Chapter Three
Angel paced her room. It was three hours too early to be up, yet she couldn’t sleep. She’d already picked out her outfit so she wouldn’t be scrambling when it was time to be getting ready. Driving to her new job would be a bitch of a commute, but once she got settled she’d get an apartment or something. The twins lived at home while her mom was away. Neither of them was capable of taking care of her. The other two were off doing their own thing. Mom refused to make everyone scramble home to be there for her.
She hoped she’d be able to start paying off the bills fast. The sooner the better actually. Hell Angel didn’t ask how much she’d be making because she knew it was top dollar. She’d probably be the best paid secretary in the United States. She shoved her hair from in front of her face and sighed when strands slid right back in her eye. She hated the first few days of a cut. It never stayed where she wanted it too. Growling in frustration, she stormed into the bathroom and grabbed a bobby pin to hold the bangs in place before making her way to the spare room.
Her mother had a large house and the spare room was sort of ‘the everything room’ which included a workout room. Angel wasn’t a small woman by any means, but she was in shape. Exercise was a part of her daily routine, as well as eating right. She wanted to do everything she could to avoid being sick like her mother. She jumped on the bike and let her mind go. It wasn’t until her brother came in rubbing his eyes that she realized she’d gone too long and that she needed to go.
Angel was on the road 30 minutes later driving to her new job. The nerves had all but vanished, but that would change. She knew when she was confronted with her new boss her heart would pound rapidly in her chest. He did funny things to her, and she didn’t like it. At a quarter after seven she parked her car and took a deep breath. “You can do this Angel,” she whispered.
She climbed out of her car and adjusted her skirt and pulled out the matching jacket. Throwing her shoulders back she plastered on her confident face. She’d clipped back her bangs and put a thin layer of makeup on to cover the dark circles from lack of sleep and stress. She went to push the door opened and it was locked. Figured being early meant no one would be there. Just as she was about to go to her car a lock clicked and Grayson opened the door.
“You’re early.”
“Yes, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t late.”
“I like it, come on in.”
She nodded and went inside and he shut and locked the door behind her.
“I usually like to have the morning to myself before the office chatter starts. Makes it hard to concentrate once everyone is here.”
“I won’t be a bother then, just tell me what you need me to do this morning and I’m good to go.”
He looked at her strangely but nodded and jerked his head to the side indicating she should follow him. She followed him into his office and he led her to a side door that opened into another office that was smaller, but it was spacious.
“Here’s your office. I need you close, and I don’t like to use the phone or email. It makes it easier this way.”
Angel nodded. “It’s a nice space. Can I brighten it up some?”
Grayson chuckled. “Let’s see if you make it here before you go redecorating my space.”
“You don’t have a lot of faith in who you hire. I should be offended, but I’ll prove you wrong.”
“I like your sass, but remember I am the boss Miss James.”
“Please call me Angel.”
“I’d rather not. So let’s get started. I need you to go through my emails. The list of everything you need is on the desk. It might take some time to memorize. I know what my schedule looks like for today so you can worry about learning the ins and outs of the place. It’s pretty busy, but mostly it’s when I go to the site I’ll need you with me keeping everything on track.”
“You’re a real hands on guy aren’t you?” she asked.
“Definitely, but I’m terrible at keeping my own schedule.”
“Lucky for you I’m great at it.” She paused. “Hey, do you know of any cheap apartments for rent or anything around here?”
He raised a brow. Of course he knew. “Why?”
She plopped in the chair and powered on the computer. “Well, if I’m going to be working here I might need to live here so the commutes not so bad.”
“Ah, yes you’re a Kansas girl.”
“Yep.”
“I’ll check around, find you the best deal in the safest area and get back to you. It might be a couple of days.”
Angel sighed. That’s what she was afraid of, but he would be the best one to help her. “Thanks. Now scoot, don’t you have work to do?”
His eyes lit with amusement. “Yes, ma’am I do.” He sauntered out of her new office, but left the door open. It felt strange being so close to him. He’d be able to call for her easily. No phone or PA system needed. She wondered why the office was secluded against the rest of them. She would have no choice but to walk through his space to leave. Was he that much of a controlling boss? She wouldn’t get to be a part of the office chatter, which was fine with her. She agreed with him on that, but it was so quiet she could hear him typing on his keyboard. Angel decided she’d have to bring her music in to help distract her. It was too quiet.
“Miss James.”
That was going to get old fast. She didn’t understand why he couldn’t call her by her name. It was so formal. Shaking her head she stood in her doorway and plastered a smile no her face. “Yes, sir?”
Something flashed in his eyes, and she ignored the way it sent a thrill down her spine.
“Just checking.” Then he looked at whatever was on his screen dismissing her.
Angel laughed. Things in her life had just gotten a bit more interesting. She didn’t like the attraction she felt, but she was in control of her emotions and would not let them rule her.