The Billionaire Wins the Game(4)

“Nonsense my girl, you earned this position. Esther said you are fitting right in and doing a fantastic job.” He laughed heartily.

“Now come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.” He wrapped her arm in his and dragged her across the room.

“Mike, I want you to meet Amy. She’s the new executive assistant for Lucas,” he said in an excessively loud voice, which had several heads turning towards them. Amy could feel her face grow warmer as she didn’t like to be the center of attention.

“Nice to meet you Amy,” Mike replied.

“I will just leave the two of you to chat for a while,” Joseph said with a chuckle while walking away. Amy stayed and chatted with Mike, finding his company pleasant.

Mike was far more the kind of man who normally interested Amy. He was average looking, not someone you would place on a calendar, but someone you would definitely give a second glance.

He had a sense of humor and kept up a witty conversation. He was safe.

Amy almost wished she was searching for a relationship, as Mike seemed the kind of man who would be pleasant to date. He wasn’t arrogant and he didn’t seem to be demanding. Oh well, she sighed to herself, letting the thought pass.

Across the room Lucas was glaring daggers at his new employee. She never smiled that way when he talked to her. Of course, he was normally barking orders at her. He still didn’t like the attention she was giving to another male and he really didn’t like the interest he saw in Mike’s eyes. As Lucas slowly looked her up and down he could understand that interest.

What did his father think he was doing, introducing her to Mike? Everyone knew he went through women faster than he changed clothing. Many women had been fooled by his act of affection but Lucas knew the guy only had one goal in mind and Lucas was sure that Amy wasn’t ready for the consequences of a failed office romance.

Lucas was even more irritated he cared. He consoled himself by thinking he was only concerned because if she got discarded her work performance would suffer, which would make him have to fire her. He would then have to take time away from his busy schedule to hire a new employee.

He was just about ready to storm over there, grab her arm and drag her away when his father approached him. “How you doing boy?” he asked far too slyly.

“Fine Father and you?” he automatically responded, not taking his eyes off of Amy.

Joseph was thinking that his plan was coming along just fine. His son was falling for Amy quickly and he didn’t even realize it. Joseph may as well push things along a bit more and help speed things up. In the game of love no one could lose.

“Don’t you think Amy and Mike look good together? She’s seemed a little lonely this past week,” he said.

“Mike’s a cad. I’m going to put a stop to this. You need to quit meddling in people’s lives Father,” Lucas said angrily.

“I’m sorry Lucas. I didn’t know you were interested in her. You know a boss shouldn’t have a romance with his employee,” he added. He knew his son well. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a challenge.

“I’m not interested in her," Lucas said, not fooling his father in the least. “I just know what kind of a man Mike is. He’ll break her heart and then her work will be affected. I’m only thinking of the work environment.” With those parting words he started walking in her direction.

Joseph chuckled to himself feeling downright giddy. Oh yes, his son was falling hard. He’d picked out the perfect match for him.

“Amy, we have some work to do," Lucas said as he approached her and Mike. He didn’t even acknowledge Mike’s presence. Mike, not wanting to upset the boss, slunk away without another word. Amy lost a bit of respect for him. She turned around, inwardly sighing.

“Yes sir, I’m sorry. I’ll get right on it,” Amy replied with her head held high while heading towards her office. She didn’t understand why he sounded so irritated. Everyone was at the party.

It wasn’t like she was the one who’d thrown it.

Lucas followed her into the office, then stood there looming over her as she sat down. “I don’t like office romances, they cause nothing but trouble,” he informed her in his most stately tone of voice, which caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up. She had to silently count to ten before responding.

“First of all, Mr. Anderson," she said through clenched teeth, “I was simply socializing with another employee. And second of all, who I do choose to have a romance with is none of your business.” Amy was surprised by the acid in her own voice Suddenly he was only inches from her face. “When you work for me you will listen to what I say. Mike’s a womanizer and I don’t want to deal with the repercussions when he throws you out like stale bread and believe me, he will.”

Amy leaned back from him as her heart started beating hard. She was sure it was visible to him, even through her shirt. She forgot all about her anger with the man as the urge to reach out and grab him was so overwhelming. She wanted Lucas. Everything about him screamed sex and if he leaned in a couple of more inches and claimed her mouth she would welcome it.

For what seemed like an eternity she couldn’t break contact with him. She felt liquid heat pooling inside of her. Look away, look away, look away, she shouted at herself until she finally found the will-power to turn her head, wondering how long they’d stood there face to face.