Re: The Assistant

Chapter 4

I'd awoken from my deep slumber by the  loud sound of a vacuum being used just a couple feet from my resting body.

I naturally analyzed the unfamiliar bedroom, white sheets, white pillows, windows looking over the city.

I deduced by the heavenly decor that I'd somehow crashed at Roman's penthouse. This was surely enough for me to lose my job if I'd worked at an ethical company. I'd only known the guy for a few days and here I was crashing at his penthouse, DRUNK.

The maid stopped the vacuuming once she realized I'd come to. "I'm sorry did I wake you?"

I quickly shook my head before realizing the excruciating pain that came with that. If this is what a hangover is I've learned my lesson and vow to stay as far away from alcohol as possible.

"You're up." Roman said from the hall, buttoning the cuffs of his suit as he seemingly got ready for work.  "Gave you the guest room, it's far more comfortable than the bathroom tile you passed out on."

I groaned in embarrassment, my cheeks completely crimson red. "Thank you, I'm sorry about that by the way I don't drink often." I lied, I don't drink at all. Especially not wine, and after this experience I plan on sticking to that.

I followed closely behind him into the kitchen where he handed me a glass of orange juice.

"I've gotta meeting to go to thanks to .... you actually. But if you'd like to stay for breakfast Christina won't mind keeping you company."

"Christina?"

"My maid... you've met her several times."

Oh sure of course, the woman who I've only just spoken to today.

"No it's okay really, I've got to head out too. Long day." Truthfully I was so embarrassed that if I didn't get out of there in 5 seconds I'd combust.

"Here." He opened my palm and dropped two migraine pills. My heart raced at the cold touch of his rough hand against mine.

He noticed my hitch in breath and removed his hand, his green eyes appraising me.

"Can I ask you another question?" Roman's tone was stern, like he knew the answer before I did.

"Yea- sure."

"Are you seeing anyone?"

After I got drunk off of 1 and a half glasses of wine... and passed out on your bathroom tile.. is that not the biggest turn off? What are your standards?

I felt the blood rushing back up to my cheeks, painting me a nice rosy pink color. " I-no. I don't really date anymore."

"How come?" He leaned in a bit, the counter separating our two bodies as he rested his palm against the granite.

"Just .. bad experiences."

There was another brief silence before he let out a soft hm followed by a smile.

Something was telling me I'd might've just shut the doors on any chance of something between Roman Madden and I. But maybe that was a good thing, he was a walking red flag and in partnership with my boss. It'd be a bad look.

"We should get going then, don't want to be late." He instructed me to the elevator.

I scolded myself the entire 3 minutes of silence. Sure I'd been staying away from dating, but I'd never dated a real man before. Roman was older but not on the creepy side yet, well established, intoxicatingly handsome. My scolding then became a top 5 things I like about Roman list that had to come to an end when the elevator made the startling ding sound.