Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“That’s good because we have a lunch meeting that’s a little later than usual today, so I need you to be okay.”
“Of course. What time?”
“One.”
“Am I taking notes at this meeting?”
“Yes.” I nod and then walk over to my desk to set my things down before heading into the kitchenette. After his coffee is brewed, I enter his open door with his fresh cup of coffee. “Here you go, Mr. Hardwick.”
“It’s Lincoln. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“Sorry, Lincoln.”
“You have no problem referring to Davis, your driver, and that other guy by their first names.” I’d say he was jealous of it, but I know better. If he only knew the truth.
“They aren’t the big boss.”
“Well, as the big boss, it would be wise to do as I say.” Why are my panties getting wetter by the second?
“Of course.” I nod, hoping he can’t read the desire that has to be written all over my face.
“So what’s my name?”
“Lincoln.”
“Good girl.” This time I blush so brightly that he has to notice. With my feet carrying me out of the office in a hurry, I answer my desk phone just as it begins to ring.
“Mr. Hardwick’s office.” He walks away to his office, grumbling something. The person on the line hangs up and I check to see the call came from the sixth floor. I call the number back, but no one answers.
Two hours later, as I finish up more notes from the last business meeting, he calls out from his desk instead of messaging me from his computer or even calling me via the phone right in front of him.
“Lacey, can you come into my office now?”
“No, I can’t, you big, hot jerk,” I mutter. I glare at my screen, knowing Mr. Hardwick can’t see my face and imagining what I want to say to the man. Still, I stand up like a good assistant. I’ve been working for Mr. Hardwick for two weeks now, and even with all the mistakes, I’m pretty damn awesome.
I had only been with the company for six months when I was suddenly taken from my data entry position and tossed into this role. Apparently, no one can stand Mr. Hardwick, and I get why. Granted, he’s great to look at, but his personality is seriously lacking. Who am I kidding? If the man showed an ounce of interest in me, I’d fold like a cheap seat.
My heels click loudly and are full of intent as I make my way to his large office. I don’t even make it inside when he blurts out his demand. “I need you to make copies of the report for everyone at the meeting.”
“And don’t intentionally leave any pages out.” I see the slight smile on his face, and I know he’s teasing about the whole bullshit lie Lawrence made up.
“And what would you do to me if I did?” I ask, feeling playful and immediately regret it as his eyes grow dark.
“I’d have to punish you, my flower. I mean Ms. Flowers.”
“I thought I was Lacey?”
His phone rings and distracts us in that brief moment.
“Lacey, please go make the copies before I forget myself.” Does he want me? My heart pounds out of my chest. I nod and close his office door before heading over to the copiers in the storage room.
I take ten minutes to print all the copies and another five to sort them. Once they’re clipped together, I take them to the conference room and set them in front of each chair. It’s a manager meeting that should take half the morning, so I’ll have a brief reprieve from his demands.
“Good, you’re almost done,” he states. The meeting is in about twenty minutes, so whatever it is, hopefully, it doesn’t take long.
My brows quirk up, staring at my boss, waiting for him to spit it out. His eyes linger on me in annoyance which only irritates me more. “Almost? Is there something else?”
“Yes, I need coffee made for me, please.” He hands me his travel mug to refill even though I made him some this morning.
“Very well,” I answer, turning my back to him and walking away before I bite him. He’s acting weird, and I can’t have read the situation differently in his office. The sexual tension could have been cut with a knife. The reality must be he doesn’t want to want me.
Still, I make his coffee and then walk out toward his office to see the assistant to the finance vice president leaning on my desk while Mr. Hardwick sits in my chair. What the motherfuck? I walk up to them, making sure to click my heels loudly.
“Hey, hooker, tables are for glasses not little…. so, get off my desk.”
“I’m going to report you to HR,” she hisses, whipping her long curly red hair with added and unnecessary dramatics.