by Rose Marie
“Hi, I'll have two of what that girl ordered.” She smiled, took my card and asked my name, then handed me a receipt. When I step aside to wait for the food, my eyes unconsciously slide back over to her, intrigued. They travel lower and widen. Whoa her butt is huge! Staring at this point, I blatantly allow my eyes to roam over her soft looking dark skin. I wonder if her skin as soft as it looks? What are those two things in her back? They look like dimples on a back. Weird. I wa-“
“Joshua? Thank you for your wait sir, we added complimentary large drinks to your order.”
“Oh thank you. You didn’t have to do that.” She smiled knowingly at me.
“It’s no problem at all sir. Have a great day.” Nodding I thank her again, taking the food and going over to the girl who now looks defeated and hungry.
“Uhm Miss? I saw what happened over there and bought extra. I was wondering if I can convince you to join me for lunch?” She turned around, looking at me with wide eyes. She raised a brow at me then looked me over from bottom to top. I did the same because, to be honest, I couldn’t help it. She was nothing short of perfect. It made me nervous.
“No thanks. I don't need your charity white boy.” She turned away from me disinterested and I could feel my cheeks grow red from embarrassment. I don't know if it was her attitude or the way she dismissed me, but I felt wounded. No one has every talked like that to me before. Who the hell do she think she is? So much for doing a good deed.
“Listen Princess, I was only trying to be nice but whatever you can stand there hungry if you want for all I care, and just so you know the quip about my race was entirely unnecessary.” I turned away, my heart thumping in my chest and feeling pissed. She was definitely the sexiest girl I’d ever seen, but her attitude left much to be desired. About to leave, I feel a tap on my shoulder. When I turn around, I see her standing there. I glare ready, for her to say something offensive again. “Yeah?
“You’re right. What I said and did was unnecessary, and I’m sorry. I’m in a bad mood but I had no business taking it out on you. Forgive me?” She smiled showing dimples in both her cheeks, and It was like in my brain scrambled. I nod and she smiled again, this time showing pretty white teeth. “Cool then since you forgive me, I’ll accept your offer!” She grabbed the food from my hand taking it to a table sitting down pulling everything out.
Stunned, I shuffle over to the table she was sitting at and I take a eat. Looking down at the drinks, she frowns at the Coke and sets it in front of me, taking the Sprite. I watch in silence as she popped the container picked up the chicken tender biting into it. Whoa… is eating chicken tender supposed to be that erotic?
“So, what’s your name?”
“Joshua, and yours?” She took another bite of food then grabbed a napkin wiping her hands and mouth. She holds out her hand in a peace offering and I accept.
“I’m Layla. Thank you for coming to my rescue. My mom apparently forgot to load my card this morning.”
“Oh yeah. That sucks, but seriously it’s not problem. I’m glad I could help.” Her hazel colored eyes met mine for a second then she looked down.
“I’ll pay you back one day.” At that I could only chuckle. I doubt I’ll even see you again.
“Don’t worry about it. My dad preaches to me religiously about doing at least one good deed a day, so I look at it as if the debt is already repaid.” She only laughed and kept eating while asking me questions about myself that I answered less than truthfully. I don’t know what kept me from being honest with her but if I had to guess, it would probably be that I wanted to keep her this comfortable and relaxed around me. It’s rare for people to speak to me so openly and honestly without taking my family’s status into consideration.
Her easy-going personality made for the perfect ice breaker because we were able to keep the conversation steady and light. We laughed and cracked jokes like we were old friends who’d known each other forever. It was such a great atmosphere. We stayed talking so long I had to order another meal. We probably would have stayed longer had it not been for her mom calling and apologizing about not loading her card. After she finished her call, she packed up her barely touched second meal to go and allowed me to walk her to her car.
“So uh… Thanks for today. I mean, you did me a solid by allowing me to help you.” What the hell am I saying? I sound lame. She turned to me after placing her food into the car then smiled.
