Entering their penthouse made her breathe a sigh of relief. She shut the door and leaned against it for a moment. Max always left her so drained. It was near impossible keeping her attraction for him out of her body and facial expressions. Setting her bag on the hallway table she made her way to the kitchen to make herself some dinner when she stopped suddenly at the sight of two dozen lavender roses in a vase with various wisps of baby breath. Slowly she walked up to it spotting the card that said Lily in no less than Max's handwriting. She felt like a kid at Christmas as she opened it. Welcome aboard 'and he signed it. He actually wrote the card himself. Smiling her fingers guided along one of the soft velvety peddles wondering if he'd even gone to the flower shop to pick out the flowers too. Then that got her thinking about his relationships with women. She was sure he bought them all sorts of things to flatter their beauty. Leave it to her to ruin her own brief happiness she thought as she sighed out loud.
The next morning an immaculate long stretched dark grey limousine pulled up in front of the building while she was waiting just inside the door with Bill Jenkins, the doorman.
-See you Bill. She said as he opened the door and she walked toward the Limo. Don't let him keep you out too late honey. The old man called after her causing her to laugh. He already knew from her that it was her boss. He'd met Max King before, and despite the man's formidable wealth he seemed decent enough. Something he wasn't quite sure about was the way the man looked at Lily when she wasn't paying attention. The man had a reputation with women, if you followed the tabloids. Not that he put such faith into that kind of gossip, but this was Lily. He'd known her since she was sixteen when they first moved into the building and she was as sweet as they come.
-How are you Miss Shayne? said Oscar, Max's driver as he held the door.
-Fine Oscar, she paused,
-I can't believe you still work for this guy,
-She teased.
-Get in the car Lily. Came Max's voice from the dark interior causing her to laugh and Oscar to smile.
-You do now too, so don't knock it. He grinned causing his cap to slide up on his brow a bit making him reach up and adjust it.
-Besides the benefits are fantastic.
-Rightly said.
She answered ducking in the car.
Oscar closed the door behind her.
-You are definitely not winning any brownie points. Max said with a mock glare, glancing up from the computer screen he had on some sort of extension out from the side of the car. He sat against the leather seat with his long legs crossed at the knees. When her eyes first set on him, she near lost her tongue. He was wearing a navy suit, yellow shirt and striped tie. His hair was neatly combed and she was certain not one ebony strand was out of place. The whole aura he gave off at that moment gave the impression of a powerful, wealthy man completely in control and confident in his abilities. Not to mention the overwhelming feeling of masculine appeal that seemed to just be tossed on her like a bucket of warm water. This time she faltered in her defenses and found herself stuttering,
-I-I was teasing.
Her shaky voice brought his eyes back to hers and slowly a smile formed on his handsome face as his grey eyes studied hers. In her defense, she'd never seen him dressed for business. She'd only known him outside of work and thankfully so, because the sight before her just destroyed all of her defenses.
-I know you were button. He paused watching her intently,
-Are you a little nervous about today? I'm shaking, trembling, and nervous about you, she thought as she got a whiff of his expensive cologne, and God do you smell good,
-A little. He smiled reassuringly,
-Here, he pushed a small paper bag toward her,
-I brought you a muffin. That caused her to laugh.
-I thought that was my job? She said partially recovering enough to tease him.
-I told you that you were too good to do those things for me.‖ He said with an edge of seriousness.
Did he say that? She was sure it wasn't put in that context.
-Now, I know you don't drink coffee, so I wasn't sure what you wanted to drink. Vodka and tonic, -Water's fine. How did he know she didn't like coffee? Well, Max didn't get where he was by not being observant.
-There's some in the cooler there. He pointed to a partially concealed door next to her.
