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“Mr. Jacobson sent me an email Saturday morning. You’ll no longer be reporting to Mr. Beardsman, Annie. Your time needs to be on the Coddle campaign with Billy and Mr. Mancini. We’ll find someone permanent to work for Mr. Beardsman, but I do ask that if the new assistant needs any help that you help her find her way. I’ll try to step in as much as I can, but you’ll be hard to replace.”
My stomach flutters with excitement. “Of course.”
“That being said, you’re receiving a raise since Mr. Mancini is one of our busier ad execs.” She beams at Enzo. “Due to the larger accounts he handles, and the confidentiality perspective, Mr. Jacobson would like to offer you this.” She hands me a paper that details their offer.
Enzo leans back. I wonder if he’s behind the scenes on this decision. Does he know how much they’re offering?
“What exactly will be my new position?” I ask.
“You’ll be Mr. Mancini’s assistant exclusively.”
I tilt my head and glance at Enzo, who’s smiling as if he just got his Christmas wish granted. I can’t help the way my shoulders sag in disappointment. “Oh.”
Shelby pats my arm. “This is a good thing. I think it’s the first of many moves for you.”
I wonder if she believes the bullshit she’s throwing at me. Am I really supposed to sit here and give away all my ideas, but still make sure Enzo gets his coffee and lunch daily?
She takes the paper from my hand and sets it in front of us on the desk. “I just need you to sign here and here. We’re extending your confidentiality agreement and non-compete.”
I place the tip of the pen to the paper. A non-compete means I can’t leave if they take all my ideas and never give me credit for them.
I drop the pen. “I need to think about this. Can I have today?”
Shelby rears back as if I slapped her.
Enzo’s bolts upright in his chair.
Both of them look at me as though I just flew in through the window in a Supergirl costume.
“I thought you’d be happy?” Shelby asks but quickly waves. “Of course. Take today and we’ll discuss it tomorrow.” She stands and exits the office.
Before I have a chance to sneak out with her, Enzo stands, rounds his desk, and sits on the edge right in front of me. “Forget the whole name thing. You want to call me Mr. Mancini, go for it.”
I lean back in the chair and shake my head. “It’s not that.” I’d never admit it, but I like his playful side.
“What is it then?”
I look at him. “Would you be happy remaining an assistant if you were part of the reason your firm scored the whale?”
He crosses his arms, his shirt straining along his strong shoulders and biceps. “You want more money?”
I shake my head, standing. “No.” I take a few steps toward the door.
“Help me understand.”
I whip around, but he’s still leaning against the desk, except his hands are gripping the edge now. And all I can think about right now is how hot he looks.
Hot. Powerful. Intense.
What the hell is wrong with me? I’m at the pivot point of a change to my career, and all I can think of is how I want to jump my boss.
I’m a disgrace to women everywhere.
“You know what, forget it. I’ll sign it.” I wave him off, but when my hand moves for the doorknob, it clicks locked. “What the—?” I turn around as Enzo’s hand slides out from under his desk. “You mean people actually have that?”
He doesn’t smile or act cocky or even answer. “Is it because you’ll be working for me?”
I plant my hand on my waist and cock out my hip. “First of all, I’m not cool with you locking me in your office.”
