Saved by my CEO

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

“Avery, Mr Colton needs these files, take them to his office, please" Mr Young shouts from his corner office as I walk past on my way to the break room for a well needed coffee.  “Yes, sir” I said with slight disappointment in my tone.

As I enter the elevator, pressing the top floor for Mr Colton’s office  I start to get nervous. I’ve never been up to his office in the 3 years I’ve worked for Colton Construction.  The elevator seems to have went in slow motion, nerves building in my stomach. It maybe nerves or hunger since I haven’t eaten in nearly 2 days. You may wonder why but that’s a story for another time

When the elevator finally reaches the top floor, I step out slightly cautious not knowing what direction to turn. The black marble floors shining with the beautiful sun coming through the floor to ceiling windows looking out over the city skyline. As I take in my surrounding I see a rather messy, large oak desk, piles of paperwork thrown all over the place. “wow, who can work with this much mess" I thought to myself. Looking up for the mess I see a frosted glass door with ‘CEO Trent Colton’ in black lettering. I walk closer and gently knock on the door scared incase the glass breaks.

“Come in", a deep husky voice says, as I slowly open the door, not sure what to say as the nerves start to bubble under the surface.

“Mm Mr Colton, sir, Mr Young sent these files you requested"

I quickly stutter as a pair of steel blue eyes stare at me from the top of the laptop screen. “Excellent. Can you put them on the table to your left?” he says as he starts to get up from behind his desk. Which is exceptionally tidy to compared to the desk outside.

“Certainly , Mr Colton.” I whisper as I feel his eyes burning through my soul. Mr Colton is gorgeous, tall, dirty blonde hair and slight stubble, making his jawline stand out.  I start to walk over to the table as I feel his presence close to my side. As I’m about to turn around I fee all tingle down my side as Mr Colton’s arm brushes mine. I take a step away from him, not knowing what to say or do. I’m about to turn and run from his office when he starts to talk again.

“Are you new here?” he asks

“No sir, I’ve worked in archives for 3 years, Mr Young is my manager" I rushed to say as I’m desperately trying to leave, the nerves getting to me as my tummy rumbles as I’ve not eaten. Embarrassed I excuse myself and leave his office. Closing the door behind me I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Walking rather quickly I walk back to the elevator and press the button for level 1, where my office is. In the distance I can hear someone walking up behind me knowing that Mr Colton’s office is the only occupied room on the level, I’m hoping that it’s his secretary or assistant, anyone but Mr Colton.

No such luck, Mr Colton stands right beside me waiting for what I can only presume is the elevator.

“What’s your name?”, he asks in a very deep and sexy voice

“Avery Benson, sir" I try my best not to show my nerves as he turns to face me and those stunning blue orbs look straight into my heart. I’m struggling to not stare at him, as I slowly lower my eyes to take him in, his crisp white shirt, right across his abs, clearly muscular and toned to perfections, his black suit pants just cling to his muscular perfectly shaped legs that seem to go on forever...... I need to stop, concentrate Avery. I say to myself.

As the ding of the elevator brings me out of my trance, my eyes fall upon his blue orbs again, with a smirk on his face, I blush as I enter the elevator. ‘way to go Avery, you got caught eyeing the boss, you stupid ass' I let out a huff as I curse myself.

“Avery, would you like to grab some coffee, I have a proposition for you?” Mr Colton says in his husky voice again. Damn him and his husky words, I’m standing staring at my feet trying my hardest to speak without stuttering and sounding like a complete moron.

“I have to get back to my office” I manage to say or mumble without even thinking.

“Nonsense,  I’m the boss. Coffee it is. There is a lovely cafe just a few blocks from here. I’ll let Mr Young know you will be back after.” What can you say to that? He’s the boss.   “I need my handbag" I state. “No problem. You pop back and I’ll just go see Mr Young"

He says just as the elevator dings telling me I need to get out of this confined space before I make a bigger foul of myself. With Mr Colton’s hand on the small of my back, he puts slight pressure on it pushing me the way he wants to walk.

As I leave him walking in the direction of Mr Young’s office, I slip into my office, well it isn’t really an office is a large room full of old files that the company need to keep for whatever reason. Walking towards my small desk in the corner I pull my handbag out from underneath. Making sure I have some money inside to buy a coffee and maybe even a muffin to subside my hunger til I reach my bed sit later for dinner.

