Chapter 19

"You asked for this." Andy reminded herself, juggling the four cups of coffee in one hand and a pack of pastries in the other as she rushed toward the elevator, which was about to close.

True to his word, her husband and her slashed boss had her working for the last two days while on their honeymoon. However, she should have expected it since he was a known workaholic.

"You have no one to blame but yourself." She continued with her silent monologue as she struggled not to spill the coffee. 

They had stayed at the penthouse suite of the hotel resort, where she took the master bedroom while he had the adjacent guest room.

But it was more like a place to sleep and clean up than a honeymoon suite. Then, two floors down, he rented two rooms, serving as their satellite office.

"Thanks for holding the doors for me." She turned to face the other person on the lift, relieved she did not have to wait for the next elevator trip.

"Can you press the top floor? Please!" She could not use her fingers because her hands were full.

Instead of going straight to the office, she remembered she had forgotten a document in her room. She had to get it first.

Nonetheless, she would not be late if the barista in the coffee shop did not blunder her orders. But she guessed it was an accident. The poor woman surely did not mean to make the mistake.

"Do you need a hand?" He offered to help, extending his arm.

But she immediately declined. The unknown man must be a valuable hotel guest, seeing him in his impeccable suit and expensive watch.

"No, it's ok. I can manage." She declined his help. "But thanks."

After a few seconds, she gazed at the floor panel, willing the numbers to move up faster. The more the long hands clicked by, the more late she had become.

"Are you working at this hotel?" He asked, probably wondering why she was going to the penthouse suite, carrying food in her hands.

Suddenly, she glanced again at the man, taking a second look at him. If she had not noticed how gorgeously handsome he was earlier, she saw it now.

Unlike her pale skin, he had a glorious tan painting his skin. It's probably the result of lengthy exposure to the sun at the beach.

Oh! What I would do to lay on the sand and sunbathe under the sun.

But she was here to work, not to laze around.

"Yeah, I do." Technically, she was working in the building but not for the hotel. But she thought it might not be what he meant. "Actually..."

She was about to correct him, but his phone rang, and he answered it. But the reception was terrible as he struggled to hear the person on the other line.

Then, the elevator doors opened. "I'm sorry, this is my floor." He smiled at her apologetically before he rushed out to the hallway.

"I hope to bump into you again." She heard him shout before the doors shut on him.

She doubted she would see him again as she watched him disappear. Anyway, she should not be admiring another man.

You are here to work and not socialize. Besides, I'm already married.

She quickly shoved the idea away, rushing into their suite to get the documents. The last thing she wanted was to get an earful from him.

Sometimes, Lucas could be a prick.

Just like he had said, she became his personal assistant, doing what Jason would usually do if the man had been with them on this trip.

Her boss let her fetch his coffee, do errands, and do other stuff. Of course, she had nothing to complain about since she had asked for this.

No special treatment.

"We are going out tonight to meet our client. He would want an update on the project, so be ready, just in case I need something from you." He informed her as soon as she stepped into their temporary office.

"Ok!" What else could she say when he was the boss?

The rest of the day had become a blur as the entire team worked on the project with the rest of the team. They had to produce a proposal to present to the client tonight.

It took them hours, but she was glad they finished it with time to spare. She might be just an assistant, but she believed she learned and contributed something to the project.

"Everybody, great job." Lucas praised the team, which she appreciated. "You did a good job." Then, he turned to her, whispering it near her ears.

She believed it was the first time he had complimented her since she worked for him. Truthfully, she felt elated and satisfied. At least her hard work had been recognized.

"Thanks." She enthusiastically responded before leaving him to return to her room to prepare for their dinner meeting.

She debated whether to dress professionally or casually. But later on, she decided on the former. It was a business meeting, not a dinner date.

Still, she chose a dress that was a bit of both. Then, an hour later, she walked into the restaurant with her boss beside her, at least for today, guiding them to their table.

"I want you to meet Mr. Chase Williamson. He owned Ocean View Hotel & Resort." Lucas introduced the man, who was already waiting for them at the seaside restaurant.

"Oh! It's you." She immediately recognized him from earlier.

The other man also turned to her with recognition in his eyes. She guessed his wish came true as they bumped into each other again.

"You know each other?" Lucas seemed surprised as he observed her reaction to their client.

"Yeah! We met earlier at the elevator, but I didn't catch your name." Mr. Williamson looked at her husband before turning his attention to her.

"This is my assistant, Ms. Andriana Young," Lucas told him. "She is also assisting me on this project."

The man instantly stood up, offering his hand to her. She assumed he would shake her hand, but to her surprise, he gracefully lifted them to his lips as he bowed to give her a gentlemanly kiss on her knuckles.

Of course, she did not expect that since she thought chivalry gestures died long ago. But it seemed so natural with him, making him look charming and attractive.

"Call me, Chase." He held on to her fingers longer than necessary before eventually letting them go.

"You can call her Mrs. Young." Lucas suddenly intervened. "She is married."