The Bonus Read online

  “Employer/employee?”

  “Precisely.”

  “Nothing else.”

  “Nothing.” He hesitated. “Unless—”

  “Here comes the catch.”

  “No catch. We keep it on a strictly professional footing. Business only. Unless you want more.”

  “Unless I want more? You think I'll be unable to resist your charms. Is that it?”

  “That's exactly right.”

  “You're an arrogant prick aren't you?”

  “Do we have a deal?”

  “Same salary as you mentioned before?”

  He nodded.

  “Company car?”

  “Yes.”

  “No. Forget it!” Lacey stood up

  “Why not?”

  “It would never work.”

  “Why? Because you don't trust yourself to resist me?”

  “Listen to yourself. I wouldn't have to try very hard to resist you. In fact, I wouldn't have to try at all. I'd rather be celibate than go anywhere near you and a bedroom.”

  “Let me see if I've got this straight. You hate the sight of me, and don't want to sleep with me? ”

  “Got it in one.”

  “So, what's the problem? Take the job.”

  “Why can't you get it through your thick skull? I don't want your stupid job.”

  “That's because you know you wouldn't be able to resist me.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “Prove it then. Take the job.” He stood up and walked around the table so they were no more than a few feet apart. “I tell you what. I'll even sweeten the deal.”

  “Let me guess,” Lacey said. “You'll agree to wear a paper bag over your head so I don't fall for your good looks?”

  He laughed. “I'll give you a twenty per cent bonus if you haven't slept with me after twelve months.”

  “A bonus not to sleep with you? I don't need any incentive not to sleep with you.”

  “So, will you take the job? What do you have to lose?”

  It was a good question. She had a choice. Either cardboard city and poverty or a well-paid job and company car. She'd have to put up with this arrogant arse hole, but she'd be well paid, and have the added satisfaction of collecting the bonus twelve months down the line.

  “Okay. I'll take your damn job.”

  “Great!”

  “When do you want me to start?”

  “How about tomorrow?”

  “I have to give notice.”

  “That won't be necessary. I'll arrange for temporary staff cover at your shop. Shall we say nine o' clock in the morning?”

  “Where do I go? I assume you have an office somewhere.”

  “The head office is over the river, but I generally work from here when I'm not on the road. You'll be based here. There's an office set up in that room over there.” He pointed to one of the doors to his left. “Do you have a valid passport and driving licence?”

  She nodded.

  “You'll need those. I spend a lot of time away from the office, and I'll usually need you to travel with me.”

  “You never mentioned that.”

  “You're going to be my PA. What did you expect?”

  “I thought I'd be mainly office-based. I'm not sure this will work.”

  “Why? Do you think there's a chance you'll lose your bonus if you're forced to travel with me?”

  “Never going to happen. You could parade around stark naked, and I wouldn't even notice.”

  “Shall we test that theory?” He made as if to undo a button on his shirt.

  “No! That won't be necessary.” This was getting more and more complicated by the minute. It sounded as if she'd be expected to accompany him twenty-four seven. Why should that make any difference? It was still only a job. He was her employer—nothing more.

  “Be here at nine tomorrow morning.” He offered his hand. “Welcome on board.”

  She hesitated for a moment, but then shook his hand. His grip was firm. How long was a handshake meant to last? It seemed he would never let go, but then did she want him to? Of course she did. She pulled her hand away.

  “See you in the morning,” he called after her, as she left the penthouse.

  As she travelled down in the lift, she could feel her heart racing. It had started the moment he took hold of her hand. It must be nerves at the thought of the new job. It was only natural to be apprehensive. Was that really why her heart was racing? She had to believe it was—any other reason was too scary to contemplate.

  **********

  By the time Lacey arrived back at the flat, Suzy was home.

  “Sorry I had to cut you off before, babes” Suzy said.

  “That's okay. How was the movie?”

  “Good. I don't think Steve liked it though.”

  Just then, a loud thud came from Suzy's bedroom.

  “Is Steve here?” Lacey asked.

  Suzy shook her head.

  “Hi!” Daggers stood in the bedroom doorway.

  Lacey gave her flatmate such a look.

  “What?” Suzy held her hands out.

  “You were with Steve only an hour ago.”

  “So?”

  “You're meant to be moving in with him”

  “I am.”

  “So why is he in your bedroom?”

  “It's not what it looks like,” Suzy said. “Daggers came around to help me with one or two things before I move out.”

  “Why isn't Steve doing that?”

  “Steve's not very good with his hands.”

  “Or his tongue.” Daggers grinned.

  “You!” Lacey glared at Daggers. “Keep it shut!”

  “He's just helping—that's all,” Suzy said. “I promise.”

  “I've cracked the glass in the picture frame,” Daggers said. “Sorry.”

  Suzy shrugged. “Anyway. That's not the only reason he came around.”

  “What else? A quick goodbye shag before you move in with Steve?”

  “You can be such a righteous cow sometimes, Lacey. And here I am, trying to help you.”

  “How's having this loser under my feet going to help me?”

