The Shadows of His Heart

Chapter Three

Leo took Aurora through the vast building, showing her the mail room, break room, the conference rooms, other offices, and everything else that she might have needed to see. Once back up at his own large office, Mr. Holloway turned to his new assistant and said, "Alright. Now that that's done... would you mind making me some coffee?" He smiled lightheartedly and Aurora couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled with the gesture.

Nodding dutifully, she recalled where the break room was and headed that way. "Yes, sir. Be back soon." She hurried down to the lounge room and quickly made a large mug of steaming coffee. Realizing that she didn't know how he preferred his morning drink, she scooped up a few packets of sugar and containers of creamer before trotting back to the open door of his office.

She quietly came in, noticing he had the phone positioned between his shoulder and cheek. Placing his request on his desk, she hurriedly went into her own office and left the door open in case Mr. Holloway called. Letting out a soft breath, she smoothed the ruffled fabric of her deep maroon blouse and sat down, glancing over the things in her office. She could hear her boss speaking through the wall.

"Yes, I am aware of that... Mhmm... Well, did they file a complaint...? Then there's nothing we can do about it. Yes, sir.... You too."

Leo sighed and ran his hand down his face, murmuring softly. "Only 9 o'clock and I'm ready to go home." The phone rang again; the ring was loud and obnoxious. Aurora looked around at her empty desk, wondering what she could do to help her boss.

She stood up and stepped into his office, waiting patiently by the door until he was done on the phone. As he spoke, a few stray black tendrils of hair fell in front of his golden eyes. Aurora watched him intently, unconsciously chewing on her lip.

Mr. Holloway shifted his gaze up to his assistant as he focused on his call, his eyes catching a small beam of sunlight and twinkling faintly. He never took his eyes off her as he spoke, his full lips deliciously forming the other half of the conversation.

Aurora licked her lips involuntarily, feeling a bit uncomfortable under the heat of her boss's stare.

Leo continued watching his assistant absently, in his own little world as he finished up the phone call. Once done, he tossed the phone onto the receiver and sighed gently, giving the woman a half-smile.

"Sorry about that. Busy this morning. Haven't even been able to drink my coffee yet..." He took a sip of the smoking beverage and Aurora arched an eyebrow in bewilderment.

"You... like your coffee black?"

He nodded, his tongue darting out to capture the liquid on his lips.

"Yes, ma'am." Leo grinned and it made the butterflies awaken in her stomach. "Thank you for this. Now, here's what I need you to do."

After explaining a long list of the tasks ahead off her, Mr. Holloway watched his assistant walk out of his office with an appreciative expression on his face.

Aurora went back into her office and began delving into the many things she needed to do today.

Lunch came quickly, and she ate a sandwich and some chips that she had packed herself this morning before going right back and holing up in her office.

Leo remained busy as well, only calling for her one other time throughout the day. He made call after call, did stacks of paperwork, confirmed appointments, and more. He had started his assistant off easy on her first day, but she knew that things would get busier each day.

She was looking forward to helping Mr. Holloway -- right now, she was only doing basic things for him, and she could tell that he worked himself hard. He needed her as an assistant, and she knew that.

Time flew by and it was soon 5 o'clock. Aurora stood and ran her hands over her grey skirt before entering Leo's office with a quiet knock. He didn't look up until she was right by his overflowing desk.

"Do you need my help with anything else, Mr. Holloway...?" Her voice was soft, as if she didn't want to bother him in his time of concentration.

Leo leaned back in his chair and laid his paperwork down, letting out a deep breath. He stared at his assistant, glad to see her beautiful face again after a long day. His roaming eyes discreetly flickered over her new outfit; he had to admit, maroon was definitely a good color on her. It brought out her sparkling grey eyes.

"No, Miss Williams... I believe I'm almost done for the day. Thank you for your help today." He spoke sincerely, his honey-tinted eyes seemingly genuine.

She felt her cheeks grow faintly warm at the compliment. Her hands knotted behind her back.

"You're welcome, sir. Although I don't feel like I did much today..." She murmured, looking up at him through thick, dark lashes.

He shifted slightly in his seat at the look she was giving him; he knew it was innocent and unintentional, but it made his heart flutter slightly.

'What is she doing to me...?' He wondered to himself, quickly masking his thoughts by standing and smiling at his assistant.

"You were very helpful, and I appreciate it. Be safe on your way home." He gave a thoughtful wave to her as she turned and began making her way down and out to her car.

Once in, she slid down in the seat with a shaky sigh, clicking the seatbelt as she lost herself in the mad tangle of thoughts about Leo in her head.

She made it home quickly; her small apartment was rather close to the Headquarters, and for that, she was thankful.

Her tired body made its way to her couch and she collapsed onto it, thinking of the coming days she would spend helping her new boss. She was excited to be his assistant; she hoped that she would be able to do more things for him in the future. He seemed like he needed all the help he could get.

Her mind flashed to his desk. It was neat and organized, but there was just so much stuff on it -- stacks of paperwork waiting to be filled out, order forms, letters, documents, planner entries -- too much for one person to handle alone.

Aurora fell asleep with the image of Leo's delightful grin etched into her brain.