Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

JULY

I was fully intending to stay in, unpack, and get ready for my first date, but that idea was lost almost immediately. I quickly figured out that I need to walk off some of this nervous energy and I would like to go to the office I am going to be working at.

So, here I am in front of Grayson’s Law Office walking inside. “Welcome to the Law Office of Grayson Picard. Do you have an appointment?” This pretty woman is smiling at me.

“Well not exactly. My name is July…” She bounces out of her seat and rounds the desk with the look of excitement on her face.

“Oh my word. You’re July Haven. It’s so nice to meet you.” She grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug. “I am so glad you could start so quickly. It was getting to be exhausting doing this by day and law school at night.”

“I’m sorry you are?” I hope she didn’t say her name because I blanked if she did. I was so stunned by her hug and the niceness I think I missed it.

“Ha. I’m sorry. Where is my head? My name is Samantha Picard. Grayson is my husband.”

“Oh. Wow. It must be nice working with one another.” It’s now that I see the wedding photo on her desk.

“Uh, yes and no. I mean eventually it will be our name on the door but right now, while I am in law school I am only helping him out because my mother-in-law god bless her soul, was his assistant, but that woman cannot hold water and well let’s just say she’s lucky this town is one big family.” We both start giggling because I understand what she is trying to say.

“Baby who are you… oh hello.” A man, I am assuming, is Grayson walks into the room. “Is there an appointment I forgot about?” he asks, concerned, looking at his watch.

“No, babe. This is July, your new assistant.” Recognition crosses his face before he holds out his hand.

“Ah yes. Welcome to town, July. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“I know. I just, well I made it here today and wanted to check in and at least acquaint myself with the office and introduce myself.”

“Very wise. Well, as you can see it is small. Not much, but it fulfills me and allows me to be with my family. You will mostly be answering calls, collecting payments, and answering my emails. Since you are here I will give you the petty cash key, key for the safe, and your access codes.” He walks away.

“It sounds like a lot but seriously this will be the easiest paycheck you will ever earn,” she says smiling, motioning for me to sit next to her. This town is definitely slow, and I don't imagine a lot of criminals or civil cases needing to be handled so now I am wondering how this place makes money. It might be in poor taste to ask, but I can’t have come all the way down here only to be out of work shortly after.

“So if I may ask, how is most of his money made?”

“That is a smart question.” Samantha laughs. “He is also the corporate attorney for the Blackstone Bank company here in West Virginia. He handles all of their corporate accounts and some of their international ones.” Okay, that makes sense.

“Alright July, here you go.” Grayson walks back into the room with a folder, a notebook, some keys and a binder. “Your laptop will be provided for you as will a company phone. Due to the sensitive nature of the information we handle, I have to make sure your devices are properly encrypted.” Nodding, I take everything, place into the desk Samantha was occupying but as she started clearing it out while I was talking to Grayson, I can only assume she is keen to vacate.

Once everything is squared away, I walk back to the apartment, my eyes still moving back and forth, amazed when I see a person riding horseback through the town stop at the General Store like it's the new fashion accessory. This place is wild. Glancing down at my watch I see I have an hour to get ready.

Practically sprinting up the stairs into the apartment, I jump in the shower, grab a gray tank dress, with matching bra and panties. I do my hair and makeup and right when I am putting on the finishing touches, there is a knock at the door.

Taking a deep breath I open it and almost choke on his sexiness. Damn he is so hot.

“Wow. You’re beautiful.” He says kissing my cheek.

“Thank you. You look handsome.” Then I realize I don’t know if what I am wearing is okay. “Is this dress okay? I don’t know if I have anything fancy..” His finger covers my mouth.

“You look perfect, baby. Perfect,” he whispers that last part before kissing me softly and grabbing my hand. “Do you have everything?” I nod my head lamely because for as sweet as that kiss was, it knocked me silent. “Great, then let’s go.” Is it too early to ask that he never let me go?