Standing in a daydream, thinking about the lack of money in my purse, just enough to get a coffee it is then, I hear someone clear their throat  “Ready Avery?” damn that husky voice again. “Sure" I say with slight disappointment in my voice.  “What’s up?” he asks with a slight concern in his tone.  “Nothing, I’m fine" lies... do you think he can tell.  “Let’s go" he says as he places his hand on the small of my back again. What is with him, we met less than 15 minutes ago and this is the second time he has sent shivers down my spine and my whole body is tingling. Pushing the thoughts out of my head I walk beside him, heading to the elevator go for coffee with the CEO of the company. What are people going to think?  Why me? All I did was take files to him? I’m just doing my job.

Exiting the elevator I feel many eyes on us as we walk out of the building, the door being held open by security. With a slight nod of Mr Colton’s head to the security guard as a thanks for holding the door open.  I sigh in relief that we are out in the fresh air, not realising how warm it was inside the building. The gentle breeze cooling me to the core.

“So, 3 years?” almost like a question, I nod as an answer. I can see at the corner of my eye that he is staring at me. Not knowing what to do I keep my head slightly lowered almost embarrassed, but for what I don’t know.  As we walk in a very awkward silence, before I know it we are entering the cafe Mr Colton mentioned. Finding a seat by the window, the waitress comes over with menus and a jug of water. “Can I get you any drinks?” she asks not taking her eyes of Mr Colton, “I’ll have a cappuccino, Avery?, he says as he eyes me up and down.  “Water is fine, thanks"  I would love a coffee but looking at these prices, there is no way I’ll be able to afford anything for the rest of the week until pay day.  “I’ll be right back with your order” the bubbly waitress says again only talking to Mr Colton. It’s like she hasn’t even noticed I’m there, which is nothing out of the ordinary. The story of my life. Ignored and used by everyone.

Looking out the window, seeing people going about their day, men and women walking by in their business clothes, some workmen working on the traffic lights, hearing horns honk in the distance.

“Why did you bring me out for coffee?” I ask but in a whisper, not meaning to even say. I look up to him, staring into his eyes without even blinking “I needed a break from my work and I want to ask you a question" he answers as the waitress brings him his cappuccino.

“Ready to order?” she asks while getting her pen ready to write down his order. I know she is asking him as again she hasn’t looked at me the whole time.  “we’ll have 2 burgers and fries and a side salad" he says not even looking at the menu. His eyes haven’t left my face, his eyes studying my every move. Taking a big breath in, “I’m not hungry” I try to say to the waitress but it’s too late. She has already left and is behind the counter ringing up our order. “I cant order that", I say flattered. How can I tell him I cant afford to buy all that, without sounding stupid. “Nonsense, your tummy says otherwise” he nods towards my stomach making rumbling noises that the workmen outside can probably hear. “Its my treat" he finishes off. I let out a breath I didn’t  know I was holding. “Don’t look so nervous Avery, it’s just a little lunch, while we talk, alright?” he says with a smile on his face.  “What do you want to talk about, Mr Colton?” I ask in a whisper. “First , let’s get some rules out the way" he says whilst reaching over and rubbing his thumb over the top of my knuckles. Making me jump at the touch, the tingles shooting through my body. “call me Trent. Mr Colton makes me feel old and that’s what my father gets called. I’m only 26, you make me sound like I’m over 40.” With a little chuckle I try my hardest not to let my laugh take over. With his thumb still rubbing my knuckles in slow circles, I glance down and quickly move my hand away. Looking up to Trents face I see a frown, not sure why he is frowning. It’s not like I’m his girlfriend or anything. Just then the waitress breaks the silence bringing our food over. The smell is divine, my mouth is watering just with the smell. As she leaves she winks at Trent but he hasn’t even looked her way. Why does he keep starring at me? Do I have something on my face? Or is he regretting asking me here? ‘Avery stop questioning everything, he’s just being a nice boss. As I start tucking into my food, without it looking like I have not ate in 2 days, Trent starts talking again, I can hear him talking but I’m so focused on the delicious food in front of me, I zone out completely. “Avery?, did you hear me?” with him saying my name brings me back to reality. “Sorry, what did you say?”  he let’s out a little chuckle “I’ve spoken to Mr Young and you are not working in archives anymore, you are my new assistant/secretary" I sit with my mouth open in shock. “what?, why?” I’m struggling to get the words out. That makes no sense, why would he do that? I’m not a secretary, I don’t know what an assistant does. “My last assistant left without telling me, I thought she was on holiday but she left without working her notice. I’ve been looking internally within the company for someone to take her place and you just happen to be the perfect candidate” he states almost making a statement.

