𝐼𝑛𝑘 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡

Chapter 1: Greetings and Salutations

Before the book begins, I wanted to write the starting date here since this story will be in my drafts till finished so that I don't start it and get people wanting to read then give up due to lack of motivation lmao. The starting date is 1/20/24. Anyways hopefully you enjoy! (P.S. Ik im not the best writer. This is just a fun side project I'm working on so that I can share my story idea with others).

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As I arrived at my office, I opened the dark black curtains to reveal a sun covered city below. I then set down my tea and begin to get started on the copious amounts of documents and forms that need reviewed, filled out, or more.

My silver name plate glistened as my fingers hit the noisy keyboard in front of me. I knew this day was going to be a long one considering how much work my boss Heather Chandler decided to supply to me. God, she got on my nerves but, she payed well and could throw some good events at times so it was better to stay then to leave in a fit of annoyance or rage.

The music I decided to play on my office speaker blurred out the other thoughts looming in my head as I clicked away at keys. But although the music helped with one thing, it didn't help with another which was Heather loudly clearing her throat in front of my desk as a dark haired man stood beside her. Startled, I looked up after immediately pausing the music. "Oh good morning Heather my apologies."

"Save the apologies Veronica cause frankly I don't give a shit." The woman dressed in a red power suit stood tall and crossed her arms with annoyance before speaking again. "So, you know how your last assistant was fired due to her lack of diligence? Well, you better be grateful because I've found you another one. His name is...oh shit what's your name again?" She looks back at him and he says his name with a tight lipped smile before she turns back to me. "Ah yes, Jd...well now that you know his name and you've heard hers I'm going back to my office. Oh! And Veronica I want all 15 of those documents and articles finished before tomorrow."

Her heels clicked as she left the room and then it was just me and him. He seemed a bit shy as he took in my room. I didn't want there to be too much awkward silence though and quickly came up with something to say. "Uh hi, my names Veronica as you heard..Heh..you can set your coat and your bag on that couch over there if y'a would like."

He nodded and took off his long black coat, placing it on my dark blue couch and setting his leather bag down on top of it. I observed his moves for a second before finishing a sentence I was typing and taking a sip of my tea. The silence around us was deafening so even though I didn't feel like breakfast I decided to give him his first task. "Would you be so kind as to get me a bagel with cream cheese and everything seasoning from the cafe just down the block? It's the one with the huge bagel sign." I awkwardly let out a chuckle thinking how obvious the place was probably and that I didn't need to add that last part.

And holy shit this is the first time I heard the man speak like an actual sentence.

"Yeah sure. I actually love that place myself. Great order by the way."

Now, looking at this man, I would have never thought he would say that but, he did and honestly it made me smile. It put me at ease.

"That's nice. Maybe we have more in common than it seems."

He gives me a smile which I return before saying he'll be back as soon as he can and leaving my office.

The music I was listening to resumes and my fingers pick back up the typing pace as the first document starts to come closer to it's finish.

-

A small creak can be heard, signaling me that someone is here and it happens to be the one and only bagel boy. He sets down the bag on my desk before taking a seat on the couch.

"I'm sorry it took so long, people decided to be very indecisive when ordering today. Which I find crazy. I mean come on people it's just a bagel it's not that hard to decided what to put on it!"

He threw his hands up with a chuckle which caused a giggle to escape from me as I set out the bagel on a napkin on my desk. Okay, I think I'm definitely going to like him. He's already cracking jokes so that's always a good sign. My last two assistants acted like they had a stick up their ass and look where they are now. Not here. Also, I don't think I'm intimidating so why were they so timid. Eh whatever.

"I know right! It's not that difficult it's literally a bagel!" I exclaim before taking a bite.

His eyes land on me and I feel like it's because I got cream cheese all over my face and he's judging. God, Veronica come on girl this is your first time meeting this man.

"Shit, your staring at me. That must mean I have a bunch of cream cheese on my face."

He shakes his head and laughs a little.

"No, you don't. I was just admiring you. I think your outfit and hair looks nice today ma'am."

Damn,flattery. He's got me there. This is his first day and he has already got me feeling a little special. I mean I've worn this outfit a bunch but, it's my favorite and I don't get compliments on it a lot so I felt noticed.

"Aw Thanks. You know your the first person to say that?"

"No, that's not possible!"

"Well, it is." I say with a shrug as I take a sip of my tea.

"Glad I said something then cause you should know that you look great. Oh, I feel like I should introduce myself properly since with Mrs.Chandler there I couldn't say much." He clears his throat and puts out his hand for a shake. "Greetings and salutations, my name is Jason Dean but, as you heard, you can call me JD."

I shake his hand.

"Wow, 'greeting and salutations'. How formal of you. I don't think I've heard anyone but my grandpa say that"

"I think it's quite nice to introduce yourself like that Ms.Veronica." He says in a silly fancy accent.

Why was he already so likable? I really hope he's a keeper. I don't think I want to lose someone like him. He seems genuine and like someone who will not only be an assistant but, a friend.

We continue to make small talk and he assists me in some needs as the grueling documents get taken care of. The day goes by just a little better and for once, i'm excited to see where this all goes.