*****

Amy snapped out of her daydream, mumbled an apology, and continued following Joseph into his home office. As with everything else in Joseph’s life, the office was enormous, but surprisingly inviting. A huge fireplace dominated half of one wall, a fire blazing inside, the wood crackling, sending the smell of sweet pine into the air. There were several comfortable chairs arranged close to the fire, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase lined one two-story wall. She wandered over to the bookcase and found some of her favorite titles sitting on the shelves.

She caught herself just in time before grabbing one of the copies. She could picture herself curled up on the sofa, reading until she fell asleep. That sounded just about perfect at that moment.

Lucas stepped into the room, immediately drawing her eyes as she drank in his impeccable form. She forgot about Joseph, who was comfortably sitting in one of the lounge chairs near the fire, quietly watching the silent exchange between the two of them. Heat spread through her at the sight of him, though she’d been with him only an hour earlier. Something about the intimate setting of the office immediately turned her thoughts to sex.

She pulled her eyes away only to glance at the soft rug placed in front of the fire. She envisioned herself entangled in his arms as his head slowly lowered to take her suddenly straining nipple into his mouth.

Stop! What are you doing? she demanded of herself. You will not fall for your boss. She repeated the statement to herself ten times. She finally gained a tiny bit of her willpower back and slowly lifted her eyes and focused on Joseph instead.

After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Joseph offered her a comforting smile. For a moment, it was as if he could read her mind, which frightened her. She’d be mortified if he knew the kind of thoughts she was having about his son.

“Come sit, Amy, so we can chat.”

Amy took a seat on the couch across from Joseph. She tried to relax, but her hands were a bit shaky, so she gripped them tightly together in her lap and sat ramrod straight.

“Amy, we like to take care of our employees. We believe if we treat our employees well, then they’ll remain happy in their jobs and, therefore, happier in their lives. It all comes around full circle. A happy employee equals happy clients,” Joseph said.

“I’m very happy in my job, sir. I know I’m struggling a bit with the computer system, but if you give me a little more time, I’ll have it down. I’m more than willing to work weekends and stay late so I’m not using your time while learning the system,” Amy said as she found her voice. She’d do whatever it took to keep working for him.

“You’re doing an amazing job, dear. I have no complaints with how your work performance is going. Esther and Lucas have both said you’re a real asset to the team. This conversation isn’t about any work problems,” he said in a comforting tone.

Amy took a deep breath of relief.

“I brought you in here to let you know about your benefit package while working for the company. You’ve passed your probationary period so we’re offering you a permanent position,” he said.

Amy had been worried she might be losing her job, and instead she was gaining security. As elation surged through her, she found herself having a hard time remaining in her seat. She wanted to jump up and do a little dance. Relief flooded her.

“Thank you so much for your confidence in me. It truly means a lot. I promise to not let you down, and I’ll still be spending all my extra time making sure I’m giving you one hundred percent. This is the best job I could’ve ever hoped for, especially right out of college,” she said with real gratitude.

Joseph chuckled at the enthusiasm in her voice. “Amy, you’re a breath of fresh air, but wouldn’t you like to hear about your new salary and benefits before thanking me so much?” he asked.

“Yes, of course, sir,” she said.

“You know that officially I’m retired now, and my son runs the company. He’s doing a damn fine job of it, but I like to be slightly involved, and working on employee benefits is a good way for me to keep busy. Our company takes great pride in offering more benefits than your average corporation. I don’t disclose this to new hires because, first of all, I want them to take the position because they want to work here, and secondly, if that employee doesn’t work out, then no harm caused.

“We take care of all employees, from the top of the chain all the way to the bottom. Our executive positions get a few added bonuses, though. Since you work for the president of the company, you get the executive perks not many others receive,” Joseph said before pausing.

Amy waited to hear what he was talking about. She figured she’d get a medical and retirement package, but didn’t know what else large corporations offered.

“First of all, you’ll receive a company car. Lucas will take you down to the dealership to pick it out tomorrow. Esther’s favorite was always the Mercedes LX, but we have several options for you to choose from. You’ll be doing a lot of driving for us, and we want you to enjoy the ride. We always consider safety a number one factor, as well.”

Amy knew many companies offered vehicles for work, but she hadn’t even thought that might be a benefit of her job. Esther had warned her she’d be doing a lot of running around once her training was complete, but she hadn’t had time to worry about how she was going to do it. She was almost giddy with excitement. Did she get to take the car home with her? She didn’t know if it would be rude for her to ask.

“You will keep the vehicle with you and can drive it for personal use as well,” he said, as if reading her mind. “Unless there are performance issues with the car, we trade them in every two years.”

“That’s incredibly generous, thank you,” she said, feeling a bit too awed to say much.

“We aren’t quite done yet. We also provide you with cellular service. Here’s your new cell phone,” he said, handing it over with a piece of paper. “Your number’s on it. You have unlimited minutes, so you may also use this as your personal cell and can turn off your old one. Communication’s key to a good business, and we need to be able to reach each other at all times…well, that’s except in the middle of the night when work should be the last thing on anybody’s mind,” he added with a laugh. “Unfortunately, in the corporate world, time is forgotten, and there will be some extremely late nights and long weekends.”

