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“Well, I think you have a 2 p.m. meeting with the blonde over in the candle store for a hot make-out session in the bathroom. Perhaps you’d like it if I rearranged that so you could have a few minutes to woo her up to the suites for a cocktail and a side of sex.”
I was temporarily stunned. One of the temps laying out the accessories and purses laughed, then saw me looking at her and turned away. There wasn’t an ounce of patience or understanding left in me as I turned to Gwen.
“Take a walk with me, will you, Gwen?”
So, we walked side by side straight out the door to the sidewalk. I breathed in the fresh air in hopes it would cool my boiling blood.
“Don’t ever do that again! Don’t you ever embarrass me like that in front of people? I hired you as a temporary assistant to get me through this opening. I need you to manage my appointments, handle the computer, and pretty much anything else I see fit. What I don’t need is your sarcasm or whatever childish game you're playing.”
Gwen said nothing, and it surprised me. Her usual sassiness that I’d discovered in less than a day was as much a part of her personality as it was the source of my frustration. Glancing over at her, I saw the humor in her eyes, which didn't meet her lips.
“Understood. I just thought that perhaps you might like a—”
She tested my patience. Warning in my tone, I continued, “I hope I’ve made myself clear, Gwen because I can call someone else. You're here. I’d like your help, but I won’t tolerate this nonsense right now.”
When it was obvious, she understood, I continued, “Good. Now, let’s get back to work. I need you to tell me what’s next on the schedule, and if you so much as suggest a ménage a trois with two blondes in a limo, you're fired.”
We both laughed for a moment, then she sobered up. “Not at all, that’s not until 10 o’clock tonight.”
“Thank God. At least I have a little time for some fun. Let’s get back in there and I hope I can trust you.”
The rest of the day went smoother than expected after that. She was by my side, helping me get everything done as easily as possible. I was pleasantly surprised by how well she meshed with me when both our egos had been moved out of the way.
Despite our differences, she kept me on track and made sure everything was as it should be as we prepared to open at Chelsea Market. She did it so well, she was even better than Martie, which got me thinking.
Night came quickly and I was tired. I’d texted Milly, hoping we could meet for dinner and drinks since it was clear Martie wasn’t coming and Gwen wasn’t that kind of girl. Milly never returned my text, so I was left with Gwen.
“So, are you hungry? I could eat and I’m not anxious to go out again.” Now is as good a time as any to get to know my new assistant on a personal level. My only hope was that things would go better than last night.
She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“What is it with you, Gwen? I’m just curious, are you one of those women who can’t make a decision?”
“Not at all. This—” She waved her fingers between us. “It’s just weird. We are working together, but then I’m supposed to be personable and spend time outside of work with you. It’s very confusing.”
“I understand, but listen, this is just a temporary thing for us both. We can get to know each other and spend some time together. What else do we have to do?”
“You're right.” She eyed me thoughtfully. “Fair enough. I will have dinner with you as long as you understand I’m not sleeping with you. Martie told me all about you, how you're quite the playboy, and I’m not about to be your next conquest, or victim.”
“Fair enough. No sex. Are you allowed to have a drink with me per Martie?”
I’m going to kill you Martie! You go and get sick on me, pull a no-show, play nothing but head games with me, knowing how much I want you, and then make sure I can’t sleep with your gorgeous cousin on top of that!
Gwen smiled. “Well, if they have some additive and sulfate-free wine, I’d love some. If not, then a good old shot of whiskey will do.”
“Really? I think they’ll have some of that downstairs.”
We walked to the elevator, and my mind was racing all over the place. Determined to loosen up my assistant, I thought at the very least that she might spill the beans on her cousin. I was hopeful, but not overly hopeful, as our personalities were constantly at war with one another.
If I get her a little tipsy and she’ll probably become more of a prude.
Two hours later, after a little food and alcohol, Gwen was a whole lot more agreeable. Her laughter was like sunshine for my ego. With every stupid joke, she cracked up, and her hands were everywhere: on my knee, on my arm, touching my shoulder. She even went so far as to run her fingers along my jawline.
We headed back to the suite, her arm laced through mine for added support. “Don’t let me fall. I’m feeling a little too relaxed, I think. I probably shouldn’t have had that last glass of wine.”
“Not at all. This is nice. I like this, Gwen. She’s fun, and much more relaxed.” I was primed and ready for a night of passion, certain that was on the agenda when we finally got to the suite.
Turning the corner, I let her in the door first and watched as she tore off her shoes two seconds later.
