My Boss Got Me Fallin' In Love

Chapter 1: Monday

My parents looked at me like I was half crazy. Dad was already standing up and rubbing his forehead while Mom's eyebrows were meeting.

I was going to be a working student. And they need to accept that fact - not to mention, I'll need their consent first. Not that I need the money. In fact, our family's -I am- pretty well-off.

"All I need is the experience from this job. I need something to write in my résumé if I'm ever going to work in the fashion industry and have a high position." I explained.

"Again, Katee, why don't you just get into the family business? Your father's the president of Adams Enterprises and your brother is somewhere near the top already."

"Mom, we already talked about this." I shook my head and looked down. "I told you, this isn't what I want, plus, you and Dad have already agreed."

Mom sighed in defeat then finally nodded as she remembered our discussion a few months ago.

Dad sat beside mom, his arms crossed. "But why do you need to rush this now? Can't you just go get that experience thing of yours after graduating from college? Katee, you're graduating this year."

"Dad, this is a really good opportunity for me. Getting a good reputation could keep me on top. Besides, if you're worried about my grades, I'm not going to let my studies down." I said as I moved closer to them, and tried to look pitiful. A few more seconds of my puppy eyes, and they'll bend for sure.

Mom stared at me for a while, and her expression softened. Dad gave a sigh of surrender. "Alright, but your studies better not be put aside, young lady." He warned.

"Since your Father agrees, I won't argue." Mom smiled.

I got up and hugged them both, trying to contain a squeal.

"Thank you, both of you!" I hugged them hard as they tapped me on the back.

The truth was: I already knew they were going to say yes. That is why just a day before, I've already submitted my application to Leighton Industries back in New York. I was just actually visiting my parents in Seattle for the weekend just to formally get their permission. I arrived back to New York the very next day and got an e-mail that I got into Leighton Industries and that I'm supposed to start on Monday already.

Here we go.

Chapter 1: Monday

I yawned and stretched as I sat up. A smile has been plastered on my face since last night. I could barely sleep. IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF WORK! I jumped out of my bed, hurried in front of the mirror and squealed in excitement. I really don't know why I was THAT excited, but I had a feeling that the day would turn out well.

I hurriedly took a bath. Then, still in my robe, I headed to the kitchen and prepared pancakes with grapes and chocolate chips. Time check: 8:25 AM. My work was to begin at 9:30 AM, but since the building was just a block away from my apartment, I didn't have to rush.

After eating my food, I brushed my teeth then started picking out clothes to wear. Looking blankly at my closet, I wondered what was fit for a first day of work. I was scared of overthinking about what I was going to wear, that I ended up overthinking about overthinking.

All I'd do was design, pick the right kinds of cloths, colors, et cetera, and -most importantly- make my boss proud, to get me a good review for my application. Since the work-deal would only stay for until I'm done designing the whole thing (whatever it was), I guessed it would only take...a few months, maybe? Or even just weeks. It was going to be an easy in-and-out situation.

Within those few months, I'd need to get a good reputation and a good letter of recommendation from my boss. From what I'd heard, it wouldn't be easy. However, since I came from a family of businessmen, I'm sure I've learned something about making a good impression.

After putting on the clothes that I picked, I smiled at myself, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I put on some light make-up and prepared my bag.

About 15 minutes before time, I set out and later arrived in front of the building. I went inside the elevator and pressed the button 9, my heart thumping excitedly. The doors of the elevator were about to close when someone shouted.

"Hold it!"

I quickly pushed the button with the symbol of arrows pointing apart and the doors parted again. A man stepped in and said "Thanks."

I looked at him, my gaze moving from his feet upwards. He was wearing shiny, clean, black designer shoes. His suit was neatly crisp and it fitted him well, doing justice to his broad shoulders. He was wearing a Timex wrist watch, a model released last month. He was perfect from the neck down to his shoes, standing with good posture and with confidence emanating. I just hoped that when it came to his face, I wouldn't be disappointed.

And, guess what?

I wasn't.

His face was gorgeous. The color of his hair was dark blond and his eyes were grayish-green. His hair was neatly waxed to a side, not a strand out of place. Although, what nagged me is that he looked like someone I knew. There's something about him which looked familiar.

I didn't stare at him for more than 10 seconds, though. I quickly looked down, examining my feet.

The guy didn't bother pushing the button of the floor he was going to. He just stood there, all prim and proper. Maybe, just maybe, he's going to the same floor as I am.

I was proven right when the elevator doors parted and he stepped out, carrying his suitcase and leaving the scent of his perfume behind. I, too, stepped out of the elevator just to be greeted by Aleksie. The woman who hired me.

