Page 19 of The Hand That Holds Me
“Oww! Damn it! Why did you pinch me?” I screeched at her as I rubbed my arm. It didn’t really hurt but I wasn’t going to let her know that.Brat!
“To let you know you are not dreaming! You are going to be amazing at this. It will take some time for you to get everything the way you want it but, please, give yourself that time to adapt. Don’t let yourself get anxious and allow self-doubt to creep in. I know you Maddie. You can achieve anything you want.”
She was right. I did allow my anxiety to weigh me down. Lately, speaking with Lucas has begun to make me think about the past and how I wanted my future to proceed. I needed to call my Aunt Lisa and see if she may be able to fill in some of the gaps about my father.
Maybe it was time to think about looking into Jason Merrick.
“I guess I should get showered while you wake up. I don’t want to be late for my first day!”
“Make sure you shave your legs! Lucas may not enjoy the situation happening down there” she laughed, as I walked into the bathroom.
Little did she know I shaved already! Ha!
I went through my routine of getting ready, glancing at the clock I see I had an hour before I needed to be at the Corporate office in North Atlanta. I am glad the office is off the north train line and will only take me twenty minutes to arrive.Traffic in this town sucks!
I wouldn’t have to be there all the time but Lucas felt I might be more comfortable if we were in the same location until I started making headway on the program. I quickly took him up on his offer. Just being near him gave me comfort.
The idea of being around Lucas all day made my heart race and my panties wet. He and I shared so much over the last week that I feel like I’ve known him for years. For once, I allowed myself to be open with my heart and not just my body.
Not that I wasn’t attracted to him. My body lit up every time I talked with or texted him but the fact that I was still working at the bar meant we couldn’t see each other. For the first time, I felt like I was getting to really know someone and their character before I share myself sexually. I did give my BOB a workout over this past week. Thinking about his brown hair, sexy beard, and luscious full lips… lips I wanted to kiss and a body that I was eager to explore.
I wasn’t sure what the company policy about dating was, but I planned to find out!
I arrived at MSJ Media shortly before 9 o’clock and made my way across the lobby to security. I wore my newest pencil skirt and blouse specifically purchased with Lucas in mind. He had mentioned how much he liked me in the outfit I wore the night at the bar so I got a few new outfits and a new pair of heels. I could use the four-inch boost only hitting the charts at 5’2” and they make my ass and legs look fantastic.
After checking in, I was directed to the back office to have my idea picture made and all my access passes issued.
Once they went over all the information for checking in and out of the building, I was on the elevator, headed toward the twelfth floor to meet with Lucas.
As I stepped off the elevator, I was greeted by an older woman with kind eyes and a perfect chignon.
“May I help you?” a perfect Southern accent swept across me and I was immediately comforted by her. She appeared sweet, like a what you would expect a grandmother to look like.
“Maddie Johnson for Lucas Walters.” I gave her my best smile.
She immediately stood up and offered me a handshake. “It is so nice to meet you Miss Johnson. I’m Carol, Mr. Walters personal secretary. Please allow me to show you to his office. He is expecting you.”
We walked down the hallway and I tried to take in all the features of the office. Industrial workings, exposed brick, and pipes running along the ceilings gave the old feel that I love so much. The large windows allowed the sun to shine in and filter into the air, casting rays of light along the walls and floors
Walking into his office, I willed my heart rate to slow down. I did not need him to see me flustered on my first day.
Rising from his chair and coming around the desk to greet me, I was again caught off guard by his sheer sexiness. I preferred his casual look and leather jacket but seeing him a suit everyday would not be a hardship.
“Maddie, it’s so good to see you. I trust the train ride wasn’t too bad this morning? Would you like anything to drink?” His eyes looked me over from top to bottom and back again, lingering in certain areas. I hope he likes what he sees.
“It’s good to see you, too. The trip in was fine. At least I didn’t have to drive up here,” I laughed as I sat down and he went back to his side of the desk.
Thank God.His cologne was making me weak and I’m afraid I may just end up on my knees in front of him.
“Before we get you settled in your office, I wanted to speak with you about a few things first. The board of directors is very pleased that you agreed to join the company and, to be honest, so am I. I…we…want you to be comfortable here, and with this new program we have outlined. However, we are fine with you going off script, if it isn’t going to negatively impact the company or the participants in the program. If there is something you encounter that gives you pause, please get in contact with me immediately. I’d like to be able to guide you through this as much as I can. This is your baby, though, and I will never step on your toes. Now, let me give you your credit cards.”
“Credit cards? Why would I need credit cards? I assumed I would get quotes and estimates for supplies and then I would receive the decision from the Board.” I looked down and saw him holding out an AmEx Black card with my name on it.
No limit.
I could feel my eyes widen and I had to force my mouth closed. I looked at Lucas for guidance on how to proceed, suddenly feeling completely out of my element.
“The card is for you to handle what needs to be handled. The company has a large budget for this project and wanted to ensure you could buy what and when you needed, without restraint. This program needs to be successful and we don’t want red tape muddying up the waters. If you look at the information I just gave you, it outlines all the expenses we will cover on the card. Just keep your receipts and turn them in at the end of the month to compare with charges. Simple.”
