The Sheikh's Impossible Girl - completed.

Chapter Four

Normally, Ashley enjoyed work.

Excited to see what the day would bring, which was always a challenge, never had the same day that she loved. Yet one weekend with a prince, who differ from any expectation one would expect. What she had in her mind about royalty and their offish stance. He had been so far removed from that. Turning her world on its axle.

Work seemed so average. Mondayitish had struck. She had never struggled to get out of bed before. Ashley's feet lagged as she headed towards work on foot. Parking was a nightmare in the CBD of Sydney, and she was within walking distance. Normally she enjoyed the walk through the parks, and the sounds of the busy city and nature mixing.

Today she hadn't noticed.

Entering the modern building that housed their business.

Cosgrove Engineering Ltd.

Entering her office on the fourth floor, Ashley found a note, saying she was needed in her father's office. Removing the jacket she left on the desk with her handbag, she headed upstairs and walked past his secretary, who didn't even try to stop her.

Opening the door, she entered and stopped dead.

Before her, was the last person Ashley ever expected to see again, heart leaping, stomach tightened, taken aback. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you so soon." If ever.

Gone with the dark suit, replaced with a light grey one with a white shirt, open at the neck. His dark head jerked back; brows netted down.

So glad she had gone for the tailed dress of navy blue and heels, trying to get into the mood of work.

"Miss Ashley," he greeted formally, barely looking at her while she was gawking. He was more gorgeous than before if possible, which was only a couple of days ago. His hair was trimmed; lighter stubble yet still sculptured the angle of his features. "Sorry to say we are busy," he dismissed her.

Confused, Ashley searched out her father, standing beside his desk, while the prince was seated in his chair, going through whatever was on a computer. Her father shook his head. Taking a deep breath, she fought back the sudden rush of tears that had taken her by surprise. She had worked far too hard to be ignored. 

His easy dismissal of her hurt more than she had thought possible.

"Coffee?" she asked her father.

"Thank you." Turning about-face, Ashley headed out, releasing a long breath. Not her job, but would see to it. Apart from the fact she knew how he had his coffee, after the breakfast gaff, heading towards the kitchenette adjoined to the outer office, with the top-of-the-range coffee machine, so went about seeing to their coffee.

Once done, she would just stay out of his way. Sure she would have enough work on her plate to keep her out of his hair. One mustn't forget where he came from. Not here, yet still felt like a slap in the face. She was good at what she did and wouldn't be made to feel inferior.

Cups in hand, Ashley headed towards her father's office. "Charlie?" she smiled at his private secretary. "Could you?"

Rolling away from the desk, the attractive tall immaculately dressed woman crossed over and opened the door, where Ashley entered, crossed the floor, placing down a cup on the table. She handed the other to her father, which he placed down, excusing himself, and walked her out.

"I need you on call. I need Charlene to concentrate on company business."

"To do what exactly?"

"Whatever he needs. Nothing is off-limits. I need you to be on top of this."