Chapter One
Bella
I look through my wardrobe for the hundredth time this week, still unsure if the outfit I’ve picked for this morning, my first day of work, is the right one. It’s not like I haven’t been to the company before; in fact, you could say I grew up there.
Today will be my first day working for my father’s company, G.R Productions, well — my father and his best friend, Reed’s, company. However, knowing everyone there isn’t making the slightest bit of difference to my nerves, my hands are shaking and butterflies are swirling around my stomach.
I lift the navy slacks up again, holding them against the champagne colored silk blouse I’m wearing. They’re straight leg, fitted in all the best places which make my legs look a lot longer than they are. I’mdebating whether to go back to the drawing board when my father calls up to me.
“Bella, are you ready yet, darling? We need to leave soon.”
Yep, that’s me.
The girl who still lives with her parents. To be fair, I have just graduated from college and I am only twenty-one, however, when a girl graduates and starts a new job, she doesn’t exactly plan to be still living at home.
Tell that to my parents, though.
I am the baby of the family, the second child they had wanted to have years before but hadn’t been able to.
I am coddled, smothered and not allowed an ounce of freedom.
I went to a college locally so that my parents could have me home with them, and heaven forbid I ever dream of working anywhere other than G.R Productions — I honestly think it would break my father’s heart. My older brother works there too, however, I’m pretty sure he was given a choice in the matter. I, however, was not.
“Bella, come on. I don’t want to be late,” my father’s exasperated voice calls up the stairs.
Well, I guess this outfit will have to do.
“Coming,” I call back down to him, pulling the pants on and quickly grabbing my nude heels as I leave my room and make my way downstairs.
“You look beautiful, darling,” he says as he ushers me out the door and to his Range Rover. We pull out of the drive and head towards the Pacific Coast Highway, into L.A.
“Are you ready for your first day?”
“Yeah, Dad, I’ll be fine. A little nervous, but it’s not like I don’t already knoweveryone there.”
“Don’t worry about it, you’ll be great, darling, and Reed will take good care of you.”
And there-in lies the reason for my nerves.
Reed Burke.
My father’s best friend, business partner and the man I’ve had a crush on for as long as I can remember.
My new boss.
Reed
Today can kiss my ass, and it’s not even nine a.m.
I’ve had clients complaining, Directors walking off set and to top it off, I’ve got Bella starting today. I have absolutely nothing against Bella; she’s always been a sweet girl, a little on the quiet side, but a good person, and if she’s anything like her brother she’ll be an asset to the company, but today I could do without having to hold her hand and show her the ropes. It’s going to take a while to get her up to speed with everything before she’s actually of any use, and right now, I could do without it.
“Reed,” my assistant’s voice comes through the speaker phone on my desk. “Bella is here.”
Shit, already?
“Send her in, Tania, and can you grab me a coffee? Whatever Bella wants too, please.” I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get today.
My office door opens and I hear quiet footsteps approach my desk. I hit send on the email I was typing and look up.
