Chapter Text
Chapter One
Penelope had been at Bridgerton Holdings for two weeks now. Her boss was the President and CEO of the company, Anthony E. Bridgerton, the hottest billionaire in the UK. Fresh out of University, Penelope had searched everywhere for a job in publishing with zero luck. But when she had an alert pop up on her job search for an Executive Assistant position at Bridgerton Holdings, she jumped at the chance. They did everything; real estate, financial planning, business development, communications, and most importantly, publishing! She just needed to start somewhere.
The sight of the gentlemen and women in the boardroom for her interview made it feel like an inquisition instead of an interview. There was a tall man with chestnut hair and deep, hypnotic brown eyes. He was probably the sexiest man she had ever seen in person.”
He introduced himself, “Good afternoon, Miss Featherington. Thank you for coming in today. I am Anthony Bridgerton, president and chief executive officer here.” He shook her hand and bowed his head in such a regal manner.
“It’s an honour to meet you. And thank you so much for seeing me. Bridgerton Holdings? I mean, wow. Your company does so much and not to mention all of your own philanthropic contributions to the United Kingdom and beyond.” Penelope blushed knowing that she was gushing but fucking hell! The man could probably get the Queen mother to drop to her knees, metaphorically speaking of course.
“You’ve done your homework.” She heard the other man in the room say. Turning to meet him, she almost gasped at how intense his piercing his stare was. She watched as he licked his lips before speaking again. “Michael Stirling, Head of Acquisitions and the Hiring Manager here. Pleasure to meet you.” The way he said ‘pleasure’ had Penelope squeezing her thighs tightly at the feeling his voice inspired.
Anthony cleared his throat and introduced her to the two women in the room. “Miss Featherington? This is my sister, Daphne Hastings. She is leaving us to join her husband’s new company. They’re going to be based up North. It is her position you will be filling.” Penelope gasped.
“Hastings? As in Danbury Fashion House’s Simon Hastings?” Daphne smiled and nodded. “Fantastic! I’ve met him numerous times before. My godmother is actually Agatha Danbury! Such a small world.” Daphne’s face lit up at that.
“Yes, quite. He no longer is interested in being in the fashion industry. He modeled for them in his younger years then moved onto the Finance side of the business. With his father’s passing, he was given the opportunity to take over Hastings Financial Management Group in Manchester. I will greatly miss my family here, but it’s time for me to move on with my own family.” She rubbed her stomach tenderly; Penelope just noticing the telling baby bump.
“Oh, how lovely. Congratulations.” Penelope smiled brightly at the sweet woman in front of her. Daphne turned to Anthony smiling and then mouthed the words, ‘LOVE HER!’
A clearing of a throat brought their attention to the other woman in the room. “Oh! Sorry! Miss Featherington, this is Miss Bennett, our Communications Manager.”
“Great to meet you. Shall we begin?” The woman had dark blond hair that fell in soft waves to just touch her shoulders with dark blue eyes and a small smile.
They sat at the conference table where Penelope told them of her time at UCL where she majored and graduated with high honours in English Linguistics. They asked why she did not seek employment in a publishing house. She explained that she had submitted multiple applications but with no experience in the industry, she’d been denied by every company. Penelope explained that she knew that with time she would be able to gain experience and then possibly try her luck again in a few years.
The group seemed like they were impressed with her ‘go get em’ attitude and after an hour of discussing her experience with the school newspaper, her own writing, as well as her hopes and desires for the future, she was hired on the spot.
The Christmas season was fast approaching and Penelope was not looking forward to another year at her mother’s house. Phillipa, Al, and their twins would be there along with Prudence and her newest flavour of the month. Her mother would get on her about her weight, her fashion choices, being single and childless. But Portia Featherington had never been the most loving or understanding of mothers. Her husband, Penelope’s father, disappeared when she was twelve years old. Five months later, his remains were discovered in an old abandoned house in Brixton. His murder remains unsolved to this day. He was the only person who ever showed her any love and affection. He loved reading her short stories and always praised her imagination and brilliance.
“Miss Featherington?” Penelope got up from her desk and walked into Anthony’s office.
“Yes sir?” Anthony had taken his jacket off and rolled the sleeves of his white oxford to his elbows.
“Did you have the spreadsheet for the prospectus for next month?”
“I emailed it to you this morning. Have you forgotten to check your email this morning, sir?” He never checked his emails. Penelope was told by Daphne that he thought that emails were too impersonal. Daphne would always tell him he was an old man in a thirty year old’s body.
