FALLING FOR THE CEO

"Isabelle, will you walk Sterling out please?" Mrs. Strahm asked as she headed for her office.

"Of course." I smiled.

Sterling and I had always been close so it was a pleasure to see him out. He was my first friend when I came to the orphanage after my mother had gone crazy. He was always by my side since our first meeting. Even after he left with his father and step mother he still came back here regularly to see me.

He had changed a lot as he grew up. Sterling grew more and more handsome. He was a young copy of his father with his jet black hair and icy blue eyes. He had become quite the athlete over the years which gave him a fit physique. He kept his black hair a little shorter on the sides but longer on the top, allowing him to spike it up from time to time.

I had changed myself. My chocolate brown hair got longer over the years and it was now down to my waist. My grey eyes had always been a noticeable feature but seemed to stand out more now that I was older. My cheeks had become another prominent feature of mine as I got older and my features began to stick out more. They were high placed and gave me a sharper look, at least that's what I had been told.

Throughout the last twelve years we grew closer and closer. However, I was beginning to get interested in boys being more than friends. I had discovered how much fun dating could be and I knew I wanted Sterling. I was too scared to tell him my true feelings though. I didn't want to lose my best friend.

"Walking me out again Izzy, how sweet of you." Sterling's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"It's what friends are for right?" I tried to hide the fact I was blushing.

"Well, let's go then." He smiled as he waited for me to stand by his side.

He opened the door of the orphanage and we both walked outside. Since I was sixteen Mrs. Strahm wasn't as watchful of me anymore. She had a new group of youngsters to keep an eye on.

"How's school going Izzy?" He asked as we stepped off the last stair.

"It's not too bad." I answered. "What about you?"

"Just getting everything I need to finish up before graduation in three months." He responded. Sterling was a senior in highschool, his eighteenth birthday was going to be next month.

"Sounds exciting." We stopped and faced each other. "What's your plans after that?"

"My father wants me to go to college. Then once I come back I'll get a role at the company." He seemed to be a little excited about the idea.

"Nice." I smiled but part of me felt disappointed. I didn't want him to leave.

I could see his eyes looking me over intensely. He could read me like a book sometimes. "There's still more than enough time for me to come see you before I go. I'll come see you every holiday too." He spoke with sincerity in his tone. "I promise."

"Don't make promises you don't know if you can keep." I looked away from him. "You're going to be busy Sterling. I don't expect you to stop your life to come pay a visit to an orphanage."

He gently grabbed my chin in between his fingers and thumb. He forced me to look back at him. I could see there was some sort of emotion in his eyes but I couldn't tell what it was. It looked like he was on the verge of saying something but didn't know how to put it. Instead of words he took me by surprise as his lips clashed down on mine.

My eyes went wide in surprise and then closed as I welcomed the kiss. My arms wrapped around his neck and his hands moved to my hips. He pulled me closer to him as our kiss continued on. This was it, this was what I needed to know he felt the same way before I confessed my feelings to him.

Finally he pulled away. "Izzy, I'm sorry." His eyes looked into mine. "Scratch that, I'm not sorry. No matter how busy I am, I will make time for you. I love you Isabelle. I always have." He poured his true feelings out to me.

I was speechless for a moment as I took in his words. I could see that the longer it took me to answer the more worried he was getting. It was time to put him at ease and let my own feelings out. "I love you too."

****3 months later****

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" Sterling asked. A few friends of his had planned a camping trip and he was stopping by to see me before he left.

"I appreciate the thought but I can't this time." I answered. "I already promised Mrs. Strahm and Emily that I would help them on the field trip to the zoo."

"I can wait til after you get back." His arms were tightly wrapped around my waist.

We had admitted our feelings to each other but ultimately decided to not to label ourselves as an official relationship. He was leaving for college soon and I didn't want him to stress too much over a relationship. He needed to focus on his school work and I would be here when he came home. We had plans to make ourselves official either when he was home permanently or if I could get into the same college.

"No. You go and have fun." I gave him a reassuring smile. I knew I would feel awkward if I went anyway. I would be the youngest and I didn't know his friends very well. "Just call me when you get home."

"I'll do better than that." He smirked. "I'll come and see you."

"I would love that." I couldn't help but blush at the way he looked at me.

He pulled me in for one last kiss. Our lips moved together as they had done more times than I could count now. It was like once we knew where we stood with each other we just couldn't get enough. He gently bit my bottom lip before pulling away.

"I love you. I'll see you in a couple days." his eyes looked into mine.

"I love you too." I smiled.

I watched as he walked to the car his father had bought, a bright green Lamborghini Huracan. He waved goodbye before getting inside of the car. Then he drove off. Little did I know, that would be the last time I saw Sterling Tipton.

Funny how that turned out.

"Ms. Avildsen my office please." My boss called for me from her office door in a stern tone. She was a middle aged woman with light brown hair and glasses. She wore a black business suit.

