Guarding His Heart

“You’re new?” The girl asked me again and gave me a small smile as I fiddled with my tie.

“Yeah, it’s my first day.” I made a face. “Corporate America here I am.”

“You didn’t want the job?” She looked at me quizzically, her brown eyes surveying my face with interest.

“Not really, but I gotta pay the bills.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” She sighed. “I wanted to quit, but my stupid roommate is so irresponsible that I know the moment I quit, she’ll get fired and then we won’t be able to pay the rent.”

“Uh yeah.” I nodded, feeling bad that she’d misunderstood me. “What do you do?”

“I’m an overqualified assistant to a big ass**le.” She made a face.

“Don’t like your boss huh?”

“Nope, he’s a privileged jerk.” Her voice grew angry. “I would have quit already if I could.”

“Oh wow. Maybe tell HR about him?”

“He took my job and my raise, they’re not going to want to hear it.” She sighed. “Especially as he’s related to the CEO.”

“He’s related to the CEO?” I froze as I stared at her. Was she talking about me? I frowned as I stared at her. I’d never met this girl before in my life and I certainly hadn’t done anything for her to think I was an ass**le. Could she be talking about someone else?

“Yeah, he’s the boss’s son.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t even think he’s qualified for the position.”

“Oh, hmm.” I paused. “Have you worked for him for a long time then? You seem to really hate him.”

“I’ve not met him before.” She confessed. “But I’m sure he’s a spoilt rich kid like every other Beverly Hills Trust Fund baby.”

“He’s from Beverly Hills?” I asked softly. I’d grown up in Manhattan Beach so I was curious to hear what her answer was.

“I’m sure, aren’t they all?” She shrugged flinging her brown hair across her shoulders in a dismissive fashion.

“So you don’t really know much about him then?” I stared at her as the elevator stopped at the tenth floor.

“No.” She made a face. “I’ve not actually worked for him as yet, but I already know he’s going to be a jerk.”

“Yeah, from what you’ve told me, he seems like he’s going to be a monster.” I nodded in agreement. “And you’re going to be his assistant?”

“Yeah, I’m his right-hand man.” She grinned. “Though I think I’ll let him stew for the first few days. See how well he gets on without me telling him what to do.”

“Yeah, hopefully he doesn’t fire you then.”

“Oh, he won’t.” She grinned. “To his face, I’ll be nice. I’ll just be shady behind his back.”

“Well that sounds like a plan, maybe I can do that with my boss if he turns out to be a jerk.”

“Most of the senior people are cool.” She sighed. “Maxwell Corp, is actually a pretty cool place to work. What exactly will you be doing again?”

“To be honest, I have no idea.” I laughed. “I was offered the job and took it.”

“They must have really wanted you.”

“I guess so.”

“Well maybe I’ll see you at lunch, I get off at the next floor. All the assistants eat lunch together.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” I grinned. “I’m Leo by the way.”

“Hannah.” She shook my hand and walked out of the elevator. “Oh,” she looked at me in surprise as I followed her out. “You’re working on this floor as well.”

“I am.” I nodded and raised an eyebrow at her.

“What did you say your name was again?” She paused and looked at me for a few seconds with a thoughtful look.

“Leo.” I smiled at her widely as we stopped outside a door.

“Leo?” She froze and I saw a red hue rising in her face. “As in Leonardo?”

“Yes.” I nodded and put my hand on the doorknob.

“As in Leonardo Maxwell?” Her voice was soft as I opened the door.

“The one and only.”

“Oh.” She groaned as she followed me into the door.

“It’s nice to meet you, Hannah.” I grinned. “I assume you’re my new assistant?”

There was silence in the office as we both stared at each other. I was able to study Hannah’s body a lot better with her standing in front of me. She was wearing a rather short skirt and a top that seemed one size too small, as the buttons next to her chest seemed like they were about to pop open. She was a pretty girl, with long dark brown hair and wide expressive brown eyes that seemed to be sparking shots of fire at me. Her lips were naturally pouty and she was wearing some sort of pink lip gloss that was begging to be kissed off. I could see from her stance that she was confident, but worried. The look on her face was that of a suicidal deer in the headlights that was still debating on how much pain it would be in if it continued running and risked hitting a car. I knew she was going to continue running. It was the pain vs. pride debate. She was upset that I’d become privy to her thoughts, but she wasn’t going to back down.

“So you’re planning on making my life difficult then?” I asked her softly. “Is it your plan for me to be so upset that I’ll up and quit.”