He was already sitting at the conference table in the far corner of his rather large office. Lunch had been set out on the table, I walked towards it and the smell was delicious, there was a Cloche in front of a seat which I assumed was for me.
“Please sit Alexis.” He really did take my breath away, his vivid blue eyes were so alluring and I felt myself transfixed after only seconds of looking at him. He removed the Cloche and to his word was a delectable looking Calamari Salad.
I picked up a fork, stabbed a piece of Calamari and Rocket and shook my head, before I could accuse him of abusing his powers in the field of research, he laughed.
“It’s what I do Ms Summers.”
“What if I said, I was allergic to seafood?”
“I know mouth-to-mouth, you’d be fine.” Just the sheer mention of mouth-to-mouth made my lady bits stir. I raised my eyebrows at him and slowly took a bite, his stare was equally challenging. I think he wanted me to stop breathing, just so he could prove his statement. After I had swallowed he removed his Cloche and cut a nice big slice of T-Bone. He paused.
“It’s ok, go ahead, I know mouth-to-mouth too.”
“Well in that case Ms Summers, I’ll order Satay next time.”
I laughed, I hoped he did. Oh no you don’t, you little tramp.
“So Alexis, I want you, I don’t want anyone else. What is it going to take?” I pretty much spat the tomato and bean shoot back onto the plate.
“I’m sorry?” Oh that was classy Alexis. He seemed amused with my disgusting display of table manners.
“I want you to be my P.A. I won’t take no for an answer, Alexis. What is it going to take for you to say yes?” I thought back to my questions.
“I trained very hard to be a Concierge Attendant; I was starting to like my career change.”
“If you want your position back, it’s yours when Lucy returns.”
“Ok, my children always come first, what hours do you require of me?”
“7am to 6pm.”
I counter offered, “8:30 to 6pm”
“Deal, what else?” He was definitely keen.
“What is the Salary?” This was going pretty well so far.
“What do you want it to be?” Again, I nearly spat the food I just had placed into my mouth, I really didn’t know what to say. In the past if I’d been in a sticky situation I would fake it until I made it. I bit down on the empty fork and looked directly at him, he fidgeted in his seat, then broke my gaze and reached for a glass of water. Did I just unearth the infamous Bryce Clark? It was in that moment that I decided I would work for this man for free if need be. There was just something about our chemistry that drew me to him, deep down I knew this could spell trouble for me, but I didn’t care, or at least I didn’t think I did.
“Yes. I’ll be your P.A.” He looked up and smiled.
“Good.” He got up from his seat and went across to his desk and picked up the phone.
“Lucy can you let Michelle in please.”
The door opened and a stunning dark haired Amazonian Goddess walked in pushing a garment rack full of clothing, she carried herself impeccably and seemed to be just as fond of Bryce’s blue eyes as I was.
“Michelle, thank you, as usual you are a treasure.” He was very charismatic and knew just what to say to a woman.
“You’re welcome Mr Clark.” She didn’t seem to want to leave, but got the inkling after Bryce had returned to the conference table, Michelle sullenly said thank you and left the room. I glanced at the rack and noticed the silk mesh dress I’d fantasised about this morning and next to it approximately ten other garment bags and the Versace I had left with Dry Cleaning. My mouth dropped, I turned to Bryce.
“All yours Ms Summers, think of it as an addition to your salary, which you still need to propose.” I got up and went to the rack, it not only contained the clothing but matching shoes and bags.
“This really is too much, Mr Clark.” I was starting to go red with embarrassment.
“Alexis, it’s non-negotiable.” He got up and stood on the other side of the rack.
“Now, Lucy will begin your training straight away and I will need your salary figure by the end of the day, or I will decide for you. I have spoken to Ms Maroney and she has found another C.A. to fill your place and Alexis when you speak to me please call me Bryce.” He held out his hand, I grabbed it and went to shake it, but he turned my hand and put it to his mouth. He gently kissed the top of my hand.
“Thank you.” He said and in that moment I realised this man had feelings for me.
CHAPTER FIVE
My hand was still tingling, I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. You are imaging this Alexis? No, no you're not. You're 35 and have a pretty good idea when someone is coming on to you. I fixed my hair and patted my cheeks with some water. Maybe he is just a very flirtatious guy? I kept trying to justify his actions but the more I thought about it the surer I became. Agreeing to be his P.A. was inevitable; I'm well and truly drawn to this man, I will need to tread carefully especially if he is so brazen with his flirting and especially because I am enjoying it immensely. I stepped back from the mirror and pressed my dress down. Taking a deep breath I gave myself a quick pep talk. Get a grip Alexis, you can handle this, it's just harmless chemistry. I exited the bathroom and headed back to Lucinda.