"You better hurry Isabelle. She's been in a mood today." My co-worker Mandy spoke. She sat in the cubicle next to me.

I let out a low sigh. "This should be good."

It wasn't very often Mrs. Puckett called one of us into her office privately. I had been here for a few years and knew if she wanted you one on one it meant two things. You did something wrong that a client complained about or you did something wrong that she herself didn't like. Either way it usually left with someone crying.

I got up from my seat and headed for the office door. I pulled it open and stepped inside. I could feel myself getting nervous. I really didn't know what this was about. Every client I had worked for had given great feedback. This had to be something that she didn't like.

"Have a seat." Mrs. Puckett motioned to the chair in front of her.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, I wanted to just get to the point and get this over with.

"Nothing is wrong." She pulled a folder out of her desk drawer. "A request has been made for you specifically."

"Me?" I was slightly confused.

After my falling out with Sterling about four years ago, well if you could even call it that, I left Nashville. I asked Mrs. Strahm to place me into the program out of state in California where those of us at the orphanage could learn some skills to get jobs. I had picked the program to learn how to be an assistant. I had finished up the program awhile ago but due to lack of experience I was just a temporary assistant.

I was sent out when an assistant would be gone for a period of time and a company needed them covered. When I wasn't out doing that we were here in the office doing whatever Mrs. Puckett had asked of us. It wasn't the most exciting thing in the world but it paid the bills. Eventually it would also lead to getting an actual assistant job.

"Yes you." She spoke as if even she was surprised by the request. "I tried to offer one of the more tenure people but the man wouldn't allow it."

"Who is it for?" I questioned.

"I'm under strict orders to keep it confidential until you agree to the contract that was sent over." Mrs. Puckett sighed as she opened up the folder. She took out a few papers and slid them over to me.

I looked over all of the information on the paper. The salary was the first thing listed. My eyes grew wide at the number. It was about three times more than what I currently was making. "Are they sure about the amount?" I asked as my eyes read over the paper.

"I asked that too. He was very very sure of this amount." Her tone was serious. "I'll be honest, Ms. Avildsen. It would be stupid not to take such an offer."

"Where is it?" The company information was not listed. Whoever this was definitely wanted to remain anonymous for right now.

"Nashville." Mrs. Puckett answered.

My stomach dropped. When I left I had no intention of ever going back. Was this really worth returning to where my heart had been broken? Was it worth running into Sterling? My heart wanted to fight this, but Mrs. Puckett was right. It would be stupid to pass it up. Nashville wasn't small, just because his father was well known didn't mean I'd be running into him.

After reading the contract I signed my signature. I was then directed to get my things and get on the next flight. It seemed this was a time sensitive matter. I did as I was told and packed as much as I could. The contract made it clear that someone would be sent for the rest of my belongings.

I had gotten to the airport with the ticket I had been given. I got onto the plane and headed right for Nashville. During the flight I could feel myself begin to get anxious. I was going to be back in Nashville for over the next year per the contract. A lot can happen in that time frame.

The plane touched down and there was a car waiting for me. The driver was tall and muscular. He had a serious look to his face which was a little intimidating. He was nice enough though to help load my things into the car. He then drove me to the orphanage.

I called Mrs. Strahm right away to see if there was any spare room for me there. I had no family in Nashville. The only one I had really known before was Sterling but that bridge had burned. She agreed to let me stay and she seemed very excited by it. Things had changed a little bit though. Mrs. Strahm was still the director but Emily had now taken the lead over things.

After I arrived I spent a few hours catching up with Mrs. Strahm on things that had happened over the years. Then it was time for me to get some sleep as I started my new job tomorrow. It was hard though. I was a mix of excitement and nerves.

When my alarm went off I got changed into a lilac colored button up blouse and a high waisted skirt that stopped above my knees. I put my brown hair into a ponytail and put on some eyeliner and mascara. I put on my heels and met the driver from yesterday outside, he had apparently been arranged by my new boss.

He knew exactly where we were going. I looked out of the window to see what changes I could spot. It had been years so some shops had been replaced by ones that I didn't recognize. Everything else had stayed pretty much the same since I left four years ago when I turned seventeen.

The car stopped at our destination and I got out. I looked upon the massive building which made my stomach drop and made me feel sick. Tipton Enterprises. I have been here only a handful of times.

I walked inside and reached the receptionist's desk and gave her my name. She checked something on her computer. "Please go to the thirty-second floor." She smiled.

I headed for the elevator. I was becoming an anxious mess. What were the odds of this? I took a deep breath and let it out as the doors opened. There was a red headed woman standing by who smiled when she saw me. "Hello, I'm Stacey. Follow me please."

I followed behind her and she walked me into Mr. Tipton's office. He had aged nicely since the last time I saw him and his wife. He had a little grey in his hair but it only complimented his features. He gave a slight smile when I was brought in, which caused the other person in the room to turn and look at me. My heart dropped as those familiar blue eyes met mine.

