His Secretary: Her Second Chance, #1

By Harmony Raines

As the single parent of two beautiful girls, Helen has been struggling financially since her husband left. When her brother's fiancée offers her a week of temporary work, she accepts it, knowing it will look great on her CV.

However, a simple week of typing and filing is soon transformed when successful businessman, Oliver, is drafted in to take over from his uncle during a huge deal. He picks Helen to be his secretary for the week.

Soon Helen finds herself split between wanting a career, and being home for her children. Not to mention the confusing feelings she has for her new boss. Who has one rule. He never sleeps with employees.

But when they find themselves in Monaco, will he be able to keep to his one rule? Or will he give in to the feelings he has for Helen?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Moon Erotica
• Release date: Apr 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513099040

Book preview

Chapter One - Helen

I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous, Helen said, looking across to Max.

Don’t worry. It’s just routine office duties. Typing, filing, and making coffee of course, Max joked, trying to lift Helen’s mood. It didn’t work. Look, she continued, You can do this. It’ll be some easy experience to help you move on to a better career. I thought that was what you wanted.

Helen turned to her brother’s fiancée and smiled. I do Max. But it was a lot easier to talk about it, actually doing it ... well...

You are a strong woman, Helen. Look at all you’ve achieved with the girls. Being left to pick up the pieces when your husband left is not something every woman can do so successfully. This is a step forward to making a better, more comfortable life for you all.

Helen sucked in a large gulp of air and then let it go slowly, calming her nerves. I know you’re right. Although I’m not so sure how successful I’ve been, there were times when I thought I would lose everything.

But you didn’t. Now, let’s take it one step at a time. Max opened her door. First you have to get out of the car.

Helen’s hand actually trembled as she pulled the handle to open her door. And when she placed her foot on the ground she found her knees weren’t too keen on supporting her body. But she summoned the strength she knew she possessed, and got out, straightening her skirt. Even her clothes felt wrong, too smart, her shoes too high.

You look fantastic.

I feel like a fraud.

That’s because you’ve been away from the corporate world for too long. You’ll soon get back into it.

I haven’t done this kind of work since before Jess was born. I never went back to it because I always assumed their father would be there to support us. The feelings of betrayal she always had when she thought of her estranged husband hit her particularly hard as they walked towards the elevator. She had lost all hope of ever having a normal family life. The life she had dreamed of when she walked down the aisle. If the man who watched you give birth to his children could betray you, then who could you trust?

I’ll have my phone with me all day. If you need anything send me a text and I’ll help you in any way I can.

Helen wrapped her arms around Max and squeezed her tight. Thank you Max. I’m sorry you’ve had to put up with me moaning when you’ve worked so hard to give me this opportunity.

Hey, don’t be silly. We’re nearly family. Max paled. I think I know how you feel. Every time I think about the wedding I feel sick. I wish we could simply escape to a desert island somewhere and say our vows privately.

My mom would never forgive you.

I know. And I really don't begrudge her wanting to celebrate it with everyone. I just hope it doesn't end up being a train wreck.

It won’t. And perhaps that’s where I can return the favour. Since I’ve done it all before, just ask if there’s anything you need to know. Except how to keep a husband. That, I’m not so good at.

When the elevator doors pulled back, they were giggling together. However, the scene before them soon cut their humour short.

What’s going on? Max asked the receptionist.

Mr Pierceson has fallen ill. The usually calm Miss Carter gushed breathlessly.

How bad?

Heart attack they think. He was away for the weekend, and was taken ill at the hotel.

So who’s taking over the Clarkson meeting?

His nephew is flying in to take over.

His nephew?

Yes. Apparently he’s been discussing it with Mr Pierceson over the last couple of weeks, so he’s up to speed on all but the finer details.

OK. So why the panic? Max looked around the office, people were scurrying around like it was the end of the world.

Miss Carter stopped what she was doing and looked at Max squarely. It seems Mr Pierceson’s nephew has a reputation. Doesn’t suffer fools easily. Everyone is in a panic in case they get in his line of fire.

He’s not going to be here that long, surely?

Miss Carter shrugged. Who knows? There’s no news as to how bad Mr Pierceson is.

Max turned to Helen, who had stood back out of the way, wishing she was anywhere but here. She had anticipated being out of her depth, but the atmosphere in the office was as if Armageddon had been announced over the radio.

Are any of the other managers in yet? Max asked.

No. You’re the first.

"OK. Helen, you know where my office is, why don’t you go and find my secretary, get some coffee and relax while I try to stop the panic.

Glad to be able to escape, Helen headed off, leaving Max shouting at everyone to stop what they were doing, and think like professionals.

Not for the last time that day Helen wished she had stayed in her quiet life, working a job with no responsibilities. And no future, she reminded herself.

***

So Bob has every intention of being kept up to speed. That means his PA will fly out to him and liaise with us. It would be much easier if Bob would leave it to me, but he seems uneasy about letting the reins loose. I hope I can count on you for your cooperation in this Miss Lewis.

Yes, of course Mr Pierceson.

Helen had been drinking her coffee, and admiring the view out of Max’s window when the door opened and Max walked in with a man.

That was all she could think to call him. Everything about him was masculine, his well toned body, his well cut suit and the air with which he held himself. This was a man used to getting his own way. Dark haired with a steely expression, only his deep brown eyes offered a hint of possible softness to an altogether hard exterior. To go up against a man like this was to offer your soul to the devil.

Who is this? he asked abruptly, looking at Helen, who was still staring at him.

Max cocked her head at Helen and raised her eyebrows. At that moment Helen realised she had her mouth open, and could only hope she wasn’t actually drooling at the sight of the man in front of her.

This is Mrs Draper, she’s here as a temp for a week to cover holiday leave. I was about to assign her a post when the news of your uncle's unfortunate heart attack reached me.

I see. Mrs Draper, I am in need of a secretary for the time I’m here, so I suggest rather than pulling someone from their work you are assigned to me.

Helen paled, and looked desperately at Max, who stepped in. Mr Pierceson, surely it would be beneficial if you used one of the secretaries who have experience in the way the office is run.

Why?

Max only hesitated for a second. Because they will know exactly where to find what you need.

I am only here for one task, Miss Lewis. If the office is well organised then Mrs Draper will be able to lay her hands on what we need. A thinly veiled challenge rose in his eyes. Or is there a reason Mrs Draper isn’t up to the job? Is she a friend of your’s Miss Lewis?

Max opened her mouth to speak, and for once she was lost for words. Helen desperately wanted to make this right, so she stepped forward. I’m a little rusty that’s all, but I’m sure we can muddle along.

He turned his full glare on her. I do not ‘muddle along’ Mrs Draper.

And I am not a six year old child who thinks the he has to bully people to get his own way.

Silence settled over the office. Max turned to Helen, her face shocked. Helen knew there was no way she would be working in these offices for the week, and she wanted to save Max the job of letting her go. So she said, I’ll collect my things. And turned to leave.

Reviews for His Secretary

[Deb Pden · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A little twist to the "boss and secretary" usual romance plot. Missing husband's... mothers, to proud to take charity, and a wedding coming up...oh and an uncle's sudden illness that got the ball rolling...good start to a series of 3.

[dseh78 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this story