Page 39 of Hating the Boss

“Oh. Of course,” she replied, a note of sarcasm in her voice. “You really are blunt, aren’t you?” She shook her head.

“Sometimes.” I grinned.

She didn’t return the expression.

The truth was, I was blunt. I knew where I was in the chain of command, and where everyone else was. Far below me. I walked all over these guys, and most did what I said because they had no choice not to. Sure, they voted on things, but most sided with me.

Sign here.

Pay this.

Fire them.

That was the power of owning the country’s biggest tech company.

But I knew I had to wield that power responsibly right now. With my father watching me like a hawk, I had to be more diplomatic. More likeable, as he liked to put it.

My phone buzzed just then. I slid it out of my jacket pocket. Speak of the devil.

Father: Just arrived at the office. We need to talk.

I grimaced slightly. This was reminiscent of being in high school when my father gave me a lecture, except now I was practically middle-aged. Another reason why I needed him to retire.

Me: I’m in my office.

I hit send and glanced over at Sarah worriedly. Knowing he would be up in just a few minutes, I had to get her out of here. If I were to go through with asking her to pose as my fiancée, then my father couldn’t see her here. He couldn’t know she was my new personal assistant.

“I actually have one errand for you to run,” I said, trying to think of something quick.

Sarah looked at me incredulously, her fingers stopped as they hovered over her keyboard. I knew I had just promised we would be in office for the day.

“It’s easy. I promise. You can even take my car,” I said, trying to sweeten the deal.

“I’m listening.”

“I have a few documents I need copied at the print shop.” I looked toward the door, afraid my father’s old bones had somehow gotten faster.

“Aren’t there copy machines here?” she asked.

“Ink is out.” I shook my head. I picked up a random pile of papers from my desk and quickly walked them over to her.

“Okay,” she said warily, as if she wasn’t sure she believed me.

“Thanks,” I said with an eager nod, hoping she would take the hint and go.

Thankfully, she did. She grabbed her purse and walked out the door, leaving me inhaling her vanilla perfume. Before she was out of sight, she called over her shoulder, “I’m taking the town car! And I’m getting coffee.”

I smiled after her. Her sassiness was really growing on me.

Without looking back, she did a little wag of her fingers in the air. I took the opportunity to watch her ass before she disappeared. It was a good ass.

I laughed to myself and made my way back to my desk. Behind me, I heard someone clear their throat. I turned to see my father in his usual navy suit stride through the door with a grim expression on his face. Without greeting, he closed the door behind him and took a seat in the armchair across from my desk. I wondered if he had seen Sarah on her way out. I hoped not.

“Dad.” I nodded in greeting. “Who died?”

He gave me a sharp look. “This isn’t a time for jokes.”

“I’m not joking. You look like the world is ending.”