She didn’t mention that so far she’d held her own with him, aware that his moods could change in an instant as could her standing. She was also afraid any real conversation about her boss would lead to her remembering last night’s more personal discussion and the feelings he aroused inside her. She couldn’t explain away the blush that was sure to follow.
She glanced at the time on her computer, noting he was half an hour late. He was her boss and had every right to make his own schedule, but because he’d made such a point of mentioning his coffee, her nerves were on edge. And since it was only her second day, and she’d already arranged his work space, she’d need further instruction on what he needed her to do. So she sat at her desk, one eye—and ear—on the elevator, and twiddled her thumbs.
At nine forty-five, he finally arrived. She made a beeline for the Keurig and prepared his coffee the way he liked it, meeting him at his desk as he unloaded his laptop from the carry case.
She placed the cup down and studied him. He wore a pair of comfortable-looking jeans and a faded beige top with unreadable brown writing. But for the scruff covering his face, he looked more like the incredibly handsome software geek she’d seen last night.
“Morning,” he said, finally looking up, a relaxed expression on his face. Obviously he still held a good feeling from their time together yesterday.
So did she.
“Good morning,” she said, standing in front of the aluminum desk.
He lowered himself into his plush leather seat, immediately picking up his coffee and taking a sip. “Hot and fresh. You’re already ahead of my last assistant,” he said, sounding surprised.
“What time is it?” she asked him.
He glanced at his Apple watch. “Nine forty-six,” he replied. “Why?”
“Well, I have a suggestion … assuming you’re open to one.”
He cocked an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. “Go on.”
She swallowed hard. On hiring her, Derek had specifically told her not to let him intimidate her and to do what she thought was best for him. She pulled that information around her now.
“I realize you’re the boss and can make your own hours, but you told me you’d be in at nine. You also said you like your coffee fresh and hot—”
“Which I just complimented you on, so what’s wrong?”
“It’s just that it would be more convenient for your assistant—me—to know what time you plan on coming in. Considering you like to have your coffee on your desk, fresh and hot when you arrive. I jumped up every time the elevator dinged. I was beginning to feel like a Mexican jumping bean.”
“Your point?”
She smoothed her hand over the shiny desktop before meeting his gaze. “If you’re going to be late, I’d appreciate a call or a text. This way I know and can arrange your schedule—and your coffee—accordingly.”
He reached into his front jeans pocket and curled his hand around whatever object he’d retrieved. “Here,” he muttered, depositing a key down on the desk. “I change the lock to my apartment after each assistant leaves.”
“Must be a full-time job,” she quipped, realizing too late she shouldn’t have let that joke slip.
To her surprise, his lips twitched in a near smile, and that tiny gesture gave her immense pleasure.
“I stopped at a locksmith on the way here so I could make you a copy,” he said. “To facilitate your job. Not to make it more difficult.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
He met her gaze, those green eyes warmer than she was used to. “You’re welcome.”
She sighed, her suddenly needy body swaying closer even though he was a full desk away. She jerked herself upright, forcibly shaking herself out of the spell he effortlessly wove around her.
She cleared her throat. “After you’re settled in, I’d like to go over my duties and how you handle your appointments and calendar. Things like that.” She cursed the huskiness in her voice caused from just a near smile. Man, either she was sex-starved or in big trouble.
“Give me a few minutes and I’ll call you in,” he said gruffly.
She inclined her head, turned, and started for the door.
“Lexie,” he said, the rough timbre of his voice sending more shivers of awareness rushing through her.
She grasped the doorframe, and yes, she squeezed her thighs together, because her body reacted to his use of her name, her panties growing damp.