Mr. Valentine's Heart

Offer

~Cherise~

I'm slightly embarrassed at how fast I'm going through these products. It isn't taking me long to test them out, and I guess that says more about my current libido than anything else. I've never been one to want s**x or even seek it out. I definitely never wanted Alexi, no matter how much he tried to have me. I always hated myself those mornings when I realized that he succeeded. It made me feel dirty.

I have more product reviews to turn in, even though it's only been a few days since I was last there. I can't wait until I get a computer or something. Then, I can do the reviews online and not have to show my face. I'm sure no one will comment on my resilience in collecting new toys, but still.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly before walking into the building and up to the receptionist. She gives me a knowing smile and just motions me forward. I see her pick up the receiver and figure she's calling the supervisor.

When I interviewed for this job, I was under the impression that I would interact little with employees. Maybe my constant visits are due to my not having a device. I will have to look into that very soon.

As soon as I get off the elevator, the same guy from before is there. I hope he isn't going to try to ask me out. There's nothing wrong with him; I just don't have any availability for romance or dating right now. “Good morning, Mrs. Perry.”

“That's Ms. Ms. Perry.”

“My apologies.” I hand him my reports, and he passes them along. “I was wondering if you had a minute. I wanted to introduce you to someone.” I don't like the look he's giving me, but I guess it's okay. I nod and follow him back into the elevator. We aren't in there long before the bell dings, and we are watching the doors open. He steps out and to the side, allowing me to follow after. “We are on the top floor, the management floor. I thought you could meet the head guy of the company.” I stop walking, stunned at his words.

“You want me to meet THE guy? You want me to meet Mr. Valentine?” He chuckles and backtracks, gently grabbing my arm to follow him.

“I see you've done your research on the company. Yes, I want you to meet him. He may have an… opportunity for you.” Yes, I know who the CEO is, I did do my research. And then I went down a rabbit hole. Something about that man pulled me in and wouldn't let me go. Saying he was gorgeous is an understatement. I can't explain it, but it was more than that that had me searching for his entire life story. My heart broke when I saw that he had a personal loss 10 years ago that came close to taking his life. No one should go through pain like that.

He knocks on the door before opening it. I didn't hear anyone say come in, but my nerves are fried right now. I walk into his office and immediately set my eyes on him. Okay, his picture was crap because this man right here is a vision. “Good morning, Jamichael. Who do you have here?”

“This is the young lady I was telling you about. This is Cherise Perry. I think she'd made a good addition.” He stands to his full height and walks over to me. Every step he takes makes my knees weaker. He stops when he gets directly in front of me. He holds his hand out to me, and I hesitantly take it. The moment we touch, I can't breathe, and the world around me falls away.

“Good morning, Ms. Perry. I'm Caleb Valentine.”

~Caleb~

It's her, it's got to be her. It is her, right? I stare at her face and swear I'm looking at Cherish, my fated mate. The years haven't aged her one bit, though her eyes aren't as bright as they once were. Where has she been? What has she been doing? “It's very nice to meet you. Uh, you, uh, have wonderful business.” I haven't let go of her hand yet. Why am I still holding her hand? I want to pull her closer to me and breathe in the scent that I've been missing. For a while, I bought the flowers that reminded me of her scent and kept them around the packhouse. It wasn't the same, though.

Uh, you might want to let her go and answer her. You're starting to look like a creep. I clear my throat and drop her hand. I swear Jamichael is a lifesaver. I take a small step back, never taking my eyes off her.

“Thank you, though I can't take all of the credit. My business would be nothing if it weren't for my amazing staff. Thank you so much for lending your services.” I feel Roman walking up to me and can hear the intake of breath.

Say absolutely nothing. I turn to face Roman and take a step back, allowing him to join our circle.

“I'm not doing much, sir. Just a few product reviews.” I turn back to put my eyes on Cherish.

“What you do may be the most important thing you can do. I can create whatever I want, but until we know that it works as envisioned, it's really just a bunch of plastic and silicone.” I see the blush flitter over her cheeks. “I wonder, though, I wonder if I could use your services in another way.” Her eyes get big, and I'm sure my men are questioning everything. “I was actually looking for a personal assistant. I have to lend my current one to the production floor, so I'm in need of a replacement.”

Alpha?!

Man, what are you doing? I ignore Jamichael and Roman, focusing on Cherish.

“Uh, a personal assistant?” I smile and don't miss her blush.

“Yes. I need someone to help me keep track of my schedule and whatnot. Valentine's Day is coming and that's a big day for us. My schedule is going to be crazy, so I’ll really need the help.” I watch as different emotions are displayed on her face. I'm not sure if she'll go for it, but I'm hoping she will.

To what end, Caleb? What's your plan here?

I plan to get our mate to fall back in love with us. Clearly, she's forgotten us, and it looks like herself. Let's see if we can turn that around by Valentine's Day.

And what if when she remembers, she leaves all over again?

We'll deal with that when we get to it. For now, let's help her fall in love again.

We continue to look at each other, and I can feel everyone else's eyes on us. “What do you say, Ms. Perry? Will you be my personal assistant?”