"Good morning," she smiled sweetly. She looked like she was in her mid-30's. "So, I see you've already met Ivan."

I gave her a questioning look. "Sorry?"

"Oh, you don't know him? He's the VP of Leighton Industries, so basically he's both our boss. In addition to that, he's also my cousin." She explained with a chuckle.

I nodded, "Oh, I see. So that's why he's got that aura around him. He seemed so...boss-like." I kid.

"Yeah, he is, isn't he? Anyway, let me lead you to your desk first."

Aleksie made me follow her to the 5th door on the right. She opened it then got in after me and gave me the key.

"It's not much. But I hope you'll be comfortable while you choose out designs and stuff." She joked.

"Actually, it's great! And since this is just a short-term job, I'm grateful that you've even provided a room for me."

"Well, we want our employees to have the best so they could also perform their best." She smiled encouragingly at me.

I touched the desk then put down my bag and nodded at her. "I'll do my best. Thank you."

"No problem," She said. "Anyway, I'll show you to the room where you'll be-, " she was cut off with the ringing of her cellphone. She held up a finger and smiled apologetically. "Excuse me a second," she said as she walked out of the room to take the call.

After a while, she came back, rushing to me and holding out a folder. "I got an unexpected emergency from the sales department. I'll come back to you later, 'kay? And if you could, please give this folder to Ivan. His room is just ahead. You'll see the name card outside his door."

I nodded then she left in a hurry. I picked up the folder and started my search. There were a few people on the large corridor, doing business, chatting. Everyone was too busy that no one had the time to stare at the new girl. Thankfully.

I finally found Ivan's office. It wasn't that hard to miss. There was a large plate containing the words: Ivan Travis, Vice President of Leighton Industries. Just as Aleksie said.

I knocked on the door and I heard the same deep voice I've heard before saying, "Come in."

Slowly, I turned the knob and hesitantly walked in. He was standing behind his desk, the coat was taken off and he was only in his white long-sleeved shirt, making his fit body more visible.

I gulped, tearing my eyes off his body and looking him in the eyes. There was something about them which made me look somewhere else, like his jaw or nose... anywhere but his eyes. They were just too intimidating, and it's my nature to be quickly intimidated or shy in front of people.

"Um, good morning, Sir. Miss Aleksie ordered me to give you this." I said, handing the folder to him and taking only a few glances at his eyes.

"Thank you," he said, grabbing the folder from my hands "You're the new employee, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, since you're here, get me a cup of coffee, will you? Here's the money." he pulled out a bill and handed it to me.

I stood there, dumbfounded. What? 'I'm here to design, mister. Not to buy you coffee.' I wanted to say, but I had no choice.

I took a deep breath, 'This is for a good review and job experience, breathe,' I told myself.

"Hey, hurry." he snapped his fingers in front of me. I grabbed the money then left the room.

I asked a woman I met on the corridor where I could get coffee, and she gave me directions. I arrived at the café on the 3rd floor. I approached the cashier and asked for a regular coffee. He smiled at me then got my order.

I waited patiently, looking at my wristwatch.

And to think that that Ivan Travis guy was hot... Sigh.

"Katee?" I turned around and saw Aleksie's puzzled face. I smiled at her and greeted her, "Hi."

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Sir Ivan told me to get him a cup of coffee." I explained, trying to cover the annoyance I felt.

She looked shocked, then a bit stressed.

"One plain coffee, Miss." The barista handed me the cup of coffee.

"Thanks." I smiled. Before I could take it, Aleksie extended her hand towards the barista. "Here, let me take that." Aleksie said, taking the coffee. "I'll bring this to Ivan and talk to him. I'm really sorry for this kind of first day, Katee."

I raised my hands, "Oh, don't worry! It's fine, promise." I tried to sound as reassuring as I could be.

"I'll just talk to him. Maybe he thought you were the assistant I hired. I'm very sorry." Aleksie looked really apologetic. I felt sorry that she had to go through this much stress. "It's just that he seems to generalize stuff, y'know. Um, I'll talk to Ivan first and make him apologize while you meet the team first, okay?" I smiled and nodded.

"They're waiting on the 10th floor." She said, then set out again while I proceeded to the 10th floor as she told me.

So far, it's been crazy: meeting a hot guy on the elevator who turned out to be the VP of this company, then being mistaken as an assistant which made Aleksie say sorry to me for a billion times...and now, I'll be meeting my co-workers.

I just hope it won't be any crazier than this.

But then again...

I'm always wrong.