“Hardly perfect  Mr Colton, I’ve never been an assistant or secretary, I wouldn’t know what to do or where to start" I’m stuttering and shaking with nerves. Sipping my water to try calm myself down. Trent raising his hands as if in surrender “calm down, Avery. You have worked for the company for 3 years you know what to do. An assistant is what you are to Mr Young, you will be given training on the other task I need doing, so do not panic or worry about any of that. I trust my gut when I say I know that you will be great" at that he stands up, I’ve finished eating my food and so has he, he leads the way to the exit after paying the bill.

Outside the gentle breeze still floating around brings comfort to me and I calm my trembling body. Assistant to the CEO, what on earth is he thinking. And Mr Young agreeing to it. I suppose he doesn’t have a say in who Mr Colton hires. I feel a hand on the small of my back once again and it once again sends tingles through my body. “Let’s head back and get your new contract sorted, you will need to buy some new work wear for client meetings and get your hair done at the hairdressers”  WHAT, how on earth can I afford all that. I cant do this, I cant buy new clothes, my rent needs paying and I have no food in the bed sit. s**t, what am I going to do. “Mr Colton, sorry Trent, I’m a little tight for money at the moment I’ll not be able to do all that straight away. It will take a few months, I’m sorry,” I mumble, whisper trying not to make a scene. “We can talk about that when  we get back to office Avery, don’t worry about it". I nod my head in understanding. I just know that he’ll change his mind. Who wants an assistant that cant afford to buy new fancy clothes for work. Most of the clothes I’m wearing are from charity shops. He says not worry about it but I cant do anything but worry about it. Aw well, 10 minute promotion has to be a new record.

Trents POV

It’s been a hell of a week, working double the hours I used to because my assistant decided to leave and not work her notice. The internal search for a new assistant is not going well. If I don’t find one soon  I’ll have to call a temp agency in, and it will take longer to train. I wish Donna never left my office to become my brothers PA. Making a  note to myself to call the agency in the morning, I hear the quietest of knocks on my office door “come in" I shout my voice huskier than normal. I better not be coming down with a cold

“Mm Mr Colton, sir, Mr Young sent these files you requested"  the sweet voice says as she enters my office. I can hardly contain myself. Who is the angel? Where has she been hiding?

“Excellent. Can you put them on the table to your left?” I say as I stand up from behind my desk.  Walking over to where this beauty stands, I can’t take my eyes of her. I find myself wanting to know more about her. She seems shy, maybe nervous to be in my office. I may be the CEO but I’m not a horrible boss unlike other companies. I like to get to know all my staff and she is definitely someone I have not seen before.

“Are you new here?” I asks, she must be. If not why have I not seen her before.

“No sir, I’ve worked in archives for 3 years, Mr Young is my manager" she says in such a quiet voice, I can hardly hear her. Well Mr Young, will have to find a new assistant. She will be my new one. I just have to have her working for me. She made her excuses and left me standing there. She is just a perfect little thing. I know I may sound creepy but I’m a sucker for natural beauty and she definitely has that. I quickly grab my suit jacket, wallet and phone from my desk and follow her to the elevator.

She is standing there waiting patiently for the elevator to arrive, perfect opportunity to get more information from her.

“Whats your name?” I ask, trying to come across friendly, I don’t want to scare her off.

“Avery Benson, Sir” she says as I move my body to stand in her line of sight. I can see her slowly looking me up and down, wonder what is going through her head right now.

As the elevator doors opens I break the silence “Avery, would you like to grab some coffee, I have a proposition for you?”

