Episode One

THIS FAN FICTION BASED ON MY THREE FAVOURITE BOOKS... GUESS IF YOU CAN?This morning can not get any worse; first I woke up late, second I missed the bus and had to walk the whole way to my new job. Thirdly, my shoes are pinching my feet and I haven’t even arrived at my new desk.

I dash into an overflowing elevator and look down at my watch. I have exactly one minute to get my floor, sit at my desk and make out I have been there the whole time.

I recently moved here after landing my dream job. I am working for Cole Publications. A major book company who are known intentionally. Great, now thirty seconds. The lift pings and I step out. This place is amazing. Everything is white, stylist and perfect. The whole floor is quiet and I can see a door saying my name. I want to jump on the spot with joy. I have a door with my name.

I hear a door open and close, an old woman dressed in a brown suit, her hair pinned back and staring at me over the top her glasses. “You must be the new girl” her voice is fierce and her face looks like she has been sucking on a lemon.

“Yes” I reply, taking a step towards. “My name is…”

“I know what you name is” she barks. “You better get inside your office. Mr. Cole doesn’t take too well to people being late. He’s left everything you will need on you desk.”

Wow, what a nice welcome. I refuse to speak to her and trot over to my office. My office -- a whole office that's mine. I step inside and always faint. It’s tiny. All I have is a large desk, a laptop, phone and one little window. I slam my bag down on my desk and decide to take a look my view. Great the bins. Which means when the weather gets nice I won’t even be able to open the window?

I sit down at my desk and look around at the broom cupboard. The walls have paint falling off them. The carpet is barely even there. I guess this will have to do. I open my bag and start taking out my things. A picture of family, the paperweight in the shape of cat my mother gave me and last of all my pen set. That’s it and it doesn’t even do anything to the space.

I look up at the clock above the door. I’ve been here 5 minutes, no one person has bothered to talk to me or check on me. I grab the blue file on my desk and decide to read.

Welcome to Cole Publication. The follow documents well explain what your job entails and what I expect from my employees. As my personal assistant you will be expecting to perform specific tasks and excel at them. I do not tolerant second best or wish to ever remind you of what is written. You will learn all of this and perform your job well.

My eyes open wide, wow already I feel out of my depth. I carry on reading. Already I can tell my new boss is a control freak.

The layout of the working day.

As a very busy man I find it hard to squeeze in meals. Also as a healthy man who takes pride in my body. My meals will be relying on you. I expect my breakfast 8am sharp. (There is a list of food at the back which has been approved.) My coffee (Please refer to list on correct way to make it) should be served at 11am. Lunch is always a 12pm.  (List of recommend restaurants also at back.)

You are in control my schedule, unless otherwise told different. You will attend meetings with me and write notes. These notes must be clear and accurate. You will be ready for anything and I will be able to contact you at moment.

The phone should be used for personal calls, the internet should not be abused and you should make sure your office remains clean and tidy. I expect my assistant to dress respectably. As some days will be long, please follow the diet at the back.

There are a few occasions – i.e., dinners, charity balls, book promotions where I will expect you to attend. Please understand these will require a certain dress code and Cole Publication will offer to pay for certain garments. 

Also in this document please find your contract.

I roll my eyes, seriously what is this? I decide to put the fold down and close it. I thought it was just answering phones and writing emails. Now I have to train, be a personal chief and learn to mesmerise lists.  This isn’t what I sighed up for. You never see this in the movies. Normally the personal assistants are glamorous and make the job seem easy.

To top it all I’m rubbish at remembering things. I place my head in my hands and silently weep. This job is going to be too hard and it’s my first. The phone rings making me jump. I quickly answer.

“Good morning” I say weakly. Shit, I should have gone through the appropriate answer questions list.

“Morning” says a low abrupt voice. “I will require you in my office now, Miss Robinson.” Without another word the call ends. I stare at the handset and fear runs through me. I’m guessing that was my new boss. I stand up and smooth down my skirt. Now worrying that he won’t find it respectably enough. I haven’t even met this man just and I am already on edge.

I walk out of my little office and head out in the brightness of the rest of the place. I look around, trying to figure out what door I should head across. It isn’t hard, when I read the name plates. ‘Dexter Cole- CEO of Cole Publications’. I head straight towards it, my legs are beginning to feel weak and I take in a sharp breath. I am really scared and I’ve only read that document.

I give a little knock and walk in. Shit, maybe I should have waited for an answer. I stand in the doorway and stare in at the over large space with floor to ceiling windows. Go figure, he has a perfect view of Oxford. The sun streaming through the windows and bouncing off the white walls.