Mr. Tipton cleared his throat and then began to speak. "Sterling, this is your new assistant. I believe the two of you already know each other.

Sterling's POV)

"It's a shame I can't tag along with you." Elise, my girlfriend sighs as she watches me finish tying my tie around my neck.

"Father's rules. Not mine." I responded. Truthfully though I was okay with her not coming to the office. She just would be a distraction and I didn't need that on my first day.

Elise was a very attractive woman with her chestnut brown eyes and dark red hair that went down to her shoulders. It was her attitude sometimes though that could be a little much. She had clearly been spoiled when she was a child as she felt she should get whatever she wanted. When she didn't she would throw a tantrum, just like a child.

We started dating about a year ago. At first she was an absolute sweetheart. She was also the first girl I had taken interest in since Isabelle had left. As we got more comfortable that's when her true personality began to show. Normally I would've ended things but I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, she did still have her sweet moments here and there. She was also the only one who could fill the void I felt within myself from missing Isabelle.

"Your mom goes all the time." She rolled her eyes.

"She's also his wife and has a floor for her business Elise." I tried to not let my annoyance show in my tone.

Over the last fifteen years my father had been preparing me to work at the company, he just made sure I still had my freedom. His Vice President Remington Sims had taken on a president position at another company and I had just graduated from college. It was perfect timing for me to step in and take the seat. This was to help prepare and give me a chance to learn how to run the company. That way when my father decided to retire I would be the next in line to take it over.

My mother had reached great success over these years as well. Her fashion line was one of the hottest out there and she had stores now all over the world. How she managed all that and still made time for the family I will never know. She was always here for Scarlett and I when we needed anything.

Elise let out a sigh. "Fine. I need to get going anyway. I'll see you later?"

"Yes." I gave her a peck on the lips. "As long as everything goes well today we'll have dinner or something."

"Okay." She gave me a pleased smile. She then pressed her lips onto my cheek for a kiss before hurrying out of my apartment.

I grabbed what I needed and locked up before leaving. I went downstairs and got into the green Lamborghini Huracan I had for a few years now. My father had gifted it to me for my birthday years ago. I started it up and headed for Tipton Enterprises.

I was slightly dreading having my father for a boss. He could be an intense man sometimes. I could only imagine how much worse it was in the business world. I also knew we were bound to butt heads. We were both stubborn and didn't like taking no for an answer.

I pulled into the parking garage after the fifteen minute drive and got out of the car. I locked it and headed inside of the building. I could feel the staff's eyes on me as I headed for the elevator. They all knew who I was. It was obvious, I was the spitting image of my father after all. It was like someone had hit copy and paste.

I pressed the button for the thirty-second floor once I was inside. The doors closed and the elevator began to ascend to the top. This building was huge, one of the biggest here in Nashville. It had thirty-floors but the ceilings were so high that it stood more around sixty-four stories. The elevator dinged and I stepped out.

I headed right for my father's office. "Hello Stacey." I greeted his assistant as she sat at her desk.

"Hello. He's inside waiting for you." She smiled pleasantly.

I gave her a charming smile in return. "Thank you."

I walked into the office and noticed my father standing at the window. He turned around to face me as he heard me approach. His icy blue eyes were as intense as they had always been. His jet black hair now had a little grey here and there, it was mixed into the stubble on his face as well. Don't think age had made him soft though, Damon Tipton still remained a ruthless business tyrant.

"Welcome son." He greeted me as he took a seat at his desk.

I took a seat across from him. "So what's our first order of business?"

He looked down at his watch and then back up to me. "The first order of business is to get you acquainted with your assistant, she should be here any time now."

"I still don't know why you didn't let me pick one myself." I responded. We may have some similarities but how could I be so sure he would pick someone I would work well with. At the same time though I couldn't have someone I worked too well with, Elise would freak out.

"It doesn't matter." He spoke nonchalantly. "The woman I picked is very qualified and the reviews about her have been nothing but positive. I wouldn't have picked her if I didn't think she would be a good fit."

"If you say so." I knew I should trust his judgement. He had only been out to do what was best for me, if he felt he found the perfect fit then I should be open to giving her a try.

We didn't have much time to talk before the office doors opened again. My father's attention went to the two people who had entered the room. I turned to see that it was Stacey and a young woman. I recognized her instantly.

Those grey eyes, that long chocolate brown hair and those cheekbones. It was Isabelle. My heart practically ached as my eyes looked her over before locking onto her grey orbs. It had been years since I had seen her. All because of one stupid misunderstanding.

My father proceeded to then introduce her and let it be known he had hired her as my assistant. I could tell in her eyes she had been taken by surprise just like I had been. My father was up to something. I could see it on his face that this was no coincidence, he had done this on purpose.

"Mr. Tipton, I'm not sure if this is a good idea." Isabelle finally spoke after breaking our eye contact.

"Isabelle, the agreement has been signed." My father responded. "Why don't you take a seat and we can talk about this more in depth?"

I let out an inward sigh to myself. Here we go.