Chapter 1 - Connor POV

She nibbles on my earlobe and it feels like heaven. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this intimate with anyone. I can feel her weight on top of me and she smells of…...dog?! I open my eyes to see that Roxy is licking my ear. She wants a walk. She does this every morning but this is the first time I’ve had a dream to accompany the wake up call. I really need to find a way to rid myself of all this pent up energy. In all honesty I feel a little pathetic as I sit up, the duvet sliding down to my waist as I stroke her soft head. Roxie is my 3 year old German Shepherd and I am not ashamed to say that she is my best friend. This girl has seen me through some fucking hard times and I don’t know how I would have made it through the other side without her. I love her to pieces.

“Okay girl I’m getting up now.” I respond as she perks up her ears and tilts her head to the side. You know that way dogs do when they look fucking adorable and it makes your cold heart melt.

I swing my legs out and pad to the ensuite to pee and brush my teeth. Donning a pair of dark grey joggers and a black hoodie, I grab a chocolate chip brioche for sustenance and head to the front door. Roxie trots behind me with her lead in her mouth. I grab some waste bags and attach her lead. After sliding on my trainers, I head out the door.

Roxy’s favourite place is our local park and at 6:30am it’s pretty quiet. Just a couple of joggers and some dog walkers but it’s pretty big so you don’t have to engage in any awkward dog related chit chat which is a big plus. We’ve been walking a while when movement catches my eye and I glance to see the one thing that brightens up my early morning walk. She’s wearing black cycling shorts and a pink crop top today. Her chestnut hair bouncing in a ponytail as she runs. Her headphones are in and she’s mouthing the words to whatever song she’s listening to as she goes. She’s fucking incredible. She passed us 3 times while Roxy played with her ball, her black and tan fur shining in the early morning sun. I watched as the mystery beauty slowed near the entrance to the park and looked at her watch. I just wish I knew her name.

“Today’s the day!” I think to myself as I pull into my newly reserved parking space at work. I chose to drive myself this morning. Neil, my usual driver, will pick me up later. I check my crisp dark grey suit for creases before heading inside. Today I need to look sharp, it’s the day my new promotion comes into effect. I am now the youngest VP in the company's history. I can't wait to get into my new office and introduce myself to my new PA. I watch the elevator numbers climb to the twelfth floor and I'm nervously excited. I’ve worked my way up from the bottom and today is where the hard work and long hours pay off. The ding brings me back to the now and I realise that I am early. I don't mind as it gives me the time to look around and familiarise myself with the floor layout. I see my name is already on the office door and smirk. Mr. Connor Williams VP.

I look around and find the small kitchen, stock room and look at the names on the other offices. Mr Clarke Shaw PA had his own office as he was the planner and personal assistant to the man whose office was next door. Mr. Andrew Williams CEO. Yeah that's my Dad. He was willing to give me a senior leadership role as soon as I graduated from university but I wanted to earn my position. To know the pros and woes of each level of the company. To me this allows me to understand my staff better, makes me a better leader and more approachable. I stroll back to my office door and look across. Mr. Alexander Arch AVP, my best friend. Al’s father was a company board member and good family friend which meant me and Al grew up together. It’s going to be nice working here. As I turn to open my door the faint smell of flowers floats from the desk to the left of me. Ah, my new assistant I think as I stroll over to her desk. I look at the name on the plaque. Miss Olivia Harris PA. I hope she’s good at her job. I’m sure she's very capable as she was in the role for my predecessor but we work very differently. For example my personnel file has 0 sexual harassment complaints. The previous VP well he was a dog with no boundaries and I’m glad i walked in on him being inappropriate with my old coworker downstairs not only for her sake but because he didn't deserve this job and my eye witness statement booted him out the door.

The elevator ding brings me back into the room and I look up and stop breathing. It’s her.

AUTHORS NOTE

This is my first attempt at creating a story worthy of readers. Please be patient and comment what you think. I am English so some of the spelling may be different to what you are used to. I look forward to seeing what you all think.