What To Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection Part Two (203 page)

“I’m going to bed.” I gave her a quick hug, then walked off to my bedroom. Rachel meant well, I knew she did, but there was no way she could understand what talking about that night made me feel.

Stripping down to my panties, I pulled out my oversized night shirt and slid it on. Slipping into bed I closed my eyes and was tormented with memories from the past. Such a naive fool I’d been. What had started off as a perfect evening had turned so wrong that I wasn’t sure I’d ever get over the scars left behind. He hadn’t raped me, but the insensitivity he’d shown in being my first lover was just as bad.

I’d said no to him so many times over our six months together that he was ecstatic that I’d finally changed my mind. I was tired of not knowing why all the women on campus were so addicted to sex. Maybe he’d been afraid I’d change my mind but he had my clothes off and was between my legs thrusting before I’d even had time to catch my breath.

The pain was excruciating. All I remember thinking at the time was let this shit end because I’d rather die than ever feel the sensation of being ripped apart again. In retrospect it didn’t last that long, five minutes at the most, but I’d learned that sex wasn’t worth the effort. The lingering effects of his ‘lovemaking’ had taken days to wear off and lasted longer than it took for me to discover he’d just been trying to do a virgin for some rite of passage at his fraternity. More than my heart was broken when he left.

I slept fitfully that night as the memories flashed back and waking up the next morning to the blare of the alarm clock had me wanting to toss the thing out the window. I grumbled as my feet hit the floor and staggered to the bathroom shower knowing this was going to be the longest day in history.

The warm spray brought me back to life a little, and I made a mental note not to drink so much wine on a work night again. I had a job! The thought perked me up even more than the shower did. Granted it was a job that I had no idea how to do yet, and would demand that I put my own feelings about sex into my subconscious mind, but still. It was a job!

Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped myself in a large towel then traipsed off to my bedroom closet. Pulling out my favorite gray pantsuit, I knew this would make me feel professional and give me the confidence I needed for my first day. Laying it out on the bed, I went through my drawers until I found a black, silk camisole.

I wanted to look my best today and as I dressed in my favorite bra and panties I felt my mood brighten. The last four weeks had been hell and I was determined to make a great impression so that the next four would be anything but. By the time I was dressed, I was ready to show the guys at Fantasy’s just what an asset they’d acquired in hiring me.

I wanted to wake Rachel up and get her opinion on my outfit, but I knew she had to work at the club tonight so I let her sleep. I had the code needed to enter the building, so I walked downstairs full of confidence and filled with excitement. This job was going to be challenging at the moment I felt that’s exactly what I needed.

One cab ride later I was walking into my new life. The club was completely vacant at eight in the morning but the lights were on so I assumed I wasn’t the first to arrive. I traced my steps from yesterday to find the elevator and arrived on the top floor within moments.

Walking to the desk I was surprised to see a woman of advanced years manning the desk. “Um. Hi, I’m Zoey Summers, I’m the new paralegal.” I assumed this was the secretary that would have my paperwork.

The woman stood and held out her hand giving me the most down to earth smile. I instantly liked her. “The boys told me you were coming in this morning. I’m Geraldine, but everyone just calls me Dean. Can I get you a cup of coffee before we start on your papers?”

“Nice to meet you Dean. If you’ll direct me to the coffee pot, I’ll get it myself.” In my opinion that was the most important thing to find with any office.

“I’ll show you, but I’m your secretary now too, so in the future if you need anything, you just let me know.” I guessed her age to be mid-fifties, and she dressed impeccably. I was a little shocked that the owners didn’t have some young woman in this position, but I guess that was a little sexist of me.

“I’m sure they keep you busy enough, so I’ll try to handle my end as much as I can.” Giving a smile, I followed her back to the break area. A large table graced the center of the room as well as a stove, refrigerator, vending machines, and tons of cabinet space. Personally it seemed overkill for just the four partners and a secretary.

“Believe me I enjoy the work. Since my husband passed on working for the boys has kept me young.” She opened up one of the cabinets and pulled down two coffee mugs with the Fantasy’s logo imprinted on them.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I’d never been good at talking about death, so I felt a little uncomfortable. I attempted to show sympathy and hoped it didn’t seem forced.