“You’re a sweetheart Josh. If we see each other again I’ll be sure to repay you.” With that being the only thing said to me, she stands on her tiptoes and places a kiss on my cheek. Soft. Her lips are softer than I expected. I wanted to grab her by the waist and pull her to me, but before I could finish my thought, she was in her car driving off. I should have asked for number. Whatever, my parents would flip if they knew I was talking to a black girl anyway. Not worth the risk. Still though, I watch with regret as she drove off. When she was gone from eyesight, I walk over to my GTR smiling from ear to ear. Though I feel sorry for myself, because had she been a white girl, I probably would have definitely asked her for her number. She was cool, down to earth and humble, it was something I wasn't used to in my life. It was a nice change of pace. Not to mention her beauty was unmatched.
Afterwards, instead of going to hang out with my friends like I had planned hours ago, I went home and called my best bud Aaron and told him I wasn’t going to make it. When he asked me why I couldn't make it, I knew he’d flip if I told him I met some hot black chick who stole all my attention, so I told him the next best thing.
“My bad man, I met this hot blonde.” Aaron had a thing for blondes so he took my word and ran with it excitedly. Once I got off the phone with him, I relax and watch some football with my dad, but I could hardly pay attention, because all I can think about was… that I wish I'd gotten her number.
End flashback
“Joshua, honey what are you doing?” Amber came up from behind, hugging me and taking me from my thoughts. “You were just standing there. Did something happen?” I turn into her arms, returning her hug.
“I’m just thinking about everything that’s happened, nothing to worry about. I've just got a lot on my mind that’s all.” I tell her pushing the memory away.
“Like the wedding?” She asks hopefully looking up at me.
“That’s apart of it but-.” I sigh shaking my head. “I just hired my personal assistant today and she and I have lot to go over tomorrow. I’m just hoping she’s up for the challenge of being my assistant.”
“Well that’s what you hired her for so she has not choice but to be ready for whatever challenge you throw her way. If you’re already having doubts and feel she’s incapable, then maybe she isn't the right fit for you. Have you ever thought of hiring a male assistant?” She asks moving from me.
“Come on, not this again. I never said she was incapable of getting the job done. I find her to be very capable actually. I just want don’t want to overwhelm her. As for hiring a male, why do you feel I need to hire one?”
“Why do you think? This woman will be with you everywhere, she'll know your whole life. Hell, it’s her job to be at your beck and call. I'm not so sure I'm comfortable with that.”
“Amber,“ I pull her right back into my arms, “I put a ring on your finger, not anyone else's. Why are we even having this conversation right now? Don’t you trust me?”
“I guess you're right, baby. I'm sorry. I just don't like the thought of you being so close to another woman.” She laid her head on my chest and I smooth her shoulder-length hair down placing a kiss on her head.
“I understand that babe, but I’d love it if you had a bit of faith in me. No, I want you to have faith in us.” She smiles looking up and I place a kiss on her lips this time.
“You’re right, Honey. I’m being silly.” Yes, she is because even though Layla and I have history, there is absolutely nothing she has to worry about.
Working with the Princess
What happened to my
bravado from yesterday? Why the hell am I so nervous to walk into my own building? Why have I been sitting in my car just staring at the front entrance? It’s definitely not because I saw Layla walk in looking beautiful as ever. Nope! It’s most assuredly not that!
When I pull up I was actually about to step out of my car, but shut my door and ducked as soon as I saw her. I leaned all the way back in my seat and brought my head up just enough so I could watch her apply her lipstick and fix her hair. When I see her take a picture and smile in her phone as if she were sending it, I curse the fact I didn’t have e-ray vision to see who she was sending it to. After she gathered her things –damn why does she have so much stuff with her?— she stepped out the I see her check the time then walk briskly to the building. That was thirty minutes ago and exactly at 6:50. If I was to take into account her signing in, going through the metal detectors and getting her badge, she would have made it to my office at 6:55 exactly as she stated.
