The Billionaire's Widowed Assistant

Chapter One

Damn!

12:15pm.

She was late returning from lunch. Ethan would be upset with her. They had a meeting planned to start fifteen minutes ago. Vicki hurried to put her old, worn coat and tattered purse away.

This meeting was important. A job review. Suzanne Parker had been hired 4 weeks ago and she had not be preforming. More correctly, she HAD been preforming in any place, with almost any man that worked here, married or not. With the strict “No Fraternization” policy and the fact that none of Suzanne’s assignments had been finished by her, this meeting was just a formality. She was history. Vicki walked faster toward Mr. Wright’s office.

Suddenly, she stopped. His door was shut.

Strange.

Mr. Wright only shut his door when he was in a meeting, and this job review was the only actual meeting scheduled for this afternoon. Vicki knocked on the door. There was the sound of rustling behind the door. A moment later the door opened.

“Vicki!” Ethan exclaimed, his warm brown eyes looked at her in surprise. “ Is there something I can do for you?”

“I’m sorry that I’m late. Have you seen Suzanne, she is not here for her review.” Before she could finish, he swung the door open revealing Suzanne seated on a chair straightening her mussed, straight, shoulder length, platinum blonde hair. “I see you have started the review without me.” Vicki continued dryly as she entered and took a seat.

Ethan grinned devilishly as he cleared his throat, raking a hand through his short golden brown hair, sheepishly. “Thank you for making it, Vicki. Suzanne and I were just about to get down to business. Let us first review the complaints against her.”

Vicki straightened up. “She takes three days to do a job that the other typists can do in only 1 day. She has been caught by her immediate supervisor in compromising situations with various married and unmarried co-workers on the floor.”

“Hold on,” Suzanne interrupted. “I am being set up. My supervisor gives me more to do than any of the others,” Large fake tears welled up in her eyes, “ and as for the rest, I am an innocent victim of jealous women and malicious gossip,” she loudly sobbed, looking at Ethan with sad big brown eyes.

“Suzanne,” Ethan sighed, “Why don’t you wait in the outer office and we will make our decision and let you know shortly.”

Suzanne, looking imploringly at Ethan, nodded and exited the office.

When the door closed, Vicki glared her bright blue eyes at Ethan, “Why do you keep doing this? You made the ‘No Fraternization’ policy, for heaven’s sake. I’m so tired of having to find replacement typists, because you cannot control your baser tendencies.” She paced around his office as she was so frustrated with him that her voice got louder and louder. Some of her chocolate brown hair flew out of the bun that was tightly bound at the nape of her neck, as she practically vibrated with frustration.

Ethan’s head snapped around toward her, his eyes blazing. “For your information, Mrs. Westfield, I am YOUR employer, and I may do as I please, but to be honest, I wasn’t the instigator this time. Suzy was the one trying to come on tome.” Ethan stated firmly, but his earthy eyes twinkling at the last part.

Vicki narrowed her crystal blue eyes and glared. “You may be the boss, but if this happens again, I have the right to QUIT!” She persisted, heatedly, “This is unacceptable working conditions.”

“I understand.” He sighed and acquiesced. “Suzy obviously wants this job, so why not give her one more chance?” He continued.

“Because then she will think that you will not fire her because you like her and that she doesn’t have to do anything for anyone,” Vicki insisted.

“I really think that we should give her another change. And the final decision does rest with me,” Ethan was rigid in his position.

“Very well, Mr. Wright, as you are the CEO the decision does rest with you. As I am only your lowly secretary, I have no place to make any decision at this company.” Vicki stood and walked toward the door.

Ethan held up a hand, “Vicki, why are you talking like that? You haven’t talked that formal to me since you first began as my assistant.”

Vicki looked at him in surprise. “As you pointed out a moment ago, YOU are the BOSS. I am just your assistant, so now matter was is better for the company, I have no say in it what so ever,” she replied smartly and sarcastically.

Ethan ducked his head a bit in chagrin and sighed, “I’m sorry that I talked to you like that. You know that I trust and value your opinions. You are significantly more that my assistant. You are my trusted advisor, and right hand lady,” he said apologetically. “I should not have spoken to you like that. I always appreciate your frankness when we have discussions.”

