They were making good progress and Jennifer knew before long they’d help each other heal. She’d forever miss her sister, just as she knew Molly would miss her mom, but the two of them had each other and that was their new focus. It was something giving them hope. Family was the most important thing, and as long as they could stay together, everything would work out.
The bell on the elevator chimed and she stepped onto the unfamiliar floor. She approached the reception desk, looking around in awe. She would’ve thought there’d be boxes everywhere, but it looked as if the area had been set up for years.
“Hello, I’m Jennifer Stellar, the new executive assistant for Mr. Anderson. I’m not sure where my office is,” she said to the lady behind the desk.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Jennifer. I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your first name. Our boss has always allowed us to be somewhat informal. My name is Nancy, and I came with Mr. Anderson from Chicago. Let me show you to your office,” the woman said.
“Informal is always good, so I don’t mind. It’s very nice to meet you, too, Nancy,” Jennifer said. Nancy led her around the corner and opened a door. Jennifer loved the space. “It’s beautiful,” she sighed.
“If you need to make any changes, I’m sure Mr. Anderson would be fine with that. He likes his employees to be comfortable, as we’re all here a lot,” Nancy told her.
“This is a lovely office. I’m sure I won’t need to change a thing.”
“I’ll leave you to get settled in. Let’s do lunch together later this week to get better acquainted,” Nancy said, and with Jennifer’s encouraging nod, she left.
Jennifer walked around the large room and over to the enormous windows to look at the view. It was breathtaking and she was delighted at the sight of the famous Space Needle building. She finally pulled herself away from the view, and sat. Her seat was plush, and it molded to the contours of her body, applying pressure where needed. A giggle escaped before she could stop it. She grinned and spun her chair in a circle, letting out her inner child.
Trenton walked through the connecting doors to the sound of a giggle, then stopped in his tracks. Spinning in a chair, only a few feet from him was the girl from the park. Her face was lit up with joy and she was so stunning he had to fight the urge not to yank her from the chair and crush his lips on hers.
He was glad she hadn’t yet noticed him. It gave him time to control his features. Once he had himself under control he cleared his throat to alert her of his presence, then waited until she turned. He was thinking this was going to be quite entertaining.
Jennifer turned at the sound and stared in horror. Her feet were still off the ground and her chair spun around again, before she managed to pull herself together enough to put her feet down and stop the spinning chair. She stared at the man before her, not knowing what to say. What was he doing in her doorway?
Her mouth dropped open as she started putting two and two together. He’d been at the park with Lucas Anderson and they had similar features. They must be related in some way. Did he work for the company? Was she going to have to see him on a daily basis?
“Wh…what are you doing here?” she asked, not really wanting to hear his answer.
“I’m at work, and what are you doing here?” he returned.
“I…I just started today,” she stuttered. She wanted to know where he worked, but didn’t think she’d be able to get the words out.
“And what is your position?” he asked with a smile.
“I’m the executive assistant for the president,” she stated with a confident smile. She was feeling better now that the shock was wearing off. Her words came out as a challenge. She was proud of her new position.
“Really, and have you met him, yet?” he asked, trying to sound surprised, like she was getting one over on him.
“Yes, at the interview. George Anderson is an amazing man, and I’m proud and excited to be working for him,” she said. She’d instantly liked both George and Joseph Anderson. She’d always been comfortable with older people, as they seemed much less judgmental.
“George isn’t the president,” he stated, popping her bubble. Her brows puckered and she looked at him like he was insane. He had to be trying to deceive her. George was the one who had interviewed her. She tried to remember her interview, word for word, but she couldn’t remember him actually saying he was the president.
“Of course he is,” she said, but not as confident.
“Believe me, I know he isn’t. He retired years ago, and though he’s still the majority owner in the corporation, he’s more of a silent partner, dealing more with personnel situations and behind the scenes issues,” he told her.
Trenton found he was enjoying her confusion, and watched as she tried to work out what he was saying. She still hadn’t put all the pieces together. He was thrilled to find the spitfire from the park was his assistant. He found himself glad to be in Seattle. He was with his cousins, who he loved, he’d spoken with his siblings more over the last month than in the last several years, and he was intrigued by a woman. Things were looking up for him.
“Well, then who am I working for?” she asked, perplexed. He walked over and leaned against her desk, giving her a confident look. He raised his brows and waited for it to sink in. “That can’t be,” she barely managed to whisper when it started to sink it. He answered her with a huge Cheshire cat smile and watched as her eyes widened and her face paled. He was worried for a moment she may faint.
He had to hand it to her, though, because she pulled herself together quickly, and much to his relief, her color returned. Her expression changed from shock to defiance and he had to fight back his smile. He found she was going to be a challenge and he’d never been able to resist a challenge.
“I guess I should formally introduce myself, Jennifer. I’m Trenton Anderson, President of Anderson United Corporation,” he said, as he held out his hand. He was curious to see if she’d take it, or shy away. He hadn’t seen her back down yet, and found he’d be disappointed if she did.
“Nice to officially meet you, Mr. Anderson. As you know, I’m Jennifer Stellar, and I’m looking forward to working here,” she said as she took his hand. She felt the electricity from his touch shoot up her arm, and hoped he didn’t notice the shiver traveling through her body. She’d have to get control over herself because there was no way she’d allow herself to be attracted to her boss.
“We’re not formal in the executive offices. You may call me Trenton,” he said, holding her hand for too long to be considered appropriate.
“I prefer to keep things at work completely professional, Mr. Anderson,” she said, pulling her hand from his and breaking eye contact. Trenton was determined to break her defenses down, but he had plenty of time to do it.
“That’ll be fine for now, but you’ll become more comfortable,” he said, knowingly. Jennifer stepped away. She needed to put some distance between them, and pull herself together.
“I’m perfectly comfortable, but I prefer to keep things at work professional. That way, no lines are crossed that shouldn’t be,” she said a bit haughtily. He looked amused by her prim and proper manner.