Portia Hendricks ran into the bathroom and leaned against the full-length mirror. She punched her fists against the glass. “Breathe. Breathe,” she said, fanning herself. “You’re a professional. You can do this.” She looked into the mirror and saw that she was cheesing. “Take that stupid smile off your face,” she told herself.
A gorgeous man had walked into the office and introduced himself as Nathaniel Lyons. Portia had taken one look at him and excused herself to the restroom. She never lost her composure, but Nathaniel Lyons was beautiful. “Oh my, his arms are massive. They’re like two of mine.” Portia gave herself a firm talking to. “Portia Hendricks, you’re the legal secretary for Sydney Charleston, soon to be, next partner of The Welchman Group. Get yourself together. Act professional and get back out there.” She opened the bathroom door and walked back to her desk, hoping he was gone.
No such luck. He stood waiting. He smiled like he knew what he was doing to her. Portia puffed her chest. “I’m so sorry,” she breathed, “I had a quick emergency.”
He laughed and extended his hand. “Let’s try again. My name’s Nathaniel Lyons. I’m here for my interview.”
The bass in his voice created shivers on her insides. “It’s deep,” Portia said, as she shook his hand. She felt a slight tremor travel up her arm.
“Excuse me?”
Portia cleared her throat. Had she said that aloud? “Have a seat, please,” she commanded, pretending she hadn’t heard his question. He nodded and sauntered to sit in one of the armchairs. The view from back there was just as distracting. Goodness. Portia wiped her eyebrows. She was not going to survive this fineness.
Portia stood and strolled down the other end of the hall. Seeing Emily Reese, she gave a slight wave. “Emily, your three o’clock interview is here.”
Emily Reese was a petite redhead, with startling green eyes, a ready smile and loud voice. Portia felt her cheeks redden when Emily asked, “Are you all right? You looked flushed.”
She beckoned for Emily to lower her voice and whispered, “Yes, I’m okay. I’ll send Mr. Lyons back.”
“Okay.” Emily crooked her head. “Are you sure you’re okay? We don’t need you passing out or anything. Turn up the AC.”
“No, I’m fine.” Portia gritted her teeth.
He must have heard Emily. She just knew Nathaniel had heard Emily’s booming voice. She was so loud, even the deaf would hear her. Sure enough, the grin on his face told it all. Portia pursed her lips. The man knew he was fine. She lifted her chin. “Mr. Lyons, please follow me.” She turned without waiting to see if he followed.
She felt his body close behind hers. He was doing that on purpose. Portia fumed and stopped short. Nathaniel bumped into her. Portia held her breath as strong arms circled her waist.
“Easy now,” he said, mere inches from her ear.
He smelled like the sea and outdoors. Portia removed his hands from her body. “I’m okay.” She refused to make eye contact and ushered him into Emily’s office.
Nathaniel was interviewing for Jack’s old spot. Portia smiled, thinking of Jack Green. They had dated for a few months until he moved away to care for his ailing mother. He hadn’t wanted their relationship to end, but Portia couldn’t do the long distance thing. Any distance over thirty minutes was too far for her.
Portia returned to her desk and looked at the screen. She had enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University at Jack’s urging and was on her way to finally completing her bachelor’s degree. Portia had been eighteen credits short when she dropped out of college. Both Jack and her boss Sydney had seen her potential. They had encouraged her to get back into school. She took their advice and was now taking online classes full time.
Portia was busy reading online when Sydney walked in. “How was court today?” she asked. Sydney gestured for Portia to follow her into her office. Portia grabbed her notepad.
“Put that down,” Sydney ordered, “You won’t need it. I have something to tell you.”
Portia leaned forward. Sydney wasn’t only the best boss of her life; she was also a dear friend. Portia had been the maid-of-honor at her and Noah’s wedding eight months prior at the Renaissance Vinoy in Tampa. “What’s going on?”
Sydney opened her mouth to speak and started laughing.
Her laughter was contagious. Portia joined in, even though she didn’t know what was up. “Okay, stop laughing.” She covered her face with her hand. “I feel silly laughing when I don’t know the punch line.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Whoo hoo!” Portia threw her hands in the air. She gave Sydney a hug. “I’m so happy for you. You and Noah deserve this. I was worried when you found out he used to be a White supremacist, but your love has been strong enough to survive his past. You’re both going to be good parents and since he’s a pastor, you know your baby is blessed.” Portia knew she rambled but she was overjoyed for her boss-friend. “How far along are you? When are you due?”