Vicki blushed and nodded, “Thank you Ethan. I appreciate you sharing this with me. I enjoy the respect that you show me and familiarity way that we discuss things.” She cleared her throat. “About Suzanne…”

Ethan nodded, going back to the topic of conversation. “I think that we should give her another chance.”

“Very well, but if, and when this happens again, she is gone!” Vicki insisted hotly.

“Agreed.”

Vicki opened the door to let Suzanne in.

When Suzanne was seated again, Vicki began, “Suzanne, your behavior has been irreprehensible…”

“But,” Ethan cut in looking at Vicki, “We have decided, between the two of us to give you another chance.”

“One last chance,” Vicki stressed, strongly, “Do not make us regret it,” she paused before finishing, “You may return to your desk now.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wright. Maybe I could show you my appreciation,” She paused to give Ethan a sultry look, leaning slightly forward, to show her more than ample cleavage, “over lunch tomorrow.”

Vicki shot Ethan a sharp glare.

Ethan cleared his throat, and looking extremely uncomfortable, said, “Maybe a different time, perhaps.”

Suzanne pouted her plum, glossy, rose red lips prettily for a moment, then brightened. “You can count on it,” she said as she walked to the door.

After she had left, Vicki turned to Ethan her bright blue eyes flashing brightly, “From here on out, I need you to support my decisions about personnel. They need to respect me or they will always go over my head to you when they do not like what I have to say.” She paused then continued, “You are the one that put me in charge of HR in addition to being your assistant,” she reminded him.

“You’re correct Vicki, I have asked a lot of you and given you more responsibilities, but not the support to carry out those responsibilities. I apologize,” he grinned just then. “Maybe I should apologize by taking you out to dinner tonight.”

“While I appreciate the offer, I don’t think that my sitter can stay late, and I have an appointment directly after work. So, if you will excuse me, I will return to my desk.” She dismissed.

Ethan looked shocked and confused, but nodded.

*****

Ethan was shell shocked!

No one had turned him down for dinner since… Well, he couldn’t even remember.

Maybe he should try harder?

No, she’s a widow.

A gorgeous widow.

And has a child.

Or children.

Damn.

How many kids does she have anyway?

One is too many.

Right?

An appointment?

What kind of appointment?

Is she sick?

In trouble?

Suing someone?

Maybe it is a date.

With who?

Ethan stopped, realizing that he was feeling jealous of someone who may or may not exist.

Why was he obsession of Vicki?

She’s lovely.

But a widow.

And the best PA he had ever had.

She’s been widowed for about a year now.

Ethan mentally shook himself. It was time to get back to work. Just as he was about to start doing paperwork, when Vicki beeped in. “Phone call for you on line one, sir, it is the mayor.”

“Thank you,” As he talked to the mayor about the upcoming charity ball, Ethan dismissed all thoughts of Vicki.

*****

An hour later, Vicki walked out of the bathroom stall, when Suzanne entered. Vicki nodded to Suzanne as she washed her hands.

Suzanne stood next to Vicki and started touching up her make-up. “You know, don’t you, that I could have your job if I wanted it?” she said offhandedly.

Vicki looked up at her, “I do?” she questioned.

“Of course. I will be sleeping with Ethan soon. As soon as he falls for me, I can have you canned. When that happens, I’ll get your job soon after, then he will be so in love with me that he will propose, and I’ll have everything that I deserve in life,” she boasted.

“And if I tell Ethan of your little plot?”

“He’ll never believe you after I start crying and telling him that you’re jealous of him and me.” Suzanne insisted.

“If all this is true, then why tell me all of this? Why not just do it.?” Vicki inquired.

“Well, I thought that you would be a good ally to help me achieve my goals. So you can help me, stay out of my way, or you can be my enemy and end up in the unemployment line.” Suzanne’s eyebrows gathered as she glared at Vicki.

Vicki stood her 5’ 6”, proud and tall, “I would NEVER deceive anyone that way, now would help anyone else to do it.”

Suzanne’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I can see that you have made you choice.” She glared again at Vicki, “I won’t feel bad when I plow you under.” Suzanne swiftly turned and left the room.

Vicki just sighed, relieved that the scene was over. She sat back down at her desk and tried to work.

Imagine Suzanne thinking that she could have me fired?