He’s on the phone with his back towards me. I look down at the floor white he carries on talking slightly swirl in his chair. His voice is just abrupt as it was when he spoke to me. I have this weird feeling he isn’t going to like me. I can barely walk in a straight line sometimes without falling over. I’m hopeless at remembering names. My mouth and brain aren’t connected and I am hardly every mans dream.

“Good. That’s all” he ends the phone call and spins round to face me. “Hmm” he says, as he eyes roam over me. I cringe, that isn’t a good first impression. He points to the chair in front of his desk. “Sit, Miss Robinson.”

Immediately I race over almost tripping over my own legs and landing in the chair. My face goes bright red and jaw drops open in shock. I slowly look up to meet his annoyed glare. His blue eyes narrowed and his jaw tight. That’s when I notice how beautiful he is. My heart races, this isn’t good.  He has amazing features; angular jaw line, a sharp nose, big blue eyes and designer stubble. The massive of auburn hair looks red when the light hits it. My eyes wander lower to his broad shoulders and to the button on his shirt open, revealing a little chest hair. He reminds me of one of those men you see in the perfume adverts. He is my boss, great not only is he controlling, demanding but he has to be good looking too. This is not fair and now I know I will be gone within the first week.

“Well, Miss Robinson” he speaks. “I take it you have read your document.” I just nod. “Good. Did you understand everything?” I nod again. I watch as his lips tighten even more. His fist slams into his desk and I jump. “When I ask you a question I expect a reply.”

“Sorry, Mr. Cole” I weakly reply, my hands locked in my lap and I bow my head.

“I will let this one time slide” he grunts. “Let this be a warning, Miss Robinson.”

“I’m sorry sir” I repeat, I don’t know why I said sir, it just seem appropriate in this situation. “It won’t happen again.”

“I’ll take your word for it” he begins to shuffle papers on his desk and I sit still as if I was a child. Just being in his presence makes me feel small and weak. I’m scared to even breathe. I look back up and his eyes stare intensely at me. I swear a secret smile is playing on his lips. I bet get his kicks out of people being like this. He’s the king of the caste and we are the little people who bow down at his feet.

“What is my schedule today?” he asks, leaning back in his chair.

My eyes widen and I feel sick. Schedule? “I’m sorry” I hesitant. “No one has given me a schedule for you and I wouldn’t know where to find it.”

He rolls his eyes and exhales. His hand reaches for his phone and he hits a button. “Rachel,” he yells down the phone. “Why didn’t anyone show Miss Robinson to her office and show her the ropes…” he pauses. “That isn’t good enough. Get your in here with my schedule and then teach Miss Robinson how to use the computer system.” He slams the phone down. Within a second the woman in the brown suit runs into the room.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Cole. It was my mistake, I’m sorry” she is blabbing mess.

“Give it to Miss Robinson” he orders, ignoring her plea. She turns her head in my direction and I give a little smile. At least I’m not the only one who reacts this way with him.

“Certainly” she hands me the schedule. “Anything else?” With a flick of his hand is summoning her out of the room.

“Right, go ahead, Miss Robinson.”

I stare down at the piece of paper and give a little cough. “Well, you have a telephone  meeting at 10.30 with PR. Lunch at 12, then 2 you have an appointment with….” It doesn’t say. I turn the paper over to see if it’s written at the back. I look back at him. “I don’t know who you have an appointment with…”

“That’s okay” his voice is actually soft this time. “Any personal appointments will never be added to my schedule.” I watch as his blue eyes blink rapidly and I watch him swallow hard. He runs his hands through his hair and lets out a deep breath. “I think that will be all for now. Rachel is going to show you the computer and I expect your sighed contract on my desk by the end of the day.”

I quickly nodded and gracefully get out of my seat. I head towards the door. “Oh and Miss Robinson,” I stop and turn to face him. He cocks one eyebrow and his lip twitches. “Here at Cole publications skirts are required to be no shorter than knee length.”

I look down at my skirt and back up at him. He is staring at my legs, I suddenly feel very expose and walk out of his office. My head is slightly dizzy and I am not sure of what to make of my boss. I head straight towards my office and wait for Rachel to appear.

I sit at my desk and reach out for that folder. I know I should really study this. My office door opens and in steps Rachel. She has now turned back into that angry woman I had the pleasure of meeting earlier. She strolls in and dumps a load of paperwork on my desk.

“The computer system isn’t hard to work” she snaps, once again peering over the top of her glasses. “It does help if you switch the thing on.”

Start away I discard the folder and search for the power button on the laptop. It straight away comes to life and the Cole publication icon brightens up the screen. I looked at her as she scowls back at me. What is wrong with these people? They all seem to be moody and cold. Maybe its me. Maybe I stick out more than I thought I would.

