Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Suddenly, my walkie talkie crackles.
“Angela,” a low male voice growls. “Can you come to my office please?”
Speak of the devil! I depress the button and bring the set to my lips.
“Of course, Mr. Masters. I’ll be there in five.”
Then, I quickly smooth my blonde hair back and straighten my plain grey gown. My shoes are serviceable black flats, and although I don’t wear an apron, I quickly pull one out of my pocket and tie it around my waist, just in case Mr. Masters needs me to serve. It’s fine. It’s my job to anticipate his desires, even if my heart’s fluttering in my chest.
Calm down, the voice in my head speaks. Don’t get all flustered because Dominic Masters reached out to you. It’s nothing. He likely spilled his coffee and wants you to bring a mop to clean up. Or maybe, he needs to shine his shoes, and wants you to bring the polish. It’s going to be something domestic and impersonal.
Of course, the voice is right and yet I can’t stop my heart from racing. Stay calm, I scold myself. This is no way for a housekeeper to behave.
Then I take a deep breath and smooth my hair back once more before squaring my shoulders. The door to his home office is large and solid, so I knock firmly.
“Mr. Masters?” I call. “It’s Angela.”
“Come,” a deep voice sounds.
I push open the door and step inside. My cheeks are burning but maybe it’s not too obvious. I smile and bow my head slightly.
“You called, Mr. Masters?”
“Yes, come in, Angela,” he growls. “And close the door behind you.”
My pulse jumps again, but I remind myself to maintain a professional façade. There’s nothing personal between us.
“Of course,” I murmur in a polite tone before shutting the solid oak door behind me. “How can I assist?”
Mr. Masters gets up and strides around his desk before sitting on a small couch in the guest area of his office. He motions for me to do the same, and I obey, lowering myself into the chair opposite his.
“Thank you for coming,” he says.
“Of course, sir,” I respond . “Is there something I can help you with?”
He steeples his fingers beneath his chin and throws me a long look. Again, I can’t help but notice how handsome this man is. His dark hair is brushed back in a smooth but casual wave, and those blue eyes are piercing yet contemplative at once. Plus, Dominic Masters is tall, even sitting down. His legs are long, clad in fine suit pants, and his dress shirt immaculate, even if it’s unbuttoned at the top right now to show off a strong, bronzed throat.
“There is something you can help me with, Angie,” he says. “May I call you that? Angie, instead of Angela?”
I flush again but nod.
“Of course, sir.”
“Please call me Dominic,” he responds. “No need for Mr. Masters when we’re in private.”
I shoot him a quick look because where is this going? It feels like it’s getting personal, but I nod politely.
“Of course, Mr. Masters. I mean, Dominic.”
He lets out a low chuckle before sitting up straighter.
“Thank you for your hard work running my household, Angie. My move to Austin has been smooth sailing, and I believe I have you to thank for that.”
“Of course,” I say. “I’m happy to assist.”
Dominic inclines his dark head.
“You’ve been so helpful, in fact, that I could use you at another of my properties. Next week, I’m hosting a small drinks event at my penthouse in New York, and I’d like you to put it together for me. It’s just a small get together, maybe twenty or so people, and of course, you’ll have my New York staff at your disposal. But I do need it to go off without a hitch, and I believe this is something that you could manage easily and well.”
I nod.
“Of course. Just give me the contact info of your assistant in New York, and I can instruct them from here. I don’t know the catering company you use in New York, but I’m sure someone on your staff does? Nonetheless, it’s not a problem, Mr. Masters. Consider it done.”
The billionaire pauses for a moment, his blue eyes twinkling.
“No, I wasn’t thinking that you’d organize the party from here. I was hoping that you’d accompany me to New York to oversee the shindig. All expenses paid, of course, and I’ll provide a bonus because this event obviously goes beyond the scope of your normal duties.”
I pause, surprised.
“You want me to come to New York?”
“Yes,” the billionaire says in a smooth tone. “It’s an important event, and I’d feel more comfortable knowing that you’ll be in charge. I can’t afford for this party to hit a snafu, so I need to put someone at the helm whom I can trust.”