I had one rule and one rule only – keep my legs closed to every man I worked with. But the moment Harper Conrad walked into my life, I learned rules were meant to be broken. I stood alone in the vast lobby of the Chicago Hawks team facility in front of the umber, bonded-metal elevator doors for an eternity. I spent most of the time trying to fix my hair my reflection from the doors; the long black strands which graced my shoulders weren’t bouncy today. Today was my first day on the job and I wanted to knock ‘em dead in the boardroom just as much as I did on the sidelines as a cheerleader. The time had come for to trade in my low-cut booty shorts for pencil skirts. My heart drummed through my blouse. It’s not a big deal Danica; it’s only the beginning of the rest of your life. I finally mustered up the strength to push the up arrow button and walked into the elevator doors. No turning back now. My mouth felt like a tub of cotton balls. I pushed the button for the twelfth floor. The elevator doors slowly slid shut as a flash of gray fabric and white pinstripes swooshed in at the last second; virtually avoiding being squashed by them. The scent of oak and sandalwood filled the tight quarters. The air became charged with masculinity. The gentleman straightened his suit jacket by his lapels. He took one sweeping glance at me and opened his mouth to speak, but paused and smirked instead. “Twelve please,” he said. I nearly bit my tongue when I saw his face – remarkably handsome. The rich, velvety timbre of his voice bounced off the padded walls of the elevator. Intoxicating and - to a smaller degree - intimidating. “ You’re pretty fast. You were almost a goner,” I said, clearing my throat. “ Right, I should try out for wide receiver,” he said. He sure had the body for it. The suit he wore fit his frame to perfection. I’d bet money his abs were hard as granite. “You think I’d have a shot?” “ The team needs a lot of help at that position.” His eyes, the color of cognac, scanning me from my black stilettos, up to my gray eyes. “I think you’d do just fine.” I smoothed the front of my blouse – wearing it always made my tits pop. “ That type of honesty is needed in this town. Do you work for the organization?” “ Nine years as a Hawks cheerleader and day one as executive assistant.” “ Really? You could spend nine more years as a cheerleader. You’re cute as a button.” “ Well thank you.” Cute as a button? I haven’t heard that since the third grade. But a compliment from a man as attractive as him - I’ll take it. “I’m the personal assistant for Harper Conrad, the new team owner. Do you know him? “ Well…I…” “ I heard he’s a real jerk. Domineering beyond belief. I’m not looking forward to it.” “ Interesting. What else have you heard about him?” He stroked his chin. His pearly white teeth were peeking through his smirk. “ I heard most of his past assistants quit because of his overbearing personality. The word is he’s so controlling and bossy that one assistant created a blog about her experience. I heard he put her through hell. What an asshole!” I shook my head in shame. “ That’s too bad. Most of these rich guys have egos so enormous; they forget what it’s like to be human.” “ Absolutely. I’d tell him what an asshole he is right to his face. Wouldn’t be me. I’m not a quitter.” “ Oh, you wouldn’t ?” His tone was one of astonishment. He shook his head, smiling. “ I’m sorry.” I extended my hand out to shake his. “I’m Danica Martin.” “ Hello.” His strong hands swallowed my five, tiny digits. Was he a quarterback here for a tryout? I could feel the sensual current stinging every bit of me, from my eyelids down to the cuticles on my toenails. The elevator made a ding and the doors opened. “Pleasure to meet you, Danica. I’m Harper Conrad, your new boss.” He gave me a sly smirk and swiftly