Just as Amanda appeared with a tray of coffee, Tasha replied, “No, not the angry version.”
“It’s quite something. I have known Jim for over twenty years and still find him very scary in full flow.”
“He can be quite intimidating, can’t he?”
“He doesn’t intimidate you though, does he?” asked Marcia bluntly.
“Not really, but I am still figuring how far I can push him, and I don’t work for him.”
“You will end up working for the studio, though.”
Tasha shrugged, not really wanting to get into this, with anyone, not Jim and certainly not Marcia. “Unlikely. I don’t want any favours from Jim or be seen to be accepting favours from him.”
“So you don’t plan on working out here then?” Marcia looked confused at the notion.
A huge frown creased Tasha’s brow. “I have no immediate plans, but I would like to work out here at some point.”
“Then you’ll work for the studio, Tasha. There is no way Jim will allow you to work for other studios and not ours.” Marcia, possibly sensing Tasha’s unease or reluctance to discuss this further, changed subject. “Lizzie is devastated you’re going home. She thinks you’re dead cool. High praise indeed from our Lizzie. Very few people are cool for her.”
Tasha laughed. “She is very sweet.”
“Some of Jim’s exes may disagree,” said Marcia cryptically.
Tasha opened her mouth to speak, but the door burst open to reveal Jim looking agitated.
“Sorry, baby.” He marched over and kissed her on the lips. “Thanks, Marcia.”
“No problem.” She quickly turned back to business. “Have you sorted it now?”
Jim nodded. “Yeah. They made some errors in their auditing which allowed them to go way over budget so their funds will be controlled by accounts for the foreseeable future.” Jim had already pulled Tasha to her feet, keeping a grip on her hand.
“Susie looked a little emotional,” laughed Marcia.
“Susie looks emotional from the second she leaves the elevator,” he replied sarcastically before essentially ending their conversation. “Thanks again, Marcia. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” He turned to leave taking Tasha with him.
“Nice to see you again.” Tasha offered the other woman a warm and genuine smile.
“Yeah, till next time. Have a good trip home.”
They passed Amanda talking on the phone as they headed for the vast space that was Jim’s office. She looked around and noticed a huge, glass conference table with about twenty chairs around it at one end of the room. At the opposite end was a large black leather sofa and a coffee table next to a door. In front of her she looked at his desk; much bigger than the one at home and glass, like Marc’s, but much bigger. He sat behind it now, filling his roomy, black leather chair and stared at her still by the door.
“Are you coming in, Tasha?” he asked with a smile.
She grinned in response and shut the door behind her as she looked out of the large window behind him.
“I prefer the view in New York.” Although this was an amazing view he had.
“So did I.” He spun around in his chair and pulled Tasha onto his lap. “Do you like my office?”
She nodded and ran her fingers through his hair, ruffling it a little. “I prefer the one at home.”
Jim responded with a laugh as he allowed his hand to travel up her leg and beneath her dress. “I know you do.” He kissed her neck, causing a low moan to leave her parted lips. “I am very pleased to see you, honey.”
Tasha turned on his lap so she faced him then shifted her weight wearing a large smile. “Gosh, you really are pleased to see me.” She giggled as she fidgeted a little more in his lap, ran her hands under his jacket to his shoulders and caressed her way across his chest as she went. “Bad morning?” she asked taking in the half frown he still wore.
“Hmmm, I’ve had better.”
Smiling, Tasha leaned in, whispering gently against his lips, “I could help you to relax.”
