Page 15 of Men or Paws

He pointed to the trunk full of my stuff. “You can leave your things here for now. Gwen will take them to the guesthouse while you speak with Rocco.”

I had no idea who Gwen was, but for a moment, I thought the man was Rocco’s bodyguard based on his huge muscles and dark sunglasses. I changed my mind when he slid off the glasses and smiled at me since bodyguards have way more attitude and never seemed to smile.

“I’m Marcello, by the way.” He extended his hand toward me. “I’m Rocco’s personal assistant. Pleased to meet you.”

Color me surprised.

I thought for sure a man like Rocco would have some gorgeous, pencil-thin, scantily-clad woman working as his assistant, someone he could drool over all day. Also surprising that he was already at Rocco’s house working at seven thirty in the morning.

Marcello was a delightful specimen, though, there was no doubt about that.

I shook his hand and returned the smile. “A pleasure to meet you as well.”

He pointed to the folder in my hand. “Is that the NDA and employment contract?”

“Yes, but I would like to talk with Rocco before I sign them, if you don’t mind.”

“Is there a problem with one of the stipulations?”

“Well . . .” I laughed nervously. “There were definitely a couple of things in there that were eye-opening, but I just want to make sure we were clear on a few items.”

“I’d be happy to clarify anything for you,” Marcello said.

“Thank you, but I would really prefer to talk with Rocco,” I said. “Especially since I added an addendum to the contract that he would need to sign.”

“Most people would kill to have this job with the contract as-is,” Marcello said.

“Well, I’m not like most people. Don’t get me wrong, I do want the job, most definitely, but I’m very familiar with the inner-workings of Hollywood because of my brother. I just want to make sure Rocco and I are on the same page. That will require a face-to-face conversation and my addendum.”

Some of the things in Rocco’s contract were absolutely, positively ridiculous and presumptuous, especially his “no sex” clause, which I had no problem agreeing to.

Seriously?

Did he really think every woman in the world wanted to sleep with him?

Give me a break.

I wasn’t going to lie and say he wasn’t easy on the eyes, but I would never be interested in someone like him. At some point his good looks will fade, his muscles will droop, and all he will have left is his big ego and a pile of money that won’t buy him happiness.

Besides, employees had rights too and I wanted to make sure he was aware of my demands. Er . . . requirements, that’s what I meant.

I’m not a diva.

Marcello studied me, a smile of amusement appearing on his face. “Be my guest.” He gestured to the side of the house. “Rocco’s in the back. Just follow that stone path around the house. I’m sure Houdini will lead the way.”

I smiled back. “Thank you.” I was about to walk toward the side of the house, but then stopped. “I’m curious . . . you’re Rocco’s assistant. Why aren’t you watching Houdini?”

Marcello swung back around and nodded. “That’s a fair question, and the short answer is, Rocco prefers that I focus on other things.” He smiled. “Good luck and I’ll see you around.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

Marcello seemed real to me, sincere, and down-to-earth.

I had a good feeling about him.

Rocco, not so much.

Marcello hopped in the BMW and waved, before heading down the driveway.