The Boss (Managing the Bosses 1)

Yes, because I can’t get anything on my own merit. That was probably why he recommended me. To get them a better wedding present. She doubted the dickhead actually had anything resembling a conscience which needed easing. “I will, Mom.” Jamie forced a smile as she packed the rest of her belongings in the last cardboard box and taped it shut.

It was eight o’clock at night, only a little less than six hours since she had been officially hired to work for Alex Reid. This was the fastest move she had ever done, even faster than when she had moved out of her—excuse her, Stephen’s—apartment. Except now, she needed to get out of her parents’ basement before they drove her crazy or they discovered the stash of junk food she kept under the couch as she dealt with the worst wedding craze ever. She’d take her stuff to the new apartment which was, luckily, already available. Alex Reid had raised his eyebrows when she had asked for the key, but he had given it to her without question. She planned to unload everything herself and sleep on the floor tonight.

Her mother sighed loudly for the umpteenth time that evening. “I really wish you had thought this through, dear.”

“I already have,” Jamie said. “Really. It’s a good decision, Mom. For all of us. This place will be good for me.”

“I just wish you had thought about your sister before going.”

Jamie rolled her eyes. Christine was hardly dependent on her and she had her own life to live. Why the hell would she have to think about Christine before every decision she made? She grinned. That was Stephen’s job now. “I’m going, Mom. Deal with it,” she snapped. She lifted the box up and walked through the open door and set the box on the grass beside her car. Her mom went off to sulk, leaving Jamie to move her own stuff, which was all right with her, even though it took twice as long and left her exhausted. At least the apartment came furnished.

As she slammed the trunk of her car shut, her father came out of the house. “Your mother’s crying inside,” he said, looking like he wanted to come with her. “You’re leaving?”

“I got a job, Dad,” she said. “It comes with its own apartment. I start tomorrow.”

He grinned and then pulled her in for a hug. “Congratulations, kiddo,” he said.

Jamie grinned, savoring his approval. “Thanks D—”

Just then his phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at it. “It’s work,” he said. “Excuse me, Jamie. Good luck moving.” He answered the cell as he walked back to the house.

Jamie watched him go as she climbed into the driver’s seat and started her

car.

Just like that, the only excitement that came from her family over her new job was over.

She pulled out of the drive determined to make this a new beginning for herself.

Chapter 5

Jamie set the address of the apartment into the GPS and followed the streets as it brought her to where she needed to go. She didn’t recognize the street but assumed it wouldn’t be far from Alex Reid’s office. Her bungalow neighborhood disappeared and began being replaced with larger ranch-style homes set back against the road. She had assumed by the suite number on her new address it was an apartment building. She scratched her head as she stopped before a very large modern-style house that ended at the long, gated driveway in front of her. Jamie double-checked the address and the GPS.

Both were right. Unless this was some kind of terrible sick joke Stephen was pulling on her.

She clenched her jaw as she rolled down the car window and spoke into the intercom. “Hi. This is, uh, Jamie Connors. I’m, uh, moving in today.” Why did she sound like an idiot? At least the person controlling the gate wasn’t laughing at her. Or if they were, they had the decency to turn the mike off. She ran her tongue over her lips and checked her watch. Half past eight and the sun had disappeared. It had grown dark quickly, telling Jamie that summer had given way to fall.

As she debated backing out of the driveway and returning to her parents’ place in defeat, the gates silently opened. “Thank you,” she mumbled as she closed her window and headed up the long drive.

She hadn’t taken a good look at the house before and now in the darkness, she couldn’t make out much more than the modern structure and what looked like a lot of windows. Not much was lit on the house except for a set of lights that led her to the large driveway and parking area with a fountain in the middle of it. She pulled her car into the last spot towards the iron gated backyard. Nothing was lit back there except for a sliver of the moon. She was pretty sure she saw a pool, but didn’t bother confirming what her eyes had a hard time seeing in the dark.

An older gentleman came out of the house by a door near where she had parked.

Jamie jumped out to get his attention. “Excuse me?”

He looked up, startled. “Sorry, ma’am. Ya’ gh-ave me a fright.” His thick Scottish accent couldn’t be missed.

“I’m looking for Suite number two?” She had no idea how else to explain it.

He smiled. “Oye! So yer tha new assistant fer Mr. Reid. Welcome.” He held his hand out.

She shook his hand. “So I am at the right place. I was beginning to wonder. I’m Jamie Connors.”

“Nice ta meetchya! I’m Murray MacBane. The cook.” He gestured with his hand. “Come in, love. I’ll show ya to yer suite. Mr. Reid mentioned you might be arriving tonight. I made ya a pie and put it in yer fridge jus’in case.”

“Thank you.” Her mother wouldn’t like this man, making Jamie pies and helping to fatten her up for the wedding. Jamie smiled. “I’m glad I ran into you.”

“Oye! I was jus’ leavin’! I’m glad too.” He led her through the iron gate to a door around back with the number two on it. “Here she be. I put the key I used in yer mailbox.” He smiled brightly at her, his hair looking silver under the light of the balcony above them.