Page 16 of At His Beck & Call

“You haven’t done anything wrong,” I insist wearily. “But you look nervous. There’s no reason to be. We’re getting to know one another, that’s all.”

“Is—isn’t this an interview?” she asks.

“Of course. But I won't know whether you’re right for this job unless we spend more time together. As far as today goes, you have the position,” I say, cursing inwardly for giving in to those dark, pretty eyes. “We’ll take everything one day at a time, okay?”

Lissa lets out a long breath and nods, tugging at her skirt. It looks too long for her, but her skin is exquisite, like white quartz.

Slowly, she places her hands on the arms of the chair and shifts back in her seat. The fabric is a dark purple, a color I have always liked. It complements her coloring perfectly.

“Have you worked at a law firm before?” I ask. “This position is obviously different from a regular EA, but Adelaide will still require your assistance with several tasks while you’re with us.”

She nods. Bit by bit, she is following my instructions to relax. Her back is slowly sinking into the chair, and although she’s still very upright, some color has returned to her cheeks.

Mm. Yes, Pippa is smarter than she looks.

“I’ve worked at a few places,” Lissa murmurs, her eyes darting around the room as she swallows.

She is still fidgeting, tugging at that damned skirt and sliding her feet back and forth under the chair. Her shoes are a fraction too big, with a gap at the back that shows the curve of her ankle.

“And where was that?” I prompt when she doesn’t say any more.

After another interminable pause, she sucks in a sharp breath.

“I know I’m supposed to sell myself in interviews,” she says, her voice shaking. “But I won’t lie to you, Mr. Heath, I spent several years out of work after… a break was required. Before that, I worked at a hospital in Brooklyn, and then I was a PA at a law firm, Pervis and Hodge. More recently, I worked as a receptionist at a dental practice. That was my first job since the break, but I learn quickly, I’m efficient, and I can…”

She trails off, her cheeks flushing beautifully.What was she about to say?

I watch her chewing on her beautiful bottom lip. Not many people would lead with theirlackof experience at an interview, but there’s something oddly reassuring about it. I’m guessing she’s a people pleaser.

“The job is simple enough,” I continue. “Adelaide handles my calendar. All meetings and appointments go through her. If she is ever away or on vacation, she will give you a comprehensive handover. The parts of the job Adelaide will need your assistance with are filing and matter management. She’ll instruct you on everything, but it’s detailed and sometimes tedious work.”

She nods. “That’s not a problem.”

“As for the other part of the job, what has Miss Grooman told you?”

She looks up, staring at the top button of my shirt rather than my eyes. “Uh. She hasn’t told me a lot. Just that you’d prefer me to work slightly later hours than most.”

I resist the urge to shift in my seat as her cheeks flush again.

“Yes, your other duties will begin at 5 pm and finish at 6 pm. Nothing of that nature takes place during work hours. This office is small, and I don’t need unnecessary rumors flying about.”

“Of course.”

“The rest of the time, you assist Adelaide, and your days are your own. If you need a long lunch break occasionally, that’s fine, just make sure she knows where you are.”

A single nod. She’s still twisting her fingers in her lap. I want to reach out, clasp them tightly between mine, and make her stop.

“As for the other activities you will be involved with,” I say, lowering my voice a fraction, “there is only one thing that I need you to remember.”

She doesn’t reply for a few seconds and then swallows hard. “And what is that?”

“You do what I say, when I say,” I murmur. “But nothing we do, and I cannot stress this enough, is only on my terms. Do you understand?”

Her eyes are still wide and confused, but I feel something loosen in my chest as she shakes her head.

“No. I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you mean.”

I hide a smile.This is promising.