-Oh thank you. She leaned over and opened it to retrieve a bottle. Max near groaned, the woman's derriere in that tan skirt was flawless. Perfectly smooth and round and he had the experienced eye to know that it was firm and smooth as silk like the rest of her skin. Leave it to her to bend over in front of him and not think twice about it. How easy it would be to flip up skirt and…He quickly averted his gaze back to the laptop feeling the rising heat in his groin. Christ, Luke would kill him if he knew how he thought about Lily at that moment. Totally lost in the images flashing in his mind, he started to recite the alphabet in his head to distract him. Something he never had to do before in his life around a beautiful woman. Maybe that's why he could only think of the alphabet at that exact moment. This was going to prove to be the longest summer of his life.
Nancy was a woman in her mid-fifties who seemed very warm yet professional. Max introduced them and Lily shook her hand.
-You're Mr. Shayne's sister. She said smiling.
-Yes. Lily studied her expression to see if the favoritism bothered the older woman, but the smile she wore was genuine. It gave her some measure of relief.
-Nancy, set her up. Said Max,
-I want her one hundred percent ready for Monday. It's going to be busy.
-Right away Mr. King. She said Max reached up and squeezed her shoulder,
-Lily, when Nancy's done with you, I'll take you home. Just come and get me.
-Okay. She said still nervous.
-Take good care of her Nancy.
-I will. She said with a Boy Scout salute causing him to chuckle as he turned away. After Max left, Nancy took her to a locked cupboard and retrieved a Personal Data device, a mobile phone, and a binder with Orientation printed on the front. For the next hour she went over Max's routine, then she took her to the security office to have a key card made with her photo on it. Lily instantly liked Nancy. She answered her questions and made her feel welcome. By the time the morning was over, she was no longer as nervous.
-Now Max mentioned that you needed to be set up at the boutique. Nancy mentioned as she lifted her phone and dialed a number,
-I'll get the car to take you over so you can get fitted. She said as the phone rang on the other end. -Max was right, you are efficient. Lily had completely forgotten about that. Nancy beamed at the compliment,
-he's wonderful to work for. She momentarily spoke to someone on the other end of the phone while Lily waited patiently. She hung up,
-There, it's all done.
-Thank you Nancy. She wondered about what Max had told her earlier about his personal assistants.
-Max told me he went through six PAs this year.
-He also doesn't sleep. Nancy added with a wink.
-They couldn't keep up.
-Oh. So he wasn't kidding. Don't worry honey, you'll be fine. I'll help you whenever you need it until you get rooted. Nancy reassured,
-Besides you have an advantage. Luke would never let any harm come to his sister.
-Thanks. I would appreciate that. She looked at her shyly,
-I hope that doesn't create any animosity among the staff.
-We're not going to tell them you're related to one of the bosses Lily. They don't need to know that business, and then they'll see that you got the job because you're good at it. She patted her hand,
-Not only that, Max despises gossip and so do I.
-I appreciate the praise; I hope I don't disappoint you.
-I know you won't. What Nancy didn't tell her was that Max had already pulled her into his office last Friday and read her the riot act on how Lily was to be treated. There was no doubt that he was protective of Luke's sister and after seeing the woman everything made sense. She was stunning, but she also had a humility that wasn't common in women who looked like her. Actually she shouldn't have expected anything less. Luke was a very handsome man and there was no doubt his sister would be pretty. She also knew there was going to be a lot of animosity toward her from the other secretaries in the outer office even if they didn't know about her relationship with Luke and Max. They all had their eye on that position mostly because it entailed working next to Max. Nancy may have been middle aged and married, but Max was a dish and they all knew it. Lily returned back to the office after two in the afternoon. Oscar had insisted on taking her new wardrobe to their apartment while she finished up with Nancy. The more time she spent with her the more she liked her. She was as patient as she taught her how to use the PDA. And she told her so.
-Why don't you apply to be his PA Nancy? You're very efficient.
Lily asked. Nancy chuckled,
-Because I like spending time with my husband. Max is a workaholic even though he pays well and I love the man like a son, I like having a life. Lily's eyes widened,
-He warned me, but is it really that bad?
