The CEO Gets Her Man by Anne Ashby

breaths disguised Debra’s gathering ire. She must not jump the gun. But her mouth twisted. This was yet another arrow for her quiver. Her knock on the inner door drew a barked invitation to enter followed by a snapped, “Who are you?”
    “I’m Debra, a new waitress, Ms. Murphy.” Employing a nervous stammer she continued. “Your P-PA was b-busy with Mr. McEwan, so Mr. Rivers asked me to fetch your coffee.”
    Debra was astonished as she approached the decorative mahogany desk. Overwhelming opulence filled this work space. This was nothing like her own office, nor like any office she’d ever entered. This one was fit for the Queen herself to work in.
    Instead of the normal hotel prints, oil paintings adorned the walls. One term of art appreciation at school didn’t provide Debra with any ability to distinguish their quality, but she surmised they might be valuable. Had her company purchased them?
    A plush leather couch and accompanying armchairs sat to the side of what she guessed was an antique desk. Fresh flowers sat in two vases on side tables, out of season fresh flowers. Elegance flaunted itself everywhere.
    Moving to the side of the desk Debra made sure the dishes rattled as she placed the tray down. In her peripheral vision a frown of annoyance marred a once very attractive face.
    Just as she lifted the coffee from the tray a knock sounded and Jase strode into the room. While Debra had fully intended making a hash of delivering the coffee, Jase’s unexpected arrival distracted her and the spill occurred more abruptly than she expected, splashing the woman’s desktop.
    The manager’s explosion from her chair jostled Debra into stumbling back against one of the side tables, upsetting the vase, and tipping water and gorgeous orchids all over the floor.
    “You stupid little bitch, look what you’ve done!” Venom like she’d never seen before blazed across at Debra. The pain from her banged elbow danced up and down her arm, only allowing half her mind to focus on the woman screaming obscenities.
    Jase rushed forward and touched Debra’s arm, the one she’d been rubbing. “Are you okay? Have you hurt yourself?”
    Debra found her gaze locking onto his face. His concern was evident as he ignored the mess around them—and the noise.
    “Forget about that stupid little idiot,” shrieked Madeline Murphy. “Look at my desk, look at my floor, look at what she’s done.”
    “For God’s sake, Madeline. It’s only water and some flowers…” Jase bent down, righted the vase, stuffed the flowers into it, and thumped it back onto the table. His angry glare would have quelled most people, although it bounced right off the crazed woman.
    Jase’s hand was firm on Debra’s arm as he escorted her away through the PA’s office.
    “I’m s-so sorry.” The tremble in her voice wasn’t manufactured any more. Rage churned inside her and made her voice wobble, but she struggled to keep the anger hidden from Jase. Let him think I’m frightened or concerned about my livelihood. “I did s-spill the coffee, and t-tip over those f-flowers. I’m sorry for making such a mess.”
    With tightening lips she acknowledged her own reputation as an employer could use some softening but...such an unprovoked attack on an employee! She shook her head.
    “It wasn’t your fault.” His lips were almost white. “I’m just glad I followed you.”
    “So am I.” Her fervent response drew a gentle pat on her shoulder.
    “Don’t be concerned about your job…” Jase’s face was tight with anger. “There will be no adverse consequences toward you, take my word.” He stalked toward the outer door, his hold on her arm forcing her to follow.
    “The tray-the dishes...”
    “You’re not going back in there. Wait right here.”
    Debra shuffled across the thick carpet just far enough so she could lean over and peek into the office. The woman’s ranting—she could think of no other way to describe the tirade—accelerated and