Chapter 18
1440 Words
The alarm rang at five in the morning, but Lucy didn’t even need it. She had been awake long before it went off, lying in bed with her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling and smiling like an i***t.
Today wasn’t just any day. It was the day.
Her first day at The Anderson Group. Her first day as a professional secretary. And most importantly, her first day serving her boss, her beloved Drakey.
Lucy rolled out of bed with so much energy she nearly tripped on the rug. She grabbed her towel and practically sprinted to the bathroom. Even as the warm water cascaded down her skin, she kept thinking of Drake’s words, that one golden rule that had haunted her since he first said it.
“I don’t want anyone late. If you’re late, you’re fired.”
He had said it so casually, almost lazily, but with the kind of weight that left no room for doubt. Lucy wasn’t about to mess this up. Not when her whole future and her fantasy love story was on the line.
“Relax, Lucy,” she said in her reflection as she applied light makeup. “This isn’t just work. This is destiny. You and Drakey, every day, in one office. Sparks will fly.”
She smoothed down her blouse, adjusted her skirt, and gave herself one last approving glance. Perfect. Boss-appropriate but still goddess-level sexy.
The house was quiet when she stepped out of her room. Lean and Kelseay were still lost in their love bubble, probably tangled in their cozy world. Lucy didn’t want to disturb them, so she tiptoed her way out with her bag and folder in hand.
The morning air was crisp, and the sky was painted in pale pink and orange streaks. She inhaled deeply, her heart beating with anticipation. She felt like a warrior going into battle, except her weapon was her smile and her target was a certain cold-hearted boss.
Because taxis rarely passed inside the gated village, she walked out to the main road. Her heels clicked softly on the pavement, each step echoing her excitement. She checked her watch, just past six. She was more than an hour early, but better early than being booted out.
When a taxi finally appeared, she flagged it down with both hands as if summoning divine intervention. She hopped in, gave the driver her destination, and immediately opened the folder Drake had given her.
The schedule was no joke. Back-to-back meetings, client calls, appointments. Her boss was practically married to his work. Lucy bit her lip as she memorized each line. Wow. No wonder he’s always serious. If I had this much on my plate, I’d lose my hair.
By the time the taxi pulled up in front of the towering glass building, Lucy had already finished reviewing. Her palms tingled with nerves, but her excitement drowned them out. She paid the driver, grabbed her bag, and stepped out.
The Anderson Group stood before her like a fortress of glass and steel. Sleek, intimidating, and impossibly tall. For a moment, Lucy froze, her confidence wobbling. Okay, Lucy. Breathe. This is just work. People work in skyscrapers every day. You can do this.
Squaring her shoulders, she walked in.
Inside, she greeted the guard with her brightest smile. He only nodded stiffly in response. Lucy forced a laugh. Tsk. These people don’t know how to handle sunshine this early. Their loss.
She adjusted her bag and made her way to the elevators. Two employees entered with her, giggling and whispering like high schoolers. Lucy rolled her eyes. So unprofessional. Save your crushy crushes for after work, sheesh.
When the elevator chimed at the eighteenth floor, she strutted out like she owned the place, heels clicking confidently. She scanned the hallway until a man blocked her way.
“Hi, good morning!” he greeted, smiling warm and disarming.
Lucy blinked, then quickly smiled back. “Hello, good morning!”
“You’re the new secretary of Sir Drake, right?” he asked.
“That’s right!” she said proudly, puffing her chest. “Lucresia Marie Cordova, at your service. Lucy the Goddess for short.”
The man chuckled at her introduction. He extended his hand. “Daryl Ortega. Executive Assistant in Accounting. Twenty-four years old, single and available. Nice to meet you.” He even winked.
Lucy raised a brow but shook his hand anyway. To her utter shock, he bent down and kissed it lightly.
Her jaw dropped. Whoa! Fast move, mister!
“Wow, you’re quick too,” she teased, laughing to hide her surprise.
“That’s how it is,” Daryl said smoothly. “When a beautiful woman’s in front of me, there’s no time to waste.”
Lucy smirked. “Oh, I know I’m beautiful. No need to remind me.” She swatted his shoulder lightly, and he laughed.
“Well then, Goddess Lucy, I guess I’ll be seeing you around. Our cubicles are nearby.” He winked again and strolled off.
Lucy shook her head, amused. What a flirt. Cute, but not my type. Sorry, Daryl. My heart already belongs to someone grumpy.
She finally reached her desk, placed her things down, and sat. She was about to settle in when a ripple of whispers and giggles spread across the floor. Heads turned, eyes widened, and suddenly the atmosphere shifted.
Lucy glanced up and almost forgot to breathe.
Drake was walking down the hallway like he was born for it. Every stride was confident, every movement sharp and polished. His suit fit him perfectly, his expression calm and unreadable. Employees gawked openly, some whispering like he was a celebrity.
Lucy’s lips twisted into a pout. Excuse me? These women need to back off. That runway model is mine.
And then his eyes found hers.
The world was still still. Lucy’s heart did a cartwheel inside her chest. Oh Lord. Thank You for blessing me this early.
She stared, completely entranced, until his lips curved into the faintest smirk. He had caught her.
“You’re drooling,” she muttered under her breath. But he didn’t look away. That smirk deepened.
Lucy stood, marched right up to him, and flicked his forehead.
“Snap out of it. You’re making yourself look silly.”
“Hey! Watch it!” Drake exclaimed, rubbing the spot.
“Tsk. Fix yourself. Hormonal, menopausal-looking boss,” she teased, smirking.
His eyes widened. “What did you just say?”
“I said you look hot this morning, Boss,” she fired back with a sweet grin. Then she flicked him again and walked away before he could retaliate.
Drake stood frozen, rubbing his forehead in disbelief. “That shameless woman…”
Lucy slipped into her office, laughing quietly. She plopped down on her chair and pouted dramatically. “Be thankful I love you, Drakey, or else I’d have kissed you properly.” The thought alone sent warmth rushing to her cheeks.
Before she could get lost in her daydream, the phone on her desk rang sharply. She flinched, then grabbed it.
“Yes, Drakey—er, Boss. Did you miss me already?” she teased.
A sharp “tsk” came through the line. “Come here. ASAP. I have an order.”
Lucy grinned. “Ooooh, assertive. I like it.” She hung up, stood quickly, and hurried to his office.
A soft knock, then she entered. Drake sat behind his desk, flipping through papers, but his eyes lifted the moment she walked in.
She gave him her sweetest smile. “What do you want me to do, Boss?”
“Make me coffee,” he said flatly, giving her a lazy thumbs-up.
She saluted. “Right away, Boss!” She spun dramatically toward the door but paused.
“What kind? Brewed or creamy?”
“Brewed.”
“How many tablespoons?”
“Half.”
“Ohhh, hot or cold?” she pressed, eyes mischievous.
“If you’re thinking too much, cold. If you’re not thinking, hot,” he muttered, clearly irritated.
Lucy giggled. “Just kidding! Peace, Boss.” She flashed a peace sign before leaving.
But at the door, she turned again, lips curling into a mischievous smile.
“Last question. What do you really want? Coffee or me?”
Drake froze, jaw tightening. “s**t! Just give me my damn coffee, or you’re fired!” he snapped, tossing a pen at her.
Lucy yelped, ducked, and darted out the door laughing.
“Hmph! He’s so intense. But I’m hotter than that damn coffee anyway,” she muttered proudly as she marched off toward the pantry.
- Writer
