Chapter 24 - Assistant

Eric worked hard to memorize all the names, faces, and her schedule before meeting up for a quiet breakfast with Charlotte. Eric sat in the back of the limo with Charlotte as they headed to work, and he couldn't help but notice the sullen look she had.

"You've got two meetings in the morning, and one in the afternoon." He pulled a stack of papers out of his bag and a USB. "Here's everything you might need for the meeting. You have time to go over it before the meeting, though. Oh, and you have an evening party tonight to go to. It's a charity event," Eric went over her schedule, hoping he was doing his job properly.

Charlotte looked at him with wide eyes.

"What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Nothing, it's just... you've taken to this job more than I expected you to. Slipped right into the position."

"I admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, and this job is intimidating, but I decided to do it to the best of my ability because I want to support you."

"For me? Not because you want to earn your keep?"

"I asked myself what you needed most, and what I was actually able to do, and the answer is simple: support. I can support you at work and at home. I will do my best to be whatever you need. I can't be like Dean and the others in the business world, but I can still be a pillar of support."

Charlotte turned away from him, her hand over her heart.

"Uh-oh... Did I mess up already? I can change whatever it is, even if it's an attitude. Okay, that may not be the easiest—"

"No, I was just happy. I knew you were different from the others – in a good way – and you're... so amazing. Thank you, Eric," she wiped the corner of her eyes and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Keep being you, because you're the one I need the most."

Eric's heart skipped a beat. She needs me? Damn, that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Before he knew what he was doing, he wrapped a hand around the back of her head and pulled her in for a deep kiss.

"Mmm!" Charlotte was startled, but melted into it. She took his tablet and papers and left them on the seat as she inched closer, leaning into his kiss.

"Oh!" Eric pulled away. "I'm sorry—"

Charlotte cut him off with another kiss, her arms wrapping around him.

The limo stopped by their building, and Charlotte pulled away. She fixed her blazer and pulled out a compact mirror to check on her lipstick. The passenger door on her side opened and Timo held his hand out to her.

"Thank you," she grabbed the papers he had handed her, along with her bag, and took Timo's hand.

Timo bent down to look at Eric when he didn't follow her out. "You're coming, right?"

"Yup," his voice hitched. "I need a moment to calm down."

"A moment? You should be escorting Charlotte to her office and going over anything she might need to for her upcoming meeting."

"I gave her the papers..." Eric trailed off and grabbed his things. "Coming." He rushed to catch up to Charlotte, who had paused for a moment right outside the building entrance.

She glanced back at him and then strutted into the building.

Damn... She looks extra hot when she walks like that. Now's not the time for that! Eric shook off his thoughts and followed her in.

Once they got into the elevator, she looked at the papers. "You've collected all the information for the meeting in a nice, organized matter. Good job."

"Thank you," Eric stayed one step behind her and looked at their reflections in the elevator door. She has such a boss visage while at work. I'm probably one of only a few people who've seen so many different expressions from her. He smirked. I wonder how many more there are for me to see.

It didn't go unnoticed by Charlotte. "We're at work, so you should try not to let your thoughts show on your face so much."

His eyes widened, and he touched his face. "I didn't know I was showing anything."

Ding.

"Work mode, Eric; you'll learn to adapt."

"Yes, ma'am." He resisted the urge to salute her.

"Good morning," her personal receptionist, Nina, greeted them.

"Good morning," they greeted her. "Any cancellations?" Charlotte asked.

"No, and I would've informed Eric if you did." Nina waved her phone around. "Quit worrying so much."

"Oh, right," she chuckled. "Been a while since the position was last filled. I'm so used to checking with you for everything."

I thought Timo was the one filling this position before... He does always seem to be busy; I wonder what he does.

"I promise you'll get used to it soon with me hovering around you all the time," Eric said, standing tall. If they weren't at work, he would've given her a playful bump.

Charlotte went into her office, but Nina stopped Eric for a moment. "Make sure you don't do anything unnecessary during meetings. You just have to stand off to the side and give her anything she needs. If she needs anything, she'll give you a look, and you have to know what she's looking for, so pay attention during the meeting."

"Thank you for the tips."

"You're welcome."

Eric went into Charlotte's office. She had sat down at her desk and went over the papers he gave her.

"You did a great job, Eric, but I have to admit, I've been prepared for it for a while. It's nice to have the refresher, though."

His shoulders slouched. "You mean I did something unnecessary and wasted my time?"

"Aw, no, it's not a waste. I appreciate the effort you put in."

"By the way, what's Timo up to? I thought he was your assistant, too."

"He is, and outside of keeping everything in my house running properly, he helps me with my parents' company."

So much work...

Beep. Eric's watch went off. "Time for your first meeting of the day."

"Feels like I just got here," Charlotte sighed. "Oh well, let's hope for the best."