I was getting hot in my suit and I had no reason to hide anymore, so I reluctantly open my car door and step out. Stretching, I check the time and groan when I see I’m late. Cursing myself, I grab my things from the back seat, slam the door, square my shoulders, and head inside. Once inside I'm greeted by Katy, but I only nod in her direction in return. With a face set in determination I march, ignoring the greetings the security guards give me, and step on the elevators. On the ride up, I give myself a pep talk to be on my best behavior and not allow our history to distract me from my job as a boss. Is it me or is this elevator taking forever? When the elevator stops and doors open, I'm of course greeted by Grace. Not the face I wanted to see first thing.
“Morning Mr. Gates. Your new hire is waiting in your office.” She tells me typing away on her desk top not even lifting her head.
“Thank you, Grace. Please call down to HR and warn them of Ms. Williams’ upcoming arrival.” I throw a look her way as I step off walking in the direction of my office.
“Of course, Mr. Gates.” She picks up the phone immediately, for once doing her job.
When I reach my office door, I clench my jaw to still myself from being intimidated by the woman on the other side. Who’s the boss here? Her or you? Joshua Gates, Layla Williams does not own you! She has no control over you so walk in that room and show her who’s boss! Pep talk over and done I walk into my office, only to be blown away by what I’m greeted with. What I expected to see was Layla sitting in one of the two chairs patiently waiting for me. What I was not expecting was for her to be busy moving things around my once messy desk putting things in order. She had the once scattered documents that were upon said desk be in neat and what looked like alphabetical order piles with color-coordinated sticky notes on them. Not only that, but the window shades were opened allowing the sun to filter through, and my desk was turned at an angle that was more flattering to the room. On top of that my computer was already booted up.
“Wow.” She did all this in thirty minutes? She looks up, greeting me with a smile I still to this day couldn’t help but love.
“Good morning Mr. Gates! I've taken the liberty of rearranging your desk and organizing a few of your documents. I've placed them in alphabetical order and they are ready to be filed away. Oh! One second!” She hurries from the room but was back within the minute. “Before coming in I made myself a to-go sandwich. Since you hired me as a personal assistant, you most likely wouldn’t stop and have breakfast this morning, so I made you one as well. Then as I got here, silly me, I realized I forgot the coffee, but I made you a cup from the break room.” She pushed her now straightened hair behind her ear and looked up at me embarrassed. “I-I remember you drank your coffee black, back then, so that’s how I made it. Is that okay?”
I step aside as she hands me the coffee and set the sandwich on my desk. I set my briefcase down and take a seat while sipping the coffee she’d handed me. I was ready to cringe, but the brew was rich and absolutely delicious. Wait?
“Wow this is delicious Layla, this can’t be the generic brand Grace brings in, can it?” She smiles, shaking her head no.
“No, I always bring in my own favorite brand of coffee into work. It’s more expensive, but so worth it, don’t you think Mr. Gates?” Calm down Joshua Jr., you are an engaged penis!
“C-certainly.” I answer taking a bigger sip. Chuckling, she walks over and hands me a napkin and only then did I notice the smell from the food sitting in front of me. I set my almost empty coffee cup down and pull off the foil off my sandwich, mouth instantly watering. The buttery cheesy bagel sandwich looked so delicious I had to wipe my mouth so I didn’t drool. It was flaky and golden brown. It looked as if it should be featured on the cover of a food magazine. Not wanting to wait, I pick it up taking a giant bite. To say my eyes rolled in the back of my head was an understatement. “What’s in this? This has to be the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had.” She moved away shaking her head.