  “There's a spare room at Daggers' place. He says you can move in.”

  “With him?”

  “Just until you find somewhere better.”

  “What? Like a sewer?”

  “Hey!” Daggers sounded indignant.

  “No offence Daggers, but I'd rather sleep rough than move in with you.”

  “Please yourself.” He disappeared back into Suzy's bedroom. “Your loss.”

  “What were you thinking?” Lacey said.

  “I thought you'd be pleased. You said you didn't have anywhere to go. Daggers' place isn't far from where Steve lives. I'd be able to pop around to see you.”

  “And fuck Daggers while you're there?”

  “See! What did I say? You can be such an ungrateful cow. What are you going to do then? Move back in with your mum?”

  “No. I'll find somewhere.”

  “What are you going to pay the rent with?”

  “My salary.”

  “Minimum wage isn't going to get you anything better than you'd have at Daggers' place.”

  “I start my new job tomorrow.”

  “You taken the PA job, haven't you? I thought you said you'd rather poke your eyes out with a blunt stick?”

  “I've changed my mind.”

  “You do know it's not a real job, don't you? He just wants to get you into bed.”

  “Of course it's a real job. He's promised not to try anything on.”

  “And you believe him?”

  “We have an agreement. I even get a bonus.”

  “What for? “

  “If I go twelve months without sleeping with him, I get an extra twenty per cent.”

  “Let me get this straight. You get a bonus not to fuck him?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you think you can do it?”

  “It's in the bank. He's
an obnoxious prick. Not sleeping with him will be the easiest thing I've ever done.”

  “Is he ugly?”

  “No. He's good looking, I guess. If you like that kind of thing.”

  “Fat?”

  “No. He's in good shape.”

  “Does he have bad breath?”

  “No. What's with all the questions?”

  “Do you fancy him?”

  “Course I don't fancy him. He's not my type. He thinks he's something special just because he's rich. He's used to getting everything he wants. No, I don't fancy him. No. Not at all.”

  “Me thinks a simple 'no' would have done.”

  Lacey left Suzy and Daggers to their own devices while she went shopping to spend money she didn't have. She could hardly wear the same blouse and skirt every day, so she maxed-out her credit card to buy two new outfits. She'd have to make do with those until she received her first salary payment.

  Chapter 6

  The next morning, Lacey arrived at the Commodore wearing a navy blue suit which looked far more expensive than it actually was. She caught a glimpse of her reflection as she walked through reception. It was a major improvement on the Chipmunk Pizza uniform.

  Lacey had called in to see Carlos the previous evening. She'd thought it only fair to tell him face-to-face she was leaving. As it turned out, she needn't have bothered. He already knew. In fact, her temporary replacement was already behind the counter when Lacey arrived.

  “Her name's Judy,” Carlos had said. “She's very good. Head office organised it all.”

  Lacey knew it was ridiculous, but she'd felt a little disappointed to have been replaced so quickly and easily. She hadn't told Carlos much about her new job—if she was honest—he hadn't seemed all that interested.

  Lacey heard voices as soon as she stepped out of the lift. One of them was Westgrove; the other one was a woman's. The voices appeared to be coming from the master bedroom. What should she do? It was five to nine—he'd said she should start at nine. It wasn't like she could wait in the corridor—there wasn't one. She walked over to the table and took a seat. The conversation in the other room continued, but Lacey couldn't make out what was being said.

  She checked her watch again. It was now ten past nine.

  “Hi!” the tall, slim, blonde woman said, as she stepped out of the bedroom. She was wearing a green, knee length dress with matching shoes.

  “Hello.” Lacey smiled.

  “Is it that time already?” Westgrove appeared behind the young woman. He was wearing suit trousers and a white shirt, with a tie hanging loose from the collar. “Sorry Lacey. I lost all track of time.”

  'I just bet you did,' Lacey thought, but she actually said, “That's okay.”

  She watched as Westgrove followed the blonde to the lift. After the two of them had exchanged a quick peck on the cheek, the woman left.

  “Sorry about that,” Westgrove said. “I'd forgotten Carol was coming over.”

  “None of my business.” Lacey shrugged.

  He grinned.

  “What?” Lacey hated how easily he could make her feel uncomfortable. “It isn't any of my business who you see. I'm just your employee.”

  “For now.”

  “For always. I've got a bonus to earn—remember? Carol's very pretty.”

  “She comes from good stock.”

  “I hope you haven't told her that. You make her sound like a horse.”

  “She's my sister.”

  Lacey squirmed. “I thought I saw a family resemblance,” she lied.

  “Give me five minutes to finish getting dressed, and then we'll make a start. Can you call room service and order coffee and croissants? Just press 'zero'.”

  “How do you take your coffee?”

  “They'll know. Get something for yourself while you're at it.”

  Ten minutes after she'd put the phone down, a waiter arrived with the coffee and croissants. Was room service always so quick or did the penthouse get special treatment? Westgrove was still in the bedroom, and Lacey felt a little sorry for the young waiter who had probably been expecting a big tip.

