Her Dad's Friend(18)

Chapter 2.

Charles



Well wasn't that interesting...

I watch the brunette walk away from me and not look back once. I wrestle  down the impulse to laugh. That's one thing I've never had in a  secretary--someone who's shut me down before I've even spoken. And I  can't blame her too much, if Mark hadn't pointed her out as the new hire  I might have ended up doing what she accused me of. The black dress she  was wearing clung to her body in ways that made me want to imagine what  was underneath it, and I'd always had a thing for brunettes. Especially  with hair like that, long enough for me to run my hands through it and  get tangled in it.

The fantasy spins out from there too quickly--I imagine catching her  outside before she leaves, tangling my hands in that hair and holding  her still while I kiss her. After that I'd peel back that dress and find  out what's underneath it. I shake my head. Get a grip, Charles. She's  pretty, but she's your secretary. You've never crossed that line, don't  start now.

I pour myself a scotch. I don't particularly want to be at this party.  It's been a long day dealing with the contractors in Santa Fe, and what I  really need is peace and sleep. But apparently it helps morale to see  the boss at these kind of things Even if I did get shut down by the new  girl.         

     



 

I can't say it wasn't worth it. I could pretend that I didn't watch every last inch of her walk away, but that would be a lie.

That, and the way she turned the tables...yeah, definitely worth it.

I slip one hand into my pocket to adjust myself. It's good for the  people to see the boss at the party. Not so good to see the boss have a  boner at the party.

"Mr. Saxon, it's so good to see you!" A chirpy voice comes from my right. I groan inwardly. "Hello, Jennifer."

I dare to look, and see that the pink dress she's wearing is cut so low  she's practically spilling out of it. "I just wanted to say that I'm so  impressed with all the new locations you're willing to take chances on."  Her voice is practically a purr, "I actually have a location I'd like  to speak with you about, if you're interested."

I plaster on as good a smile as I can, "You know I'm always willing to hear new ideas."

"It's one of the things I really love about you." She pauses for way too long. "...and your company."

Nice recovery, I think.

Jennifer steps closer to me; her breasts are practically brushing my arm  now. "Is there a time when I can come by your office with the  proposal?"

"You can make an appointment with my new secretary. I think her name was--"

"Alyssa. We met." Her voice goes flat.

I knock back the rest of the scotch, and take a step away. "Yes, Alyssa.  I'm sure she'll be up to speed with my calendar in a few days."

"Whatever works for you," She says, the purr back in her tone. The innuendo is practically dripping off her words.

"If you'll excuse me, it's been a long day."

I don't wait for her to answer before I walk away. Some things never  change, and I've had to make this escape one too many times to be polite  about it anymore.

But Alyssa...that could be interesting. I think about the flushed look  on her face when she said she wanted nothing but professionalism. A bold  statement like that is as much for her as it is for me. I'm willing to  bet she was thinking some decidedly unprofessional thoughts about me.

I catch myself following that fantasy through one more time, and pull  myself back. Professionalism. I can do that. If it's professionalism she  wants, that's exactly what she'll get.