“That good huh? Maybe one day I’ll give you the recipe and your fiancée can make it for you. All you need is seasoning but in the meantime…” She pulls out a notebook, “Would you like me to add the coffee and breakfast to my daily regimen? My old boss liked my cooking so much I typically made him breakfast and lunch to make things easier for him. I understand there are days where scheduling is so tight and you will be too busy to take a lunch, so I don't mind doing the same for you. Gates Technology is a global company so I know things will be more fast paced.” I was speechless at how effortlessly she was able to work together with me and ignore our stained history. When I came in this morning, I had a sick feeling in my gut that things would be awkward and uncomfortable. I thought she’d demand an explanation to the reason I left her with nothing more than an I’m sorry and an a few stupid gifts, but no. She’s being the definition of professional and it’s high time I follow suit.
I ponder this as I polish off the last bit of my sandwich while telling her to definitely add breakfast and coffee to the list. As she starts writing in her notepad, I remember that we need to get her things from the HR department.
“When you are done with that, grab your ID so we can go sign out your essentials for the job.” She looked up confused and I realized that her previous probably didn’t get everything we offer here. “I see you’re confused and that’s on me, I apologize. Why don’t we discuss your offer letter first, and then once we’ve had you sign, we can discuss the other parts of the job?” Standing from her crouched position, she purses her lips as if thinking.
“Would you like to go over the offer letter now? I’m ok with waiting until you’ve gotten yourself together and signed in. While you get your thoughts together, I can run down to HR and have them get me set up so that way when you tell me your needs, I can be fully prepared to meet them. I also want to be able to access your calendar as we speak in case of any meetings that need my attention. If we do it that way, we can discuss my job and your expectations in one fell swoop.”
This woman is unbelievable in her professionalism! I still can’t believe I thought I'd have to worry about our past this morning. She's shown no indication, other than when she almost walked out of the interview, that this could potentially be a problem or conflict of interest. I’m the one making a big deal out of nothing. I’m the one making things awkward. Our past was ten years ago, there’s no way Layla, who’s always been a beautiful, kind and smart girl, would be worried about someone who dumped her as ruthlessly as I did. Am I really the only one who’s still stuck in the past? Has she really moved on completely? Why does it hurt? I thought it over and nod.
“Sure, sounds like a plan. Head down to level five. They should have everything ready for you. It may take some time since they need to have you sign NDA’s about the company and get your prints and codes set up. While you’re doing that, I'll get the offer letter pulled up. By the time you get back, I'll be a bit more prepared for our discussion. Deal?”
“Deal.” She grabs her handbag and waves goodbye, leaving me alone. Unfortunately, tho
ugh I can’t stop myself from watching her leave. The tight skirt she had on really accentuated her hips and ass. It’s gotten bigger in the last ten years. Jesus… the nights I spent in th- Clearing my throat, I turn to my desktop and admonish myself. I really need to get it together. I can’t afford to lose my head like this. Not only that, but I don't want to lose her as an employee. Maybe if I can stop this nonsense, I could build a stable working relationship with her.
After logging into my computer, I finish off the rest of my coffee and throw my paper plate away. I take some time to check my emails, disappointed but not surprised when I don’t see anything from Mr. O’ Shea. I make a note to remind myself about the flowers that needed to be sent off, then pull up the offer letter for Layla. Last night I'd gotten HR to type out an offer, but with how efficient she is in her duties and the extra things she's taking into consideration for the job, I feel a bit more compensation is warranted for her efforts. I send a brief memo to them to have her salary altered for an amount I better suited for work ethic. I wait for the updated document to be sent over and have Grace print them out and get her to set up passcodes for Layla to have access to my calendar. Once everything for Layla was sent, I take to my day, anxious to have her come back so we can get started.
~*~
A knock on my door pulls me for my computer. Briefly calling for whoever it was to ‘enter’, I go back to typing out my response to my buddy Liam Stoltzfoos about the prenup agreement for Amber and I. When I see Layla come in out of my peripheral, I hit send and stand, coming from around my desk to grab the heavy MacBook and Ipad. She thanks me taking a seat with a huff.
“I feel like I need to able to purchase a home with everything I had to sign while I was down there.” Chuckling I shrug in understanding.
“You can blame my father for that. He’s big on maintaining everything up to date on security.” She nodded, looking up at me with a smile.