He grinned at her, “What do you think?”
“Cheeky.” She shook her head at him and went back to her desk to print the prospectus report. Walking back in to the office, she strode over to his desk and handed the hard copy to him.
“You spoil me, love.” He said nonchalantly as he took the papers from her. She felt herself blushing at the term of endearment slipping from his sinful mouth. She already had dirty dreams of him taking her on his desk after hours. Quickly she turned away and made her way out. “Miss Featherington? Are you attending Miss Bennett’s holiday celebration tonight?” Sophie, as Penelope now knew Miss Bennett by, was throwing a Christmas party at her home for friends and colleagues. Penelope was bringing her butter biscuits per Sophie’s request. Penelope had made them for her first day and everyone in the office was now obsessed.
“Yes, I am. I was begged to go so that she could get more of my biscuits.” Penelope chuckled. Anthony’s face perked up.
“Well that settles it then. I’ll have to come now. I’ve been dreaming about your biscuits for weeks.” His eyes widened at his double entendres and she almost fell over when his cheeks dusted with pink.
“Mmm, then I’ll definitely make a separate batch just for you.” Was she flirting with her boss? No Penelope! Bad girl.
“Then I’ll be looking forward to getting some from you, Miss Featherington.” His eyes looked darker and Penelope felt as if she was going to melt. “Um, if you could shut my door on your way out? Hold any calls for the next hour and no visitors .” She nodded, “Thank you.”
Penelope shut his office door then walked to her desk. Plopping down into her chair, she clicked the small fan on to help cool her face down. Did Anthony Bridgerton just flirt back? Oh my.
Penelope shut his office door and Anthony quickly unbuckled his belt and trousers, taking himself in hand. “Fuck!” It was a daily occurrence lately. She was so fucking tempting. Her low cut blouses and tight pencil skirts, those pouty deep wine coloured lips, her thick lashes, that bright fiery red hair, those cerulean eyes! God help him!
The first moment their hands touched during her interview he’d been a goner. Her sweet countenance and her witty charm made him want a woman for the first time in three years, ever since Kate Sheffield broke his heart and left him to live in America. Last he had heard from her sister Edwina, she had married and had a son now. Strange that she left him because she was not ready for any of that. It must have just been him that she wasn’t ready for. But Penelope Featherington? With just one smile, he was gone.
He shouldn’t want her. Couldn’t. She was his assistant. And besides, Penelope Featherington was nobody’s quick fling. She was a woman that deserved to be romanced; treasured. Christ! He was screwed.
Sophie Bennett’s party was a raging success. Penelope was having a fantastic time. She’d met a few new people and had danced a few times as well. Michael Stirling was the first to approach her for a dance. He was being very flirtatious and had propositioned her three times already. He was tempting, but she knew about his reputation around Bridgerton Holdings. Currently she was dancing with a man from Sophie’s division, Maxwell Fife.
“You’ve got the most amazing eyes, Penelope. They’re like looking into the Aegean Sea. Have you ever been to Greece? Beautiful country. My mother has a villa in Patmos. Maybe I could take you sometime.” He winked at her them gave a not so subtle look at her cleavage. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Christ, you are so fucking sexy.” Then she felt it. His dick, hard as a rock. She pulled away to look at him in shock. He gave her a smug smile before pulling her close again. She looked around to find Sophie or even Michael to help get her away from Sir Pokes-a-lot and found her savior.
Anthony Bridgerton had just arrived. He locked eyes with Penelope and she gave him a pleading look. Once he realized who she was dancing with, he walked over.
“Fife! How the hell are ya?” Fife turned and saw him, his eyes widening. Wrapping his arm around Penelope’s waist, he extended his hand out to the gentleman for a handshake.
“Mr. Bridgerton, sir. Happy Christmas.” The smarmy worm tightened his grip on her waist as she attempted to step away.
“Miss Featherington? You’re looking lovely. I think this is the first time I have seen you outside the office. I hope you are enjoying yourself.” Anthony said as he looked upon her smiling softly.
“Oh, we have been. She’s a wonderful dancer. Beautiful and just,” Fife looked her up and down again, “lovely.”
“I believe I was talking to Miss Featherington.” He said gruffly.
“My apologies, sir.” Fife replied, looking uncomfortable.
Anthony heard the opening notes of Fairytale of New York beginning and extending his hand, “Care to dance, Miss Featherington?” Fife stiffened up, knowing he was being dismissed. Penelope unwrapped his arm from her waist and stepped forward.