Out of awkwardness, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ears. I know I’m not your typical skinny natural beauty. I don’t look too bad. Yes my thighs are a little chunky, my stomach isn’t exactly flat and my hips are on the big side. I have always managed to win people over with my personalty and brains. Somehow I don’t think that’s enough here. I think my father was right, I should of just worked in a supermarket behind the checkout.

“Now” Rachel’s voice is commanding. “In your menu you will find everything you need. The calendar, your word and spread sheet. The emails and last of all your contacts.”

“Um, thank you” I smile, but it isn’t returned. “Here is the reports. Its your job to file them. I take it you cane file things?”

“Of course” I am still smiling. Why am I smiling? This woman obviously thinks I’m stupid.

“Hmmm” with that she turns on her heel and leaves me in my tiny office.

I know feel foolish. I slump back in my chair and rest my head on the back of my seat. I don’t know what to do. I either work out now or I prove to these people that I can do this job. I look over at the door… One hour and already I am thinking about walking out and throwing in the towel.

Times drifts away as I busy myself with filing. Its taken a while to get use to their strange system but I think I have in underhand. The phone buzzes and I jump to answer it.

“Hello,” I say, while sitting down at my desk.

“Miss Robinson,” I cringe when he says my name. “Do you know what time it is?”

I shrug my shoulders and then realize I am actually on the phone and his Lordship can’t see me. “Mmm…” my eyes look up at the clock and jump out of my seat. Its 5 minutes past 11. shit, he’s stupid coffee. “I’m really sorry, sir. Give me two minutes.”

“One minute” he ends the call.

I rush out of my office and go in search of the tea room. I can’t believe I didn't remember that. That’s twice I have mess up today. This is now officially the worse day of my life. I stumble in a little kitchen and get a coffee prepare. Carefully I carry towards his office, open the door set it down on his desk. He looks up from his computer and nods. I give a breath of relief and decide to make  a quick exit.

“not so fast, Miss Robinson.”

I halt in the doorway and slowly turn in his direction. With one hand he points to the chair ion front of his desk. I walk back over and sit down. At least I didn't fall into the chair this time. He slowly picks up the cup and brings it up to his mouth. He takes a sip and his whole face screws up as he spits back in the cup.

“What is this?” he yells with disgust.  He picks up a tissues and wipes his mouth. “Maybe to you, but this isn’t the way I drink it.”

Oh my god, his list. I don’t dare say a word and look down at my hands. “I'm sorry, sir” I repeat for the millionth time today. “I haven’t read the whole document yet. I was busy filing.”

“You’re lucky its your first day. I won’t punish you this time.”

My head springs back up and I look over at his face. He looks dangerous, his eyes are narrow and his mouth twitches in a mercious way. Punish me? Exactly what would he do? Fire me? I can’t think of anything to say, his words have stunned me.

He rests his head in his hands and carries on staring at me. Instantly I feel little and insignificant. I must remember I am one of the little ones who should worship the ground he walks on

“Tell Miss Robsinon, why did you take a job here?” His whole compose has changed in a blink of an eye. He now looks interested in me and his voice is a little less hostile.

“Because Cole publication is one of the biggest publishing companies in the world. Also it has a fantastic employee package and an exceptional career ladder. I would be foolish not to want to work here.”

He beams in delight and I swear his eyes sparkle. “Wonderful answer.” He sits back in his throne and runs his hands through his hair. “I like my coffee black with one sugar. I hope tomorrow you will please me.”

Please him? “Yes, sir” is all I can say.

“Lunch. Today you can make me reservation at Bar all One. That is all, Miss Robinson.” I get up out of my seat and walk to the door with eyes looking down at my feet. I wait a moment, but he doesn’t say anything and leave.

I race back to my desk, call the restaurant and then grab my blue folder. I have to study this, this thing is now my holy bible. Why do I have this strange feeling that I need to please him. I want to please him. The thought of being punished is too terrifying. I get to work and spend the whole day remembering every detail about my bosses likes and dislikes.

After work I head back to the little flat I share with Rosie, my flat mate. She’s kind of wacky but in a fun way. I only met her through a ad for a room mate. So far we are getting on pretty well. I enter the small hallway and finally slip my feet out of my heels. My feet feel free but slightly bruised. Tomorrow I am wearing flats. I head into the living room to find my cat, Tabby sleeping on the sofa. I give her a little tickle and walk straight into the kitchen. I am staving and my eyes hurt from the reading I did. I open the fridge and grab one of my fat free yoghurt.

“You’re home” Rosie sings as she breezes into the kitchen all dressed for work. Her PVC crop-top, PVC skirt and thigh high boots. I would never get away wearing something like that. Her black hair is all piled up and her face made up perfectly highlighting her amazing face.

