Lessons in Love Read online

  Lessons in Love

  By

  Kathryn R. Blake

  ©2016 by Blushing Books® and Kathryn R. Blake

  All rights reserved.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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  Blake, Kathryn R.

  Lessons in Love

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-68259-305-9

  Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

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  Table of Contents:

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  About the Author

  Ebook Offer

  Blushing Books Newsletter

  Blushing Books

  CHAPTER ONE

  This is it. Pamela Weston raised her chin, tightened her hands into fists, and stepped into the small metal box that would launch her up to the fiftieth floor for her next assignment. Pam detested elevators, but she'd managed to psych herself into using them during her six month tenure at Peterson Enterprises, since taking the elevator up to the executive level had proved a necessity. Though she was no stranger to supplying directors with administrative assistance, and had faked her way through two-week rotations, this time she'd been ordered to report to the CEO. Robert Peterson was no fool, so Pam suspected it was only a matter of time before he discovered just how unqualified she was to work in his company and fired her.

  To her mind, the sexy executive was a sharp, handsome thirty-something man who'd made millions through his internationally famous public relations firm. Though the busy CEO was quick to censure an employee who didn't measure up to his expectations, Pam couldn't say he was unfair, or hesitant to offer a compliment when he judged an achievement worthy of praise. Even so, she didn't consider him lavish in dispensing his appreciation. She'd witnessed the way he interacted with his assistants and politely greeted his guests, so she characterized him as an exacting employer, but reasonable; coolly congenial, yet distant. However, he had an uncanny way of getting to the root of people's motivations, as if the future was laid out before him. Taking a deep breath for courage, she knocked on his open office door and prepared for the worst, but he barely raised his head to acknowledge her.

  "Mr. Peterson. I'm Pamela Weston. HR sent me up here to serve as your temp."

  He gave a nod, but his attention remained focused on his work. "Do you know who Krista Rensler is?"

  "Yes, sir." Krista had been an invaluable resource for Pam during her earlier assignments.

  "Good. Ask her to bring you up to speed, Miss Weston. I have neither the time nor the patience to train administrative assistants in office procedures. Shut the door when you leave, please."

  His dismissal acted like a slap in her face, which she was certain had turned a bright shade of red to accompany the heat of her cheeks. "Yes, sir," she murmured again, uncertain if it was relief or fear that prompted her to quickly close his door and seek out Krista.

  Krista Rensler was an attractive, well-dressed, green-eyed blonde who, after five years of assisting the upper management of Peterson Enterprises, had an excellent grasp of the inner workings of the executive floor. No matter how busy she might be, Krista always had a smile on her face and a willing disposition to help. When Pam admitted she suspected Mr. Peterson was less than pleased at having another temporary to deal with, Krista gave her a conspiratorial grin

  "Mr. Peterson is not in the best of moods this morning. Just ignore him. He's got a loud growl, but he doesn't bite as long as you don't rattle his cage."

  Pam returned Krista's smile, though she was far from persuaded cage-rattling was the only provocation that caused the devilishly handsome CEO to bite as Krist
a went on to reel off the man's impressive catalogue of contacts and rigid requirements. He maintained categories of individuals with whom he didn't wish to speak—ever, as well as those she should always inform him were on the line. A Mrs. Peterson sat at the top of his "always notify" list, but Pam learned that woman was his mother. Mr. Peterson, it seemed, preferred to play the field rather than settle down with any one lady.

  With her head bent close, Krista told Pam about Celine, who also ranked high on Peterson's roster. "This one is a bitch of the first water, but Peterson still insists on talking to her whenever she calls, although I have no idea why. From the way he scowls after their conversations, I don't think he even likes her."

  All the other names appeared to be business associates. However, grouped on the ‘do not disturb list' were an extensive number of females.

  Pointing at one name in particular, Krista whispered, "I think he was dating Donna for a while, and there were rumors the relationship might be serious, but then I heard she stepped out on him, so he dumped her. She still calls on occasion, and doesn't always leave her name. Whatever you do, don’t put her through unless you harbor a secret desire to see a human volcano."

