Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
“Nice to meet both of you,” she answered with a quiver in her voice that signaled Tim that she was nervous.
Something about her resonated inside him. He was surprised to find himself more concerned about this stranger than he was getting acclimated. Tim tried not to stare noticeably her way but knew he failed when his brother spoke to fill the silence.
“Hi, Aspen. I’m sure we’ll run into each other.”
Turning to his brother, Jeff added, “I’m out of here, Tim. I promised the kids I’d take them roller skating this afternoon.”
Tim shook his head as his brother disappeared. “I’m sorry I’m missing that.”
“Hi, Mr. Simmons. I’m excited to be working with you. Please let me know how I can support your transition here,” Aspen said nervously.
“You’re not working on a Saturday, are you?” he questioned. Using social niceties to satisfy his desire to touch her, Tim walked forward to offer her his hand.
“Oh, this isn’t work. I volunteered to show you to your new office so we could meet before Monday,” Aspen said quickly.
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” He stared at her, truly missing the clarity of vision he’d had before the accident. There was something about her that drew him. A gentleness ebbed from her. Tim liked it. A lot.
“Sir?” she asked, the nervousness increasing in her voice as he studied her.
“Excuse me, Aspen. I didn’t mean to stare. I’m sure you’re aware I have a visual impairment. I study people a bit closer than others are used to. My apologies.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine. I’m sure we’ll get used to each other quickly,” Aspen assured him.
“If you’ll excuse me, Tim, I’ll leave you to get settled. You already have my number and the security desk’s contact information. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything we can do for you,” Sharon said as Knox appeared in the doorway.
Tim had no problem identifying the large man’s shadowy appearance. “Knox. Do you work out in the gym?” he asked before the couple could leave. Tim had no doubts that these two were involved personally.
“I do. If you’re interested, there’s a couple of us who exercise after work. I’ll be glad to show you the equipment,” Knox offered.
“Maybe in a few days. Say, Wednesday?” Tim suggested.
“Perfect. Pedro Morales, the Cyber Security Officer, and I always hit it hard on Wednesday. No worries. We always take it easy on the new guy,” Knox said with a companionable laugh.
“I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” Tim joked. He liked Knox already. “Thanks. I’ll look forward to it.”
When the doorway cleared, he asked Aspen, “They’re holding hands, aren’t they?”
“Newly married, sir,” she confirmed.
“Thank you. As my administrative assistant, I’m going to rely on you for things I can’t pick up visually. If I ask you something that bothers you, let me know,” he requested.
“I’m glad to help. And I’m just a temporary assistant for you, sir. You may work better or have the need for more unique skills than I have,” she said quickly.
“Do you want the job?” he asked.
“Yes, sir. I’ve been at Edgewater for four years. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with you in shipping. I’ll learn fast,” she promised.
“Then we’ll just dispense with the interviews of other admins until you decide it’s not for you,” Tim directed.
“I don’t think that will happen,” she assured him.
“Would you walk with Boston and me so we can get oriented to our new routine?”
“Of course. Just tell me where you want to go.”
“First off, let’s head to the office. The shipping department is in C Tower, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me Tim, Aspen.” The word Daddy flashed into his brain, making him pause. She can’t be?
“Of course, Tim. What’s the best way for you and Boston to learn the route?”
“It helps if you’ll be quiet to allow us both to concentrate. Boston is amazingly smart. We’ll test him to see if he can lead us out of the building.” Tim called Boston from his safe spot on the large dog bed Sharon had provided for him and captured the dog’s harness.
“Okay, boy. Let’s go out.”
Boston immediately walked to the door and led the way to the elevator and back to the ground floor. He hesitated at the front door, waiting for instructions.
“Good job, Boston.” He looked over his shoulder at Aspen who had followed behind.
“That’s amazing,” she commented before immediately adding concise instructions. “We’ll go out the doors to the main sidewalk and turn to the left.”
Tim held up his hand signaling her to stop. With Aspen and Boston’s help, he navigated across the campus to the C Tower and located his office. “I’ll leave all the details of the office until later,” he suggested. “I’ll take time on Monday to memorize the layout.”
“Would you like to walk back and forth again?” Aspen asked.
“That would help.”
Her presence next to him was soothing. Aspen was quiet and unobtrusive but responsive and caring. He knew Sharon couldn’t have chosen a better administrative assistant for him. That hint of something exceptional that hovered around her intrigued him. Tim had searched for someone very special for a long time.