Henry (The Beck Brothers 1)

Claire's heart pounded as he got closer. He gave her a soft smile as he stopped next to her. If he knew how he was affecting her, he didn't let it show. Hopefully he just thought she was nervous. Which she was.

" Ms. Claire Russell I presume?", his deep raspy voice drawled, sending shivers down Claire's spine. Hot damn, he had a sexy voice.

Claire blinked, then shook herself mentally. " Ah, yes", she said, reaching out to shake his hand.

His large hand enveloped hers and gave it a firm shake, " Henry Beck"

Claire gaped. No way was this Henry Beck. He was supposed be to an old fart with bad hair. This guy could only be early to mid thirties. How was she supposed to work for this GOD everyday? " It's nice to meet you", she somehow got out.

" You too, Darlin'", Henry smirked then skirted his desk. He unbuttoned his suit jacket before sitting down in his comfy looking leather chair. " Please, sit", he said, motioning to the chair she had previously been occupying.

Claire sat on the edge of the seat, crossing her ankles and placing her hands in her lap. She sat up straight and waited for Mr. Beck to speak again. He had lifted a piece of paper off his desk and was now perusing it. It was most likely her resume.

" Let's start off by me telling you that I am a very difficult man to please. I am very particular and I don't like change. I like things my way. I expect you to do whatever I tell you to without question or argument, if this is a problem for you, you might as well leave now", Henry said, his voice firm and commanding. He lifted his green eyes to meets her in a challenge.

" No problems Mr. Beck", Claire said, surprised that her voice was steady, because she was shaking like a leaf. He definitely made her nervous.

His eyebrows raised slightly, " Good. Now my requirements for being my personal assistant are as follows, I expect you to be here everyday by 8am sharp. You are to dress and present yourself appropriately. You are to answer your phone whenever I call and I expect you to be available at all times"

Claire's eyes widened slightly, " Mr. Beck, can you clarify what "At all times" means?"

Henry stared at her for a moment, his face unreadable, " I'm not going to call you in the middle of the night if that's what you're thinking", he said evenly.

Claire nodded and released the breath she hadn't know she'd been holding.

" Are you married?", Henry asked, seemingly out of nowhere.

Claire flushed, " I...no, I'm not married"

" Boyfriend who's going to give you a hard time if I call too late?", Henry asked, eyebrow raised, in question and challenge.

" Oh no, no boyfriend, I was just worried because I have a 2 year old son and I wouldn't be able to up and leave him in the middle of the night", Claire explained.

Henry sat back in his chair, his mouth tightening, " So you're a single mother", he said, more as a statement then a question. She couldn't tell if he was pissed about it or not.

" Yes"

Henry nodded, running a hand over his mouth, " Okay, I will try and be considerate of your son"

" Thank you Mr. Beck", Claire said with a genuine smile.

Henry's mouth lifted slightly, returning her smile with a little one of his own. " You're welcome, now back to business..."

Henry spoke some more about what he expected from her. There was a lot of pressure and responsibility on her shoulders now. She was to arrange his meetings, speak with potential clients, get his coffee and dry cleaning, get him lunch, answer calls that were not personal calls, etc.... Claire was having second thoughts by the time he finished talking.

" I can see that I've overwhelmed you, Claire, you are going to need to school your features a little better, everything your feeling is all over your face", Henry said, his handsome face serious.

Claire gaped for a moment, " I...uh...I had no idea"

Henry watched her for a moment, " You are going to be fine, I know it's a lot to take in and I don't expect you to get everything right overnight, but if you can't pick this stuff up within a reasonable amount of time, you will be let go"

Claire swallowed hard and nodded. Damn, this man was so intimidating. There was no buffer when it came to him telling her like it is. And the truth was scary as hell.

Henry stood, buttoning his jacket as he came out from behind his desk. " Come, let me show you where your office is", he said, stopping next to her.

Claire stood. He motioned for her to lead, so she moved forward with him right behind her. Claire held her clutch purse in front of her with both hands as she walked. Henry placed his big hot hand on the small of her back and guided her down the hall.