Sydney leaned back in her chair. “I have an appointment this evening with Dr. Wachowski so I’ll tell you when I find out.”
“You’d better call me.” She eyed Sydney’s stilettos. “I hope you know you’re going to have to give those up.”
“Don’t get all bossy on me,” Sydney warned. Closing her eyes, Sydney leaned back in the comfortable leather chair. “I’m not going to give up my shoes. I draw the line at that.”
“Heels are not good for pregnant women. They shift your womb.”
“Portia, if Beyoncé and Jessica Simpson survived pregnancy in their six-inch heels, I know I’ll be just fine.”
Portia pursed her lips, but didn’t argue. She made a mental note to talk to Noah about that and to purchase Sydney some sensible shoes. Sydney entrusted her with her Amex card, and Portia had no qualms using it to help her boss. She would come around.
“You’re not saying anything,” Sydney opened her eyes. “I know what that means. Portia, I mean it. Don’t touch my shoes.”
Portia opened the door to exit Sydney’s office. She spotted Nathaniel walking her way and closed the door. She put a hand on her chest.
Sydney eyed her. “What’s the matter with you? You’re not acting like yourself.”
Portia had forgotten her boss was present. She’d been more concerned about avoiding Nathaniel to think straight.
“Ah…nothing.” She leaned against the door and closed her eyes, swallowing slowly.
Sydney’s eyes narrowed. “Who’s out there?”
There was a light tap on the door. Portia moved away from the door and opened it slowly. The partners stood there. Nathaniel towered behind them. She frowned at his ingratiating grin. Lifting her chin, she stepped aside and allowed the four people to enter Sydney’s office.
“Sydney Charleston, I would like to introduce Nathaniel Lyons. He’s Jack’s replacement and comes highly recommended. Graduated top of his class.” Bob Griffiths preened. “We’re pleased to have another African-American attorney join our firm.”
Sydney pushed her feet into her shoes and walked over to greet Nathaniel. He raised an eyebrow. There was no mistaking the interest in his eyes. Portia felt a small nudge of jealousy. Sydney was gorgeous and happily married. Nathaniel didn’t stand a chance. Portia walked out to return to the schoolwork prominently displayed on her desktop.
A few minutes later, she heard a throat clear. She could smell him before she saw him. Portia turned away from the computer to face him with a wide smile. “Yes, sir?”
“Sir?” Nathaniel stepped back. “Please. Call me Nathaniel. Sir is reserved for my father.”
It was impossible not to succumb to his obvious charm. This time, she gave him a genuine smile. “Okay, Nathaniel. What can I do for you?”
“Ah, I was told you’re the person I needed to see to get me situated in my office?” He posed the statement as a question.
Portia shook her head. “I’m Sydney’s personal secretary. I work for her. You might want to see Emily Reese.” She motioned down the hall.
Nathaniel tapped his chin. “But, Sydney said…” He trailed off. “Well, maybe I misunderstood.”
“No, you got it right.”
Portia’s mouth popped open. Did she just hear right? Her boss was offering up her services without giving her an option? Sydney had never done that before. She didn’t share Portia, ever. How could Sydney do this?
Portia was loyal to Sydney. She’d turned down bribes and sweet offers from the other partners to work with Sydney. Exclusively.
But here Sydney was sharing.
“I knew you wouldn’t mind. I offered your assistance because I remembered how you were a big help to Jack. Nathaniel is new here, so... Plus, your salary just doubled and your title just changed.” She snapped her fingers.
“Thank you so much for thinking of me,” Portia said. She knew Sydney felt she had just done her a big favor, but Portia wasn’t thrilled. She had too much of a crush on Nathaniel Lyons to be any good to him.
“If it’s too much trouble…” Nathaniel paused. “I can do it myself.”
Portia shook her head. If she said it was too much, she would seem inefficient. “No, no, Nathaniel. Leave it all to me. I’ll have you set up in no time.”
“Welcome, Nathaniel. You’re in good hands. Portia is the best there is,” Sydney said before leaving the two alone.
“I see that already.” Nathaniel scanned her from head to toe and strutted into his office.
Portia stood there. She knew she was blushing. If she weren’t so dark, he would know it. As sure as the sun was shining, she knew she’d been marked by a predator… a lion. Her sweaty palms and rising body temperature told her she didn’t stand a chance.
Portia wobbled over to his office. With one brave step, she entered the Lyons den.