Chapter 7
I’m confused, but happy.
Spending time with Deacon is everything I ever dreamed of—even if it’s just taking half an hour out of his day to be with me.
Once we’ve finished our coffees, he escorts me back to the office.
Sitting at my new desk is a gorgeous blonde. Her hair’s drawn up into a tight bun, and her makeup’s on point. I might look together, but just laying eyes on her makes me feel disorganised.
She wasn’t here when I came in before.
Her gaze falls on me, and I just know I’m being judged.
“Deacon. So nice of you to turn up for work.”
He chuckles. “You know me so well, Simone.”
Wait.
This is Simone? The PA who’s been promoted to the CEO’s office?
“You shouldn’t be leading the poor woman astray on her first day.” She busts out a big smile and meets my gaze. “I’m sorry. Here I am sitting in your seat. That’s hardly welcoming.”
When she stands, I feel even less confident. She could be a model, she’s so tall, and she has a figure to die for. I dress confidently, but I’m well aware of my inadequacies.
“Pippa, this is Simone, my former PA. Simone, this is Pippa.”
She makes her way around the desk and holds out her hand. I give it a shake, and she closes her other hand over mine. “I’m so glad to meet you, and even more glad that he’s your problem now.”
Deacon reaches up and scratches the back of his neck. “This isn’t awkward at all. It’s like your girlfriend meeting your ex.”
She laughs. “You should be so lucky. I’m sure Pippa has much better taste.”
I snort.
He nudges my arm. “Hey, play nice.”
My first impression of her was so off. I like this woman.
“I thought Simone could run you through the system today,” Deacon says.
Simone holds a palm in the air and waves it. “I’ll show her how I had things set up. Pippa can set up her own system. She can probably teach me a thing or two.”
Oh, I really like this woman.
“If you say so.” Deacon’s bemused tone makes me smile. He turns to focus on me. “I’ll get back to the reports I was working on this morning. Ladies.” With a nod to Simone, he leaves us to go into his office, and she breathes a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness he’s gone. Now we can get down to the gossip.”
I gawp. “Gossip?”
“The executives are all talking about you. I know you’ve known Deacon for years. And you’re still putting up with him? That’s messed up.”
“He’s not that bad.”
She grins. “I know. Come on. I’ll grab another chair and walk you through everything. I meant what I said about making changes. Do what works for you.”
It doesn’t take long to fall into easy conversation with Simone, and by the end of the day, I feel like I’ve made a friend.
Deacon heads out mid-afternoon for a meeting, and he hasn’t returned by the time I finish. After our morning when I felt a connection with him, it’s disappointing. But I’ll be back tomorrow and so will he.
One of the best things about landing this job is the parking. It’s ridiculously expensive in Auckland to pay for parking. And because I’m the PA to the CTO, my car’s nice and close.
I scan the parks to find Deacon’s. His car’s not there so I’m guessing his meeting ran over, or he’s just gone for the day.
After sliding into my driver’s seat, I close my eyes for a second. Spending the day with Simone was taxing. There’s not a huge amount I have to learn, but I do need to know where everything is. It’s been a while since I’ve had that much information pumped into me in a single day.
She’s keen to move on and start her new job, and I get it. At least I’m a fast learner, and I don’t have to keep everything set up the way she had it.
It’ll take some time, but I’ll soon have the office running the way I want it.
The traffic this time of day is awful, but I make it back to the studio flat I’m renting before six and heat up leftovers from last night’s roast chicken for dinner before sinking into the couch.
With a full stomach, and nothing to do but watch television, I’m nodding off before I know it. I’m even more tired than I realised.
I barely make it to 8.30 p.m. before climbing into bed.
My phone buzzes on the bedside cabinet.
Deacon?
I’d programmed his number into my phone today on Simone’s advice. She said he never called her after hours, but it’s better I’m prepared if he calls me needing something.
My stomach falls. What did I do wrong? Is he calling to tell me off?
I draw in a deep breath, and press accept call. “Hello?”
“Pippa? It’s Deacon.”
Heat traverses my body at the sound of his deep voice. I shouldn’t feel this way—not when he’s my boss. “Deacon?”
“I just wanted to check in on you because I didn’t get to say goodbye today. How was your first day?”
I sigh and close my eyes. “It was good. Simone went through everything, and it all looks pretty straight forward.”
He chuckles. “If anyone can keep me in line, it’s you. I just wanted to say I’m really glad you applied for the job. I’ve missed you, Pip.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I croak.
“Are you okay?” His concerned tone does things to my stomach. The butterflies are back. I thought over time my crush on him had faded, but it’s already back with a vengeance. I’m not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.
“I’m fine. Just tired. I didn’t sleep too well last night, and today was a lot to take in.” I bite my bottom lip. “I’m already in bed.”
There’s silence for a moment.
Have I overstepped?
“That worn out, huh? I hope that doesn’t put you off working with me.”
“Never.” I laugh.
“Good to hear. Get some sleep, sweetheart, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
When the call is disconnected, I snuggle down into the sheets and smile. Sweetheart. I’m probably reading way too much into this, but I think Deacon sees me in a whole new light.
At least, I hope that’s the case.