She keeps her eyes to the floor “I have to get back to my office” she mumbles, the little thing is nervous, this will not do. “Nonsense,  I’m the boss. Coffee it is. There is a lovely cafe just a few blocks from here. I’ll let Mr Young know you will be back after.” She cant say No to her boss can she.   “I need my handbag"  she says. “No problem. You pop back and I’ll just go see Mr Young", as the elevator doors open I place my hand on the small of her back and feel her jump slightly from the touch of my hand, my hand fitting perfectly on her back. I could get used to touching her, Stop being a perv, I mentally shake my head and try and gain focus. I leave her at the entrance to the archive store, where I now know her desk is. I head to Mr Youngs office, I see his door is slightly open knock his door and walk in, “Mr Colton, what do we owe the pleasure?” he asks as he gets up from his desk. “Ms Benson, will be joining me coffee and a little chat, just letting you know” I state as I look around not wanting to give my full focus on the old man, “Avery?, are you sure sir?” he questions me. “Yes, definately sure Mr Young.  Oh and I suggest you find a new assistant, Avery has just been promoted to my PA” I state as I bid my farewells and leave his room.

As I head back to find Avery, I see she looks lost as she is searching her back for something. She has her phone in her hand, what could she possibly looking for, that has her face all worried like that.

I clear my throat making her jump “Ready, Avery?” she turns and nods her head “Sure” she says in a slightly sad tone, “What’s up?” I ask trying to see if she will let me know what is going through her head “Nothing, I’m fine” she lied. Not sure what she is hiding but I’ll find out, if she doesn’t tell me, I will definitely make it my business to find out more about her.  “Let’s go” I say as I place my hand on the small of her back again, it feels so good. She is not pushing me away so she must be a little more comfortable in my presence.

As we head out of the building, I can see of few members of staff looking our way, clearly wondering what is going on, I nod to the security staff as they hold the door open for us.

“So, 3 years?” I ask her trying to break the silence that has been surrounding us for too long in my opinion, she keeps her head low as we walk the few blocks to the café. Ok so she is still nervous being around me, this has to change and soon. Baby steps Trent, baby steps.

The waitress soon comes over, I can see her from the corner of my eye staring at me but I have not taken my eyes of Avery, the waitress has nothing on my girl. MY GIRL what the hell Trent, calm yourself. “I’ll have a cappuccino, Avery?” I ask her as I keep looking at her up and down, being a bit creepy, I really need to stop. She will definitely be scared now. “Water is fine, thanks” she whispers, as the waitress leaves. Avery sits looking out the window ”Why did you bring me out for coffee?” she asks in the small voice again, not sure if she meant for me to hear her or not.Cna

“I needed a break from my work and I want to ask you a question.” I say as I can see that annoying waitress coming over again with our drinks. “Ready to order” she asks as she keeps staring at me. I don’t even lift my head to acknowledge her “we’ll have 2 burgers and fries with a side salad” I say my eyes not leaving Averys face. “I’m not hungry” Avery says as the waitress turns to leave. “I cant order that” she says slightly leaning over almost scared others can hear. Just then her stomach grumbles, sounds like she is starving. “Nonsense, your tummy says otherwise” I say with a slight smirk on my face. “It’s my treat”, she clearly has never had someone treat her like this, which will change once I get my hands on her, in a non creepy way. As we chat getting some rules out the way, for starters, she keeps calling me Mr Colton, hell no, I am only 26, that needs to stop.  Our food arrives and we chat a little more, I can see she is relaxing in my company now so, here goes ”So, I spoke with Mr Young earlier and I have decided to give you a promotion and make you my PA, How does that sound?” I look up and can see she clearly was not listening to a word I said, she is so engrossed in her food. She must be hungry to be that focused. She has completely zoned out of our conversation, “Avery? Did you hear me?” I ask trying to gain her attention. “Sorry, what did you say?” I can’t help but let out a little chuckle. I tell her again that she has been promoted and to say she is surprised is an understatement. I explain my previous assistant left with no notice and I am in desperate need for someone to take over. As we head back to the office, my hand falling on the small of her back again. I think I have found my new addiction, Avery.  When she says she is a little tight for money, that surprises me, I must check what the salaries are at for my staff. I have never heard anyone complain about money in my business. Unless she has financial problems or family stuff she has to deal with. Either way, I will help her out, it’s the kind of guy I am. I did it with my first assistant Donna and I will do it again.