Should she let Ethan know?

No, he is a grown man. He can take care of himself.

But he is a bit naïve when it comes to women.

Not to mention incredibly sexy and muscular.

Wait.

Where did that come from?

I’m a widow.

But it has been a year.

And a mother.

But still a woman.

Well, Ethan is nice.

But a womanizer.

Hot.

I am lonely.

There is no way that he would go for someone like me.

He likes them young, dumb, and stacked girls.

Besides, I just confirmed to myself that men are not for me and to never, ever get involved with one again. They cannot be trusted.

Vicki straightened in her chair, squared her shoulders, and put Ethan out of her mind, It was time to get back to work.

It was a quarter to five, and Vicki was just finishing up with her stack of paperwork when Ethan called her into his office.

“Have a seat,” Ethan stated softly, eyeing her.

“Yes sir. Is there something I can do for you?” She queried. “My work is finished for the day, so I was about to head out for my appointment.”

“Actually,” Ethan hedged, “that’s what I wanted to discuss with you. Is there anything wrong that you have this mysterious appointment?”

“Mysterious?” Vicki questioned. “No…nothing is wrong.”

“Then, perhaps we can have dinner afterward.”

“No!” Vicki almost yelled, “I have a few errands to do as well, so I do not know how long I’ll be.”

Ethan grew wide-eyed, “Are you alright? You seem jumpy.”

“I’m fine.” Vicki insisted emphatically.

“Okay,” he finally submitted, “as long as you’re sure. I’m always here if you need to talk about anything. Have a good night.”

* * * * *

Vicki left the office shaking her head in confusion. What was wrong with Mr. Wright? He was acting strange. What did he care what her appointment was. Not that she would tell him.

Tell him that she had an interview to get a second job to get her family out of debt? Now way, no how.

Besides all of the money form her second job would go to pay the back mortgage on her house. If she hadn’t rented the extra rooms to Kat, she wouldn’t even have enough money to buy Christmas presents for her wonderful kids.

As she drove to the Mall, she tried to try shake the feeling that Ethan was taking an interest in her. Maybe a little too much. Why? I’m average in the looks department, not a model by any means. Not a size two like Suzanne. So why in the world would someone as drop-dead gorgeous as Ethan Wright, be concerned with a size 12, average size, average looking, single mother like me. In the short time I’ve worked here, he only has gone for the model type women.

Her second job wasn’t going to be glamorous by any means. It would pay of some of her debt, and that is all. Not a career by any means. After New Years’, everything would go back to normal.

She could sleep again.

Sleep.

A luxury these days.

If she got this job, that is something that she would have precious little of.

She pulled into the mall parking lot with a sigh. After checking her makeup and hair, she grabbed her resume, purse and walked to the entrance.

Within ten minutes, she was waiting for an interview with Ms. Greyson from HR.

After waiting another ten minutes, Vicki started getting antsy.

What was taking so long?

Have they filled the position already?

With every tick of the clock, Vicki’s hope sank further and further.

The office door opened suddenly and a man stood in the opening.

As he approached her, her heart sank. This gentleman was intimidating, tall, with a full, thick beard and mustache. His suit was obviously and expensive one, but the scowl she saw on this face was extremely off putting!

He sent a hard, assessing glare at her, before glancing at the folder in his hand. “Mrs. White?”

Her gaze drew sharply to his face, “Yes, that’s me,” she stammered as she rose.

“Follow me,” he commanded as he turned on his heel and returned to the office he had exited.

Vicki had to hurry to keep up with his long-legged stride. She stopped just inside the doorway.

This office was luxurious. There were large bay widows with beautifully healthy green plants. The furniture was large with what looked like comfortable overstuffed chairs. The gentleman had taken a seat behind the obvious antique desk. He was drumming his fingers on the desk impatiently.

Vicki immediately continued to one of the chairs before the desk, taking a seat and mentally composing her confused and racing mind.

“Now then, Mrs. White, let’s get right down to business.” He opened the file on the desk in front of him.

“Umm,” Vicki hesitated, “Shouldn’t we wait for Ms. Greyson?”

“She left early today,” he replied abruptly. “I’m Mr. Schmitt, the head of the Human Resources department, for today, anyway.”

“Thank you for explaining,” Vicki said.

