The truth is, I’ve coveted a membership at Edge for a long time, and I hated to let the fact that Hendrix is a top-tier member cause me to change course.There is absolutely no reason why I can’t hold a second-floor membership.
Except deep down, I knew this would eventually happen.In the back of my mind, I was aware we would eventually run into each other.I hadn’t expected it to happen this past Saturday.In addition, I had no idea how often he would even come to the second floor.
But whatever.I’m feeding myself lies.I knew I would see him at Edge, and I didn’t care enough to take steps to keep that from being embarrassing.
Because I have the hots for this billionaire.Bottom line.
My naïve brain pictured us bumping into each other—quite literally—and possibly doing a scene together at some point.I visualized flirting mercilessly with him.Him watching me scene with other Doms and Dommes.Him adjusting his cock in my peripheral vision.
Daydreams.The fantasies I masturbate to.Silly fodder.
At no point did I consider what might happen to my job, and the farthest thing from my mind was being summoned by the almighty Hendrix Kennedy so that I’d have to walk through the middle of my gossiping peers.
Fuck.
Several of the assistants at my level are relatively new and have not met Mr.Kennedy.I’ve heard he hasn’t been in the office much in two years.Those who do know him, however, have whispered that he’s aloof and quiet.Few have had interactions with him.Apparently, they tremble when he steps onto the thirteenth floor.
All these thoughts race through my head at record speed, leaving me in a standoff with Mr.Kennedy, neither of us speaking for several seconds.
Mr.Kennedy clears his throat.“This is my first day back in the office, Kelsey.I need an assistant.”
I blink a few times.Eventually, I find myself shaking my head.“Surely you don’t mean me.”
He chuckles.“Whywouldn’tI mean you?”
“Because I’ve only been here two months.Because I don’t need anyone to know we’ve ever met.Because they’re probably all plotting my murder down there.”I speak with a firm voice, head held high.I’m not mousy by any stretch of the imagination.But this is madness.Can’t he see that?
He frowns.“You’re worried about what other people will think?Isn’t your career advancement more important?”
I sigh.When he puts it that way…
He points toward a stack of files on the corner of his desk.“I asked Josephine to choose from everyone working on the thirteenth floor and pick five people she thought would be most suited as my assistant.I spent yesterday going through that pile.”
“And you picked me?”
He cocks his head to one side.“Why wouldn’t I?You have an impressive resume, Kelsey.This is business.It’s not personal.You’ve done great work since you started here.Your internship a few semesters ago was top-notch.Your recommendations are stellar.You’re the right person for the job.”He points toward the chair.“Please, sit.”
I ignore him but lower my purse to the seat and release it.I’m glad I’m dressed to slay in the corporate world today.Black pumps, gray pencil skirt, white blouse, and a black suit jacket I have not yet removed.My hair is in a low bun.
There’s no way I’m going to sit in a chair while this man stands.I will not let him think I’m meek.
Mr.Kennedy sighs, but there’s a smirk on his face at the same time.“Does it bother you that I saw you naked on Saturday night?”
I barely manage to refrain from gasping as I lean forward.“Does it botheryouthat you saw me naked,Sir?”
He chuckles.“Not at all.What happens at Edge, stays at Edge.That’s how it works.We’re both adults.I think we can keep from mixing business with pleasure.I knowIcan.Can you?”
Swallowing hard, I gather my wits.I might gladly bow to this man under different circumstances, but not here in his office.“Fine.How about you call this a trial?Perhaps a week.To make sure I meet your standards.”
He laughs.“A trial?I’ve already given you the promotion, but you think we should water it down because you’re worried about what?That you can’t be professional in front of a man who might also occasionally see you naked on your knees?Or are you worried about what other people will say behind your back?”
Jesus.He’s good.He has an answer for everything.
“Do you plan to sabotage this opportunity, Kelsey?”
I gasp, my eyes going wide.“Never.”
“I suspect you will work your ass off night and day to prove you deserve to be my assistant.”
