Walking into her building Joanna, commanded everyone's attention with Jonathan following closely behind her, and two bodyguards flanking them a few steps behind. Kim quickly walked to her side greeting her and informing her that Mr Gibson was already waiting for her. Every head turned as she walked heading to her elevator, wearing black slacks that emphasized her long legs, and a cream silk blouse. Kim handed her, her reading glasses and a file containing the information she had requested about the hospital. Holding out her hand Kim already knew to place a pen in her hand.

"Call this surgeon she said writing his name down. Make him and offer he can't refuse, I want him to run that hospital. The current chief can remain there, but he will work under this man. I don't want any interruptions once I am finished with Mr Gibson," she said as they entered her elevator.

Informing Jonathan and his hounds to be on high alert as they reached her floor, Mr Gibson was waiting for her in the waiting area and upon seeing the elevator open was on his feet in a flash.
"Miss Powell, good morning."
"It is not a good morning at all Mr Gibson. You see I had to wait for an hour to get attended to at St. Andrews hospital yesterday. I understand you were meant to oversee the operations of that hospital," she said as she opened her office door.

Jonathan entered the office with her whilst the hounds remained outside.
"So how do we fix this problem? It seems you cannot handle the responsibilities I give you," she said looking at the men as she removed her spectacles and took her seat.
"Miss Powell I can handle the job, just give me one more chance."
"One more chance. I don't have time for chances. I want consistency from all my employees, give me 100% and you will enjoy the fruits of your labour. But you have not given 100%, now have you? I am left with only one option but to let you go Mr Gibson."

Looking at the dejected man leaving the room, she was surprised that he did not throw a tantrum at being fired. That's how she knew, he knew he was at fault.
"Come to think of it, I will give you one more chance I am in a good mood this morning, and you have shown me honesty through your actions," she told him making him stop and turn towards her with a flabbergasted expression. "Find out from Kim who you need to talk to about running my hospital. Good morning Mr Gibson."

"Thank you very much for this chance," he said leaving her office.
"You may leave now Jonathan," she said and received a nod of acknowledgement.

A few days later as she was chatting with Natasha her door burst open as her little prince ran into her office, only he could do that.
"Mama!" he shouted running towards her as she scooped him up into her arms kissing him all over his face.
"Stop it mama," Ethan giggled.
"How is my little prince this afternoon?"
"I am fine thank you mama, I missed you," he said resting his head on her shoulder.
"I apologize Miss Powell but he couldn't stop crying until he saw you. They let the children out early today since they are now on their holidays."
"It's alright Susan you can head on home I will take care of him."

After settling Ethan down with his play things she went back to her conversation with Tash. A few minutes later she got a phone call from Kim.
"Miss Powell there is a Mr Edwards requesting to see you downstairs. Should we send him up."
"Michael, oh my, what is he doing here? Send him up."

Natasha looked at her friend with a smile. She had never seen Joanna flustered by just the mere presence of a man, let alone one who was not even in the same room as her. Walking out of her office she told Kim to go into her office and keep Natasha and Ethan company as she spoke to the visitor. Kim was confused by this, but nonetheless obeyed her bosses instructions.

Waiting by Kim's table she didn't hear the doors open too lost in her nerves as Michael walked out and came towards her.
"Hi there beautiful. I guess you are surprised by my unannounced visit, he said pulling her into a friendly hug and he felt her stiffen in his arms.
"Michael, it's good to see you again," she said as she took a step back from his embrace. Even in heels he still towered over her, as she just reached his chin. "How are feeling?"

"Much better thank you."
"I'm sorry I couldn't come see you, but I never got your number or home address," she said.
"We will need to remedy that over lunch then," he said with a smile.
"Lunch..lunch sounds lovely. Let me just...just inform my...my boss," she stuttered.
"Sure take your time, I am in no hurry at all," he told her as she turned to head to her office.

As soon as she entered her office, she knew Natasha had told Kim the whole charade from her reaction.
"I am going out for lunch. Do I have anymore meetings today?" she said as she took ahold of Ethan's hand.
"No Miss Powell, you go have fun, I will take care of everything here," Kim said giving her a wink.
"Call me with details, Tash called out as I grabbed my phone and purse."

Walking out of her office, she found Michael looking over her oil painting in the waiting room. She couldn't help admire him, as she walked towards him. He was wearing a plain black t-shirt that hugged his muscles nicely, paired with black denim jeans that hugged his powerful thighs. His expression was serious as he took in the artwork asking her,
"Who painted this?"
"Well umm, I did."
"It is a splendid piece, I see you have hidden talents," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Turning to her he gave her a breathtaking smile and was surprised to find her with a small boy beside her.
"Mama, who is he?"
"Well baby, this is Michael he is a friend of mine and he has offered to take us out for lunch," she said smiling at her son. "I hope you don't mind Michael. I would like you to meet my son, Ethan."
"It no problem at all," Michael said recovering from shock.

Kneeling down to Ethan's level he held out his hand and greeted Ethan.
"Hi Ethan, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello Mr Michael. Are you my mummy's boyfriend?" Ethan said with confidence as he stood in front of his mother in a protective manner.
"No I am just a good friend of hers," he said straightening up.
"Okay," came his reply.

"Shall we."
"We shall, mi lady," he said giving her a small bow making both Jo and Ethan laugh. Punching in the code of her elevator she saw Jonathan heading their way, and slightly shook her head, such that only he noticed. He knew then that he had to stay close but be descreet. Her father would have a fit if she went anywhere without him.

Hope you enjoyed, check out my other books My heart and I hate that I love you.
I would appreciate some help with the cast, so any ideas feel free to throw them my way!