Passion's Price

He's Just an Ass

"I mean, uh- of course it's my first day" Amelia mumbled under her breath. "I'm sorry I just, it's very nice to meet you finally" the words tumbled out of her mouth.

She looked down, realizing she was still pumping his hand in greeting. Amelia hastily withdrew as if she'd suddenly been burned by his touch. Looking back up at Lucas, she smiled

"I'm sorry I was unavailable for most of your day. It's been" Lucas paused as if searching for the right word. "Hectic to say the least." He let out a long sigh and ran his hand through his dark hair.

How could that simple movement be so sexy?

"Well if you're done ogling the boss, we have work to do." Michael's teasing voice cut through the charged air around them.

Embarrassed, Amelia looked down at the pages of notes in her hand. Her cheeks were probably bright red at this point. "Yes. I'll get these typed up right away."

She could feel Lucas staring at her. A quick glance confirmed it, and she gave a tight lipped smile before turning towards Michael. Michael was safe. Looking at him didn't give her butterflies or make her completely incoherent. Besides, she doubted that he had any inclination or feelings towards women anyway.

"Well, come on then, 'New Girl'." Michael walked expectantly towards the door as Amelia followed mutely.

Don't turn around. Don't turn around. Don't look back at him. The mantra kept going through her head until the door clicked shut behind her.

Michael turned towards her. "Girl. No." He grinned as he said it. "Trust when I say, he's not for you. That man is married to his job." Laughing he pulled a chair over to the computer so they could get to work.

"Beverly said as much."

"He's a great boss, don't get me wrong. But I saw those doe eyes." He wiggled his eyebrows as he  nudged her shoulder. They sat together at the desk,  Michael leaning in to gave her a wink, lessening the feeling of judgement between them. "You aren't the first to fawn over him."

"I wasn't fawning." She mimicked. "Just... appreciating." She paused, searching for the right word, and gave him a lopsided grin.

"Believe me, I have 'appreciated' on many occasions." Michael laughed again. "It's a wonder he even goes out on dates."

"What do you mean? Like as in, with a girlfriend?"

"Eh. I wouldn't say girlfriend, although I'm sure she'd love it to be." There was a little venom in his voice, and Amelia turned towards him, drawn in by the intensity at the turn of conversation. "You'll meet her soon enough I'm sure."

"Does she come by regularly?" Amelia wasn't sure why that irritated her so much to hear Lucas was seeing someone. She'd just met the man for Christ's sake.

"Probably more than Lucas would like." Michael let the statement hang in the air before changing the subject. "Anyhow, let me show you how to type these up." He gestured towards the notes Amelia had taken, expertly switching the conversation towards the work in front of them.

The next time Amelia came up for air, it was just after six o'clock. She and Michael had spent the rest of the afternoon going through the meeting notes, as he filled her in on the background of certain topics, and showed her what was expected for the meeting minutes. The time had passed so quickly, that it was hard for Amelia to believe that amid the whirlwind of information, she had only been there one full day.

Michael began cleaning the desk, prepping his notes for the next day, when the intercom buzzed.

Lucas's velvet voice came over the intercom speaker. "Amelia can you please come in here before you leave for the day."