Whatever He Asks (Writer for the Billionaire #1)(4)
Author: Thalia Frost

“Just what you did. Always take a compliment, Linda.” He brushed a hair behind my ear, and I held my breath as his warm hand touched my skin.

I smiled. “I will.”

The elevator dinged all too soon. I’d wanted to feel his hands on me again.

He didn’t mean to do that. It was harmless…he probably just noticed a stray hair and couldn’t help himself. Most CEOs are neat freaks or at least control freaks.

I followed him off the elevator and gasped. I couldn’t help myself. His office was amazing. I’d heard rumors about it, nestled at the top of the building in what looked like a glassed-in dome from the Pittsburgh city streets. All I’d heard was true…and more.

“This is…” I trailed off, unable to find the word.

“Amazing, extravagant, opulent.” He smirked and led me beyond an initial, plush waiting area.

“Yes, something like that.” I gasped for air as I followed his quick stride.

“Sir, would you like me to hold your calls?” An attractive, middle-aged secretary asked from the outer area.

“Yes, that would be good. Thanks, Pam.”

The woman smiled, and I could tell she truly liked Magnus Gray.

Well, that’s always a good sign, if an employer’s well loved.

“About the office area,” he broke off to open his door.

My heart was knocking around like mad as I took in the panoramic view, gleaming surfaces and space.

“Wow.”

“It’s not what I’d have wanted.” He strode to the window, looking out. “It’s all a bit robber baron, don’t you think? And Pittsburgh’s had enough of that.”

“Perhaps, but your father must have wanted it.”

Magnus frowned. “He did. He liked power. Everything else was a distant dot on the horizon to him.”

I clasped my hands in the middle of the room, overwhelmed.

“You’ll work right next door. There’s a little office there next to my administrative assistant’s office. Each has its own space, though, so you won’t be bothered.” Magnus smiled. “Let’s get you settled.”

I felt lightheaded at the pace at which this was moving.

You’re corporate now, baby. This is going to be your life—for a year anyway.

He showed me into the adjoining office. It had the newest and best of everything. My pulse raced. I couldn’t believe I’d be working somewhere like this.

“This is fabulous, thank you so much.” I walked around the room, resisting the urge to run my fingers over everything.

“Of course. I want you to have a comfortable space to work. The intern situation downstairs is too bad, and I’m going to see to it.”

I gazed at him. “Really?”

“Yes, really. My top priority is the people of this company.”

“Right.”

Uh huh. Don’t they all say that?

But somehow I dared to hope Magnus Gray was different from the CEOs I’d seen on television bilking companies for golden parachutes after they’d already run them into the ground and taken shareholders’ monies.

“You’ll see.” He’d moved to stand just behind my shoulder, and I shivered at the warmth of his breath.

I said nothing.

“I’ll let you get to work now.”

I gave him a look. “On what?”

“Whatever you’d like. You have free rein.”

I gaped at him as he walked out, shutting the door quietly behind him.

When I was sure he was gone, I did a little jig there in the middle of the floor.

It was almost 5:00 p.m., though. I imagined he’d expect me to keep late hours.

I should have asked him. I could work all night if he needed me to, now that I’m not due at the bar later.

I pinched myself as I gingerly sat down in the blond leather chair.

“Oh, heavenly,” I said. A new laptop and printer sat there waiting for me to use them. So I did.

A knock on the door a few minutes later brought me from my raptures of brainstorming for a new ad.

“Come in.” I sat up straighter for Magnus.

Instead, an icy blonde woman who might have been his twin walked in. “Hello. Who the hell are you?”

I stammered for a moment. “I-I’m Melinda Louis, the new writer here for Mr. Gray.” I clutched at my desk.

“I see. I’m his administrative assistant—Claudia Prokovich.” The woman flipped her hair.

“Nice to meet you.” I decided to play it friendly, though it was clear the blonde goddess had already taken a disliking to me.

“Stay off my turf.” She snapped the words at me and slammed the door shut.

Okay. Apparently, she and Mr. Hotness are an item.

Disappointment rose inside me at the thought.

Time moved on, and as absorbed as I was in my work, I didn’t even notice it was 7:05 p.m. A door shut softly. I waited for a moment and then gathered my stuff. Surely I’d put in a day and Mr. Gray would even be long gone or fine with me leaving.

I slicked on some fresh lip gloss on the off chance that I ran into him as I left.

Dream on.

I exited my office, a big smile on my face. What an amazing first day. On my way to the door that led out through the impressive waiting area, a sound stopped me.

Was that a sob? A man crying?

I halted, wishing I were invisible. I’d walked into something or heard something I wasn’t meant to hear. I looked to my left where Magnus Gray stood, his face drawn. His stooped shoulders suggested dejection and perhaps tears, too.

Like an idiot, I stayed glued to the spot—staring.

He whirled around. “What are you looking at? You’re still here?” His voice shook with anger.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I—”

“Get out of here, for God’s sake. You put in a day.” Magnus closed his eyes, turning back to the window.

“All right. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I tried to swallow my pride, but I felt like a chastened child. Working for Magnus Gray wasn’t going to be all sunshine and roses.

And I was an idiot for thinking it would be. Men at the top are known for being less than warm and cuddly.

I hurried down the hall, battling back sudden tears.

As I stepped into the elevator, a voice stopped me.

“Wait. I’m sorry.”

I moved back into the hallway, feeling foolish. “For what?”

Magnus Gray stood inches away from me now.

“For talking to you that way. There are…a lot of things going on right now in the business.” His face was tight, grim.

I shrugged. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” He took my arm, and I couldn’t breathe for a moment. “It’s not at all.” Magnus crushed me to him, and his lips were on mine, making a trail of fire.

He maneuvered me against the wall, one hand on my neck, the other tangled in my hair.