“I have a new project for you,” I say, calmly.
“Oh fun. Okay. Does it have anything to do with the new kale smoothie I made you? I know it was a risk adding the chia seeds without your knowledge but they are really good for you.”
It was a risk, but they were good. I enjoyed the new addition.
“Nothing like that.” I steeple my fingers together on my desk “This is a new responsibility, a big project actually, one that you’ll be taking the lead and working with the art department on.”
“Really?” She shifts in her chair, perking up, pen poised. “I’m intrigued, what is it?”
“As you know, I had a meeting with the management staff two days ago. In the meeting we discussed the overall organization through the different departments and the efficiency that everyday tasks were being accomplished. I explained to them the process we have up here on the eighty-eighth floor and how well organized and efficient you are.”
She fluffs her hair. “Do tell me more.”
When she does shit like that, cute shit like that, it makes me want to do dirty things to her to counteract the cuteness. And that’s something I’ve become quite aware of, a feeling I’ve been earnestly tamping down.
Keeping my voice still, I say, “I told them you have insightful ideas when it comes to organization, and I’d like to see those ideas on paper.”
“Okay, so you want me to do a PowerPoint presentation or something?”
I shake my head. “No, I want you to develop a task planner for the senior assistants to use to increase their day-to-day efficiency. I want you to work with the art department and create something inspiring, unique, something that will . . . move employees to work harder. Not that we’re having productivity issues, but I get the feeling that you’re not the only assistant who prefers using pen and paper over technology. I’d always believed it would slow an assistant down, but it doesn’t. Not for you anyway, and I wondered if there were other assistants who’d work more efficiently with your system. My guess is the art department would consider physical planners and online planners to run through our internal network.” She’s silent. Completely silent. I blink. Uhh. “Charlee?”
Her jaw falls open. Shock hitting her first, followed by a vast array of emotions as her eyes well up with tears. “You’re kidding, right? This is a prank.” She looks around my office. “Is Ashton Kutcher going to laugh in my face while wearing a trucker’s hat any minute now?”
“This isn’t a prank. I don’t joke about projects.” I keep a steely façade. “This is very much serious and I hope you take it that way. I want a companywide planner developed for all departments and you’re at the helm of the product design.”
“Oh . . . my . . . God.” She waves her hand in front of her face and sucks in a deep breath. “Rath, I don’t think you know how magical this is for me.”
I shuffle some papers around, feeling uncomfortable from her overwhelmed reaction. I know it’s a big deal for her and that she’s grateful, but receiving thanks is not easy for me.
“Just make sure you do a good job,” I say, feeling stiff and awkward.
Get it together, man.
“Of course, I’ll do a good job. I’ll do an exceptional job because you gave me such a wonderful opportunity. And don’t worry, I won’t let this distract me from my everyday tasks with you.”
“I know it won’t, because you’re good at prioritizing. I’d like to see a prototype next week.”
“Yes, of course. Eeep.” She claps her hands and bounces in her chair. I divert my eyes away from her bouncing chest. Christ, when did I become such a pervert with this woman? “I want to give you a hug . . . badly, I’m a hugger, but I know we don’t do that.” She clenches her fists together. “Just envision me hugging you.”
I can envision it all right and that’s the problem. I can envision her pert tits pressed against my rock-hard chest. I can envision the way her head fits right under my chin, or the way my hand casually rolls down her back until it hits the swell of her ass.
I can envision way too much, and that’s why I’m staying on this side of my desk and not giving in to temptation.
“Yes, well. Why don’t you go get started? I’ll send you an email with the two people you’ll be working with. Renita would also like to be involved. She’s keen to get started.”
“Renita is lovely. I’d enjoy working with her. Before I go, is there anything else you need? Food, a drink . . . a pastry?”
I shake my head. “I’m good.”
She nods and stands but before she goes, she clutches her notebook to her chest and she says, “I want you to know how much this truly means to me, Rath, that you’re giving me this chance and putting trust in me to make something special for the company. It means the world to me.”
She doesn’t have to tell me, I can see it written all over her face, and it fills an empty hole in my heart, seeing the joy she’s getting out of something I’m giving her.
“Don’t let me down,” is all I say as she walks away. Once the door is shut, I lean back in my chair and let out a long breath of air.
And then smile.
I smile like a goddamn fool.
Chapter Twelve
CHARLEE
“Aah, Linus.” I hop out of my seat at the restaurant and pull him into a hug. We decided to meet for lunch and catch up, since it’s been a few weeks since we talked.
And because we’re efficient, he told me his order ahead of time, and I already put it in for us so we can have more time to talk rather than hem and haw over what to eat.
“You look great,” he says, wrapping his arms around me. “Really amazing.”
“Thank you.” We sit down and I motion to our salads. “Food just arrived.”
“I like how you work.” He unfolds his napkin and sets it on his lap. “Okay, first things first, how do you like your new apartment? Is it in a killer location?”
“Right around the corner from here. It’s breathtaking. I feel kind of wrong living there, and I’ve yet to unpack everything, which is very unlike me. I didn’t want to jinx it, you know?”
“Well, especially after Rath’s trigger-happy firing on the first day.” He chuckles and moves his fork around his salad. “I still can’t believe you went back to work and acted like it never happened.”
“It’s one way to secure a job.” I laugh. “But yes, I should have you over at some point, once I figure out all the boxes and whatnot.”
“Please do, I want to see what kind of living I’ve been missing out on by turning down Rath’s job opportunities.”
“If I were you, I’d be kicking myself in the ass.”
“Don’t wound me,” he says, clutching his chest. “But I could never leave Bram. He’s like a brother to me now. I think he would drown and die a slow death if I ever left. Plus, it’s great leverage for more money.”
“So true, you’re invaluable to him.” I pause for a drink and then ask, “Have you ever thought of moving up, doing something other than being someone’s executive assistant?”