Page 35 of Moonlit Thorns

Once I’ve showered, dried and styled my hair, and applied a little makeup, I go over to my bag to see what I’m going to wear. I don’t have many options suitable for being the assistant to a billionaire. My things arrived at Oak Haven from Nashville, though, so I’ll have to make sure to go by and grab some of the outfits I wore for my interning job.

I settle on a black wrap romper with shorts. It’s not exactly professional, but it’s not casual either. I can make it work.

With ten minutes to spare, I rush from the room to head to Asher’s office. I’m finally getting better at finding my way around Midnight Manor, so I arrive a few minutes early. He’s not in his office, so I go inside to wait for him, spotting the new desk that has been set up in the far corner from his.

My nerves set in. I was too distracted getting ready for anxiety to be an issue earlier. But now I can’t help but wonder how he’ll greet me.

I’m assuming, just from the fact that he’s brought me here to work with him, that he’s not going to push me away, but I can’t be certain. Maybe he wants me with him every day because he wants to do a little secretary/boss roleplaying. I don’t hate the idea, I’ll admit.

When footsteps enter the room, I turn with a smile on my face, but it falters when I see a beautiful blonde standing beside Asher.

I clear my throat. “Good morning.” I put on my most professional voice and don’t show that I’m disappointed he’s not alone.

“Morning,” Asher clips out. “Miss Boudreaux, this is Clarise, my assistant at the head office. I’ve brought her here this week to help you get acquainted with what I’ll need from you while you’re here.”

Recovering, I step forward, hand held out. “Good to meet you, Clarise.”

She takes my hand and shakes it, studying me for a beat.

I’d put her in her late twenties. She’s taller than I am, with green eyes and a willowy frame that reminds me of a model. Dressed in her sophisticated office wear, she makes me feel like a child playing dress-up in my romper.

As if reading my mind, Asher says, “We’ll have to get you more appropriate clothing if you’re going to work for me now. I’ll have some things left in your room.”

I nod, trying my best to hide my embarrassment. “Thank you.”

“I’ll leave you two to get started.” He doesn’t say another word before he goes over to his desk and gets to work on his computer.

“Do you have any experience assisting a man like Mr. Voss?” Clarise asks me.

There’s a challenge in her voice, and I wonder if it’s because she’s territorial about the man himself or her job. Maybe both.

“I was interning at a publishing company in Nashville before I… came here.” I doubt she knows how or why I’m here, and Asher would probably prefer to keep it that way.

Clarise blows out a breath. “Well, we better get started then. I don’t want to be away from my girlfriend any longer than I need to be.”

Guess that answers my earlier question.

The week passes quickly, and as he said he would, Asher has some more appropriate clothing left in the closet in my room. I’m still staying inside the manor as the work to repair my original room continues.

When I ventured home on Saturday night, I picked up a few outfits from what had returned from Nashville. I had a nice visit with my family, and I was surprised to find my mom out of bed, hanging out downstairs with them when I arrived.

Luke told me it had been a good week for her. While she wasn’t exactly talking while I was there, she at least seemed to be following the conversation. It gave me hope that soon she might be back to her old self.

I didn’t get a moment alone with Asher last week, and I wondered if that was by design. Though I suppose Clarise was there the whole time to train me.

Today will be the first day she won’t be here, and I can’t help the giddy feeling that rises inside me. The anticipation of being alone with him again is all I could think of. Will he kiss me? Will we do more?

It’s hard not to skip like a schoolgirl through the manor as I make my way to his office.

When I arrive, I’m disappointed to see that he isn’t there yet. No matter, I’ll get to work, and he’ll be happy when he comes in.

But when I step over to my desk, I see a note in the middle of my desk.

I’ll be out of town on business all week. Contact Clarise each morning for your list of tasks to be completed.

A

That’s all it says?

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