Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
“I’m supposed to be there at eight but I’m an early bird. I’ll get there in time to make coffee for you to have when you arrive,” she promised.
“By eight is fine. It will take me a bit to get into a routine. I am not expecting you to live at the office or bring me coffee when I bellow from my office,” he said with something that sounded like humor.
“Do you bellow?” she asked.
“Not at Little girls who are doing their best.”
Silence stretched between them. Aspen forced herself to ask, “Are you going to replace me if I am a Little girl? I promise I’ll work hard.”
“Being Little and having the position as my administrative assistant are totally separate issues. Have you ever considered there might be another reason why I even ask if you’re Little?”
“Why do you?”
“Because every Daddy searches for the one Little who will make their life complete.”
“You’re a Daddy?”
“I’m…”
“You look like you’re settling in,” a deep voice commented.
“It’s Easton and Piper,” Aspen whispered to Tim before greeting the corporate leader. “Hi, Mr. Edgewater. Have you met Tim Simmons? He’s your new Chief Supply Officer.”
“Please, don’t get up, Tim. We’ll collapse on the lawn with you if that’s okay.” Easton lowered himself athletically to the ground with a bundle of material and string, before helping the sweet woman by his side to settle close to him.
“Let me welcome you to Edgewater Industries,” Easton said as he reached out to take Tim’s hand and shake it.
“Hi, Tim. We’re glad you’re here,” Piper chimed in. “We’ve been flying kites today. It’s not quite windy enough.”
“I’m sorry. I love seeing the octopus floating over the towers,” Aspen shared.
“There’ll be better days. I just enjoy getting some fresh air and sunshine,” Piper told her. “What are you all doing?”
“We went for ice cream and then here to play ball with Boston.”
At the sound of his name, Boston rolled over to share his belly with the young woman who he’d been introduced to outside of his duties. They were becoming fast friends.
“Ice cream,” Piper hummed. “That sounds good. Can I have some ice cream?”
“It does sound good. Tim, I’ll look forward to talking with you on Monday.” He stood and held out a hand to boost Piper to her feet. Holding the kite in one hand and his Little girl’s in the other, Easton lead her away.
“They’re holding hands, aren’t they?” Tim asked.
“Yes. They’re definitely perfect together,” Aspen answered, trying to keep the sigh of regret from her voice.
“I’m glad they’ve found each other. Time for Boston and me to let you enjoy the rest of your day,” Tim said, reaching for the harness. Immediately, Boston jumped to his feet and got in position.
“Can I walk back with you to Tower B?” Aspen asked.
“Where are you parked?” Tim asked.
“I don’t have a car.”
“Do you live on campus?” he asked as he stood to take hold of the harness and pick up the poop baggie.
“I live in Tower B as well. On the eighth floor.”
“Then you can help me test how Boston is learning his way around.” Tim shook the harness gently. “Take me home, Boston.”
Immediately, the dog stepped forward. Aspen followed quietly behind, marveling at the dog’s skill and intelligence. The combination of the two was remarkable. She tried to keep her gaze focused on Tim’s wide shoulders, but her eyes betrayed her, drifting to his trim waist and tight waist. She bit her lip in confusion as her thoughts flew all over the place.
Chapter 3
Aspen debated whether to wait for her boss at the bottom of the elevators the next morning. I could just hang back and make sure he gets there. He’ll never know.
A flash of insight made her walk away. Tim Simmons would not appreciate her doubting whether he could navigate from point A to point B. Aspen knew that whatever happened, Tim would triumph over any obstacles. He obviously hadn’t hidden inside his apartment after she’d met him on Saturday. He and Boston had been comfortable walking across the campus with her on Sunday.
When a mental image of the dominant man barricaded on the seventh floor popped into her mind, Aspen laughed. He was too dynamic to allow anything to keep him from taking charge. Walking onto the first floor of C Tower, she waved to the security guard as she headed for her first day in her new job.
She realized concern for him had wiped out her nervousness about starting a new job. Now hesitating at the door, Aspen wiped her palm against her skirt before triggering the door to open. With a deep breath in, she stepped across the threshold and into the receiving area. Her name plate shone brightly on the desk, making her smile.
“Good morning, Aspen,” Tim’s voice called from the private office beyond her desk.