Beginnings (Brady Trilogy) (3 page)

“I see you
’ve worked as a paralegal for Preston D. Scotts Law Firm and Legal Associates the last couple of years. Impressive. You mind if I ask how you came upon that position?” He watched her tense at the mention of her last employer.

Isabel reminded herself she would stay calm when asked about
her previous job. She had no choice but to include it on her resume since it was the highlight of her career backdrop.

“
Certainly, my university placed me as an intern at the firm while I was studying for my Bachelors in Political Science and once I was certified I was hired permanently as paralegal and assistant to Mr. Scotts. He’s the founder of that practice.”

Luke knew who Preston
Scotts was. He had consulted with that particular firm in L.A. when B. Pentagon was dealing with a few legal issues. He knew Scotts was an extremely successful attorney but for some reason Luke had decided against hiring his firm to represent his company. Therefore he had developed his own legal department here on his second floor. “Did you want to become a lawyer yourself?”

“Yes and n
o. At first that was my primary goal but I changed my mind and decided to precede another direction.”
Far away from L.A and that firm
. She also didn’t want to mention that she quit half way through her law degree.

“
What changed your mind to no longer stay employed with the prominent firm? It is a much respected law firm which many would go through great lengths to obtain the position you held there.” The way she was fidgeting with her hands gave Luke a feeling something wasn’t right. He found her large brown haunting eyes mesmerizing as they grew larger. She was a petite woman with delicate features. A bit too thin and fragile looking Luke realized. Why did she look so uneasy? It was a job interview and he was asking questions about her previous employer, yet the way she was reacting was as if he was prying into her personal life “You did mention yesterday you quit your job in L.A. correct?”

Isabel stared without blinking
. Just remembering the exact reason why she left that firm was causing an ache in her chest once again. She would stay calm and breathe evenly she told herself, quickly remembering the breathing techniques her therapist had shown her. Struggling for the right words to say she settled with, “It seemed the appropriate decision at the time.”

Something was definitely not right
Luke thought. But seeing her shift uncomfortably in her chair caused him to not press on the issue. Someday, somehow he would get to the bottom of this. Why it became quickly so important to him he didn’t understand.

“Well then let’s discuss a few of your responsibilities as a paralegal.” He noticed she let go of the breath she was holding. The next half hour she informed him of her duties and the firm’s expectations of her in and out of the office. As Luke listened, he learned more of her work habits and realized she had an extremely demanding occupation. He knew all he had to do was place one call to Scotts and be more informed of the woman sitting across from him. But he couldn’t help but be impressed by her experience. She told him about the cases she had assisted with.  Her position, being the thorough researcher, was preparing the attorney representing the firm with any information that can make or break the case. Some of them being the infamous cases Scotts Law Firm had become known for in the first place. Luke only worked with well-developed individuals and Isabel was clearly one well accomplished worker. Finally, after the countless interviews Rachel and he had gone through, at last someone who lived up to his standards. Professionally and personally. But Luke wouldn’t act upon the personal. The two did not mesh well. Yes his first reaction to her was definitely a personal interest but he had made the decision to offer her an interview instead. Her proficiency was excellent and just the type he would hire to work side by side with him on a daily basis. But did he risk hiring a woman he was tremendously attracted to? Well, Luke always loved a challenge.

“I must say I’m quite impressed with your background
and work experience. I’d like to offer you the job as my personal assistant. I believe you’d be a great asset to our team.” Luke announced as he grinned at Isabel.

She was
instantly reminded how dangerous his smile can be causing her heart to skip a beat. “I’d be more than happy to take that offer. Thank you Mr. Brady.”

“Please. Call me Luke.”
He said with another one of his amazing grins. After all he had seen the women half naked already and they could at least be on a first name bases, he mused to himself. “Any questions?”

“Yes when do I
start?” Isabel was as ecstatic as a child heading towards Disneyland.

“Right away.
Let me walk you to Rachel so she can begin training.” As Isabel walked towards the door Luke got a glimpse of her legs and the rest of her snug fit attire. He’d seen her in a bikini but sure hadn’t noticed her curves. Yes she definitely did meet his personal standards. Silently cursing himself, he cleared his throat and walked her outside his office. He didn’t understand why he was gawking over her like a teenager with uncontrollable hormones.  But Isabel was part of his executive staff now and she would be treated with professional respect like the rest. He never mixed business with pleasure with staff or clients and he didn’t plan on starting now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~

Rachel, being the cheerful high spirit
ed woman she was, enthusiastically began her training process starting with Isabel’s daily duties as the personal assistant. She learned Rachel worked very closely with Luke tending to all his professional and personal needs. Rachel was usually the last one out of the office staying back just in case Mr. Brady needed anything else before he left. She informed Isabel that Luke worked fast and you had to play catch up with him. He has a rapid paced working habit and it’s a challenge catching every word. “Kind of keeps you on your toes.” Rachel giggled. “But the day goes by very fast, there’s always a lot to do around here. Here, why don’t we go around and meet the rest of the staff.”

Isabel was introduced to all thirty-six executives that worked close with Luke. She was later informed he had personally hired every single one of them and designed the responsibilities of each. These positions weren’t part of the executive team at the San Diego office until Luke came around. He liked to take a different approac
h and a step away from traditional. She met Jerry, a middle aged man who was short, a bit chubby and was one of the few on the advertisement committee. He had a jolly laugh and a twinkle in his eye. He was known for booking the most clients when it came for advertisement prints. Then there was Linda, their chief editor who was tall, blonde and had a sassy attitude. Brian, who looked like the youngest of the bunch, was their shy Tech Support Manager who installed and managed all the latest software. There wasn’t a single tech problem he couldn’t solve. Brian had also designed a very elite security protection program making it impossible for hackers to access any B. Pentagon files. Matt was a tall, gangly former tattoo artist who was now in charge of graphic design. He looked like he belonged in a Motorcycle Club instead of sitting in an executive office. Then there was Ginger, who looked like she was in her forties, had bright colored hair that matched her name. She was hired specifically as events coordinator since she had an eye for detail. Isabel also had the chance to meet Rick, Luke’s PR manager who worked outside the office but stopped by occasionally for lunch or meetings.