-You'll do fine dear. You're young and single.
-How--?
-I hear talk she grinned,
-Actually, your brother told me. Lily rolled her eyes,
-They're both so protective.
-I can see why, she said looking at the beautiful younger woman as her cheeks pinked up at the compliment. It didn't escape Nancy that she was very naive either. It's no wonder Max took her aside and insisted she look after her. She was very kind also, and most women who looked like Lily Shayne would be very self-absorbed. She should know. She'd met a multitude of Max's and Luke's girlfriends and they all possessed that quality. Finally when Lily was comfortable with her routine and the electronics, she went to tell Max that she was ready to go home. However, when she entered his office, he was on the phone and it must've been Cybil by the way he was talking. She turned to leave when he spotted her and waved her in.
-I'll see you next month yes I miss you
-he added,
-look I've got to run, my assistant is waiting.
Lily never felt so uncomfortable in her life. He sounded incredibly sexy while he spoke to the other woman and she felt entirely insignificant. There were some times in her life that he spoke to her with warmth in his voice, but nothing like that. His eyes glanced up at hers while still on the phone,
-female why? he said. Lily realized that Cybil was questioning him about his new assistant and when he narrowed his gaze while listening to the person on the other end she could only imagine what she was saying.
-She's the sister of my best friend Cybil and my employee. Enough of this. He countered,
-I'll speak to you tonight. I've got to go. He said right before he hung up.
-She doesn't approve of me. Lily said. Max stood up and grabbed his Jacket off a hanger out of a nearby closet not looking at her while he put it on,
-It doesn't matter what she thinks Lily. He said finally turning to her. If he was upset, it certainly didn't show.
-I don't want to make trouble.
-First of all honey, it's not you making trouble. Cybil's been out of town for a few weeks and she's worried I might stray. I don't stray. He added picking up his briefcase. What he didn't say was petty jealousies were a major turn off for him. Cybil was on the way out as far as he was concerned. After ten minutes with Lily, the woman was very dull. Just then his mobile rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, It's Luke, he said checking the ID before he flipped it open. Lily couldn't help but grin. She hadn't seen her big brother in over a month and loved him to death.
-Yeah Luke
-he paused looking at Lily,
-She's with me, we're on our way now. I'll see you in about an hour. He flipped his phone closed.
-Luke's home.
-Oh good. I miss him so much. She beamed with excitement at the prospect of seeing him. Like any little sister, she thought the sun rose and set on her big brother. She never took him for granted and knew the sacrifices he had to make to raise her after the death of their parents when she was twelve. He used the insurance money to put himself through college and then her, but he was a millionaire now and when Max came into their lives they somehow shared responsibility of Lily.
-Come then, he said with an incline of his head toward the door,
-He's waiting. It would be nice, he thought, if she greeted me with such enthusiasm. In fact, any man would love to be greeted with her lovely face lit up like that. Once at their building Max told Oscar to wait for him as he escorted Lily up to Luke's penthouse. He shook hands with her brother after she let him go from a genuine hug.
-I started dinner honey, he said to Lily,
-You're staying right? he asked Max.
-For your cooking? Hell yes. Max agreed. Luke was a bit of a self-taught chef. He had no choice raising his little sister after the death of their parents, but he went beyond that. It was his first choice when he went to college but decided a change of careers halfway through realizing he would never make as much money as he does now. However, he still studied cuisine on the side and thoroughly enjoyed it.
-How was your first day honey? He asked his sister.
-Nancy was really nice. She said pulling her hair out of its chignon not noticing Max's eyes follow the movement with intensity. Then she shook her head allowing it to tumble down her back,
-I'm going to go get washed up and change. I'll be back in a bit. She added rubbing her scalp with the tips of her fingers as she walked away.
-Sure thing. He said darting his eyes to Max and narrowing his gaze at the look he was giving his sister. After Lily was out of earshot he spoke to him,
-Jesus, you're as readable as a book Max. Max released a sigh and nodded,
-I definitely need a drink.
