The Billionaire's Assistant

By Claire Cox

Skye Patterson has a plan for her life. And it doesn't include falling in love with her boss. Colter Dalton goes through women as efficiently as he does his job as CEO of Dalton Corp. He figures Skye is another woman he needs to bed in order to break the tension.

When they begin to feel more than attraction for each other, they must figure out how to move from friends with benefits to true lovers. And when life throws them a few curve balls, they have to make some decisions. What will they choose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire Cox
• Release date: Feb 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311696571

Claire Cox

I live in Arkansas with my lovely husband and daughter. I have been a great lover of books and writing from a very early age. I started writing my own stories as a very young child. My grandmothers read romances and often gave me a box full of books they'd read. My mother is a voracious reader and taught me to love the written word, as well. I believe that reading about strong characters will help people to grow as individuals and discover ways to make their own lives better.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Colter Dalton pushed his hand through his hair in frustration as he hung up the phone, cursing the senior VP in Chicago who had just dropped another meeting on him. This day – this week – was not going the way he’d anticipated. He leaned back in his black leather chair and rolled his shoulders.

There was enough work here at the home office in Seattle to keep him busy for the foreseeable future, but he began to feel overwhelmed when he calculated in the changes needed in Napa, the restructuring waiting in Houston, and the meetings in Chicago. All without an assistant. A capable one. The one he fired a few days ago had been the polar opposite of capable.

His assistant went on maternity leave a few months ago and now had given her notice. He wasn’t actually angry at her for leaving. He understood her desire to stay home with her new baby. But meanwhile, he’d been going through temporary replacements at such a rate of speed that his HR department had actually experienced difficulty in finding another one.

As CEO of Dalton Corporation, his office was at the top of the building and his view of Seattle from the floor-to-ceiling windows attested to his level of success. Colter stood and paced to one of the windows, glowering down at the busy streets below him. Sometimes he felt like handing some of this work off to one of his brothers. Dakota, he thought with a smile. Yeah, Dakota spent almost as much time in the office as he did, running his division of the company. Then there was Tanner, who headed up the legal division. Colter knew that Tanner thought too much like an attorney to handle some of the business decisions that came with his job. And finally, Connor, the baby brother. Colter appreciated Connor’s drive and work ethic, but knew that Connor had his hands full dealing with the shipping division.

Colter’s great-grandfather started the company in New York, but then his grandfather moved it all to Seattle. When he finished college, his father started his training to take over as CEO. By the time Connor was ready to head up his division, Colter had stepped into the position and their dad had started coming in to the offices less and less. Colter felt the heavy weight of the Dalton name and corporation every day, no matter what he was doing.

He rolled his shoulders again and went back to his mahogany desk, stacked with files and documents. Beth, his brother Tanner’s assistant, had kindly offered to help him as much as she could, but Colter hated making her work for two of them simultaneously. He looked down at his schedule and made a quick decision before punching a button on his phone.

Yes, Mr. Dalton?

Beth, I have to go to Chicago tonight. Could you take care of the arrangements for me? And then call HR and have them send me an assistant right away.

No problem. Do you want the new person to start when you return?

No. I need someone now. I should only be in Chicago a few days, so they can spend the time getting used to the job before I get back.

I understand, Mr. Dalton. I’ll take care of it.

Thank you, Beth.

Colter leafed through the file for the vineyard changes and sighed. Although the vineyard already had many sustainable practices in place, his desire was to move it toward being fully sustainable. He wanted to have a fully sustainable, eco-conscious, organic vineyard and he wanted to start the changes right away. Unfortunately, with everything else going on right now, he knew he’d have to put off his meeting with the vineyard manager until next month. He would always do right by Dalton Corporation, his sense of family loyalty and pride demanded that level of focus and integrity. But the vineyard was his, and he was itching to put one of his dreams into action.

Chapter 2

Skye stepped out of the sunshine and into the cool marble-tiled interior of the Dalton Corporation building. Strategically placed plants punctuated the glossy décor and almost provided a bit of warmth, although the effect was still strikingly attractive. She strode up to the security desk with an air of confidence that she didn’t really feel and smiled at the guard.

Hi. I’m Skye Patterson. I’m the new assistant for Mr. Dalton.

Yes, ma’am. One moment, please. The man typed on a keyboard, then clicked the mouse before picking up a badge from the desk behind him and handing it to her. Keep this with you at all times. You’ll need it to gain access to the executive floors. He pointed at a set of elevators not far from his desk. Take that elevator to the top floor.

Skye thanked him and moved toward the elevators he had indicated. She noticed a set of four elevators on the other side of the lobby and the throng of people waiting for one to open. She pushed the button and tried to decide if she was glad she wouldn’t be pressed against 20 other people on the way up or if she was more nervous because she’d be alone. With a soft tone, the door in front of her slid open. She glanced across the lobby at the rapidly filling elevator and decided she was glad.

She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing to center herself. At 26 years old with limited experience, she was very grateful for the opportunity this temp job gave her. She was determined to do such a great job that they offered her the job permanently. When she took the software screenings at the temp agency, her job placement worker had been very impressed. Judy told her that she’d never seen anyone score so high. Skye knew that her scores and her high GPA in college had been her foot in the door for this position. Now she just had to knock Mr. Dalton’s socks off so she could stay here.

When the door slid open, she stepped into reception. The carpeting was soft gray and the furnishings minimal, but it screamed class. Skye inhaled slowly and approached the receptionist with a friendly smile.

