Office Affair

Chapter 1

I lean toward the screen, ignoring the seductive scent of Greyson's aftershave. "Why are you so upset over an e-mail? You could've just..oh." The email is short and perfectly explains Greyson's scowl. 'Greyson Howard, if you do not lose the Jones case, you will suffer consequences. To get a taste of what we mean, please review the clip in the attachment. A clip that could become very public.' "This is insane. What could they have on you?" I move the mouse to click on the clip, and gasp when I see it. It's a sex tape. It's a video of my boss having sex...with me. They are blackmailing us! If this goes public, I'm ruined...

A few weeks earlier... My fingers tingle as I press the elevator button. This is it. I am finally getting a chance to make my mark on the big bad city. I've dreamed of this moment hundreds of times in the past few years. But even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined I'd land a job at Bakewell & Associates-one of the most prestigious law firms in the country. Nerves, excitement, and thrill are all pumping through my veins. No one will get in my way. I'm sure of it! As if on cue, the elevator door opens, and I step in.

Just before the sliding doors shut, a man walks in. He's easily the sexiest man I'd ever laid eyes on. Looking at his suit, it seems custom made, judging by the perfect way it hugs his muscular body. The masculine scent of his cologne fills the small space. Am I in the right place? I thought the modeling agency was next door. "What floor?" He has a sexy voice too! Like, wow!

"20." I can't help but steal another glance only to find his eyes piercing straight into mine. I hold my breath, unable to tear my gaze away from his until the elevator door pings open at my floor. I nod in a greeting and step outside, stealing a glance back to see if he's still looking. And I catch him staring at my ass, one eyebrow raised, a smirk on his lips.

He's not even trying to hide his interest..."Take a picture, it'll last longer." Once the handsome guy is whisked away by the elevator, I smile and introduce myself to the receptionist. "Could you please point me toward Ms. Parson's office?"

"Actually, she's already on her way to meet you." The receptionist nods, and when I turn around, I see what she means.

"Hey, Kelly!"

"Jocelyn, darling, it's so nice to see you! I hope you've enjoyed your summer."

"I did, but I couldn't wait to start working here. I really appreciate you helping me land this job. I've already read up on all of the ongoing trials. I can't wait to get involved!"

"I love the enthusiasm! I was the same when I was your age. I'm thrilled to have you as part of the team."

"Thank you. To be honest, it's such a relief to be working for someone I know."

"Oh, darling, I completely forgot to tell you. I'm working for another manager so you'll be working for Greyson Howard instead."

"Who's that?"

"I thought you said you did your research. He's our newest lawyer. Everyone is obsessed with him, for some reason. He's been recruited by Mr. Bakewell himself. He can really hold his own in the courthouse, apparently. They call him the Shark in the Suit."

"That's amazing!" Although it will feel different working for another boss. "I bet I could learn so much more from him."

"I highly doubt it. He's rude, condescending, and doesn't bother interacting with anyone in the office."

"Oh."

"But don't worry darling, I'll always be available if you need me."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

"No problem. Come with me. I'll introduce you. But just expect a disclaimer, don't expect more than just a grunt in your face." Great... We walk down the beautiful office hallway, and the environment is comfortably corporate. I feel my excitement starting to return. When we reach our destination, Kelly briefly knocks and opens the door without waiting.

"Can we come in?"

"Read the sign on my door, Kelly."

"I hardly think it's appropriate to expect me to make an appointment every time I want to drop in."

"Then don't drop in."

"I came to introduce you to your new assistant. Please meet Jade." Holy shit, it's HIM. "Jocelyn, this is Greyson."

Stay professional Jocelyn. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Once again, he thoroughly scans my body from top to toe and there's something intimidating in his eyes. Jesus. He makes my skin crawl. What will Kelly think?

"Your desk is outside. Entrance to my office is by invitation or appointment only. Exceptions are if a high-profile client calls or if the building is burning down. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Greyson."

"It's Mr. Howard to you."

Is he serious? "Sorry, Mr. Howard."

"Come on, I'll show you to your desk before Mr. Howard spontaneously combusts."

"This is where you'll spend most of your time."

"You mean, in between attending trials and networking events?"

"No... It's unlikely you'll get much hands-on experience in your first year here, especially working for Greyson. From what I've heard, he's not much of a team player."

That's not what I wanted!! "I understand."

"Good. We all have to start somewhere. Anyway, there's an instant messaging system is Gabriel needs you for something. It should already be linked up to your phone. In the meantime, here are your company protocols for you to read and sign. If you need me, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Kelly." She gives me one last encouraging smile before she walks away.

Typical. Instead of having my old mentor as my boss, I have to work for a hot jerk. I spend the next hour studying the papers Kelly gave me. It's not long before I feel comfortable at my desk, some of my enthusiasm returning. But then I get a message. Greyson: Coffee, please. Black, one sugar. And photocopy the pile of documents on my desk. Looking at my phone, I scowl. He must have meant to send this to the secretary. I'll just get back to work. My phone went off again. Greyson: Sometime in this century, Jocelyn. I put my phone down in awe. Okay, maybe "jerk" was an understatement. Gathering courage, I go back to his office. "Are you lost? This isn't the kitchen. And there's no sign of a drink in your hands."

"With all due respect sir, this job description said I'd be assisting with trial cases. I'm a lawyer, not a secretary. I was hoping I'd be responsible for tasks more relevant to, well, law."

"Fine. You're right. How about I let you use the Abraham Lincoln mug for my coffee?"

Son of a... "I'll be right back."

I found my way to the kitchen, and I made him his coffee as requested. It's my first day. I can't get on his bad side already. I returned, a polite smile plastered on my face. "Here's your drink."

"Thank you. Maybe you're competent at your job, after all."

"I'd like to think so."

He frowns, glares at me for 2 long seconds, and finally sighs. "Here's the deal. Just this morning, when we first met, I was on my way to see Mr. Bakewell. I'm about to start working on a big case. Training a new assistant wasn't my plan. I like things done in a specific way, and I can't risk you getting in the way. So, we've got to make this work."

"And how do we go about doing that?"

He presses his lips together and gives me another unflinching stare. I feel hot under my clothes, but I stand still, wondering what he'll say next. "I was going to head out for lunch. I usually dine alone, but if you want, you could join me, and we could try and find some common leverage."

"I suppose that sounds reasonable."

"Great. I'll get my car." I get my things, and I focus hard on the fact that this is just a business lunch with my boss. He might look hot, but this is not a date. NOT a date, Jocelyn.