Chapter 2

He searched online for jobs daily. There were a few good ones, but the market was so saturated by applicants, it was tough going. Every employment agency he tried was delighted with his credentials, but the job he wanted would be filled by someone just one step ahead of him. With a week left to go on his unemployment benefits, Duncan walked into the offices of Lynn Hall and Associates and came to an abrupt halt.

He couldn’t believe what he saw. The person he assumed was the receptionist at the front desk was trying to answer the phone, pour coffee, and type on the computer one-handed—all at the same time. Springing into action, Duncan took the coffee pot and finished pouring the hot liquid into the cup, handing it to the woman seated in the reception area. She smiled her thanks.

Finding cream and sugar near the coffee station on a small corner table, he provided both to the guest then cleaned up the area. The phone conversation ended and the receptionist turned around to thank him for helping out and, suddenly, time froze.

It was like a bolt of lightning. The receptionist and Duncan stared at each other, oblivious to their surroundings. A discreet cough broke the spell. Duncan blinked behind his eyeglasses, cleared his throat, and adjusted his tie.

Holding out a hand, the receptionist thanked Duncan profusely for helping out.

“I really appreciate it, you don’t know how much. I had to fire my assistant last week and I just haven’t had the time to hire someone new.” The man’s voice was a soft tenor, very melodic and soothing.

Collecting himself quickly, Duncan shook the outstretched hand. “Hey, no problem, happy to help out. Wait…are youLynn Hall?” Duncan asked, eyebrows raised.

“The one and only,” Mr. Hall responded with a shrug of his slender shoulders. “Sometimes you have to get in the trenches to get things done. And you are?”

“Duncan. Duncan Stern.”

They realized they still held each other’s hands and reluctantly let go.

“Delighted to meet you, Mr. Stern.” Clearing his throat, Mr. Hall turned to the woman sipping coffee and said, “Claire, why don’t you go into my office and take a seat? I’ll be right with you.”

Rising from her seat, Claire made her way across the room and then Mr. Hall turned back to Duncan.

“Before I go into my meeting, tell me. Are you here looking for work?”

“Yes, I am. I was laid off four months ago from The Juniper Group due to downsizing. I worked in administration. Right now, I just need something to get me back in the game.”

After a moment of consideration, Mr. Hall said, “Okay, Mr. Stern. Here’s the deal. My most recent assistant, Scott, was a major fuck-up. Clueless and absolutely useless to me. I don’t know what I was thinking when I hired him, except I was desperate at the time. Though I amdesperate now, your actions show me that you are a quick thinker, someone who can handle a crisis, see the whole picture, and make split-second decisions. I like that—hell, I needthat! How would you like to work for me, starting right now? Regular office hours, eight to five, Monday through Friday. The pay would be eighteen dollars an hour. It would be temp-to-perm, and we’ll talk again in a month to see if you want to stay on. What do you say?”

Taking a brief moment to steady his galloping heart, Duncan replied, “Thanks, Mr. Hall. I accept your terms.”

Shaking his hand, his new boss said, “Please, call me Lynn. And may I call you Duncan?” Duncan nodded in reply. Smiling, Mr. Hall continued, “All right then, welcome to Lynn Hall and Associates! Please hold my calls until I’m done with Claire. Feel free to look around on the computer and see where files are located, check out the templates, and get yourself situated, okay?” With a final nod, Mr. Hall left and walked to his office, closing the door behind him.

Duncan walked around the desk…well, hisdesk now and took a seat in the chair. He closed his eyes then opened them again. He pinched himself, twice. Finally convinced this wasn’t a dream, he gave a fist pump. Yes! He couldn’t believe his luck. Settling in, he gave a brief thought to the moment he’d just had with his new employer. He’d felt an instant connection, a bolt out of the blue, and he didn’t know what to make of it.

Lynn was so sexy, though, with his hair pulled back in a ponytail at the base of his neck and those brown eyes and a suit Duncan would just love to rumple. So beautiful, and delicate, Lynn could even pass as a woman!

I wonder what he’d look like in a dress.Those legs in sheer pantyhose, those cheekbones with some blush.