Guarding His Heart (Forever Love #4)(4)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“He’s doing great dad. He and Lucky are very happy.”

“You’ll be next I suppose.” He grinned. “We’ll be having little feet running around here before we know it.”

“I wouldn’t count on it dad.” I shook my head and frowned. “I have no plans to get married and no plans to have kids.”

“Leo, you have to…” He started and I cut him off.

“Dad, this isn’t the time or the place.” I said angrily. I could see Hannah watching the exchange with a curious expression.

“Fine.” He gave me a stern look. “I want my grandchildren to inherit this business, Leo and you’re my only child.” He paused and then smiled. “But let’s just have you focusing on work for now.” He nodded. “We’ll grab lunch tomorrow. I think Mike is going to come down and talk to you in a few minutes and go over how things work and give you your first assignments.”

“Sounds good.” I nodded.

“Have a great day you two.” My dad walked out of the office and I turned to face a smirking Hannah.

“What’s so funny?” I barked at her, feeling annoyed.

“It’s usually women that have to hear the grandchildren talk. It was funny to hear it directed towards a guy.”

“Whatever.” I shook my head. “I have no plans to get married, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Excuse me?” She frowned, her jaw dropping. “I couldn’t care less what you do.”

“Good.” I nodded. “I don’t need my assistant trying to get me fired and trying to marry me.”

“You really are a jerk.”

“Just trying to live up to the name you already gave me.” I smiled at her and her face flushed. “Also, do me a favor.” I leaned into her face and whispered.

“What favor?” She frowned and took a step back.

“Walk over to the desk and bend over.” I winked at her. “Pull your skirt up and let me see your tight little ass. I want to see if it’s as tight as your…”

“Excuse me.” She gasped, her eyes widening. “That’s sexual harassment. I could get you fired for that.”

“Then we’re even.” I laughed as I pulled away from her, even though I was slightly turned on from thinking about her bent over the desk.

“Even about what?” She frowned.

“We both have tales that can get the other person fired if they went to HR.” I walked over to the main desk and sat down in the leather swivel chair. I stared at her as she looked over at me and I cocked my head and spoke slowly. “I suggest that you get your act together and stop acting like an entitled brat. I don’t know why you think this job should have been yours, but it’s mine and as long as you’re my assistant, I expect the respect my title deserves. Do you understand me?” I sat back and waited for her response. She stared at me for a few seconds and then I watched as she walked out of the room and slammed the door behind her. I guess that was her response. I laughed as I stared at the closed door. Hannah was going to be a handful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter Two

Hannah

“It’s so freaking unfair.” I sipped my coffee and nibbled on the toast my roommate and best friend, Lisa had made for me. “I’ve been working as an assistant for two years. That promotion should have been mine.”

“It’s a dog eat dog world.” Lisa nodded at me sympathetically. “It’s a boys club.”

“Yeah, nepotism at the finest. If I was born into the family, I’d most probably be CEO by now.” I frowned and slammed my cup back down on the table. “But no, I’m still an assistant. And to rub it in my face even more, I’m the new assistant to the guy that took my job.”

“He’s a jerk.”

“He really is.” I growled as I remembered Leo’s attitude from the day before. Stupid blond ass**le! “He thinks just because he’s tall and blond and handsome that he can just do what he wants.”

“Oh he’s handsome?” Lisa stopped in front of me and grinned. “How handsome?”

“Like a Hollywood hunk.” I sighed and thought about his big blue eyes.

“When can I meet him?” Lisa grinned and tossed her long dyed red hair over her shoulders. “Is he single?”

“I have no idea if he’s single.” I shook my head. “I met him yesterday.”

“Can you find out?” She sat at the table next to me and continued eagerly. “Maybe I can come and meet you for lunch and we can accidentally meet?” She grinned. “I’ve always wanted to date an executive manager.”

“Lisa!” I frowned at her. “We hate this guy. He took my job. All because his dad owns the company.”

“Oh yeah, his dad owns the company.” Lisa clapped her hands happily. “Good-bye call-center job, hello Rodeo Drive.”

“Lisa!” I shook my head. “Really?”

“Sorry.” She giggled. “But handsome and rich is too good to pass up.”

“He’s also an ass**le.”

“Hey, what guy isn’t?” Lisa shrugged and then paused. “But hey, I’ll wait until you give him your silent treatment for a few weeks and then that will give me time to get ready.”

“Get ready?”

“You think I’m going to meet him with this hot mess?” She held up her frazzled dry red hair. “I’m going blonde and I’m getting a cut. I’m also going to hit Santa Monica beach the next couple of weekends, get my tan on.” She paused and grinned as I shook my head in disbelief. “Then I’ll be ready to meet him. Maybe I can lose ten pounds in that time as well. I guess I can do it with a cleanse.”

“Are you joking with me, Lisa?” I shook my head. “This guy is my enemy and you’re already trying to hook up with him.”

“I’m not trying to hook up with him. I’m trying to marry him.” She laughed.

“Lisa, you haven’t even seen him yet.” I shook my head. “You’re crazy.”

“Do you want to do the master cleanse with me?”

“That lemonade diet?” I frowned.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“No way, Jose.” I shook my head. “Thanks for your support.” I was pissed that she was talking about diets when I was telling her about my new enemy.