Underneath My Skin

Ch. 4

I take my bagel out of the toaster and swipe some strawberry cream cheese on it. Jackson sits on the counter staring at me.

"Do you miss eating?" I ask.

He nods. "Are you nervous?"

I shrug. Today is Monday morning. I start my job as executive assistant for Putnam Rolling Ladder Company. It's a good thing I didn't have to work at the club last night, otherwise I'd be exhausted right now. I look at the clock and see that its 8:15. I have to be at work at 9:00.

I finish my bagel and hurry to my room. I slip on a black knee length pencil skirt, a dark blue peplum shirt, and some black pumps. I straightened my hair because I hate my thick unmanageable curls. I walk into the bathroom and apply some light mascara, eyeliner, and foundation. I put on black earrings and head for the door.

"Have a good first day!"Jackson yells.

"I will!" I yell back.

I rush down the street and make it just on time. When I walk into Putnam's Rolling Ladder Company, I make my way to my office. I set my purse down and walk down the hall to Mr. Putnam's office.

"Good morning, Mr. Putnam." I smile warmly.

He smiles back. "Good morning, Briella."

I turn on my heels and walk down the hallway to the break room. When I enter, a man has his back turned to me making him self a cup of coffee.

He turns around and smirks at me. I gasp silently and look at the ground.

"Well hello, hot chocolate," the man with caramel eyes says. If I remember correctly, then his name is Zayn.

He walks over to me and looks down at me. I look down at my feet. My palms become sweaty at his close proximity.

"What are you doing here?" He asks softly.

"I'm the new executive assistant."

I look up at him, and he smiles warmly.

"I'm, Zayn. And, Your real name is?"

I smile. "Briella."

He sticks out the hand that doesn't have a coffee cup in it. I shake it gently.

"That's a beautiful name. I work in the warehouse next door. I build the ladders, come up with new designs and what not."

That's what I like about this job. Everything is so organized. One building is the business office, and the building beside it is where they make the ladders. That way there's no loud noises to distract me.

He leans down and presses his lips to my ear. A shiver runs down my spine.

"Your secret is safe with me, hot chocolate," he whispers sexily.

I gulp. He stands up strait and walks out of the break room. I sigh and fix myself an extremely sugary, creamy cup of coffee before going to my office and busying myself with scheduling meetings for Mr.Putnam.

I don't know how many hours pass, but i'm brought out of my trance by a light knock at my door.

"Come in," I say loudly.

The door opens, and Zayn walks in. I take this moment to examine him. He has on a tight plain black T-shirt that clings to his broad chest. He also has on dark jeans that hang extra low on his hips. On his feet are black and red Jordan's. I guess you don't have to dress a certain way to build ladders.

"Would you like to get some lunch with me?" He asks.

I look at the clock on the wall and sure enough its 12:30.