“Yes, well, I imagine you’re confused. Now, to get straight to the point, Mrs. White, while we appreciate your interest in the night manager position, you are not qualified enough for the position.”

“But…” Vicki stammered, astonished, “Ms. Greyson told me…”

“Ms. Greyson answers to me,” He interjected sternly. “And I am looking for someone with quite a bit of experience for this position, and I’m sorry to say that you don’t have anywhere near the level of experience that I had in mind,” he began to stand.

“Wait, Mr. Schmitt, I completely understand that you had someone different than myself in mind for the position. However, I was wondering if you had any other third shift positions available.”

“I do have one, but it only pays minimum wage, nowhere near where the manager position pays.”

“I understand. Could you maybe consider me for that one?” She asked hesitantly.

“Mrs. White, do you realize that you are grossly overqualified for the position of night stocker?”

“Yes, I know, but I really need a job, any job.” She insisted firmly.

Mr. Schmitt consulted his file. “I see here that you are employed at Wright Enterprises. correct?

“Yes.”

“What is your position there?”

“Personal Assistant.”

“To whom?”

“Mr. Ethan Wright, CEO.”

“If that is true, then may I enquire as to why you are so persistent about being considered for the night stocker position?”

“I believe that my reasons are my own, sir. They are personal,” she replied shyly.

“Well,” he stated slowly, “If you want this position, I’m going to have to insist on the answer.”

“She sighed, “Okay, I’m trying to pay off some old bills.”

Mr. Schmitt sat back in his chair, linked his long fingers together, and gave her face a long slow look. “I don’t usually do this, but I’m going to go against my better judgement and hire you for a part-time position for two weeks, the hours are 10:00pm to 2:00am. If after 2 weeks, your work is satisfactory, then the position will be officially yours. If I believe at any time that you aren’t cutting it for ANY reason, what so ever, then you will be dismissed immediately,” He state firmly.

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it,” Vicki Smiled in relief.

As she started to rise, she heard him utter, “I’ll check your references and former employers tomorrow. As long as they all come back good, we’ll see you here tomorrow night. Show up 30 minutes early to do paperwork.

Vicki stopped, her feet like lead on the floor. “You…you’re not calling Wright Enterprises, are you?” she stammered out.

“Yes, of course, that is standard policy.” He fixed her with an icy glare, “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Well…I would prefer if you they not be contacted.”

“Why?”

“I don’t believe that I am required by law to tell you that,” She stated stiffly. “Sir.”

“No…” he said thoughtfully, “you are not REQUIRED. But, I am not required to hire you either since we have so many applicants.”

“Then, I’m sorry, sir, I guess I won’t be working here then!” Vicki Asserted, then quickly stormed out of his office.

As she left the building, she felt tears well up in her eyes.

She failed.

What would she do now?

By the time she reached her car, the tears were streaming down her cheeks. She was unable to even see fully, as she fumbled in her purse for her keys. Suddenly, a strong arm encircled her throat and the cool metal barrel of what was probably a gun was pressed against her left temple.

A hard, gruff voice whispered, “Open the door…NOW!”

Vicki started shaking. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear the stranger. She slowly unlocked the door, as to not startle him into hurting her. As she opened the door, she whispered her hope, “Here, take my car…purse…jewelry…I won’t tell anyone! Just…PLEASE…Let me go!” She pleaded.

The man just chuckled low and dark and said, “Get in the back and close your eyes!” The gun stayed at her temple, while her neck was released in favor of grabbing her hair at the base of her scalp, jerking her head to one side to keep her facing away from HIM. When she was in the back seat, she slowly closed her eyes, glancing around frantically, hoping against hope that someone was there to see and help her. There was no one. Abruptly, her hair was released and something Thick and coarse was placed over her head. She felt HIM shove her over into a supine position across the backseat. Frantically, she tried to buck him off, but he knelt with one knee in the middle of her back, making it difficult for her to breath, let alone fight him off. Her arms were jerked behind her. He clasped them easily in the one hand as she heard the clink of a metal object on one wrist. Handcuffs? Trying once again to gain her freedom, she began to scratch at his hands, and attempted to kick at him.

Suddenly, something hard smashed into the back of her head.

Her last coherent thought was: ‘I’m trapped!’