  “What's tickling you?” Westgrove said.

  She hadn't heard him come out of the bedroom.

  “Nothing.” Her cheeks flushed.

  “Do you normally walk around with a big grin on your face? It's a bit scary.”

  “If you must know, I was thinking about the fifty pound note you gave me. I think the waiter was hoping for a tip.”

  “They do okay off me. Although I've never tipped anyone as much as I did you.”

  “I feel so special.”

  “You might not when I stop the fifty pounds out of your first pay cheque.”

  “What—?” She saw his grin and realised he was teasing.

  “Let's make a start.” He took a bite of croissant. “Are you sure you don't want something to eat?”

  “No. I'm good, thanks.”

  “Will you get that folder? Over there on the coffee table.”

  Lacey retrieved the manila folder which was bursting at the seams with paper.

  “Lulu left those for you.”

  “Lulu?”

  “My previous PA.”

  “Lulu? That was her name? Seriously?” Lacey laughed.

  “My mother's name was Lulu.”

  “Oh. Sorry. It's a nice—.”

  “I'm only kidding. My mother's name was Josephine. Funnily enough though, Lulu did actually look like a Lulu. It suited her personality.

  “Where is she now?”

  “She retired.”

  “What do you want me to do with these?”

  “Read through them. Get up to speed with everything in there.”

  Westgrove disappeared into the bedroom. Moments later she heard his voice, and realised he was on the phone. Once Lacey had spread the papers out on the table, she could see most of it was straight forward. There was a print-out from his online calendar which gave details of meetings and conferences for the next month. There were several meetings in Europe and two in the States. Also in the folder, were details of hotel reservations as well as travel plans. He had a private jet! She'd only ever flown economy—was she going to travel on a private jet? The other documents in the folder were contracts which had all manner of red ink amendments on them. Lacey tried to read one, but it went right over her head.

  “I'm not sure I'm up to this,” she said, when he came back into the room just under an hour later. “I've never trained to be a PA.”

  “There's nothing to it. You just need plenty of common-sense, good organisational abilities and a capacity for hard work.”

  “Right.” She'd never been afraid of hard work, and although she wasn't the most organised person in the world, she could probably wing it. Common-sense? The jury was out on that one.

  “Have you checked my calendar for next week?” he asked.

  “Germany on Monday. Italy on Friday.” Lacey had her fingers crossed under the table. Should that have been Poland on Friday? Or was that the following week?

  “I'll need you to rearrange the dates. Swap them around. Change the hotel bookings, and re-arrange the flights and cars. I have to go out now for a couple of hours. Any questions?”

  “Errr. No. I don't—”

  “Good. Order yourself lunch from room service. I'll be back this afternoon.”

  “How come there's room service here? It's not like it's a hotel.”

  “The apartments are fully managed including full room service. There's a restaurant on the ground floor if you'd rather use that. Charge it to my account.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “You'll need this card.” He handed her what looked like a credit card. “You may as well hang on to it. It doubles as a pass card for the lift.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  He started towards the door, but then seemed to remember something.

  “I meant to give you this.” He took an Iphone from his pocket and threw it to her. Lacey had been
hopeless at rounders at school. She couldn't catch for toffee, but somehow she managed to grab the phone before it hit the table.

  “I already have a phone.”

  “This is your business phone. Don't use it for anything else. When I call, I expect you to pick up—straight away.”

  “Aye aye, sir.” She was about to salute, but thought better of it.

  “If I do call, it will be important, so don't leave the phone lying around. Keep it with you.”

  “Is it okay if I turn it off when I go to bed?” She laughed.

  “No. I expect you to be on call twenty four seven.” He stepped into the lift.

  She was about to point out that she hadn't signed up to provide twenty four hour cover, but the lift doors were already closing.

  She'd thought the job had been no more than a front to get her into bed. She'd expected to be sitting around with precious little to do. It seemed she'd got that wrong. He actually expected her to earn her salary, and he expected her to do it twenty-four seven. She had a real job, and it felt good. Now all she had to do was figure out how the hell to be a PA—starting with rearranging his calendar for the following week.

  By lunch time, Lacey's head was spinning, but she'd managed to rearrange the accommodation and travel plans as he'd requested. It hadn't taken her as long as she'd expected because everyone jumped when she mentioned Westgrove's name. The hotels had fallen over themselves to be accommodating.

  She was starving, so grabbed the room service menu. The prices were a joke. Ten pounds for a sandwich—were they having a laugh? Westgrove had told her to order lunch, but she couldn't bring herself to pay that kind of money—even if she wasn't the one who'd pick up the bill. Besides, she had a yearning for some chicken nuggets and fries.

  Suzy answered the phone. “Hi, babes. How's it going? Have you got the sack yet?”

  “Cheeky cow. It's going okay. Better than I expected.”

  “Have you lost your bonus yet?”

  “No chance of that. I'll get that bonus. Just you wait and see.”

  “What are you doing? It sounds like you've got a mouthful of food. What is it? Caviar?”

  “Chicken nuggets.”