The meetings went smoothly with Harris present at my side. I can't imagine he's being professional and focused during the entire meeting. He seemed to know everybody and seemed to know matters which I just encountered.

He's very different from the Harris I meet this morning. He's very far from the Harris who never failed to pissed me every time he tried to talk to me.

Is this the reason why Dad assigned him to me?

Well, I admit I am thinking twice right now but another part of my brain is telling me not to fall for the facade he is wearing. Maybe he's just pretending to be a good man in front of me because I am giving him an ultimatum.

Be smart, Gracie! Don't let him fool you and laugh at you after.

"Meeting with the Marketing Department in fifteen minutes." he announced as I stood up from my chair and saunter to the door.

"I know! You don't have to tell me over and over again." I irritably said.

Hey! He's just doing his job. No need to be mad at him.

The good part of me yelled in my head. Well, I am a good person to people who are good to me but I am the worst to those who deserve it.

Harris was silent in the next minute until we join the Marketing Team in the conference room.

I wanted to apologize to Harris for what I said a while ago but something in me stopped me from doing it.

I just look at him and nudge the feeling away. I should be firm with my conviction. I should not let another guy fool me. It's a shame on me if I let them do that to me.

As usual, he did some good act during the meeting which impressed me more than I could imagine. He seems to know everyone else inside the room and he knows very well who did this one and that.

I felt like I was just asked to join that meeting just to hear their reports but all in all, Harris did the rounds. I talk only when my approval is needed.

Is this why my father assigned him to me? Because he is who I need especially during the first few days of my being in this position?

He has Dad's trust and confidence over running a company. I wonder why he stayed as an assistant when in fact he can take my position if he wants.

That occupied my mind during the meeting and until we separate ways after.

The moment I was confined in my office and away from Harris' line of sight, I dialled Russ number. He's the only one I can talk to about things I wanted to clarify.

"Hey, Gracie!" he answered on the first ring.

"Hi, Russ! Busy?" I cared to ask because my call isn't about business or something and I know he's at Dad's office right now.

"Nope! What is it?"

"Oh, ahm. . .I just wanna ask something. About Harris."

Silence came in from his line and I know I got his attention this time.

"What about him? Still in doubt of re-hiring him?"

"No. I mean. . .He's still at work. Been busy actually. I would like to ask you about his work. Do you know why he's working as an assistant?"

"Is that out of curiosity or planning something against him?"

I can't believe Russ was thinking that way. Is he serious? I maybe pissed with Harris but I'm not that bad to plan something that might affect his career.

Graciella, did you forgot firing him a couple of times?

"I'm not planning anything against him. I was just curious. He seems to know everything about the business. I bet he can even take my position if he wanted to. You know what I mean?"

"I see. So you gave him a chance don't you? Seen him in action at work? Good to know you behaved, Gracie."

"Of course. You and Dad against me is a handful. So why is that?"

"He was offered by your father that position before he gave it to your aunt but he turned it down. He said he's not into high position thing."

"I don't understand. Why he thinks that way?"

"I guess I'm in no position to tell you that. You have to discover that. Why not ask him yourself."

"You know I can't. As much as possible, I respect his being private and don't you think it's quiet personal to ask that?"

"It is, of course. Don't worry, Gracie, you'll get your answer as you go along a couple of days together. Bye for now. Your father needs me."

And the call went off.

I heaved a deep sigh thinking of possible reasons why he did that. Turning down offers like that? Anybody in a normal state of the mind won't do a thing.

So your saying he's insane, Gracie?

I stop myself from thinking that way. I'm in no position to think like that about him.

Just give him a chance, Gracie. Cool it off!

It was past three when I started clearing some reports in my table. I want to finish those early coz I want to clear my head off with things bothering my mind.

I was in the middle of reading some papers when I heard soft knocks on the door.

"Come in!" I answered without taking my eyes from the papers.

I heard the door open and closed after and saw Harris at the door standing looking at me intently.

I was caught off guard. I felt uneasy under his gaze. I feel the heat creeping on my cheeks.

"I-Is there anything you need, Mr. Harris?" I bravely asked to sweep away the tension building inside the room.

He wall towards my table and stood in front of me.

"I just want to apologize." he uttered which made me put down the papers I am holding.

"Sit down."

"No. It's okay. This won't take long."

I nod in agreement and waited for what he's going to say next.

"I want to apologize for the first meeting that we had. I mean, the first encounter and. . .for the kiss. It must have gave you a bad impression about me. Well, I'm not saying that I wanna impress you but I know it was not a good start."

"So? We can't turn it back, Harris. It's done. The damage has been done." I retort.

Is he thinking that he can change what happen? That easy by apologizing?

"I know and I'm sorry about that."

I heaved a sigh not because of what he's telling me but to release the air I'm trying to hold when he walked into my office.

"You're not as bad as what I thought you are, anyway. So maybe I can forgive you for that." I said

He was quiet. Gazed at me like checking if he heard me right.

"I said we're good and I hope we will be for the entire time. . .you know. . .as boss and assistant?" I think I was losing my composure again under his gaze.

Why is he looking at me like that?

"What?" I ask because he seemed lost of words to say.

"Thank you. Maybe we could start all over again?" he said like he's still unsure if I will agree to what he just said.

"Okay! Start again. Like how?"

"A better introduction than what we had that morning." he suggested

"Fair enough. I can't agree more to that."

Now he's smiling!

"Lucho Harris, your executive assistant." he introduced himself as he lay out his hand in front of me.

I stood up and accept it. "Graciella Antoniette Garducci, your new boss."

He smiled and I did too. I felt something heavy was lifted from my heart as I give him my first genuine smile after that night with Aaron.

This is a good start!