Page 1 of Dad's Best Friend Boss
Chapter 1
Mila
“Mr. Hudson will see you in just a minute,” the receptionist, a tall blonde named Adrianna, says to me with a forced smile and another once-over.
I want to roll my eyes. She’s so obvious. I don’t have to have a PhD to know she’s jealous of me, and that’s because I'm going to be his hot boss Henry Hudson’s PA.
I have the urge to tell her to relax because I’m not interested in that rake, who happens to be my dad’s best friend and business partner for as long as I remember. If it weren’t for my dad, I wouldn’t even take the job. I also want to tell Adrianna that a sensible woman should stay away from the womanizer as far as possible because she would only get hurt otherwise.
Over the years, the man has dated more women than he’s bought shirts, not that I keep track of his shirts. I just know he likes to wear the same old shirts and dislikes shopping. Hell, I know much more about Henry Hudson than I care to admit. He’s not only good-looking but also rich, arrogant, and knows what he wants.
Dad and Henry worked as construction workers shortly after graduating high school. And then Henry started his own business and convinced Dad to work for him. My dad has been grateful ever since and often reminds me that Henry has given him everything.
And that’s why I’m here to work for him. So why am I not grateful?
Because Henry is responsible for my parents’ divorce, even though my dad disagrees with me on the matter. I recall the event with bitterness and sadness. When I was twelve, my mom had an affair with a coworker, and Dad found out. Mom regretted it and begged for a second chance, but dad wouldn’t forgive her because of what Henry said. “Sure, you could do fine without her, John.” I clench my fist as I recall what I heard from eavesdropping.
I’m still lost in my memory when I hear Adrianna’s voice, “Hi Mr. Hudson.”
I pull my thoughts together and look up. My heart skips a beat when I see a tall man standing in front of me. His straight nose and determined chin look intimidating, and his brilliant blue eyes chill me and thrill me at the same time. Henry is as handsome as he always is in a light blue shirt that isn’t new but fits him perfectly, showing the outline of his broad shoulders and thick biceps.
“Hi, Henry, I mean, Mr. Hudson,” I say calmly as I stand up to meet the man. I keep my chin up, but inside, I’m all flustered, and my knees feel weak. Damn. Why do I always feel this way in front of the man? Why is he still wearing the same spicy cologne?
He smirks faintly. “Mila, good to see you. You’re a lot taller than I remember.”
I frown. We haven’t seen each other for four years because I went to UC San Diego, but I haven’t grown taller since I left. “I guess it’s because of my high heels,” I mumble.
Henry’s eyes fall on my long legs immediately and stay there for a full minute before they slowly glide up to my waist, chest, and face again. Holy crap. An electric current spreads across my body, and I feel as if he’s touched me with an invisible hand.
Shit. I should have worn a longer skirt. I own a couple of long pencil skirts and I’ve been wearing them to job interviews. I actually tried them on before I left the house today, but they didn’t match the shoes. I bought these pumps with two-inch heels and ankle straps just a day ago from the store and couldn’t wait to wear them.
When our eyes meet again, his eyes are darker than earlier and his cheeks seem redder. His Adam's apple moves before he speaks, “Very well, Mila. Follow me, please.”
“Sure,” I say and follow him, aware of Adrianna’s jealous look behind me.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Henry says as we enter his spacious office with a fantastic view of Downtown LA. “Your dad said you wanted to go back to San Diego.”
True. I graduated from UCSD just two months ago and some of my stuff is still in my mom’s house over there. I’m pretty sure working for Henry is my dad’s way of keeping me in LA as well, and that’s another reason I resent it.
“I did,” I say. “But Dad convinced me to work for you.”
Well, maybe that’s not the whole truth. As an architect major, I also had a bit of trouble finding a job in the competitive industry. I had an internship in my senior year, but all I did was some mundane office work that didn’t make my resume appealing. Henry’s construction business offers an opportunity for me to at least get ready for my dream job. Although I’m not hired as an architect, I’ll be helping Henry to manage construction projects by reviewing building designs. Besides, he also has connections with architecture companies.
Henry seems to have read my thoughts. “I know you aspire to greater things, Mila,” he says with a warm smile. “Being a PA was probably not what you had in mind when you applied for college, but I promise, this job will provide you the experience you need to start an amazing career in the future.”
“Thank you.” I blush. The man is shrewd. He knows I have no intention of working for him for long. I’m also grateful he’s frank, so I don’t have to pretend.
His eyes turn dark again, but only for a second. He clears his throat and is suddenly all business. “Now, let’s talk about your duties as my personal assistant,” he says.
“Yes, sir,” I say meekly, barely able to recognize my husky voice. What the hell got into me?
A rumbling noise escapes Henry’s throat, and he pauses, but his voice is calm when he speaks. “Besides the technical aspects of the job, which I believe are the reason you’re here, you’ll also be responsible for assisting me in managing the company. You’ll answer emails and make phone calls for me, schedule meetings, run errands, plan travel, etc. You’ll meet with clients, travel with me, and look up construction sites with me. Sometimes you’ll also take care of personal things for me.”
What the hell? My dad only told me I would be helping Henry with managing projects. “What kind of personal things?”
“Oh. For example, picking up my dry cleaning on your way home or bringing me a to-go lunch. I’ll pay you for your time. In a nutshell, you’ll be my right hand, and you’ll take care of all my needs, business and personal.”
His voice sounds gruff and I can’t help but imagine what other personal needs I’ll be taking care of.
