Chapter 1 1.

CHAPTER 1

It's a beautiful Monday morning and it's drizzling heavily , Pete is immersed in his routine work at the firm. The distant echoes of thunder complement the irregular drumming of rain on his office window, creating a soothing atmosphere. Lightning illuminates the room, and Pete grins while typing on his computer.

Meet Pete Reynold, a 34-year-old attorney working at Salinger & Associates LLP, an intellectual property law firm situated in downtown Houston. Pete is happily married and stands tall at 6'1, maintaining a healthy weight of 170lbs. With a serious demeanor and a strong technical mind, Pete sometimes comes across as aloof, making it challenging for others to connect with him initially. His communication style is direct and expressionless, adding to the impression of a reserved personality.

Pete's professional appearance is characterized by his neatly combed dark brown hair styled in curtains, complementing his clean-shaven face. His features include well-defined cheekbones, a gaunt jawline, and striking sapphire-blue eyes. Despite his stoic nature, Pete is considered rather handsome, often receiving random smiles from women in his workplace. His reserved presentation may create an initial barrier, but beneath the serious exterior lies a dedicated attorney excelling in the world of intellectual property law.

Becky, Pete's former assistant, recently shifted to a new role in the docketing department. This prompted the need for Pete to find a replacement. A committee was formed to help with the hiring process, and after reviewing resumes and conducting interviews for the past month, they informed Pete about the chosen candidate last week. Pete had reservations about not being directly involved in the selection, but he understood and accepted the firm's way of handling things.

In this company, an IP Assistant primarily deals with filing documents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and communicating with clients. For Pete, the main requirement was to have someone competent enough to handle these tasks accurately and on time. While he may have preferred a more active role in choosing his assistant, the firm's approach prioritized efficiency in the hiring process.

Ms. Chloe Johnson, one of the firm's senior attorneys, and head of the hiring committee, knocks on Pete's office door.

Pete: Come in.

Chloe opens the door and walks into Pete's office with Jasmine Patra, Pete's newly hired assistant. Pete looks up from his work and sees Jasmine for the first time.

Jasmine was a petite little thing, toned and thin, standing 5'7 with three-inch heels, but still had an ample bosom with shapely hips despite her small frame. Her hair was the color of chestnut, that fell just above her shoulders and had a healthy shimmer to it as she moved under the lights in the ceiling. She had brilliant green eyes that were reminiscent of jade gemstones, polished and rare, and were well contrasted by her dark mascara. She had fair skin with subtle tones of olive and soft facial features with a distinct mole positioned high on her left cheekbone. She was dressed in the typical female office uniform: a pink short-sleeved collared blouse, a fitted navy-blue pencil skirt, and a pair of off-white heels. Additionally, she wore a black banded choker-style necklace, which, to Pete, looked immature and childish.

Chloe's voice cut through the ambient hum of Pete's office, disrupting his focus on the rain-drenched cityscape outside.

"Hey, Will, I hope you're not too busy. I'd like to introduce you to your new assistant, Jasmine. Jasmine, this is Pete Reynold, he will be the attorney you'll be supporting."

Jasmine turned towards Pete, her hands poised in front of her waist, and a subtle bounce accompanied a warm smile. Pete, a man of stoic demeanor, quickly assessed her as a lively and youthful individual. Her attire, however, hinted at a lack of professionalism, making him skeptical about her suitability for the role. Despite this, he couldn't deny her undeniable beauty.

"Hello, Mr. Reynold! It's very nice to meet you. I can't wait to get started, sir! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you," Jasmine greeted cheerfully.

"Hi, Jasmine. I believe Becky will be training you for the next couple of weeks or so?" Pete inquired, his tone carrying a hint of detachment.

"Oh? Ummm..." Jasmine hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Chloe.

"That's correct, Will. After I introduce Jasmine to the other departments, I will show her to her desk, right next to Becky, and then I'll have her sign the usual incoming documents. She should be ready for training by noon, I'd say," Chloe explained, bridging the gap in the conversation.

"Great. It's nice to meet you. I trust Becky will do a great job in training you. Feel free to come to me if you have any questions, just please knock first," Pete said, returning his attention to his work, seemingly indifferent to the presence of the two women.

"Um... Understood, sir..." Jasmine responded hesitantly.

"Ok, well, thank you, Will. I'm sure you guys will make a great team. Let's head to the docketing department, Jasmine," Chloe concluded, leading the way as they exited Pete's office. As the door closed behind them, Pete allowed a fleeting gaze at Jasmine, noting the curvature of her figure as she walked away, leaving him with a subtle sense of intrigue.

Jasmine follows Chloe out of Pete's office, and Pete watches her as she leaves his office. He is drawn to the curvature of her lower body; her skirt was short and taut, it clung to her body and contoured the slender shape of her legs up to the roundedness of her buttocks. Jasmine turns back towards Pete before she completely exits his office, he quickly pulls his eyes up to meet hers. She smiles and winks at him as she exits his office with a bounce to her step.