What's Next?

Charmed by the Uniform

Genre: Romance

Tags: Romance, Love, Army reserves, Military love, CEO, Playboy, Party boy, Change of heart, New York, Ex-fiancé

Synopsis:

Beretta Caddel, not your typical Personal Assistant, having her eyes set on serving her country she joined the army straight out of highschool. When her would-be fiance left her at the altar to take up with the town's sweetheart, she leaves for something more hidden in the big apple. With her life a constant source of distractions, she's happy being with the army reserves, for now.

Julius Ashford, New York's wildest playboy, plays more than he works, with the reputation for parties. With his Dad's retirement looming it's time he takes over his rightful spot as CEO. With an uncanny attraction for the prim and proper PA he soon learns she is not as easy and innocent as she might seem. What happens when his rage sends her further into her dreams? Is it too far to return to the life she once enjoyed? 

Excerpt:

One singular knuckle raps a light knock on my bosses door; the rhythmic motion an ingrained habit. I settle the files into the crook of my left arm, hoovering my palm over the door knob in preparation. "Come in," Mr. Ashford's old gravelly voice escapes his enclosed office in a smooth bellow. The private meeting hasn't required my attention, until now.

With my small professional smile on my lips I push open the thick wooden door. "Mr. Ashford, I have the production financial profits and losses reports, dating back three months as requested. I'll have an itemized sales itinerary faxed directly to you in a moment," I state clearly. My navy kitten heels tap softly with each step, white pencil skirt and navy top with a matching white blazer completes my outfit of the day. So much harder than my dress blues.

I like to pride myself with a put together outfit, even if it takes me a task to prepare before bed. "You're always a step ahead; I don't know what I would do without you," he laughs with a gleeful smile on his wrinkled features. Arnold Ashford, the founder of Ashford inc. A tall elegant man, his lean form always encased in some form of designer business suit, today a lavender tie that makes his hazel eyes pop.

"That's why you hired me Sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?" I set the three files on his desk, adjust my planner to its usual resting place in the nook of my left arm. Mr. Ashford smiles, gesturing with a single hand to the man in front of his desk. He's lounged back like a tiger waiting to pound. He's a younger version of Mr. Ashford, well toned muscle hidden beneath his dark gray designer suit.

"This is my son, Julius; I'd like you to meet my PA, Beretta Caddel." His features remain stoic, eyed, calculating as they scrutinize my form. I stand at attention, flashbacks to basic and my first Commander's harsh scrutinizing glower.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ashford," I state with a polite smile and a nod of my head, refusing to be phased by his stare. You're no worse than any Commander I've had.

"Sir, call me Sir," his bemused tone makes me want to narrow my eyes at him. As if.

"Very well," I pause, unsure how I feel about the order. "Is there anything else I can do for either of you?" I question, turning back to stare at my boss. He reeks of a playboy.

"Can you remind me of what's on my schedule for this weekend?" Catching the well loved leather cover of my planner I flip to this weekend, scanning over the items.

"Saturday you have a brunch meeting at approximately ten-thirty with Mr. Padilla; about the charity event in two weeks. At six you have a fundraising event until eight. Sunday you have set time for a yachting trip with the family. I'll have all calls, messages, and emails forwarded to me to be taken," I inform before closing my planner.

"Fundraising event?" He questions with a pointed frown at his desk. "I've forgotten all about that; how has the planning been?" You've been forgetting a lot lately. I grab the finalized checklist and pass it to him.

"Everything is finalized. I've gotten early access from the venue; I have a meeting with security tonight to discuss their plan. Decorators and security will arrive the day of at six AM. The coordinator will arrive at ten AM, I'll step away to join the brunch meeting. The host, caterer and staff will arrive at three-thirty. You're scheduled to make a speech in the final hour of the event." Tonight I'll be working overtime and then some. I'd be amazed if I made it home before midnight.

He chuckles softly. "I can always count on you to keep my head on straight. I'm only going to ask one last favor; Julius needs a hotel room for the night; can you please book him a suite for a few days?" I nod and file away the checklist before turning to an empty note page.

"Do you have any preferences?" I question.

"I'd prefer an apartment," he states, eyes glittering. Oh a test?

"Area, view, price range; any specifics?" I like challenges.

"High-end, two bed, two bath; glass wall with a view and amenities. It has to have a rooftop, preferably with a pool," he quips out with a tone of challenge. Just you wait sir.

"Alright, give me two hours: I'll have two cups of coffee brought up at once; do you wish for lunch to be served then?" Mr. Ashford smiles, nodding, before he waves his hand in dismissal towards Julius.

"Ignore that, a hotel suite will be fine,"