  "I thought you said he's all growl."

  "Mostly, although I swear he spouts fire from his ears and nose every now and then. You serve as his sword and shield. Trust me, these women will do anything they can to get past you, but you need to stand firm."

  Pam was beginning to doubt her ability to hold back the horde when the phone rang. "It's an outside call on the Peterson Enterprises line," she murmured unnecessarily. Aware of the three-ring-rule, Pam picked up then glanced down to note the number was not on any of the lists Krista gave her. The rule on the executive floor was that all calls needed to be answered before the third ring. Any assistant who failed to meet that expectation would need an excellent reason. They were also supposed to cover for each other, so if one messed up, the rest of them suffered the lash of Mr. Peterson's tongue along with the original bungler.

  Adopting a more professional mien, Pam answered, "Peterson Enterprises, Mr. Peterson's office. How may I help you?"

  "You can put me through to Rob right away, sweetie. That's how you can help me."

  Pam's eyebrows rose, but she kept her tone polite and proficient. "May I ask who is calling?"

  "Ask away, but if you don't tell Mr. Peterson to pick up his phone in three seconds, he is going to have a huge legal mess on his hands."

  "One moment, please." Pam placed the woman on hold and stared at Krista. "Do you recognize her?"

  "No, but I wouldn't put her through. Tell her Mr. Peterson is in a meeting and will call her back. Then, ask for a number where she can be reached."

  Pam did exactly as she was told, but the woman merely called her a bitch and hung up. After that, Pam's stomach curled into a tight knot. She'd been there less than an hour, and she'd already screwed up. Krista gave her an understanding smile and a pat on the shoulder then continued filling her in.

  Seconds later, Robert Peterson stepped out with his cell phone pressed to his ear. "I think you're being a little overly-dramatic, my dear, but I'll check." He redirected his attention to the two of them. "Did either of you speak to Celine a few minutes ago?"

  "I'm not sure, sir," Pam answered. "A woman called, insisting I connect her, but refused to give her name."

  Peterson regarded Krista with a raised eyebrow and Krista shrugged. "She didn't use any of her established numbers, and I didn't recognize the voice, sir, so I told Pam to take a message."

  "Thank you," he replied curtly, before returning to his office. "Celine, if you wish to speak with me, you either need to leave your name, or call me on my cell. Yes, I realize that's what you just did. Now, stop crying and tell me what happened that's gotten you so upset." At that point, the door closed with a decisive click, and Pam and Krista’s part in the conversation was over.

  "She's going to be added to the ‘do not disturb’ list very soon, and he'll be requesting a new number. They get anxious like that, and he detaches. Lesson one: he can't abide clingy, tearful women. He sounds all sweetness and patience, but her ass is grass. Wait and see."

  They returned to his files and organization scheme, during which Krista showed Pam menus from the places he often requested his luncheon appointments be made as well as those he frequented for takeout, in addition to what he ordered and how he preferred his meals prepared.

  About a half-hour later, he came out again. "I’ll be out for the rest of the afternoon. Cancel and rebook all my meetings and type up Caroline's notes on the Hemley file, Miss Weston. I'll expect them on my desk first thing tomorrow."

  "Yes, sir," Pam answered, having no idea what the Hemley file was but hoping Krista could direct her.

  After offering them both a nod, he walked out, and Pam was finally able to take a breath. She smiled a little uneasily at Krista. "Why do I get the impression he's going to rip me a new one every time he looks at me?"

  Krista laughed. "He comes across that way sometimes, but he was always civil to Caroline."

  "What happened? To Caroline, I mean."

  Krista shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure, but I think her boyfriend began to suspect she was doing more on her late nights here than taking dictation. The police came to speak with Mr. Peterson yesterday. Next thing I know, she turned in her resignation."

  "Was her boyfriend right? Were they doing more?"

