I cannot let this get personal. I need this job to pay for Dad’s care facility.
I form a practiced smile. “Of course. I just wanted to clarify so that I understand exactly what’s expected of me.”
Georginne turns up her nose and begins to lead me toward the CEO’s office door. “I will introduce you to him now, and he might or might not have some tasks he already needs completed. You are on the payroll for Bradshaw Enterprises, but you’re more his private employee than the company’s. He owns it, of course, but you understand, the legality of having your own payroll is messier than simply hiring through your corporation.”
Her eyes travel over my frame once again, and I stand up a tad straighter, tugging on my hem.
“Yes, of course, I understand that. I answer to him.”
“Yes, directly. He’s not afraid to speak his mind. He has a particular way of doing things.”
I nod, not sure what she means by that. My mind immediately jerks me back to Friday night when he had hisparticularway with me, and I bite my lip at the memory as my cheeks heat.
“I would like to say, for the record, I have never...officiallymet Mr. Bradshaw before today.” My stupid brain word-vomitsall over the place.Why can’t I keep my damn mouth shut?I hold my breath as I watch her reaction.
Georginne’s face looks truly astonished. She pats my shoulder, seemingly attempting to comfort me. “Oh, darling, he is quite intimidating. You will be fine if you keep your mouth shut and do as you’re told.”
She offers a strained smile before knocking on the door.
“Come in,” I hear him growl from behind the black wood, and my stomach flips.
She opens the door, pushing it back to reveal him reclining against his office chair. A large desk separates us, and there are windows surrounding the spacious office, showcasing the city. The only other furniture in the room is four white leather chairs and a small black sofa.
“Mr. Bradshaw, this is Miss Dawson. She is your new personal assistant.”
His intense gaze has been trained on me since we entered, but his face gives nothing away.
“She is going to spend some time with Cheryl today and will be completing her paperwork with HR. Do you have any specific tasks you’d like her to do for you?”
I wish Georginne would shut up and leave us alone, but I realize that thought is irrational. This man is a stranger. I’ve never seen him before today.
Just keep telling yourself that . . .
He’s watching me with the same stare that I remember so vividly from that night at his penthouse. My skin is crawling underneath my black dress, and I want nothing more than to replay the time we spent together, forgetting the world and our problems. This man has seen every inch of me, up close and personal.
He finally speaks. “Miss Dawson can take care of the usual duties my PA was assigned today, and when I have somethingspecial, I’ll call her in.” His eyes haven’t left me even though he’s talking to his chief of staff.
Georginne glances at me. “Very well, Mr. Bradshaw. You know where to find her. I’ll make sure she’s up to speed on the expectations of her role.”
He nods. “Yes, and please brief her on the rules in the handbook regarding the dress code.”
The burning trail of his eyes over the hem of my dress brings a tinge of pink to my cheeks. His mouth forms a hard line as he observes me from his position of power in the executive chair, and I know I’m at his mercy.
Georginne is mortified. “Yes, sir, absolutely. The issue will be addressed immediately.”
She shuffles me out of the office. “Well, you don’t have any time to go home and change, but I will make sure you are in possession of the handbook for future reference. Mr. Bradshaw will not tolerate repeat offenses. Let’s get up there and see what Cheryl has to show you.”
I want to crawl into a shell and hide for the rest of the day.
CHAPTER 6
LUKE
I haveno earthly idea what Kate Dawson is doing in my office. The sight of her perky backside this morning, followed by her shocked, pretty face, threw me completely off guard—which is a very rare occurrence. I decided to reach out to the one of the only men I trust.
“Jackson, get me a new report on Dawson, Kate,” I voice-type into my phone before hitting the Send button.
She can’t be here by coincidence; that’s not a possibility. I know the whereabouts of everyone who is after me, and Kate is a civilian.