“My George lived a good life, he worked at Mr. Harold’s seniors’ estate for years.” It was pretty obvious that Dean loved to talk and I could see she was devoted to the company. “Enough about that. You enjoy your coffee and I’ll bring the forms back to you.”

She didn’t give me time to answer, instead she walked off. Hearing the owners being talked about as boys was somewhat comical, and I wondered how they’d feel knowing she felt so motherly. Definitely not my place to worry about it I decided and poured a cup of wake up juice.

Sitting down at the dining table I enjoyed the brew and decided instantly that someone had great taste in coffee. Dean walked in long enough to leave me with a folder before leaving again. A majority of the paperwork was standard employment forms, I was a little shocked to note I had to have a physical and submit to blood work yearly. Filling out my life history, I wondered why my health information was needed.

The sound of coffee being poured pulled me out of my intense concentration and I noticed Miles. “Good Morning.” Giving a polite smile that I was glad he returned I knew I’d have to get used to working with such handsome men. At least the view here was great. Definitely a perk I thought, before feeling bad for thinking it.

“Good Morning, Ms. Summers.” He sat down at the table with me, which was shocking. “If you have any questions about anything, I hope you’ll feel free to let me know.”

“If it’s not inappropriate, please call me Zoey.” I wasn’t sure if they had some policy in place but I preferred to be a little less rigid. “I do have a question about the physical? Can I ask why that’s necessary?”

“As long as you’re comfortable with me using your first name it’s fine. Please call me Miles.” He took a sip from his cup and sighed. I have to tell you a sexy man enjoy his coffee is really a turn on. “We fully cover all our employees with our health insurance plan, so if there are new or past medical issues we need to know so we can prepare for the cost.”

I was shocked. My last place of employment only paid twenty five percent, so this was a real perk. “That’s very generous of you.” I wasn’t sure yet about calling him Miles because it felt a little too familiar.

“We feel that taking care of our employees encourages them to do a better job for us.” The smile he gave made my knees weak. I really had to gain some control. I’m not sure why suddenly I’m allowing myself to think about things I’ve kept pushed to the back of my mind for years.

“I’m impressed. Most employers are more concerned with their bottom line rather than the people working for them.” Maybe I should not say exactly what I think, but that’s just who I am.

His deep chuckle made me feel warm all over, and like a school girl I blushed. “I think you’ll discover we’re not like most employers.”

Was he flirting with me? Definitely not. The man was gorgeous and that hot glint in those sexy emerald eyes was just my imagination. Glancing down at my paperwork, I forced myself to stop the thoughts I’m having. “I hope to discover that’s a good thing then.” Did that line even make sense? Hell if I know. I can’t think straight with him looking at me.

“I’ll look forward to getting your opinion in a few months.” He stood up and I forced my attention back to his face. The smile he was wearing was even more sensual. “Have a good day Zoey. Be sure to let me know if you have any more questions.” He winked at me before walking off.

Holy shit. Miles Dresdon, winked at me. Didn’t that make me feel like an adolescent girl all over again! I finished up the rest of the papers and walked back to Dean before I could think about the reaction I had to his attention. Leon was standing at the desk in conversation with her when I arrived.

They both stopped to look at me and Leon smiled my way. What was it about these men and their devastating smiles? “Good Morning, Mr. Alexander.” Have you ever tried to remain aloof when staring into a face of masculine perfection? Trust me it’s not easy.

“Ms. Summers.” His smiled broadened and he held out a long fingered, tanned hand to shake. My knees were shaking again. Dear Lord, being around these men could try the patience of saint.

“Zoey, please.” I shook his hand and pulled back quickly because I needed to get my head out of fantasy land. He was one of my bosses not some gorgeous stud I could ogle at will. Although as far as ogling, he had the perfect physique for it. Over six feet tall, sandy-blond hair, and whiskey colored eyes? Add that to a body that would make any girl drool and it was hard not to look.

