A Clash of Passions

Chapter 5: Annoyingly clumsy

__Jeffery__

I was up early today. I decided to tackle my to-do list at the office, but not before doing some workouts. Now sweaty and re-energized, I went to take a shower. My phone had been beeping with messages non-stop, but i ignored it and took my time to get ready. When i was done, i went to my computer to check my emails quickly.

I stumbled upon the file my secretary had sent yesterday. I had saved it to my mails. I had her resend the report file because i wasn't satisfied with the initial one she drafted. I didn't do mediocre or average. And anyone working for me should know to aim for perfection, especially my secretary.

Charles informed me that he had hired a new secretary. I didn't ask for details, as my only requirements were that the individual be qualified and competent. Their personal identity was irrelevant to me. I had fired the previous one because she was openly flirting with me at the office, which was out of bounds.

Yes, I had f****d her a few times but she began to exhibit possesive and jealous behaviour that was unprofessional and disruptive. She was getting too clingy, even to the point of marking a territory that clearly wasn't hers - me. As a result, tongues began to wag.

I had also noticed how some female workers were trying to follow in her footsteps by trying to flirt with me, as if i was some sort of palliative that they wanted to get their share of. I made it clear that i did not condone such type of behaviour, at least, not in my company. I wasn't one who mixed business with pleasure. I needed to maintain a good reputation, and no w***e was worth risking my company for. Heaven knows i've been in the news and tabloids for all the wrong reasons.

It came as a bit of a shock to me when i saw her- the new secretary. I wasn't one to forget a face. She used to be my junior in high school. She was this quirky girl, always acting shy. Plus, she was a total snub. I hated girls with such shy acts because they were only acting, and it wasn't their real character. I had messed with her one time during our school event. I excluded her from a field trip she so badly wanted to be a part of then, and she eventually got to discover i was behind it. And boy did i gloat!

She made a big deal out of it, claiming i had bullied her. She had even reported me to the school authorities. But i was Jeffery Hamilton, after all. And nobody wanted to get into trouble with the Hamiltons. I didn't know if it was me being petty then, or it just had to do with the fact that she was a complete snub and didn't give anyone the time of day. Or maybe i hated the fact that she didn't fawn over me like every girl in school did. She had a degree in giving the cold shoulder treatment, not like i gave a monkey's.

Now, she happened to be my new secretary. How ironic. I blatantly refused to give her the slightest inkling that i remembered her. She was a clown if she thought she was going to get any preferential treatment. After all, I didn't know her.

I still had a lot of time when i finished attending to my emails. I would have chosen to work from home like i usually did and decide not to go into the office today, but i closed my laptop, picked up my phone and car key, and headed out the door, on my way to the office.

It was still early by the time i arrived, so i decided to stay in and continue working on some files. After a few minutes of typing, I decided to take a coffee break. I needed a pick-me-up. I loved a specialty coffee drink, and Cappuccino was my favourite. And since the workers haven't resumed the office yet to get me one, i decided to make it myself using the expresso machine in my office.

When i was done, i took a small sip and realised it wasn't that bad. I walked back to my chair and hesitated by my office door, sipping on my coffee. And suddenly, the door burst open bumping me from behind. I turned, and on reflex, i quickly reached out and caught the door just before it could slam into my face.

At the same time, I felt a sudden jolt as my secretary collided with me, pushing me back. She was so startled that she stumbled forward. With my other hand on her waist, i tried to steady her and my coffee cup went flying from my hand, spilling its hot contents all over my shirt, and scalding me. The smell of coffee filled the air as i stood there, stunned and wet, surrounded by shards of broken ceramic.

I stood in a puddle of spilt coffee, and if looks could kill, she would be six feet under. I was completely livid!

"What the bloody hell?!"

I barked, causing her to jump. Oh God, kill me! I heard her mumble.

"Oh my God!" "I-i'm so sorry, sir. I swear i didn't know you were here. I'm so sorry."

She said, as she made to wipe my shirt with her hand.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

I demanded.

She realised midway and held herself back.

"You're so freaking clumsy and daft!"

"Look what you did to my shirt."

I thundered in anger.

Who knew if she deliberately did it. I didn't trust her one bit. She looked shocked, her mouth agape. I also saw a flash of anger on her face.

"I-i-m so sorry, sir."

She repeated after she found her voice.

"What the hell were you looking for in my office?! And weren't you properly trained on how to knock before entering people's office?"

"I-i-i..... the financial report you requested."

She said, holding a file up to my face. I was furious. Whoever gave her the audacity to come into my office without knocking. My chest was on fire, and it fueled my anger. Unable to bear the heat and pain, I ripped my shirt open and sent the buttons flying all over the floor.

She just stood there, foolishly looking at me. I pulled off the soaked shirt, revealing my bare chest, and walked away from the door towards the bathroom. I got a final look at her before shutting the bathroom door and saw her bending to pick up the shards of ceramic on the floor.

And i wondered where the hell Charles got me such a clumsy secretary from.