-It can't be that bad. Luke arched his brows in surprise.
-Luke, speak to me when you go through this. He said seriously as he eyed his friend,
-She completely bewitches me. He added while pulling out his phone,
-I need to call Oscar and tell him to come back in an hour. Make it two. I'm making desert. He said over his shoulder as he headed back toward the kitchen,
-Help yourself to the bar Max, pour me whatever you're having. He began to feel the urge to have one too. Max made his intentions clear years ago, but he still thought Lily was way too young to get involved with him. Although he had to admit, he'd never seen his friend look at a woman the way he looked at his sister. If he didn't think Max was serious before, he knew he was now. Something like that couldn't be faked. He cherished her. Max poured himself a double scotch and by the time Lily came back he was on his second. Lily had to admit having her two favorite men in the world at dinner was wonderful. They laughed and joked for several hours before she stifled a yawn and excused herself. Even though she wanted to stay to spend more time with them, she was thoroughly exhausted. It wasn't often Max stayed for dinner anymore. It seemed the more wealthy he'd gotten, and the more his company expanded, he was busier. Max watched her leave before he started asking Luke about Hong Kong. Every minute spent with her was precious to him and he wasn't going to waste it talking about business. At work it was different but in the company of family he wouldn't bring it up. For Lily, the next week was brutal. He certainly hadn't lied to her. She put in a twelve to fourteen hour day and when she got home, would collapse on her bed and fall asleep, sometimes with her clothes still on. How the hell did he do it? The man was a machine. Earlier that day, she was in the middle of setting up the boardroom for a meeting of directors when Max strolled in to the room on his cell phone looking to handsome to be real. He was wearing a dark grey suit, blue silk shirt and striped tie. One of his hands was thrust into his pocket and he nodded to her briefly not breaking conversation on the phone. It sounded like he was speaking in Greek and a minute later he hung up and centered his gaze on her.
-Lily do you have a dress?
-I have dresses. She answered with a puzzled look. It was an odd conversation. Usually he kept his conversations short and professional with her around the office probably to not let on that he knew her more than just and employee. Actually she appreciated that he didn't show her favoritism because there was already some animosity brewing because of the position she held. So far it didn't bother her too much and she was hoping that it wouldn't.
-No, a cocktail dress. Cybil's out of town, I need a companion for dinner tonight.
-I can go get one. She answered trying to keep the tremor out of her voice and the excitement off her face.
-Do that. He said casually as he studied her for a moment,
-something green to match your eyes, and elegant, but simple.
-Yes sir. She said with a mock salute causing him to smile.
-How are you holding up? It's been a hectic first week for you. His eyes searched hers with concern. It was worth every minute she could spend with him, but she wouldn't tell him that, instead she teased him.
-Hell. She said.
-You are a slave driver. He chuckled,
-Yet not one complaint. I'm impressed, not many people could keep up with me.
-I'm not arguing there.‖ She grinned setting out the last folder and pulled out her PDA to look at his schedule,
-You don't have a dinner scheduled.‖ She stared up at him.
-Last minute arrangement. I have some Greek associates that are interested in one of my new Global Positioning Systems. It's a multimillion dollar deal and I need a beautiful woman to entice them. That stunned her. Max had access to hundreds of beautiful women. She was sure of it, yet he'd asked her?
-Why me? Board members started to file into the room, so he took her by the elbow and led her to the far corner so they weren't overheard.
-Remember Cybil is out of town and I wouldn't ask this of you Lily, if you weren't capable.‖ He spoke quietly so only she could hear.
-I'm flattered really. I'll do my best to impress. She went to leave, but paused and turned back,
-Does Luke know that you asked this of me.
-He does.
-And he doesn't mind if I go along to entertain clients. I find that hard to believe. He's just as protective as you are.
-He is, and he probably would protest, but he's coming to.