  "He’s a strict perfectionist, who prefers to keep his pleasure separate from his business. Were they lovers? I can’t honestly say. I got the feeling she was in love with him, but I never saw him be anything but professionally polite with her. He didn’t seem all that upset when he let her go. In fact, he looked a little relieved, though he offered to give her a reference if she wanted one from him."

  "Does he write his recommendations for former employees or give the work to his assistant?"

  "I’ve seen him do both. If it’s to be a form letter stating her period of employment and administrative function as his admin, he’ll delegate. In this case, he'll probably dictate what he wants, and you'll type it up for his signature. If, by any chance, he asks you to write the recommendation for him, talk to me, and we'll work on it together."

  "I really appreciate all your assistance, Krista."

  "No problem," she replied with an infectious grin.

  "So, how many days does it usually take HR to hire a replacement?"

  Krista frowned. "What do you mean?"

  "Well, I was sent up here as an emergency fill-in, so I wondered how long I’d be working for Mr. Peterson before someone permanent was hired."

  Krista laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure HR thinks that Mr. Peterson will be open to interviewing ‘more qualified’ candidates, but the truth is, unless you do something he finds totally unacceptable, I'd say you've got the job. He's not a huge proponent of change, and he hates breaking in anyone new, so you're the new chief's admin."

  "But, why not you? You clearly know what he likes and doesn't like, and this position would be a promotion for you, wouldn't it?"

  Krista blushed. "Let's just say I admire him as a boss, but I don’t care much for the regime he institutes with his assistants. He tried it out on me, and I told him off. Big time. I'm sort of surprised he didn't fire me after some of the things I said, but he simply ordered me to find another replacement and sent me back to my previous position. And, nearly two years later, here you are."

  "Oh," Pam wanted to ask more, but, from Krista's reaction, she sensed her questions wouldn't be welcome.

  "Besides, I like Mr. White. He's married, completely in love with his wife, and a real teddy bear. So, I wasn't interested in a new position, despite the raise in pay. Mr. Peterson is strict, demanding, and at times thoroughly unreasonable. But, he's the boss, so he gets to be that way, I guess. If I had to sum it up in a sentence, I'd say our working philosophies don't mesh. You'll probably understand in a week or so, and he'll let you decide which direction you wish to take.
"

  "Sounds ominous," Pam admitted.

  "I don't mean to sound that way, but his relationship with his assistants is irregular and not a management style HR would support, which is why he leaves it up to the admin to determine whether she will accept his terms or find employment elsewhere."

  "What? He'll fire someone if they choose not to—whatever?"

  "I'm still here, but I can’t work directly for him any longer. I view his unusual approach as a condition for serving as Mr. Peterson's assistant. I don't want to say more, because, after all the flak I gave him, he may have altered the way he does things. It's his choice."

  "Great. Something else to look forward to. I have another question. Why the two phone lines, and what's Robite Capital?"

  "That’s right. You’ve only worked for Peterson Enterprises before today, so this is all new to you. Robite is short for Rob and White, and Capital is another thing these two guys do. They invest in companies, like Hemley Solutions, that need extra help with their finances through a private equity firm. Mr. Peterson wanted to keep the two separate, but he's a general partner of Robite, and the CEO of Peterson Enterprises, thus—two lines. Everyone else on this floor works for either Robite or Peterson Enterprises, so we don't need to worry about which way we answer. Only you get that challenge."

  "Wonderful. Good thing I love challenges. So, most of what I'll be doing here is working for Robite?"

  "Probably. Helping other companies achieve their goals is one of Rob's dreams. The PR Marketing Firm is merely another way to make money, and his general manager runs it. Hemley Products is a potential Robite investment. From what I've heard, it's a go except for the final paperwork and contract signing."

  "Mr. Peterson said he wanted me to type up Caroline's notes, but I'm not sure what he meant. Can you show me what I'm supposed to do?"

  "Sure, after lunch. If you work the same way he does, you'll never take a break."