Mine to Steal (Mine to Love) by T.K. Rapp Read Free Book Online

a question.
    “So does this mean you’re going to be my - ?” I recoil at what I suspect are his next words.
    “Jett, get in here,” I demand before he can finish.
    “What?” he asks, with a hint of irritation, as he shuts the door behind him. “I was just going to ask if she’s going to be my ass-istant,” he clarifies, which is where I thought he was headed. “So what exactly does Hottie do?” he questions with a wide grin.
    “You and the damn nicknames. I thought you would have outgrown that years ago, Jett.”
    “What? No one else minds, hell, I think Hottie likes it.” He shrugs with a smug grin.
    “First off, watch your mouth, would you? I don’t need someone filing a sexual harassment suit and you know better. Hattie -” I strain out until he finally looks at me, “practically runs the place. You will treat her, and everyone else for that matter, with respect.”
    “I’m just kidding . Damn bro, you need to loosen up.”
    “You need to take this serious. This is my name, my work , and while I’m gone, you’re going to be handling things from here. I’m putting a lot of stock in you, don’t let me down.”
    There’s a brief buzz that sounds when I push the intercom button on my desk. “Hattie, do you have those files?”
    “Diana should be getting me some additional papers, but this is a good starting point,” she says, walking in with her arms full of the information I requested. She sets everything down on my desk, takes a seat, and motions for Jett to follow suit. I appreciate her confidence and assertiveness in this situation. If he is able to do what she thinks he can, I might have to give her a raise.
    “Here’s how this is going to go down,” I warn, waiting to get Jett’s attention. “Hattie handles all of the daily scheduling, prepares any and all correspondence with potential clients, and manages these accounts until they are assigned. Basically, while I’m gone, she’ll be your babysitter.”
    “Actually -” She doesn’t finish when she earns my attention.
    “She will help you learn the ropes around here. If you have any questions, she’s your go-to.”
    “Alright then.” He rubs his hands together and flashes a confident grin. “Let’s do this.”
    I’m amazed because for once it looks like he is going to take something serious. I hand him the Rialyn file so we can go over the particulars in case they are ready to sign while I’m gone. Hattie provides information when necessary, but I do most of the talking.
    * * *
    After three hours of trying to get Jett up to speed, I hand the rest of it over to Hattie, in hopes she can get it all done. If I had one more hour, I think I’d feel a little better about taking off, but I covered what I could. Security is a bitch on a good day, and as it is, I barely make it through with enough time to grab some coffee before getting on the plane. Most of the passengers have already taken their seat and it appears as though this is going to be a full flight. It would be nice to have some space for once since being over six feet tall makes flying less than comfortable. Not only for me, but also for the person next to me.
    My boarding pass is for seat 12 B, and when I spot it, I can’t stifle the annoyance that sweeps through me. Not only did Hattie not book business class but she got me a center seat. She mentioned there was limited seating, but I thought surely I’d have no problem with a mid-afternoon flight.
    “Excuse me,” I announce to the woman occupying the aisle seat. “I believe that would be me,” I gesture to the empty seat with a forced smile.
    She studies me, no doubt wondering the same thing I am, ‘how is he going to fit there?’ I move aside so she can step out into the aisle, and she offers me a nice smile. “Would you like my seat?”
    “That’s ok ay, I’ll be fine,” I assure her as I tuck my laptop under the seat in front of me. She keeps eyeing me from the side, as though she’s not convinced by