“I would love to, Mr. Bridgerton. Thank you.” She turned to a red faced Maxwell Fife. “Nice meeting you, Marty.” She smirked and fought the urge to laugh as he mumbled, ‘It’s Maxwell.’ As they walked away.
“Thank you for saving me. He was stuck to me like Velcro. My god. He wouldn’t stop talking about himself and how ‘sexy’ he thinks I am. Then! Oh! How embarrassing! He rubbed his pronger against my leg! Randy bastard.” Anthony laughed as she ended her tirade.
“Total wanker. Want me to fire him?” He grinned as she hid her face in his chest and giggled.
“No. Might do well to send him to a sexual harassment seminar though.” They chuckled as they continued their dance. After the song, they went over to the refreshments and grabbed a glass of wine and some of the biscuits Penelope had brought. “Oh, do not let me forget before you leave, I hid your tin of biscuits in my purse.”
“Thanks, love. That was very sweet of you. I was only joking about it, but thank you all the same. If I ever introduced you to my younger brother Colin, he’d probably marry you just to have these whenever he wanted.” Anthony joked and watched as Penelope blushed. God, she blushed so prettily, he wondered how far that blush reached.
They mingled and enjoyed themselves with Sophie, Michael and a few others. Fife took the hint and left hours ago. It was nearing midnight when the party broke up. “Oh, shite. Let me start walking home. It’s late.” Penelope said as she handed Anthony his tin of biscuits from her bag.
“Nonsense. Let me give you a lift. Where abouts are you?” Anthony offered.
“Um, I’ve a flat in Westgate Terrace off Radcliffe Square.” She winced as she said it, knowing he lived in Belgravia on Eaton Place. It was out of his way. She was literally an eleven minute walk from Sophie’s house on Edith Grove in Chelsea. “Really, it’s not far. I don’t want to be a bother.” The look he gave her told Penelope she had no choice.
As he got them settled in the car, he turned and smiled at her. “I had fun tonight.”
“So did I, Anthony. Um, I mean, Mr. Bridgerton.” Anthony smiled.
“No, please. Anthony is fine. That is, if you’ll allow me to call you Penelope.” She smiled and nodded her head. “Wait. Shite! I’ll be right back. I left my watch on her bathroom sink after I washed my hands. It was my father’s watch.” He jumped out of the car and ran up the stairs to Sophie’s front door.
His phone rang and on instinct, she answered. “Anthony’s phone.”
“Hello? Hello, this is Violet, Anthony’s mother. Who is this?” The lady sounded concerned.
“Oh, how lovely. This is Penelope. Anthony just ran out. I apologise, I did not mean to answer his phone. Did you want to wait a minute? We were leaving a party but he forgot his father’s watch on the bathroom sink. Ooh! Here he is!”
Just then Anthony opened the door. “Ready, love?” Penelope smiled and nodded, the wine getting to her head.
“Anthony Edmond Bridgerton. Where have you been hiding this lovely girl?” His mother’s voice came through the phone.
“Mum! Hey! Penelope and I were just leaving Sophie’s Christmas party.” He looked at Penelope and she mouthed ‘Sorry!’ to him but he just smiled.
“I was just calling to let you know Colin will not be arriving until Christmas Eve, and Francesca is staying with a friend in Scotland so she will not make it this year.” Her voice cheerfully squeaked.
“And you call at almost midnight to let me know? Are you having trouble sleeping again?” He sounded so concerned for his mother. It made her heart ache.
“The anniversary just passed, so it’s been rough. I’m sure once I am surrounded by my children and their significant others, I’ll be right as rain.” She sighed. “Let me not keep you both. Love you son.”
“Love you, mum.” Anthony hung up and started his Aston Martin. “Ready?” Penelope nodded. It was only a three minute ride up the road and down one side street to get to Penelope’s flat. It was in a group of row homes on the third floor. It was small but the view from her bedroom was spectacular.
“My flats the blue one just over here.” She pointed as they came up to it. “Thanks for the ride.” Anthony got out from his side and met her at the curb. “Oh, you don’t need to walk me. It’s fine.” She said shyly. Anthony raised his eyebrows.
“Miss Featherington, I am a gentleman. Please allow me to accompany you to your front door.” He held out his arm in an attempt at chivalry.
“Now, now. I thought we moved on from last names or should I still call you Mister?” She smirked at him as she wrapped her hand around his forearm. The heat coming off of the man was enticing her to snuggle closer.
