Page 1 of Softest Touch

CHAPTER ONE

DEREK

Four months away from home has felt like breathing fresh air. Although I decided to take a year off, I couldn't resist returning early, and now I find myself standing in front of Wilson Creations. I'm pretty sure I'll hear some complaints about my return, but I'm not a beach-and-cocktail kind of guy.

After parking my Maserati Gran Turismo, I walk into the building, greeting the doorman. New York Fashion Week is a few months away, and Wilson Creations will be presenting the new collection I've been working hard on. Not having the final piece drives me insane. That's why I took a few months off – I hoped it would help me find new inspiration, but it never happened. I didn't want to waste more time, so now I'm back to ensure everything is in order, even if it's seven p.m. While I do trust my brother and his wife, life has taught me that it's better to handle things myself.

“Derek? What are you doing here?” my brother James asks as soon as I cross the threshold of my office.

“I was getting bored, so I came back.” I shrug, taking off my jacket.

“What do I have to do to get rid of you?”

“You can't.” I laugh and sit at my desk. “How are things going? Are we ready for New York?”

“Yes, we're just looking for two more models. Otherwise, everything is fine, and we need to choose the dress for the finale.”

“Perfect,” I say, glancing at some folders on the desk. “Did you find me a new assistant?”

“Sienna took care of it, at least I think so.” His cheeky grin says more than he wants to.

“I'm not sure if I should be more concerned that your wife chose an assistant for me or that you're not certain about it.”

“Yeah...” He chuckles while rubbing his neck. “Let's just say, with her raging hormones, it's better not to disagree with her.”

“Could we do that before her pregnancy?” I ask James, who lets out a hearty laugh.

“Could you do what?” Sienna asks as she enters the office, followed by a stunning girl. “Welcome back, Derek. I knew you'd be back sooner than planned.”

“You know me well.” I hug her before peering at her rounded belly. “You look amazing.”

“And you're such a bad liar!” Sienna rolls her eyes at me. “I feel like an elephant.”

“Yes, but a sexy one!” James replies, taking a playful slap from Sienna.

“Anyway, since Ella has retired, I've found you a new assistant.” She moves further while turning toward the girl. “Meet Melinda Jackson. I've already shown her everything she needs to know.” Sienna winks at me, knowing how picky I am with my colleagues and how well-prepared they have to be. “Melinda, this is Derek Wilson.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” She extends her hand. I briefly look at her and sharply exhale. She looks like a stunning porcelain doll – fragile and ready to break. Even if her beauty doesn't go unnoticed, I can't afford newbies just for the sake of it.

“She's not fit for this job. She's too young and definitely not what I'm looking for,” I tell Sienna as I sit back in my chair. “No offense, Miss Jackson, but I don't like wasting time.”

“You don't know anything about me, and yet you judge me,” she fires back. “How do you know I'm not suitable for the job?”

Calmly, I pick up a pen to sign some papers and then peer at her. “I've been working in this field for so many years that, I assure you, you won't last a week here.”

“Try me,” she challenges me. “Instead of judging, let me show you how much I'm worth.”

“Melanie...”

“No, I'll stop you right away.” She approaches, placing her hands flat open on my desk. “I'm not going to be treated like a fool. I'm not a kid, and I've worked hard not to have the door slammed in my face by the first person who thinks they know everything about me after a glance.” Her confidence and determination pique my curiosity, not to mention her attitude. The power her body radiates can't be missed, and the fire in her eyes burns into mine. My heart flutters, and my gut tells me to keep her.

“Okay.” I stare back at her, holding up my index finger. “One week, but if you can't do your job, you'll be fired!”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “For real?”

“Do I look like someone who's kidding?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Nnn—no, sir.”