So it ends. I want to thank everyone who followed this tale. I hope you truly enjoyed it. I asked myself a question. Can one man make a difference? This journey answered it for me. It is a resounding YES. These characters came to life for me as each went on their own journey. I truly enjoyed telling their stories.
A special thanks to Overstar for taking time to edit this chapter. Any errors found are my fault and not his. Again, thank you all for reading and supporting me through this adventure. IR2R
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Speeding down the long winding road, Kevin Knight was heading to work. He had just been promoted to Vice President, second in line to replace the President when he retired. He'd worked for the company for years. At thirty, he'd accomplished more than most men his age dreamed.
He'd trained many people. Normally, he wouldn't give a rat's ass about others but things changed. Today he was meeting with the President and CEO of a new company he worked for to recommend someone deserving for a more prominent position in his department.
Kevin was ready. With the help of his friend, Eileen, he was more than prepared. The two of them had worked nonstop for months to prepare him for this meeting. He knew people hated working under him, but Eileen was different. She worked well with him and dealt with his eccentric personality.
Kevin was a workaholic. He had family, but they were mostly married with kids; He was still a bachelor, having long ago given up on finding someone. His adopted Dad often encouraged him to date, but he really didn't have time to deal with the intricacies of it. His job was his main focus.
He was impatient and would quickly dismiss anyone he deemed wasting his time and not getting to the point. His often harsh and curt mannerisms lead many in his office to avoid him at all cost. Eileen was the only person that could deal with him. She was at least a foot shorter than him and thin. Clear alabaster skin and russet red hair that was naturally curly and wild. She wore it long and often twisted it in a bun. She dressed conservatively, always professional, unlike the other young women her age. She was a natural and beautiful woman. Kevin really liked that about her, although he'd never admit it. He loved the way she carried herself, unapologetic and proud.
As one of the only Irish women in the office, she never stopped being true to herself. She was also the only one that was strong enough to deal with him and his boorishness. Kevin had gone through several secretaries before Eileen was assigned to him.
He smiled as he recalled their very first meeting a few years earlier and how she quickly put him in his place.
Kevin failed to attend another family gathering, Delia was now concerned so she called him. He made some excuse about work, but she didn't believe him. She talked to Shaun.
Shaun MacGregor was ready to retire. Not that he had a reason to, but he wanted time with his lovely Delia. He'd had his physical and learned he was in the best of health. His sons were all successful, and now raising their own families. Only one wasn't, and he'd take care of that.
"Good morning, Kevin. We've hired a new secretary to work with you. Since you have a hard time keeping anyone around you, we had to pay her more and give her a title of Executive PA. She will work directly with you and help with any and all assignments you have. Now son, you've gone through twenty-six secretaries in the last year. If this girl quits, you will work by yourself from now on", Kevin's boss, Mr. MacGregor explained. He liked Kevin. He knew his past and realized that he'd had a hard time growing up. So he took the young man under his wing and molded him.
His investment was well worth it as Kevin was invaluable to the company. Often positions would open up, and Kevin would be passed over because of his lack of social skills. He simply could not work with others, but the man was a designing genius. He could create and design proposals that seem to fall from the heavens.
Pushing a button on his desk, Mr. MacGregor called, "Ms. Isaacs, please come in." Kevin was floored as the most amazing and exotic creature entered the room. He'd never seen a more beautiful woman. She was awe inspiring. She had clear alabaster skin, with a few freckles across her nose, thick naturally curly red hair, big plump lips, dark green eyes, and smile that stopped his heart. He admired her svelte frame. Eileen was not thin and frail like most of the women in the office. She was slender, but healthy. She had a narrow waist, wide hips, and an ample bosom. Kevin had to remind himself to breath.
"Yes Mr. MacGregor," the Red-haired Goddess answered smiling as she entered. Then she noticed Kevin sitting in a chair and her smile vanished. "Eileen, remember that post I offered you. Well this is your new boss, Kevin Knight. You will be his Executive PA. Kevin, this is Ms. Eileen Isaacs." MacGregor introduced the two. He didn't miss the younger man's reaction to the young woman that walked in.
Eileen hesitated. Everyone knew this guy's reputation and no one wanted to work with him. But it was just a job, and she needed to work. With her illness, she didn't have the luxury of walking away. So she turned and faced her new boss, taking in the look of shock and then the frown that crossed his face.
"Hello, Mr. Knight. I look forward to working for you." She politely stated extending her hand.
He is fucking gorgeous,
she thought as she quickly hid behind a cloak of professionalism. He looked bookish, and she'd always found bookish men irresistible. He was a tall man, muscled, but not in a grotesque way, long and slender. His hair was cut short and his beard neatly shaved. His dark green eyes which were hidden behind a pair of wire framed glasses sitting on top of a crooked nose.
Clearing his throat and collecting himself, Kevin went into his super vicious mode. "We'll see how long that lasts. I certainly hope you don't mind hard work. I mean, you won't have a lot of time to hang with your friends", he answered snidely.
He asked his employer, "So Mr. MacGregor, when will she start, so we can get the crying over with?"
Mr. Macgregor shook his head. His young man was so rude. Even after trying to mentor him for years, he didn't change. "In the morning, she's already cleared everything with payroll and we are finishing her last transitions today."
"Good, Then Ms. Isaacs, report in at least thirty minutes early, I want to go over what I expect in detail. Don't be late. I don't tolerate slothfulness. If that is all Mr. MacGregor, I have work I need to be doing." Kevin explained to his boss then he exited the meeting. As soon as he left, Macgregor asked Eileen to come back into the office.
"Eileen, he's rather abrupt, but he's excellent at what he does. At any time, if you need a break. I'll personally grant you time off." he offered hoping to convince the young woman to not leave. Shaun MacGregor knew people and he knew if anyone could handle this angry, young man. It was the young woman standing before him.
"Mr. MacGregor, I can handle him." Eileen assured her mentor, praying that her words were true. Kevin Knight was one ill-tempered son of a gun.
The next morning, Eileen arrived at work a half hour early to get acquainted with her new boss. Kevin was nervous. She would be here any minute and he had to get himself under control. Here he was thirty years old acting like a schoolboy with his first crush. Besides, she might not even like him. No one liked him.
