The Boss (Managing the Bosses 1)

Yeah, and I’m sure all of them were a size two, model and rich. “We are nothing more than boss and employee. It’s my job to manage the boss, that’s it.”

“You’re sure?” Gina pushed as the barista called her name for her order.

“Not now. Not ever.” She left the coffee shop and turned to go back to the office, angry and confused. She was sure of all the rumors that would be said about her, that one would never be among them. The very idea that she and Alex were sleeping together was absurd when he had Annette at his disposal. She couldn’t believe Gina would think that. She thought the two of them were kind of becoming friends. What had her dad once told her? Keep your friends close, your enemies closer. That about fit the bill right here.

“Wait!” Gina called, sprinting up the street with her coffee in hand. She stopped running, catching her breath as soon as she was even with Jamie.

Jamie continued walking, ignoring her.

“I’m sorry,” Gina said. “I didn’t mean to make it sound like I was accusing you. You say it’s not true then I believe you.”

“Look,” Jamie said as she continued her breakneck walking pace, taking a little pleasure as Gina hurried to keep up. “I got hired to work with Mr. Reid because I’m professional and I work my butt off. I don’t appreciate the office gossip, nor will I ever partake.”

“Again, sorry.” Gina huffed, her breath coming in small gasps. “Can you slow down a bit? This isn’t a race.”

Jamie made an effort to move at a decent pace.

“I’m glad you’re keeping it professional. You seem really sweet, Jamie. Too sweet.”

“What the heck is that supposed to mean?” She was glad the office was forty feet away.

“Mr. Reid only breaks hearts,” Gina said. “He’s not romantic. He’ll never tear himself away from his work enough to actually care about anyone else.”

Jamie nodded. Even though she wanted to believe that he wasn’t at all like that, she knew better. You need to get over your damn physical crush on the guy and listen to Gina. She’s noticed your lingering looks. That’s why there’s gossip. It was a shame. He was just too good looking to be wasted in the work world. Not that she planned on telling Gina that. “Mr. Reid loves his company. He works hard to make it a success so people like you, and me, have a paycheck every week. You’re hired to work. Not spread gossip.” She pushed through the doors and headed straight for the stairs, leaving Gina standing open-mouthed just outside the building.

Who was working for who now?

Chapter 10

Annette stepped out of Alex’s office via the main waiting area as Jamie stepped out from the stairs and Gina exited the elevator. She stomped across the lobby, her ankle in perfect working condition. Bewildered, Jamie wasn’t sure what to do except watch her pass. Annette grabbed her coffee without looking at Jamie or thanking her.

She made it to the elevator just before the door closed, leaving Jamie and Gina standing there in awkward silence.

“Told you,” Gina whispered.

“None of our business.” Jamie turned and headed back to her office. She pulled out the change from the coffee and set it on her desk. No need to bug Alex now about it.

Just as she sat down, Alex came out. “I’m going home early,” he told her. “Have that report on my desk tomorrow, as well as the notes from the meeting with the shareholders earlier today.”

“Yes, Mr. Reid.” She reached across the desk and grabbed the change from the coffee. “Here’s your change, sir. From the errands.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I told you to keep it.”

She gave him her best cool stare. “I don’t want it, Mr. Reid. It’s your money.”

He huffed, clearly annoyed. “What is it, Jamie?” His stare was just as cool as hers.

“Nothing.” She handed him the money again.

“Whatever you have to say to me, just say it.” His voice was hard, like the voice he used during meetings with big execs.

“Fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’d appreciate it if you called me Ms. Connors.”

He stared at her a moment. “Why’s that, Jamie?”

“I’m not comfortable with you calling me by my first name. I feel like I’m treated differently and I don’t like that. I don’t need the company gossip having me center stage.” She kept her eyes on his, refusing to back down.

“You are different!” he shouted. He closed his eyes and sighed. It looked like he was counting to ten and Jamie was sure she was now out of a job. “What I meant,” he said slowly, “is that you’re my personal assistant. I work closer with you than anybody else. Naturally I’ll treat you differently. You can call me Alex when we’re not in meetings or around other people.”