Can I help you? The receptionist eyed her for a second before returning the smile.

Yes, I’m Skye Patterson, Mr. Dalton’s new assistant. Could you point me in the direction of his office?

The receptionist introduced herself as Toni and led her back to the left where they ended at a large workstation sitting in front of a set of double doors. The cherry furniture and sleek desk chair faced a small alcove in which a few chairs and a table with a coffee pot sat. Plate glass windows surrounded the alcove and Skye could see Lake Washington just beyond the edge of the buildings.

What a beautiful view, Skye said.

Toni shrugged and pointed to a sheet of paper on the desk. Beth, one of the other assistants, left this for you. You’ll want to go let her know you’re here. She’s down at the other end of this hallway.

Thank you, Skye answered as she stepped behind the desk to find somewhere to stow her purse and jacket.

Beth was much more personable than Toni and Skye liked her almost immediately. Beth introduced her to the other two assistants on the floor. All four of the Dalton brothers ran the corporation and had their offices on this floor. After a few moments of friendly chatting, Skye made her way back to her new desk armed with a list of daily tasks and passwords for the computer system. She found a file folder next to the computer and discovered it was a continuity file his last permanent assistant had compiled: how to deal with Mr. Dalton’s emails, his preferred methods for scheduling meetings, how to send messages to his cell phone, and more. Skye smiled. This would be easier than she’d expected.

By the time she stopped for lunch, Skye had taken several messages and sent them to Mr. Dalton’s cell phone, dealt with his mail, and made tentative schedules for several meetings. Just before she grabbed her purse to go to lunch, she heard her computer make a pinging sound. She clicked on the IM program and saw a message from Mr. Dalton.

I’ll be in the office near the end of the week so take the next few days to get acquainted with the office. If you have any problems or questions, call Beth.

Skye read it with a cheerful tone, to match her mood. She typed a quick thank you and grabbed her purse and the little sack lunch she’d brought with her. She smiled and hummed to herself as she rode the elevator down and walked outside to eat her lunch on a park bench not far from the building. She felt good about how quickly she was picking up the systems and the tasks of the job.

After lunch, she quickly ran through emails, printing the necessary ones and stacking them neatly on his desk. Mr. Dalton’s office intimidated her for a moment when she first stepped inside. The entire back wall was plate glass and the view of the islands in the Sound nearly took her breath away. She’d always believed Seattle was a beautiful city, but from where she was standing it was even more so. The mahogany desk gleamed in the sunshine and the chairs in front of the desk looked inviting and comfy. A sofa lined one wall and she saw a door on the side wall. Skye glanced around and figured that most of her apartment could fit inside his office.

At five, feeling very good about her first day and hoping that it was a sign of good things to come, Skye gathered her things and left the office.

Chapter 3

Good morning, Toni, Sky smiled as she sailed past reception on her way to her desk on her third morning of the job. Even though Toni politely responded with a smile, Skye could tell it was not entirely genuine. She didn’t know if Toni had been hoping to snag this job herself or what, but she knew she was determined to do her best to turn this opportunity into a permanent job.

She dropped her purse into the drawer she’d chosen and flipped on her computer as she slid her chair over to the fax machine and gathered the papers sitting in the tray. She flipped through them to make sure they were all in order and slid her chair back to the computer.

A few moments later, with an armful of papers for Mr. Dalton’s desk, Skye stepped into his office. She stacked them neatly next to the stack from yesterday and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she turned to leave. Just then, a movement caught her eye. She spun toward the movement and saw the most imposing man she’d ever seen in her life standing in the doorway on the side wall of his office. She realized now that it apparently led to a bathroom. His height alone was enough to intimidate her, as he was easily six inches taller than she was. His shirt was open about halfway and his golden skin and dark chest hair contrasted against the white of the shirt. She dragged her eyes back up and saw his dark hair framed an angular face, set with icy blue eyes. And a mouth that was smirking as though he knew what effect he had on her. Which irritated her. And embarrassed her.

Skye snapped her mouth shut, then smiled tightly. Mr. Dalton?

He nodded, still smirking.

She stepped forward and stuck out her hand to shake his. When his fingers brushed her skin, goosebumps raised on her arms. Oh, no. I will not be attracted to my boss. I need this job too much. I am not That Girl. She cleared her throat as she pulled her hand from his grasp and was pleased when her voice sounded strong and confident. Skye Patterson, your new Assistant. I’m so sorry I disturbed you. I was bringing in your emails and faxes.

Colter studied her for a moment before he nodded and resumed buttoning his shirt. Skye Patterson. Nice to meet you. He walked back to his desk and sat down, lifting a stack of papers.

Skye stood still for a moment, trying to decide if she should stay or go. Finally she started toward the door.

While I appreciate your efficiency in bringing these to me first thing, I think it would be better if you try knocking before entering next time. He spoke while never taking his eyes off the papers in his hands, barely acknowledging her.

She felt her cheeks heat again. Yes, sir.

She was mortified. She’d interrupted him leaving his bathroom, then she’d ogled him for goodness sake. She felt her hopes of keeping the job begin to diminish. But as she replayed the incident in her mind, she began to feel the stirrings of anger. She did nothing wrong. She hadn’t even known he was back in town yet. While she knew she wasn’t wrong, she also understood that he was the boss of a job she needed. So she would bite her tongue. For now. If there was one thing