Page 13 of Billionaire's Black Assistant

Sheri stared widely up at him, obviously surprised by his behavior. “Guy…” she said worriedly.

“Promise me, Sheri,” he said firmly.

“I promise. There’s no way I’d be stupid enough to do that,” she said, and he sighed in relief.

Sheri had never seen Guy so intense. It moved her that he cared so much about keeping her from making a big mistake – which falling for Dean would definitely turn out to be.

She got to work on Monday with a renewed sense of purpose. But her first sight of Dean as she walked into his office had her rocking on her heels. He was dressed a little differently than usual, instead of a suit and tie, he wore a black turtle-neck and a trendy tweed coat.

He had a five o’clock shadow that made him look even more masculine than ever, while his gray eyes were half-hidden behind tinted designer sunglasses. They sat dashingly on those well-defined cheekbones that made his features so strongly handsome. Sheri caught a breath and hastily looked away.

“Good, you’re finally here,” he said. Her back stiffened, knowing for sure she wasn’t late, though she usually was at work before Dean or anyone else. But Guy had got on a plane back to L.A. earlier that morning and somehow, she had slept in more than usual.

“Something’s come up with the Versini project, so I’ll have to leave for Italy right away, to be there for a few days,” stated Dean.

“OK, tell me what you need me to do while you’re away,” she said, getting out her diary to make out the schedule.

“Nothing.” When Sheri glanced up in confusion, he added, “You’re coming with me. Was that ever in question? I’m sure your passport is in order, and you’re under obligation to be able to travel on short notice.”

“I’m well aware of that,” she said, quelling a sigh. She had accompanied some of his business trips when it was absolutely necessary. But she usually knew well in advance and this was hardly the best time for her. For one, things were somewhat strained between them, and besides she’d planned on being busy trying to find her replacement.

That would obviously have to wait, since she had to start getting ready for the Italy trip.

“You could try to dredge up a little more enthusiasm,” worded Dean, cutting through her glum reflections. “I should think you’re paid more than well enough to be at my disposal.”

“It’s been no problem at all for me to fulfill my duties,” she said hotly. “You’re certainly not paying me to ask questions. Which is why I don’t and simply go with instructions.”

“Then why do you act like you have something or someone keeping you behind? Is that it? You finally got yourself a boyfriend and now taking unplanned trips with the boss would seem dubious?”

“If I do have a boyfriend, I’m sure he’d be the considerate type to know my work is important to me,” was her stiff response. “At least, he wouldn’t jump to unnecessary conclusions. Much the same way you’re doing right now.”

Dean shrugged, turning his profile to look outside the window as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “You always struck me as the sensible type. That could be the main reason why you chose to put the dividing line between us. It’s only had me thinking that possibly, you’re holding out for a reason. Maybe over some lofty ideal – like love?”

He had a scoffing tone, which had Sheri bristling. “You make it sound like a bad word. But then, why am I not even surprised? I’ll go make preparations for the trip now.”

She shook her head and walked out of his office without another word. She went straight to her desk and sat down in her chair, fighting down her anger and the strange emotion she just could never define.

Why did she let him get to her so easily? She knew she wasn’t supposed to be so affected by him. He was her boss! Knowing what she did about his past history with women, she should have zero romantic notions about him. He wasn’t a person she could trust with her heart.

Aside from the fact that it wasn’t professional for an employee to be in a relationship with their boss, Sheri was pretty sure there’d be a lot of talk among coworkers.

So, why did he have to bring up the fact she’d put a dividing line between them? He’d even called her sensible, which coming from him, actually sounded like an insult. Oh, it was clear to her what he wanted now. Obviously, he was feeling thwarted. His needy black assistant didn’t instantly succumb to his seductions. Sheri wasn’t falling over herself to be his next conquest. It had to be a big blow to that ego of his.

If he had his way, they’d be having sex, possibly in every corner. The office, meeting room, on her desk, on his desk…

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