“Mmm. Yes. Penelope, allow me?” He led them up the front steps. She unlocked the door and turned to thank him. He was so close, and the smell of his cologne had her entranced; fresh mint, lemon and apple with a hint of vanilla. He smelled good enough to eat. Penelope unconsciously licked her lips, drawing Anthony’s eyes to her mouth.
“What floor are you on?” He whispered.
“Third.” She gulped.
“Elevator?” She shook her head. “I’d feel better if I saw you to your door, Penelope.” He couldn’t help but feel protective of her. He needed to know that she was safe. He took ahold of her hand and squeezed. She pulled him inside and kept his hand in hers. After two flights of stairs, they made it to her flat.
“Thank you for making sure I made it home safe and sound, you really did not need to go through all that trouble for me. It is appreciated though.” She smiled up at him. When he still stood there, she unlocked the door. “Um, did you want to come in and check for the Bogeyman? Monsters under my bed?” She joked causing herself to giggle and him to smile.
He stepped a bit closer, “Hmm, don’t tempt me.” God he was so hot for her. He was really fighting his baser urges. Instead he leaned down close and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams. See you Monday morning.” He backed into the hallway and watched as her eyes stayed locked onto his own as she closed her door. Hearing the click of her lock, he made his way down and out to his car.
Penelope thought about Anthony all weekend. She had come to realize that her boss was absolutely attracted to her. As far as she known and had heard, he was single and not dating anyone. But, he was her boss. It was probably against company policy to date a coworker, especially one’s own assistant. Of course, she knew nothing would come of it. They were simply flirting with each other. Was she attracted to him? Yes. Did she think anything would come of it? Of course not.
Monday morning had finally arrived, and Penelope arrived twenty minutes early. She wanted to be at her desk when he arrived. He’d be the one to say Good Morning. She would not seek him out. She would not seek him out. She would, oh damn it! He was there early! Blast! She settled at her desk and was about to say her hello’s when she heard him call her name.
“Miss Featherington, please come into my office.” Oh god! Was she getting fired? Did he know she had sex dreams about him all weekend? What could he simply want? “Please, close the door.” Penelope nodded then did as she was told. “Have a seat. I hope your weekend went well.”
“Oh, um, yes. I did some reading and worked on the book I’m writing.” He smiled at her then nodded.
“Ah, I didn’t know that you were writing a book. How wonderful!” She preened under his attention. “Penelope,” she looked into his eyes and waited, “I have a proposition for you.” Penelope bit her lip.
‘Oh my fucking god! Is this really happening!?!?’ She gulped and nodded her head, “Okay?”
“My mother seems to be under the impression that we are dating.” Penelope made a choking sound, her eyes were wide open in shock.
“And why would she think that?!?!” She shrieked.
“Because, she assumed that we were together seeing as you answered my cell when she called Friday night.” He huffed in annoyance. Why was she acting like the thought of them being together was the most heinous thing ever? Anthony crossed his arms over his chest.
“And you did not correct her?” She got up from her chair and started pacing. He cannot be serious.
“My mother has been going through a lot lately. She has always fought hard with depression and the only thing that makes her happy is watching her eight children grow and find love.” Penelope calmed herself down and sat back in her chair. “My father was my mother’s soulmate. He died suddenly eleven years ago, leaving her a widow with seven children and one on the way.” Penelope gasped.
“Oh Anthony, I am so sorry. I didn’t know.” He put his hand up.
“How would you have? It’s not like I put it out there in the company newsletter.” He shrugged making himself look like a young boy. “She believes in finding one’s soulmate; in true love. My sister Daphne and Simon married last year. My brother Ben and his fiancé Henry are getting married on New Years Eve. And ever since, she’s been focusing on me. When you answered and then she heard me call you ‘Love’, she assumed. When I heard how happy she was with even the thought of me dating again, I couldn’t break her heart.”
“But what happens when the ruse ends? I mean how long do you need me to be your pretend girlfriend?” Penelope chuckled at the thought. Pretend girlfriend? What was this? Some cheesy RomCom?
“I’ll pay you. Handsomely.” He said desperately.
“You want pay me to pretend to be your girlfriend? Lie to your family?” She could use the money honestly. Find a better flat, one with an elevator and not a third floor walk up.
“Yeah. Come on. It’s only until after the New Years Eve bash for Ben’s wedding. Come spend Christmas with us at our chalet on Cairngorm.”
Penelope had two options. Get paid to fake date her hot as sin boss or spend Christmas with her overbearing mother. It was an easy choice.
“Deal.”