Page 4 of A Mate for Christmas

“Does she dress inappropriately for work?” I ask trying to figure out what the problem is.

“No, no. She is dressed professionally. Black suit pants with a jacket. A white button-down shirt and those damn blue heels.”

“I don’t see the problem?”

Although him knowing, in detail, exactly what she is wearing is a little concerning. I am getting frustrated with this endless conversation that doesn’t seem to be heading anywhere and it is conveyed in my tone.

“Because you haven’t seen her.” He sighs wiping sweat from his forehead. “The girl could wear a plastic bag and I would still have the same problem.” He stares at me for a beat before continuing. “I’ll trade you!”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ll take Mrs. Browning and you can have Miss Thomas. She is very efficient, never late…”

I hold my hand up to cut him off again. “Will that get you out of my office?” He nods enthusiastically. “Fine.”

I press the button on my desk that signals my assistant. Shortly after, the older Mrs. Browning comes in carrying her notepad. “Sir.”

“Mrs. Browning, you are being transferred to Mr. Horton’s department.”

The stricken look on her face says she is worried it is something she has done. I never took into consideration thatthis may feel like a demotion to her.

“He requires a more experienced assistant.” I try to placate her.

Mrs. Browning’s frown turns to a smile. She nods before she is turning and leaving my office to gather her things.

“Thank you,” Horton says before scrambling after her.

Usually, I would have just sent the man on his way to Human Resources, but in the past year we have had two sexual harassment cases brought against the company. Horton bringing this to me before he fucked up is something I appreciate and the only reason I handled the situation. After all, how bad can she be?

Re-opening my laptop I try to forget about the dating site and move on with my regular day-to-day, but I don’t get much done before my phone rings.

“Your new assistant is on her way up,” Mrs. Browning says before hanging up.

Time to meet this woman that has my staff all in knots.

Chapter Two

River Thomas

“What?” I nearly shout when my boss informs me I am being transferred. “Why?”

“I need someone a little more experienced for the new customer I acquired, and the boss man has agreed this would be the best solution.”

“So, I’m going to be working for Carter Lawson directly?”

“Yes. But a word of warning—he is a lot more formal than our department.”

“Don’t care,” I reply as I scramble to gather my things. “Thanks, Mr. Horton.” I smile as I hurry my ass out of the shared office and over to the elevator.

This is exactly what I need. A brand-new start.

I took Devon’s advice and filled out the dating application form, just like we both knew I would. It was a little different from the forms I have seen before but that didn’t matter. I filled that sucker out and hit “send” before I could second-guess myself. Now, I have a new, more prestigious job and I finally got rid of my deadbeat boyfriend. For a Monday, this day is going fantastic.

Hitting the button for the top floor, I smile to myself as I wait for the elevator to carry me toward newer and better things.

Exiting the elevator, I turn left and walk right into a mountain of solid muscle and fall flat on my ass. My gaze travels from expensive shoes, over a tailor-made suit, up thick thighs to a broad chest, and on to a scowling face.

Shit.

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