Amy had no issues with working hard. She would’ve been willing to do it without all the added benefits, but with them, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for the corporation. If she had to work twenty-hour days, she’d do it with a smile.

“My dearest wife threw a couple of my company phones into the lake when we were on vacation. She always told me there was a time for work and a time to relax.” After meeting Katherine, Amy could absolutely see her doing that and the thought made her lips twist in a smile.

“Of course, you’ll have the finest medical insurance, which starts on Monday, and all the other benefits, which I’ve listed here. You can read through them later. The material will help you fall asleep.

“Now, for the biggest benefit, which I think is fitting, considering your current situation, which Lucas told me about,” he added without any condemnation in his voice. “All of our executive officers are offered housing. We have a terrific apartment complex reserved for our company personnel and visiting businessmen and women. We do a lot of work with people overseas and have found they prefer the apartment suites to a hotel.

“There’s low rent, and all utilities are included. Several of our board members stay in the complex for years, while saving up and buying their own homes. There’s no time limit on how long you stay. It’s yours for the duration of the job. If you’re out on sick leave, the apartment’s still yours. I want you to feel completely at home and safe in your new place.”

Amy had a feeling he knew a little bit about her past. Of course, he’d know about her past. She figured he did extensive background checks on the people working for his company, especially at such a high level.

“Your new apartment will be ready to move into by Monday. We had to do some painting and cleanup, as that’s where Esther was living for quite some time and we want it to be new for you. I think you’ll find it very comfortable if you want it. It’s already furnished, but Lucas will take you out tomorrow so you can pick your own decorations. Your belongings have already been moved in, except for a few clothes, which are sitting over by the door for you to use tomorrow.”

“I’d love to accept the apartment. The building I got approved for a couple weeks ago is quite a commute to work. The closer complexes were over my budget,” Amy said, embarrassed.

“Perfect, then you’ll be ready to go by tomorrow. That takes care of all the business I had for now. Do you have any questions for me?”

Amy was stunned. She didn’t know what to say. She had her own apartment. Her own apartment! It was even furnished. She also wouldn’t have many bills. As excitement washed through her, she forgot who she was for a moment and jumped up, throwing her arms around Joseph. “Thank you so much,” she said, finding herself near tears.

When she realized how unprofessional she was acting, she leapt back. “I’m sorry about that, Mr. Anderson. It’s just … I never imagined any of these things could be a part of my job, and…” her voice became thick as she tried to hold back her tears, then realized she couldn’t continue.

Joseph rose from the couch and pulled her back in for a bear hug. “It’s all right, dear. I never turn down a hug. You’re a good person and highly intelligent. You’ve earned all that you’re receiving. Don’t forget that, young lady.” He patted her back before letting go.

“As for tonight, I understand you don’t have a place to stay, so I’d like to offer you the guest house on my property. Now, don’t shake your head. We enjoy having people stay there. That’s why it’s called a guest house. There’s no need for you to go stay in some cheap hotel when I have a perfectly comfortable place you can use,” he said, sounding like his son, leaving no room for argument.

“You look as if you’re about to fall over, so I’ll have Lucas walk you out there. I noticed you were eyeing the books when you first came in. Would you like to take one with you to read this evening?”

Amy knew there was no point in arguing with the man. She’d lose, anyway. “That would be great.”

Amy couldn’t say anything else or she was going to burst into tears. Her eyes were red from unshed tears and she knew she wasn’t hiding it well. She’d never had anyone do so much for her. She’d never had someone have faith in her or show so much caring. It was amazing how wonderful Joseph was. She understood why he’d been given so much.

His family deserved everything they’d been given because they gave back tenfold. She’d overcome her attraction to Lucas because there was no way a cheap affair was worth losing all she had.

Yes, she had a feeling it would be hot, but a night in bed with him would lead to years of regret. There was no way she’d find a job as great as the one she had, and she knew her job would be over if they slept together.

Being a couple just wasn’t an option. He was too far out of her league, so she’d just have to make sure and keep her distance. She knew he wanted her. It was obvious, though he most likely gave the same look to all women between the ages of twenty-one and fifty. He was just an incredibly sensual man. She was most likely reading far more into the glances between them than what was actually there.

Her mind replayed their explosive kiss.

She could even justify that. It had been late at night and they’d been arguing. Anger had a tendency to turn to desire, that was all.

Amy realized she was just standing there, so she forced herself to move and headed straight to the huge bookshelf and grabbed the paperback she’d been looking at earlier. She couldn’t wait to get lost in the story.

“Thanks again, Mr. Anderson. I hope I don’t let you down.”

“You know, I’m going to get you to call me Joseph eventually, without having to remind you,” he teased her. “I have complete faith in you, Amy. I have a feeling you’ll be with us for many years to come. I’m going to leave Lucas to take you out to the guest house. I need to find Katherine and say goodbye to the last of the people here. Enjoy your night, dear.”

With those words, Joseph turned and left the room. Suddenly, the once-comfortable office seemed smaller than a closet with just her and Lucas standing there. She finally realized he hadn’t said a word for the entire conversation. She really wished she knew what he was thinking.