The Billionaire's Pixie

The Perfect Assistant

Amber wanted to meet up after the little stunt Nina pulled. I couldn’t blame her, she went along with it because I had a feeling Amber was done with her friend too. Discussing the situation was the least I could do though.

Meeting up with Tinkerbell didn’t seem like a troubling event either. I caught myself looking forward to it.

Grace messed me up, she must be the reason why I felt the urge to cling to Amber like my life depended on it. The she-devil needed to go.

Or at least she needed to be banished from my life.

Amber suggested we’d meet up at a rather fancy restaurant for lunch. It didn’t seem like the typical place she’d eat at. The woman kept surprising me.

Arriving at the restaurant I was led to Amber’s table by an overly sweet hostess. Her smile was bright, lighting up the entire room. Thanking the hostess I sat across Amber who looked amazing in a soft pink dress which kind of matched her hair. The sleeves of the dress lace which kind of reminded me of a wedding dress.

This woman sitting across me looked nothing like the feisty gamer I met at the store the other day. She looked soft and kind and like she sprinkled glitter everywhere she went.

She knew what I was thinking, the teasing smile which spread across her soft face made her look sinisterly beautiful.

Tinkerbell was up to no good.

I was not sure if I minded though.

Grace definitely ruined me.

“I’m glad you could join me.” Amber told me in a soft voice which had me raising my brows at her in question, “I know you’re busy these days.” She carried on like nothing happened at all, “Your dear sister was forthcoming when it came to you.”

“Nina tends to go overboard where it concerns me.”

Amber’s eyes gleamed, “I’m sure you’re the same way.”

She wasn’t wrong. I fawned over my sister, protecting her like she needed it even though she could take care of herself. She had Blackwood now too. Letting go was hard though, old habits die hard after all.

“It’s less now.”

“Well, yes, I imagine it doesn’t sit well with Jacob that her brother takes care of everything she needs. Men like him will feel less powerful.”

“You got him all figured out.”

Amber handed me the menu, the teasing look never leaving her bright eyes.

“He’s not hard to figure out.” She admitted, “You are different though. Not the typical rich boy who follows in his daddy’s footsteps. I’m intrigued, Merigold.”

I couldn’t be angry at her for judging me, I judged her too when I first met her. After we spent a little time together I came to realize that Amber was a kind girl. She had good intentions. She was loyal too.

Not that her blonde friend deserved her loyalty, it was wasted on her.

I also came to know that Amber wasn’t quite soft and gentle in bed. She was wild and untameable. Not that I wanted to remember how good it felt having s*x with her. It couldn’t happen again. That would only complicate things more.

“I can understand why you’d assume I’m the typical rich boy as you put it.”

Flipping through the menu I tried to decide what to eat for lunch. I’d stay late at the office once again, hoping to get as much done on this project dad proposed to me.

“Your parents aren’t what I expected either. They’re nice people.”

I eyed her suspiciously, “Let me guess, you thought they were the kind of people who’d judge others because they’re not educated or well off?” I shook my head at her, “Let me in on a little secret, I judged you more than they ever did. They’re not just nice people, they’re good people.”

I stopped myself when I was reminded of Nina and her little thing with mom. They worked it out since Blackwood showed mom he wasn’t looking for a woman who kept her mouth shut and looked pretty all the time.

He wanted someone who kept him on his toes.

Stupid Tinkerbell also made me like Blackwood more and more. Tinkerbell and her stupid blonde friend were stirring things up and I wasn’t sure yet if it was a good thing or not.

“I mean they occasionally get a little-“ I shrugged which made Amber bite back a giggle, “But they’re only like that when they’re concerned about Nina or me. They’re parents, you know.”

She looked amused, the laugh which followed told me she was amused. At least someone was having a great time while I was more or less pouring my heart out.

I needed to spend some time with Owen, right now I felt like I was f*****g Nina Merigold. Emotional issues were her thing, I brushed them off and isolated myself from the rest of the world. It worked out for me for the bigger part of my life. I needed to work for me now too.

"I can almost hear you thinking." Amber pointed out as if she found the cure cancer.

The smug look did make her look gorgeous.

"Stop analyzing me and let me enjoy lunch."

“Lunch is not here yet.” She said, her smirk only getting bigger.

In that moment I realized something else. Amber didn’t want to meet with me to discuss dinner at Nina’s. She just wanted to spend time with me. I could ponder over it and overthink things or I could just go with it.

