Free Exposing the Billionaire (Corporate Affairs, Book #1) by Andi Alexander Page A

door—silver with molding that almost looked like glass—and spun on her gray heels to face Kate.
    “I find it very stimulating.”
    Stimulating. Kate thought about what kind of ‘stimulation’ she was getting from this place and wondered how best to approach the subject. As a reporter, Kate knew that the wrong question to the wrong person was as good as a solid door in your face.
    “And the wages are generous,” Kate continued, smiling as though a simpleton merely happy with a paycheck above minimum wage. “Mr. Blaine seems like a good boss.”
    ––––––––
    C larice’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, suggesting that there was something about Blaine being a good boss that Clarice didn’t like Kate talking about. Time to do some smooth back pedaling and emphasize the dumb broad routine.
    “I’m really looking forward to working for him,” she said with that same stupid smile plastered on her face. “I’m really good at making coffee.”
    What suspicion had taken hold in Clarice’s expression softened slightly, although not altogether fading. “Well,” she said dryly. “There will be some of that, but those won’t be your only tasks. You’ll also be required to answer phone calls and take messages for Mr. Blaine, usually only when he’s out of his office.” Her voice was quick, but insistent, as those these items were more than a job description, but a calling .
    Kate was pretty sure being a secretary wasn’t a calling for anyone, regardless of whether he was a hot shot corporate CEO or not.
    “There will be filing, taking memos, keeping his schedule, and fielding any persons that come to the office requesting to see him. Some will have appointments—some will not. It’s important to make sure no one disturbs Mr. Blaine without an invitation, understand?” Her eyes flashed accusingly, making her look older and dangerous.
    Kate nodded quickly, feeling the intensity of the woman grow the more she talked about Mr. Blaine. Suddenly, it occurred to her that Clarice may have chosen to stay with the company for reasons not purely professional.
    So maybe Kate’s sleazy boss angle could work out after all.
    She would have to make notes, then just wait and see.
    “Now,” Clarice continued, straightening her already perfectly pressed suit. “You will work primarily from here,” she said as she opened the door they had been standing in front of. They walked in, revealing a wide hallway that might as well been its own office. “That will be your desk.”
    She waved her freshly manicured fingers towards a large desk shaped like a teardrop—stainless steel silver, of course—with what looked like a top of the line computer and a very comfortable chair.
    “You are welcome to bring some personal items,” she told Kate evenly, but the way she said ‘personal items’ suggested that she didn’t care for them in an office setting. “They are to be tasteful, minimal, and arranged so as not to distract visitors or become hindrances for office duties.”
    Kate cleared her throat, then smiled blandly. “Of course.”
    “Through that door is Mr. Blaine’s office. You won’t spend much time in there,” Clarice said with only a hint of smugness. “However, on occasion he will ask for coffee, reports, or memos that require you to enter. Be sure you knock first. Always.”
    Kate stared at the set of tall, intricately etched double doors. They followed that same silver theme that the whole place had going on, but they were carved into, displaying swirling designs. They were so thin and so light, because of the silver, that they didn’t come off as gaudy. Merely something interesting to see beneath the surface that came about only when you were looking carefully.
    Beyond those doors was Kate’s goal. Of course, she would snoop around the files she would have access to and question other employees besides the strange, strict Ms. Adams, but Blaine’s office was her best bet for dirt.
    Every company