’t have any right to be jealous, but sometimes you drive me crazy, Jamie.”
She shook her head. “I don’t, Alex. It was your choice to drink today, I just suggested, as your PA, that you slow down. That’s all that happened today. I work for you, you’re my boss. Plain and simple. I won’t do anything to jeopardize that, I promise.” She stood. “I think you should leave.”
Alex stood as well, but instead of going to the door, he grabbed Jamie and pulled her toward him. Jamie’s breath hitched and a shiver ran down her spine. Whether that was from fear or lust she had no idea. Unlike when Stephen had grabbed her, Jamie now felt completely in control. Alex would let her go the second she pulled away, she was sure of that. Except, she didn’t want to pull away. Not quite yet. Images of Tara flirting with him, the idea of him drinking because he was jealous that another man was flirting with her, how incredibly sexy he looked in a white button up shirt and black dress pants… all of it flashed through her head and she kind of liked it.