***

Arriving back at the office my assistant who was always very professional walked up to me and gestured for me to follow her. That was odd behavior for the perfect woman who helped me have my office life perfectly together.

Something was seriously wrong which would make my day at the office even longer.

“Just tell me," I told her quietly.

She eyed me and then looked over my shoulder. She looked suspicious as if something would come to attack us any second now.

She was freaking me kind of out.

“Do I need to call the cops?” I whispered.

She glared at me, “Shut it, Nick.”

“That’s rude, Madeline.”

The perfect assistant never spoke to me like that before. I honestly didn’t know how to take it. It reminded me of Nina, but I could do a little back and forth with Nina. Madeline wouldn’t appreciate it. She’d probably hire a lawyer and bankrupt me.

“There is someone in your office.” She informed me in a more serious tone, “I couldn’t stop her.”

“Nina?”

Madeline looked offended then, “No, your sister is lovely.” She glared at me, “Would I be talking like this if Nina had come to pay you a surprise visit?” She gestured for me to ‘shut it’ once more, “That horrible blonde woman who thinks she is the most beautiful woman in the world is seated in your office.”

She was right about Nina, I knew that from experience. Nina and dad always were let through without Madeline informing me. She allowed their surprise visits even when Nina slammed the door and behaved like she owed the place.

"f**k," I whispered.

Madeline looked amused but she hid it with a little cough, “Language.” She muttered.

She didn’t mean it, her glittering eyes told me that much.

“How long has she been waiting?” I asked, ignoring her scolding.

That had been a first too, but it was quite obvious at this point that Amber and Grace were changing my perfectly put together life forever.

I didn’t like it at all.

"Ten minutes," Madeline informed me.

I nodded, “We’re going in together. I’ll try and get rid of her, make sure you don’t leave me alone with her. That woman-“ I stopped myself from saying anything but Madeline nodded. It seemed like she understood what I was trying to say.

“Is a horrible person?” She asked, “I won’t leave your side, Mr. Merigold. I promise.”

Madeline showed me a side to her which I hadn't seen before and probably wouldn't have seen if Grace hadn't shown up, but I kind of liked that side of her. It made her look more human.

“Let’s do this.”

Madeline smiled, “After you, Mr. Merigold.”

“Thanks.”

I walked ahead of Madeline, heading straight for my office. Madeline was right behind me, proving her loyalty. She deserved a raise. Entering my office, I walked straight to my desk and flashed Grace a polite smile.

“Good afternoon, Grace.” I greeted her.

She smiled and trailed her eyes to Madeline. I almost couldn’t keep a straight face seeing the look of disappointment that Madeline didn’t leave our side.

"I thought we could talk in a private," Grace mentioned, taking a seat.

“You’re here without an appointment, I can’t spare a lot of time for you. After you say whatever you have to say Madeline and I could get back to work.”

She couldn’t hide how offended she was. It gave me pleasure seeing that angry look in her eyes. Maybe she’d skip out faster than I imagined.

“I wanted to talk about the upcoming fundraiser.”

I glanced at Madeline, “Blackwood is organizing it.” She informed me.

I nodded, “I don’t go to his fundraisers.” I told her, “Well, that puts an end to this conversation. It was good to see you, My assistant will see you out.”

Madeline was ready to lead Grace out of my office, but the blonde wasn’t letting herself get kicked out that fast.

“Your name is on the guest list.”

I wouldn't ask her how she knew that throwing in some money and charm could get you anything.

"It's not my name on the list." I smiled at her, "My father and Jacob have been friends for years. My father always goes to Blackwood's social events. The wrong Merigold you tried to charm to get an invitation out of. But you could always try with my father. I mean, I'm sure my mother is his date but you never know."

“You’re not supporting your brother-in-law?”

I tried really hard not to explode and tell this woman to f**k off. Madeline could feel the shift in me and took charge.

"Mr. Merigold is quite busy if you'd please follow me."

Madeline managed to get Grace out of my office which made me lean back against the chair and sigh in relief. It did make me wonder why Grace wanted me to escort her to Blackwood’s fundraiser. I could probably annoy her even more if I did go to the fundraiser and asked Amber as my date.

It would ruin their friendship and that would make me a horrible person too.

Yet I couldn’t help myself as I grabbed my phone and called Amber.