I walk over to a draw and grab a spoon.”Yep” I sigh.

“How was it?”

Ugh, is all I can think. My boss is intimidating, controlling and slightly disturbing. He wants to punish me, he wants me to please him  and I have no idea what any of that means. I avoid saying that answer and opt for. ‘okay.”

Rosie raises a perfect pierced eyebrow and shakes a finger at me. “I know your lying.” She grabs me by the elbow and leads me into the living room. She pushes me down on the sofa and poor Tabby has to jump out of the way. She stands straight in front of me, her hands on her hips and her big dark eyes glaring down at me. I am slowly getting use to ways. She is very... what’s the word? Pushy? Yeah, she’s very pushy.

“Now you tell me what happened?”

I shrug my shoulders and stare down at my yoghurt. I begin to chew my lip. “My boss is very demanding” I begin and once I start I can’t stop. “He has lists of approved food, restaurants, drinks. I feel that this job is going to take over my life.” I roll my eyes, I can’t believe I am about this. I’m a grown woman. “He wants me to please him and if I don’t he’ll punish me. What does that mean?”

Roxie’s head drops back and she starts laughing.  “Oh sweetie” she drops down beside me and wraps an arm round my shoulder. “I think I know.”

“Know what?”

“Sounds to me your boss is a Dom.”

“A what?” I turn in her direction. “What’s a dom?”

She gives me a cheeky wink and stands back up. “Look it up… Tell your boss I said hi.”

“Rosie” I call after her, but she ignores me and leaves. I remain in my seat, my eyes blinky rapidly and even more confused by what Rosie has said. I thought this was the worse day of my life. Really this is the weirdest day!

I get to work at 7.30 am. The whole place is quiet as I walk through the lobby towards Mr Cole’s office clutching my Tesco carrier bag filled with breakfast. I walk inside and its empty. I quickly get to work setting up his breakfast, I am slightly on edge. I know everything I have provided is on the stupid list. The whole idea of punishment feels me with dread. I don’t think he is what Rosie said. I think it was his subtle way of saying if I didn’t pull my act together I would be out. I can’t lose this job, this is everything I have always wanted. Also, my family would be disappointed.

I’m the first one to move out of the sleepy village of Ashville and into the big city centre of Oxford. I couldn’t go back now.  I hear a door click and feet moving, my eyes slowly drift to a half naked man, with a towel rest around his shoulders. My whole mouth goes dry as I take in his muscular toned arms and ripped stomach. I can’t move my eyes from him and my mouth won’t work.

He grabs both ends of the towel and leans against the wall. I’m right, he could star in those perfume adverts. “Morning, Miss Robinson” his voice is low and velvety. Something deep within side tingles and I have to mentally slap myself. I divert my eyes and point to his desk.

“Your breakfast” I almost yell the words. My head is going crazy trying to string a sentence.  He walks towards me, I inhale deeply and regret it straight away. He smells delicious; sandle wood mixed exotic spices. I take a slight step away from him, in order to control myself. What is wrong with me?

“Good,” he nods and sits down at his desk. He points to the orange juice. “Without bits?” I nod, he then points to his Greek yoghurt. “Low fat?” I nod again, he turns his attention the muesli. “Nut?” I nod again. He sits back in his chair and his mouth tightens into that straight line, his blue eyes catching my attention. “What did I say about that yesterday?” He waits a few seconds, but my mind has gone blank. “When I speak to you I expect a reply.”

“Yes, sir” I mumble, why am I saying sir again. I can call him Mr Cole. It seems to be the most natural reply. Every time I say it I notice his eyes sparkle in delight. This is strange. Maybe its not me that’s strange, maybe its just him. Yes, there is something very different about him and I can’t figure out what.

Smash… My thoughts stop when I notice he’s dropped his bowl on the floor. Straight away I crouch down on my knees and begin cleaning up the mess. I hear slight movement and then that magical smell invades my nose. My eyes slowly look up and there he is squatting in front of me. His blue eyes are darker and he’s expression is unreadable. With his thumb and forefinger he cups my chin, turning my face one direction and then another. My eyes stay locked on his, my heart beats fast and anticipation enlightens my body.

“Yes,” he says very softly. “You seem to be a natural.” His voice sends goose bumps all over my body and I have no idea what his words mean. He quickly stands up and heads towards the door he came from. “Clean this mess up, Miss Robinson. Then you can return to your office.”

I wait for the door to close shut and bring my hand up to my chest. My heart is racing and now I am more confused than before. My breathing is harsh and my whole body is tingling.  Natural? What is natural? I close my eyes, take in a deep breath and begin to clean the mess up.