-Oh, she laughed,
-I should have known. He grinned,
-Well, God forbid if your brother will let you come with me unsupervised. I may not behave.‖ He teased, but it didn't reach his eyes. No, he definitely wouldn't. What did he just say? She was going to ask him when she was interrupted by Eugene DeWetter, his head accountant. She took her seat back against the wall behind his in case he needed assistance. She had to admit, she was getting better, but she still felt incredibly inadequate. Yet, he was very patient with her and he was right about her being with him the whole time. Very rarely did he leave her alone. In a way she was really thankful because it was so intimidating the first Monday when the offices are in full swing that she just wanted to run into the nearest closet and hide. However, he put her to work immediately after a briefing with his head secretary Nancy, who was very kind. She may have been the only one though. There were another three ladies in the same office as Nancy's but none of them seemed to pay her much mind. One in particular, her name was Brittney, seemed to give her looks of contempt every now and then. She already knew what it was about. Max. She was young blonde and pretty and stars entered the woman's brown eyes whenever he strode in the room giving off an aura of confidence and charisma like a comet tail, but he never noticed her beyond a cordial hello. In truth she felt sorry for her, because Max's undeniable appeal was a force to be reckoned with. So she did her best to not let the other girl's looks bother her. It was odd to receive looks from someone who was several years older than her. Didn't she know she wasn't any competition with her plain looks? Boys only seemed to date her because she was associated with Max. Not only that, Max liked blonde-blondes, and her hair was a strawberry blonde color, or copper as he called it. The meeting started and she crossed her legs and set her day timer on her lap. Max immediately took charge of the meeting and she noticed that his employees treated him with great respect and hung on every word. When he spoke they listened and when he paid attention to them they swelled with pride. She knew respect like that couldn't be bought and she had to admit that she loved seeing this side of him. About a half an hour later Brittney came in with a cart of snacks and drinks and she knew for sure now that the look she just gave her wasn't pleasant. It just so happened that Max had turned around and whispered something in Lily's ear and afterwards Lily realized that it looked intimate even though it was only to take note of a certain date for a meeting with some Japanese associates. Regardless, Brittney didn't know her and as far as Lily was concerned, shouldn't be jumping to conclusions. It was common Knowledge that he was dating Estee Lauder's new top model and neither she nor Brittney had a hope in hell attracting his attention. Not only did he have a girlfriend, he also didn't date employees, ever. She had heard that from Nancy her second day here when she was getting orientated. After the meeting she went to the bathroom and the object of her earlier thoughts walked in and paused when she saw her. Even when Lily washed her hands the woman just watched her. The look in her eyes wasn't the least bit flattering.
-I have been after that PA job for almost a year. She said suddenly guiding her eyes over Lily.
-Yet you waltz in and none of us knew about you. Lily just stared at her. It was obvious what she was insinuating, and she wasn't going to comment on it.
-Has it occurred to you that I'm qualified for this job? She said instead.
-Absolutely not. She narrowed her gaze on Lily's legs visible from her skirt,
-I can see where your qualifications are.
-What a horrible assumption! Lily shot seeing what she was looking at,
-If you know Max he doesn't date his employees.
-Max is it? She glared. Lily almost groaned realizing her mistake. She called him Max and everyone else referred to him as Mr. King. No wonder people like Brittney thought they were sleeping together.
-I work very hard and I'm between semesters of a business degree. She said trying to recover,
-I got hired as a student. Brittney shrugged,
-sure you did. She said vehemently, not believing her. It was no use trying to convince the woman of anything. Her mind was already made up. Lily gritted her teeth,
-Excuse me. She said marching past the other woman and out of the bathroom. Did Max's employees all think like that? That she got this job on her back? Would this upset her so much if she didn't care about him as much as she did? Probably not. Truth of it was, she wanted Max, she always had and as much as the woman insinuated she couldn't find it in herself to lie and deny it.