CHAPTER 2

She forced herself to calm down, knowing she wouldn’t go anywhere. She had the smarts, the common sense, the hard work ethic and even a friendly demeanor when her family wasn’t around. She just lacked the belief she could do it.

Enough! She went to the bathroom mirror to touch up her makeup. It was bad enough Stephen had left her for her younger, hotter sister, she didn’t need to look like the rejected one. It hadn’t been meant to be. She and Stephen would never have lasted. She knew that, but it didn’t lessen the hurt and humiliation.

To procrastinate more, she practiced her smile in the mirror, trying to make it look more sincere and confident. “That’s right, Stephen, son of Ass Hole,” she told her reflection and giggled. “I don’t need you. You can just kiss my derriere, you shallow son of a bitch.”

She froze when she heard Stephen’s voice clearly through the door. The bathroom wasn’t even close to being soundproof.

“Carl! How the hell are you doing?”

Oh, shit!

“It’s good to see you, Stephen.” There was the slapping sound that always followed when guys hugged. “How’s the life of the newly engaged?”

“Nearly fantastic! How’s the life of the eternal bachelor?”

“Even better.”

“I’m sure it is.” Stephen laughed, which only caused Mandy to roll her eyes inside the bathroom. “You’re looking a little gray around the edges. Has work gotten to you yet?”

There was a sigh and Mandy imagined a tall, dark and handsome dude running his fingers through his hair. The stranger would be gorgeous, of course. Stephen only hung out with insanely, beautiful people. Obviously a workaholic. Probably early thirties.

“I keep telling you to hire a personal assistant,” Stephen said. “One of these days you’re going to find yourself swimming way above your head in shark-infested waters.”

“I know.” Carl sighed again. “Actually, I’m looking for one. Do you know any?” He chuckled.

“Really?” Stephen laughed. “Actually, I know the perfect girl for you. She’s got secretary experience.” His laugh turned into a snicker. “And she’s looking for a job.”

Mandy rolled her eyes. She could just imagine the kind of secretary Stephen wanted to suggest. Barbie. Or some perfect ten, size-four model.

“Hold on, Stephen.” Carl chuckled, a delicious sound escaping his lips, which left Mandy dying to know what he actually looked like. “I’m sure you have the best intentions, but I don’t need distractions in the workplace. You might be all right with that, but I’ve got a lot more riding on my company.” Carl must have given Stephen a playful punch to the shoulder or something.

“You’ll like this one,” Stephen persisted.

“If she’s as pretty as your fiancé, then it would never work. I need someone efficient that can get the job done. Not a beautiful distraction.”

Stephen hooted. “As beautiful as Claudia? That’s funny. No, she’s hardly attractive. Actually, she’s Claudia’s slightly older sister, Mandy.”

Mandy flushed. Stephen wasn’t saying she was ‘hardly beautiful’ when he was begging her to have sex with him.

“I bet she’s gorgeous.” Carl paused, probably shaking his head or arching his neck to see where Claudia was sitting in an attempt to get a glimpse of the ‘older sister’. “Is she here with you guys?”

“Yeah,” Stephen said. “But she’s in the bathroom right now. Are you serious about not wanting someone hot?” He clapped his hands and rubbed them together. Mandy imagined he shrugged when Carl nodded. “Hey! Why don’t you join us for dinner? When she comes out, I’ll introduce you.”

Mandy’s mouth went instantly dry. The last thing Mandy needed was Stephen’s gorgeous friend looking at her all through dinner to judge if she was ugly enough not to be a distraction for him. She glared at herself in the mirror before smoothing her clothes. Taking a deep breath, she sucked in her belly and tried to appear calm as she opened the door from the bathroom, surprising both Stephen and Carl.

She smiled coolly at her ex. “S-Stephen!” She nearly stuttered when she noticed the man beside her soon-to-be brother-in-law. She wouldn’t have been surprised if there had been a loud stomping sound from her jaw hitting the floor. The most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on stood in front of her. His eyes were a smoky blue that made her feel hot all over. They seemed to glow against his tan, which looked too good to be fake. Despite Stephen’s comment about him getting gray around the edges, there wasn’t a hint of it in his dark brown hair or goatee. And he’s judging other people about being distractions in the workplace?

“Mandy, we were just talking about you.” Stephen hesitated.

“I know,” Mandy said, cutting him off. “The bathroom walls here are lousy. I could hear everything.”

Stephen had the decency to look embarrassed before quickly recovering and making his face unreadable. “Good! Then you know what Carl is looking for.” He gestured to mister tall, dark and handsome. “This is a friend of mine, Carl Salvo. Carl, this is Mandy, Claudia’s sister. Carl is looking for a personal assistant. I was just telling him how perfect you are because of your secretary experience.”

“Among other things.” Mandy wished she could call him out on what he’d said. Except she needed this job. It meant she could move out in a month or two. She turned to Carl and smiled at him, sticking her hand out for him to shake. “Nice to meet you.” She hoped her hand wasn’t sweaty. “I’d be happy to submit my resume. I’m sure Stephen can give me your contact information.” His hand pressed against hers, sending a jolt of something new running through her veins. Probably the taste of freedom. “If you’ll excuse me, I should get back to my sister’s engagement party.” Before Carl could even say a word, Mandy spun on her heel and headed to their table, blinking back tears, and feeling this had to be the top on

her list of most humiliating nights of her life – ever.