Page 18 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Chapter Six

Ispent the weekend cleaning the house, playing with my girls. And the whole time I couldn’t help but think over and over again that Kristoff’s offer was wrong on so many levels. I was also more nervous than I could remember being in a very long time. I could deny all day, but Kristoff Baldwin turned me on. And that was bad! I haven’t had sex since my husband died, and I was seriously starting to wonder if that was a mistake. I wasn’t a champ in that department before, but I should have let off some steam.

On the other hand, I was excited about working. The last five months of not working were hard for my self-esteem, and for my family financially. I went through my closet and organized my work clothes from my casual clothes. If nothing else, I could ensure I dress how my boss preferred, thinking back to his second contract that outlined preferred dress attire being skirts or dresses.

On Monday, I checked in at the front desk at eight in the morning. I was wearing a pencil black skirt that was just an inch above my knee, black heel pumps, and light green blouse with elbow sleeves and open neck and upper chest, but it did not reveal anything. I wasn’t thrilled about wearing heels at all.

They expected me so a staffer showed me to the elevator and where I had to go. As I was going up the elevator, I felt my pulse speed up. It was ridiculous how nervous I was about seeing Kristoff. It is not like he can force me to have sex with him!

Oh but admit it, Gemma. You would not mind sex with him…at… all.

I am such a basket case. Betty would enjoy this enormously, which is the reason I kept it to myself.

I met Kimberly at the same spot. When I got to her desk, she said, “Welcome aboard, Genevieve.”

I was nervous about the whole job. I’d never done administrative work.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. “Please call me Gemma.”

She came around and showed me to my desk. “They have already set up a new laptop for you with your credentials. This will allow you to work remotely, or if needed from home. Once you get settled, please report to Mr. Baldwin.”

I worked through my credentials and set up my laptop so I could login. Once I tested the login and all the access I was supposed to have, I stood up to go into his office. I don’t know why I didn’t want to, but oh well, if you work for someone, I guess you have to see them.

Kimberly was coming back from the kitchen and noticed I was ready to go see the boss.

“Here,” she said, placing a cup of coffee in front of me. “Mr. Baldwin will expect you to bring him coffee. One of your duties is to bring him coffee each morning. He likes it black, no sugar and no creamer. ”

“Oh,” I said. “Ok.”How dumb, I thought to myself. Why wouldn’t the man get his own coffee? It would probably do him good to stretch his legs. But I decided not to say anything.

I walked into his big office, light pouring through those wide windows.

“Good morning,” I said approaching his desk. I was sure he could hear the nervous pitch in my voice. “Kimberly gave me your coffee.”

He looked up from his computer, and those sexy green eyes appraised me. I felt like he was stripping me with his eyes.

“Please have a seat.” I put his mug down and sat. This felt like being in a principal’s office. I tilted my knees to the side. I looked up and caught Kristoff staring. God, the way he looked at me, made me feel like I was the sexiest woman in the world. For the hundredth time since I accepted his offer, I told myself it was wrong to accept it in the first place. Yet, here I was...sitting in his office, showing off my legs.

Not a good start Gemma… not good at all!

Feeling uncomfortable, I mumbled, “Ah… it’s been a while since I wore a skirt this short.”

He looked over my body and then came back to my face.

“I want to explain your duties and hierarchy in this office. You report to me, however you will be helping Kimberly if needed. I want to make it clear that Kimberly does not work for you, nor do you work for her. She has some items she needs help with today so please do those, and then you can come back to me.”

“Sure, makes sense,” I said.

“Questions?”

“Nope.”

Since he didn’t add anything else, I got up and walked out of his office. It is going to take time getting used to taking orders from him, or bringing him his coffee. I shook my head in annoyance at myself. It was a paycheck, that was all that mattered right now.

I was busy the entire day with, what do you know, administrative tasks. I was glad that I was able to help Kimberly, but my mind wasn’t really used all day. I kept reminding myself not to even dare to complain. The paycheck I was getting was huge for the tasks I was doing. Before I knew it, it was five o’clock, and Kimberly was out the door, telling me I did awesome today.

I knocked on Kristoff’s office door and peeked my head in, unsure if I should walk in.

“Come in,” he said. I walked over to his desk, and he motioned for me to sit down.

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