Chapter 3

6 HOURS EARLIER

“Where’s Shane?” He asked clearly irritated. “Busy. I can help you with anything you need, seeing as my father made me CEO.” Melissa sat behind the big mahogany desk, offering her hand out for Colin to sit. Sitting down he appeared uncomfortable, “My daughter text me.”

“Ah you mean the daughter that barged into me, making me spill my coffee only to then berate me in my own office building, and when I offered up a handkerchief to help her clear up the spil on her shirt she walks off, only to then accuse me of lying about being CEO and try to flirt with my father to get a job. That daughter?” With each word Colin spoke he got redder and redder eventually he looked like he would burst.

“I didn’t know this.” He stuttered out. “Is there anything she can do to make it up to you? We’re trying to get her into the world of work before she takes over my business.”

Melissa steepled her fingers a habit she’d picked up from her father when he was about to give bad news. “My advice? Don’t. Don’t let her take over your business. She hasn’t got an ounce of common sense, doesn’t know how to be nice to anyone. But I do have a position that’s available. It will mean having a nice smile, and being nice to people all day long.”

Colin nodded “Give it to her, whatever it is.” Melissa pulled out a contract, “Sign here, that you’re responsible for her behaviour, tardiness, and uniform while she’s here.” Colin scanned the contract and then signed, at that moment the door to the office flew open and in walked Nancy “Did you do it Daddy, did you get me the job?”

Looking at everything else but his daughter he mumbled a response “I got you a job.” Nancy, smiling triumphantly, said “Ok where’s my desk? Can I start at 10am instead of 8am? Also I need to leave at 1pm.” Melissa interrupted “I’m sorry you need to be at our earliest shift 5am, you need to go to the restaurant and ask how to make tea & coffee and what trolley to put the cakes and cookies on.” “I’m making coffee all day? WHAT? Dadd-“ she didn’t get to finish her sentence, he dragged Nancy out of there telling her to shut up.

“I have a Mr Blake Milligan on the phone, there’s nothing in the diary. Do you want me to put him through?”

Thinking it was a name that she’d forgot to write in the diary, she said “Put him through please Sam, oh and when you've done that you can leave. See you tomorrow.”

“Melissa Hartford.” She said into the phone resting between her ear and her shoulder as she typed on the laptop in front of her.

“Ah you’re beautiful British accent. I hope you enjoyed your coffee.” Blake’s voice came down the phone.

Realisation ringing in her ears, it was the Greek God lookalike from the coffee shop.

“What can I do for you?” Melissa said that headache was back and nagging

“I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight?” Blake asked

“Straight to the point then?” Melissa chuckled into the phone. “Sure. What time and when?”

“7:00 do you like Italian food?”

“Who doesn’t?” Melissa asked

”Rosetti’s.” Blake said “I will see you at 7:00. Bye”

“Goodbye” Melissa only got half the word out before hanging up.

Looking at her watch, she had three hours left. She could work for two more hours, get a shower here, do her make up and hair, change into the spare outfit she always keeps for spur-of-the-moment parties. And she’d be ready by 6:30. Rosetti’s is only a 15 minute walk from her office.

After 3 hours she turned off her laptop, the paperwork could wait for one evening. She showered, did her make up, slightly heavier with it being the evening, but the wings were back, and changed into a long sleeved dark green lace dress, with emerald greens shoes.

No jewellery, as she didn’t keep any at the office, as she was locking her office door, a voice startled her from behind

“Melissa?”

“Jesus on a bike Sam! What are you still doing here?” Melissa remarked

The ginger haired young guy said in a quiet voice “You were alone in your office. I’m your secretary, if you need something...”

”After a certain time I can that for myself. Go home Sam, be with your family. Do you have a ride?” Melissa asked while fiddling with her straight hair.

“I walked here.” Sam muttered

Pulling up a contact on her phone she spoke into it “Vinnie, can you please come to the main entrance. My secretary needs to go home.” Hanging up Sam looked at her in horror.

”Sam, you’re my secretary which means you can use the company vehicles, to and from work but never out of work hours. Speak to Vinnie he will give you all the details. Goodnight Sam.” Melissa walked to the private elevator and go on board, pressing the only other button on the wall she rode down on the elevator. Walking through the reception area, it seemed empty. “Elaine go home to your husband. Go on shoo.” Elaine’s head popped up from behind the desk.

”How?” Was all she said earning a wink from Melissa, as she walked out of the door.

After a 15 minute walk Melissa pulled the door to the restaurant and went to sit at the bar.

“Bourbon. No ice please.” The golden brown liquid was placed in front of her. As she looked down into it a voice came from behind her, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Turning around Melissa saw a very smart Blake, he was wearing a suit,

“How is it possible to look even more god damn gorgeous.”

Blake had tied his hair back and had trimmed his beard and moustache so it sat flat against his face. He looked every bit the title of Greek god