Chapter One
Jared
Before a hectic day at work, I’m relishing my morning coffee and breakfast at my favourite café. I come here to relax and read before going to the office because, as the boss, I don’t have any time to relax once I’m there. It isn’t too busy at this time; it is why I come as soon as it opens. The owners know me well and are always very sweet to me.
The sound of the small bell on the door catches my attention and makes me raise my gaze. The second my eyes fall on who it is, my pulse starts to race. Before me stands one of the most stunning women I’ve ever laid eyes on. Her long, red, wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, complemented by a stunning red dress. Oh wow. It’s my first time seeing her here. She’s someone I wouldn’t forget. I can’t stop watching her as she walks towards the counter. I know I shouldn’t, but I check her ass out. It is a nice ass.
I want to say hello, but I know if we start talking, I’ll get too distracted and run late for work. I can admire her from afar. In another place or time, I would approach confidently and without hesitation.
She gives off a slightly nervous vibe. It seems like she’s feeling anxious about something. She must have felt me staring because her eyes soon fall on me. I flash my most charming smile in her direction. Her smile is beautiful, but she looks away from me quickly. She gets her order and searches for a table. I hoped she would come sit close by, but she doesn’t sit anywhere close. Damn it.
As she settles down, she pulls out a book from her bag. I tap the table, contemplating whether to go and greet her. I decided against it. If I see her again, I will, but not today. I can’t afford to get distracted. Today is going to be a busy day for me, as I have a lot of work and my new executive assistant is starting. I don’t want to be late to meet her. I hope she is up to the same standard as my last one. Lyla moved away with her new husband. She worked for me for four years and was exceptional in her role. I’ll miss her, but hopefully my new one can perform just as well.
If I were supposed to talk to the beautiful redhead and get her number, I would run into her again. I finish up and decide it is best to leave before I change my mind. As I approach her table, she quickly raises her eyes to meet mine. Her stunning green eyes catch my attention when she does. Oh, wow, aren’t they beautiful?
“Hopefully, see you around, beautiful,” I say, winking at her.
She giggles and blushes. Her cheeks became a shade very similar to her hair. “Maybe.”
I give a nod and leave the café. She is attracted to me, too. Why else would she get all giggly and blush around me if she weren’t? Perhaps it will inspire her to return here. I will find out tomorrow morning. She doesn’t sound like a local at all. I couldn’t make out her accent from the one word she said, but it’s evident she has one.
I walk to the office with a smile on my face. Each floor of the building is dedicated to a different department, and my family owns the entire place. My office is located on the tenth floor. I love my job. Being a CEO allows me to run things exactly as I want, and I love it. I own separate companies from my family, but my focus is here. I have other people in charge of my companies.
I arrive at my office, prepping everything I need. I expect my new assistant to arrive in the next half hour. I don’t know much about her. Her name is Ayla, that’s all I know. A usual name, one I haven’t heard before. It intrigued me. Although she lacks experience in this sector, I am always open to giving people opportunities to learn and grow. She does have a degree, so she is educated. I’ll learn more once she gets here.
I set my computer up and start with emails until she arrives. I want us to get along. I generally get along well with almost everyone. I am a nice guy. I’m tough when necessary. Unlike my family, I treat everyone with respect, regardless of their background or social status. My family is judgmental and thinks status is everything. They do not treat people properly. I promised myself a long time ago I wouldn’t be like them because I watched the way they treated those who worked for them are of lower status. I hated it. It is unnecessary. They don’t like how I handle things. My father likes to tell me I am weak. I don’t listen to his bullshit. Our relationship has been tense for a long time.
My receptionist’s voice coming through the intercom steals my focus. “Your new assistant, Miss Gibson, has arrived, Mr. Sutton. Can I send her through?”
I am impressed; she is early. I like someone who has good time keeping skills. I stand from my office chair, straightening my tie, and go around to stand in front of my desk to wait for her to arrive.
I soon hear a pair of heels on the tiled floor. As I look ahead, I spot a figure in the distance approaching me, someone who seems familiar. The closer she gets, the more surprised I become. No, it can’t be. What are the chances? The beautiful red head from the café! Maybe she is here for something else. She doesn’t change direction; she keeps coming my way. When she gets to my office door, there is no doubt about it. It’s her.
She knocks on my office door. I call for her to come in.
She opens the door and steps into my office. She raises her gaze, and her eyes widen.
“Oh my God, it is you.” She blurts out, hiding her face.
With a smirk on my face, I make my way over to her. I gently remove her hands away from her face, forcing her to look at me. “I told you I would see you around. My office was the last place I thought it would be. You must be Ayla.”
She directs her eyes downward. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she rambles.
“Miss Gibson, direct your attention towards me,” I state firmly.
She lets out a sigh before locking eyes with me. “We can start again. I am Mr Sutton, but you can call me Jared.”
I offer her my hand, trying not to get too distracted by her astonishing beauty. I have never met a woman as beautiful and alluring. She takes my hand and draws in a breath, letting it out.
“Hello, Mr. Sutton. I’m your new assistant, Ayla,” she says softly, the heat rising on her cheeks.
“It is a pleasure to meet. Where are you from? The accent?”
“Thank you. Likewise, Sir. I am from Scotland.”
I had a feeling, but didn’t want to offend her by assuming. I stroll to the sofa and motion for her to follow me, patting the spot next to me. I can’t believe the woman who drew me in instantly is the one who will be working for me. I typically refrain from getting involved with my employees. It can get messy if it doesn’t work out.
Ayla takes a moment to gather herself before she comes to sit next to me. Her sweet scent tickles my nose. There’s a hint of lavender and another scent that I can’t quite identify, possibly her perfume.
“Should we get to know one another?” I smile.
Ayla crosses her legs, causing her dress to ride up and reveal a bit more thigh. I couldn’t help but sneak a look at her sun-kissed, velvety thigh. I lick my lips, but quickly pull away. I don’t want to cause any discomfort for her.
It appears that she is not aware. “Yes, let’s do that.” She smiles.
Since I’m already intrigued, I will happily make an effort to get to know her. There is a chance I may be in trouble having her around.