“Call me Leon, Zoey. I hope the paperwork wasn’t too mundane?” His sensual lips lifted in a half-smile and it took me a minute to answer.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle. That’s the majority of my job title, dealing with paperwork.” I felt insecure with my lack of verbiage, and wished that these men didn’t have the ability to make me feel less confident.

“I’ll take those forms from you dear.” Dean broke into the conversation and I knew she’d just earned herself a Christmas present. How was I supposed to be the professional I was working with these guys? I handed over the folder and smiled gratefully.

“Thanks so much. If you could tell me where I’m supposed to work, I’d like to get started.” Keeping a smile plastered on my face to cover my nerves, I waited expectantly.

“I’ll do the honors. We have a nine o’clock meeting every morning, but you have at least half an hour to get acclimated before that begins.” Leon kissed Dean’s cheek and I was shocked at the sweet gesture. Almost as surprising was seeing Dean blush. I guess I wasn’t the only one affected by the men.

Following Leon down the hall I was led to my new office and I almost had heart failure. The office was huge and had a great view of the city below. This was the type of room given to a senior partner, not some lowly paralegal. A huge desk with a state-of-the-art computer system rested on the heavy wood, and was accompanied by a large leather swivel chair. “This is amazing!”

“You’ll be spending long hours here, so we want you to be comfortable.” Leon resting on the edge of my new desk wasn’t very comforting, but it was definitely alluring. He was dripping sex appeal and for a moment I wanted to be a little kitty lapping it up. I mentally slapped myself and cleared my throat.

“Mr. Harold said there was a portfolio of former contracts I could look over?” Get this on a professional level, my subconscious screamed at me.

“We’ll present that to you in the boardroom during our meeting. For now just get comfortable with the office.” He lifted that sexy ass off my desk and I was briefly disappointed. “I’ll stop back in to pick you up soon.” He smiled before leaving me alone in my new paradise.

I took several deep breaths before sitting behind my new desk. This was turning into a morning I wouldn’t soon forget and keeping my head in the right frame of mind was first priority. Turning on the computer I went over the software installed. It was loaded with programs that I’d only dreamed of using when I was working with Baxter.

I was lost in the world of technology when a knock at the door interrupted me. Forcing my eyes away from the screen I answered it and was faced with Leif. Sure. Why not deal with each of these gorgeous men on my first day. I had to bite back a laugh.

“I just wanted to make sure you were getting settled in okay.” He was a beautiful man, just like the other partners, but what made him stand out was his self-confidence. This was a guy that knew he was sexy and didn’t need me or anyone else to convince him. He reminded me of a surfer wearing business attire, with those blue eyes and sun-bleached blond hair. I wondered if he hated wearing the tie.

“Everything’s perfect, sir. I really can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to work here.”

“We can ditch the sir, I’m Leif. I guess you’d say I’m the laid back partner. I’d much rather be out enjoying the sun than being in a stuffy office.” It was like the man had read my thoughts and I laughed. I instantly felt a strange connection with him.

“Turn-about is fair play then, call me Zoey. If you don’t mind me asking, why aren’t you?” It was no secret to anyone who read the paper that he had more money than a person could spend in a lifetime. If I was rich I couldn’t imagine working for a living.

“I ask myself that question every day.” He grinned and the boyish look that made him one of the most sought after bachelors in the city was apparent. “I’m working on a real-estate investment to help me live out that dream.”

“So you’d leave Fantasy’s if that comes through?” It was none of my business, but he brought it up.

“Actually I’m thinking of expanding Fantasy’s to an island. We’re still working out the details though.” The way his eyes lit up I could see it was an idea that really excited him.

“Fantasy Island, I think my mother used to watch that show.” He was so easy to talk to that I found myself able to joke around.

“Wasn’t that the one with the little midget that shouted for the plane?” We were both laughing and I felt really comfortable hanging out with him.

“That’s the one. Although I think the politically correct term these days is little people.” I wasn’t sure that one was any less derogatory.

“Fantasy Island. I like that, maybe change it to Fantasy Isle. I like you Zoey, I think we’ll have to keep you on.” His gorgeous face was even more beautiful with that wide smile. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pinch his cheeks or fall in love.