Isabel liked the liveliness
of the staff. Everyone was working hard but they seemed to be enjoying what they were doing. She had enjoyed her job at the law firm as well. Until she became frantic to leave. But she hadn’t felt this much energy before. Rachel was leaving in a week and Isabel quickly realized how much she would be missed by the rest of the staff.  Part of Rachel’s duties was also assisting others if Luke needed her to work with them. Isabel recognized Rachel had become the office favorite and many didn’t want to see her leave but were happy for her. She had big shoes to fill. But,
No pressure.

“I’m sure going to miss this place.” Rachel sighed as her and Isabel settled at her desk. “But I just can’t wait to be married to my Mark.
We’re moving to Connecticut since Mark got the promotion he’s been working towards for two years now. Plus we’ll be closer to his family. Mr. Brady made sure I was replaced in B. Pentagon’s Connecticut location. Mark’s mother is great. She said she can’t wait to take care of her grandchildren. This way I can still work regular hours and start a family.” She beamed with delight. Isabel found it fascinating how easily Rachel spoke about her personal life. She now knew more about her than she did about anyone she had worked with four years at the firm. Must be the San Diego atmosphere.

“
Because with this job, the traveling and all, it wasn’t going to be easy to start a family you see.” Rachel pointed out.

“
Uhh traveling?” Isabel looked at her.

“Yes didn’t Mr. Brady tell you? As his personal assistant I
traveled with him frequently wherever he went. It’s part of the job actually. And it was already difficult maintaining my relationship with Mark. Imagine being married and flying out to different states each month. Especially with a man as attractive as Mr. Brady.” She giggled softly. “Trust me Mark wasn’t so thrilled about that. There are many B. Pentagon locations spread across the country and as VP, Luke’s expected to show face time to time.” Rachel noticed the frozen look on Isabel’s face. “Oh Isabel is that going to be a problem for you? I hope I didn’t worry you, I really thought you knew before accepting the job.”

“Oh no
, no it’s ok I should have expected traveling would be involved considering this being a nationwide corporation.” Isabel reassured Rachel but more herself. Traveling with Luke? Was this a good thing or bad? Looks like this job had more perks than she expected.

The next week Isabel worked close with Rachel, learning more about their clients and company procedures. She also learned how Luke liked his coffee. And that Luke ran every morning on the beach before making it to work.
Sometimes he showed up with his gym clothes, sweaty from his work out looking even more delicious as his sweat drenched t-shirts clung to his muscular chest. He’d shower and change in his private bathroom in his office before the rest of the staff arrived. And since Isabel was an early bird, she was there to witness this ever glory.

Luke
liked taking his favorite clients to Ricardo’s, the Mexican restaurant in downtown San Diego for lunch, margaritas and business proposals. As his personal assistant every so often she was expected to join them during these lunch meetings. He worked late almost every day, even on weekends, had constant meetings and high expectations of his employees. She also learned Rachel would make frequent, exclusive dinner reservations at extravagant restaurants when Luke had a woman to entertain. This was going to be the most difficult part Isabel realized.

She also learned Luke’s
family lived in New York where the second largest B. Pentagon was located. His mother Kathryn was a retired pediatrician who now managed their grand estate. His father Thomas was the CEO and his younger brother Andrew was third in charge after Luke. His sister Emilia was a yoga instructor and personal trainer for the rich and the famous in New York. All in all Rachel knew the tiniest details of Luke’s life. And now it was Isabel’s turn. In a matter of a week she knew more about him than she had ever learned about any man in her life.

“Isabel, can I see you in my office please?” Luke hung up his
phone. It was Isabel’s first day without Rachel and he had noticed she made it to the office before anyone else.

“Yes Mr. Brady?” she appeared at his door.

“Have we heard back from Garrett for the new fonts we requested?” Luke asked without looking at her.

“Yes he sent
us samples just this morning.”

“Good. I want you to work with Matt and see which on
e looks best for the job fair add the daily newspaper wants in their Sunday morning prints. It’s their biggest event yet. Also Rick is meeting with Joe for the press release so make sure you fax him the files we were working on last Friday. I want specific details to be mentioned in that press release and I’m not taking my chances with unwanted publicity.” He still continued to search through the papers on his desk.

“Yes sir right away.”
Isabel added quickly.

“Where the hell are the
damn magazine drafts? My meeting’s in twenty minutes.” This was one of those days where Luke had too much on his plate and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“They’re on the left side of you
r desk under the blue folder.” Isabel informed and earned the first look Luke gave her since she had walked into his office.

“Thank you”
He smiled and her knees went a bit feeble. She really had to get over this crush she had developed on her boss.

“I better get going. I’m presenting these drafts to Timely Magazine so if you’re looking for me I’ll be in downtown.
” He informed her as he pushed away from his desk and reached for his suit jacket. Today he was dressed in a trim navy blue suit. Isabel wondered if the man owned anything that didn’t look irresistible on him. Grabbing the file he headed for the door and spoke over his shoulder. Isabel rushed out after him jotting on her notepad as he spoke.