Rose
Rose adjusted the collar of her blouse nervously as she stepped into the sleek, glass-fronted building. Today was her first day as Henry's secretary, and despite the countless interviews and office roles she'd held before, this position carried a weight she hadn't anticipated. Not because of the responsibilities-though managing the schedule of a billionaire CEO was daunting enough,but because of him.
Even before she saw him in person, his reputation preceded him: tall, handsome, intimidatingly brilliant, and the kind of man every woman seemed to fantasize about. And now, she would be spending her days in his orbit, managing his calendar, screening calls, and perhaps, catching the occasional fleeting glance of his presence. Rose's heart raced at the thought, and she quickly shook her head. Focus, Rose. It's just a job.
The lobby gleamed under the morning sunlight, the polished marble floors reflecting the city skyline outside. Rose smoothed her skirt nervously, drawing in a deep breath, and made her way to the elevator. Each step felt heavier as she imagined walking past him for the first time, the tension building in her stomach. Don't look desperate. Don't look desperate. Just… be professional.
When the elevator dinged, she stepped out onto the executive floor. The hum of activity surrounded her: assistants rushing past with coffee orders, interns balancing stacks of paperwork, and the quiet intensity of meetings happening behind frosted glass doors. Rose took a small moment to center herself, smoothing her hair one last time.
And then she saw him.Heny
Henry was standing by the window, tall and broad-shouldered, a perfectly tailored suit hugging his frame. He was talking quietly to an assistant, his expression unreadable but commanding. Even from across the room, he radiated a magnetic presence that made Rose's breath catch. She felt heat rise to her cheeks, a flutter in her chest, and an undeniable pull that made her shift uncomfortably on her feet. Get it together, Rose, she muttered silently.
Henry's sharp gaze suddenly swept across the office—and Rose's stomach flipped. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a fleeting moment, time seemed to slow. There was a flicker of curiosity, maybe even recognition, before he returned his attention to the assistant. Rose exhaled shakily, realizing her pulse was racing faster than it had any right to.
"Rose?" a voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see a cheerful assistant smiling at her. "You're Henry's new secretary, right? He's expecting you in his office."
Rose nodded, smoothing her skirt once again. "Yes. Thank you."
She walked toward his office, the sound of her heels clicking on the polished floor echoing through the quiet corridor. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—how would she introduce herself, what would he think of her, and most importantly, how would she keep from staring at him the entire time?
When she reached his office, she paused at the door. The walls were lined with bookshelves and sleek modern art, the large mahogany desk commanding the center of the room. And there he was again,Henry—leaning slightly against the desk, looking every bit the formidable, alluring man she had imagined. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his piercing eyes regarded her with a mix of curiosity and mild amusement.
"Rose," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Welcome. I've heard good things about you."
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to speak clearly. "Thank you, Mr. Henry. I'm excited to start."
He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Call me Henry. And I hope you're ready; this won't be a typical nine-to-five position."
Rose nodded, feeling a flutter of both anxiety and anticipation. "I understand. I'll do my best."
Henry studied her for a moment, his eyes darkening slightly, a hint of intrigue in his gaze. "Good. I like someone who's prepared, attentive, and… capable of handling a fast-paced environment."
"I am," Rose said firmly, though inside her chest was still pounding. Capable. Focused. Professional.
He nodded, then gestured toward the desk. "Let's go over your responsibilities. I expect discretion, efficiency, and an understanding that this office operates differently than most."
As he outlined her tasks, Rose felt herself drawn to him, not just by his striking appearance, but by the intensity of his presence. Every word he spoke, every subtle gesture, made her pulse quicken. She found herself imagining what it would be like to lean closer to him, to feel the warmth of his body nearby, to hear his voice whispering in a more intimate context. She immediately chastised herself. No. He's your boss. Keep it professional.
But even as she tried to focus, she couldn't ignore the small, fleeting touches—a hand brushing against hers as he handed her documents, the brief, intentional contact of their arms as he reached across the desk, the heat in his gaze when he glanced at her just so. Each moment ignited a fire she hadn't anticipated.
Henry paused, leaning back slightly, his eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of intensity and something else she couldn't name. "You'll do well here, Rose," he said softly. "I have a feeling you and I… will work very well together."
Her heart skipped a beat, and a soft blush rose to her cheeks. She smiled, nodding, though inside she felt a dizzying combination of excitement, anticipation, and desire. She had no doubt that this position would challenge her, but more than that, it would challenge her heart in ways she hadn't expected.
As she left his office to organize her workspace, she caught herself glancing back at him one last time. He was already looking out the window, tall and commanding, but she couldn't shake the pull she felt toward him. This is going to be… complicated, she thought with a small, private smile. And I think I want it to be.