Page 20 of Boss of Her

Simone placed a hand on her hip, her robe parting slightly to reveal a flash of pale chest. “Is something the matter?”

“No,” Jade said. “This looks amazing.”

She picked up her knife and fork and took a small bite of her pancakes. That seemed to satisfy Simone, who sat down across from her and started on her own breakfast.

Jade took another bite, then another. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. She picked up her coffee and took a long gulp. Milk, no sugar. That was how she took it. But how had Simone known? Jade always got coffee for her, never the other way around.

Before she knew it, she’d cleaned her plate. But she barely had a chance to put her fork down before Simone offered her seconds.

Jade shook her head. “I’m good. Thank you. For breakfast, and for everything last night. But I…”

Simone cocked her head. “Yes?”

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but why are you doing all this for me?”

Simone set her coffee cup down on a coaster. “I’m doing this because you need it, Jade.” She leaned forward, amber eyes fixed on Jade’s. “You are my assistant. I need you at your best. But you’ve been working nonstop with no regard for your own well-being. So if you won’t take care of yourself, I will, understand?”

Jade’s cheeks grew hot. “I understand.”

Simone sat back in her chair. “Now, you’ll want to take the morning off to address the situation with your apartment. If you need more time, let me know. Otherwise, I expect you in the office this afternoon.”

Jade nodded.

“You can freshen up and get dressed before you leave. I ordered you some things last night. They were delivered this morning. Clothes to wear, and so on.”

Jade blinked. “You bought me clothes?”

“Among other things,” Simone said. “Sundries, a phone charger. Since you can’t get into your apartment, you’ll need enough essentials to last the next few days at least.”

“I don’t know what to say. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Again, I did. I think we can both agree that you have enough on your plate right now as it is. You’re no use to me if you’re too swamped to do your job.”

“I…” But there was no point protesting. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Simone said. “Now, go get ready. You can use the bathroom across the hall from the guest room. You’ll findeverything you need inside. I’ll leave the things I got for you on the bed. Once you’re dressed and ready, I’ll have my driver take us back to the office so you can get your car.”

Jade nodded and got up from the dining table, making her way upstairs and into the bathroom. After the most lavish bath of her life the night before, in Simone’s ensuite no less, she didn’t need to shower. But she did need to make herself more presentable.

As Simone had promised, she found everything she needed in the bathroom, from a hairbrush to a facewash and moisturizer set with the most heavenly scent and silky feel. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she ran the hairbrush through her hair and pulled it up into a loose bun.

When she returned to the guest room, the bed had been made. On top of it was an empty leather duffel bag, a small bag of toiletries, and some carefully folded clothes. A pair of jeans, a sweater, some t-shirts, light canvas shoes, pajamas. Even socks and panties.

Jade’s face began to burn. She picked up one of the pairs of panties. Like everything else on the bed, they were her exact size. They were the style Jade normally wore, too. How had Simone known? It was as impressive as it was mortifying.

But Jade was already flustered enough. Thinking about her boss buying her panties wasnothelping.

She examined the rest of the clothing on the bed, which was mostly workwear. A dress, a couple of skirts, some blouses, all in clear garment bags. Jade picked up one of the garment bags and opened it up. Inside was a royal blue blouse made of a silky, delicate fabric. No, notsilky. It was real silk. And a glance at the tag told her it was designer.

She ran her hand over the fabric of the blouse. It was luxuriously soft. How much had it cost? Each of the items onthe bed looked more expensive than anything Jade owned. And Simone had bought them for her without a second thought?

As she placed the blouse down, her eyes fell upon a dress laid out on the bed. Unlike the others, it wasn’t in a garment bag. It had been set aside carefully, deliberately.

Almost as if Simone wanted her to wear it.

Jade’s heart skipped. One thing was clear—Simone liked to take charge in the officeandin the bedroom. Was she taking charge of Jade now, too? Exerting control over her for her own satisfaction?

Jade shook her head. That was a crazy thought.

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