Chapter 1 #2
“I’m fine.” Was I? My skin felt tight, and my heart didn’t seem to want to work right.
I took a deep breath. The last thing I needed was to have a panic attack, especially when there was no reason to have one.
The last thing I wanted right then was for Asher to figure out I was the torn apart girl he’d almost rescued all those months ago.
Thankfully, he didn’t seem to recognize me, and it was better that way.
“All right. I have an NDA for you to sign before you can start work.” Miles opened the file folder and pulled out a sheet of paper.
“NDA?” Of course. They wanted to protect any information I learned about them. So why was I surprised?
Asher shifted next to me, and my attention focused on him.
“Because of the scope of this project and in the interest of expediency and to avoid any roadblocks, you’ll have sysadmin permissions globally.
You will have access to private employee information as well as privileged research and development information.
We’re aware that there is very little likelihood it will be necessary for you to access such information, even so, we require the NDA.
” Asher crossed his arms over his chest.
He was right to be cautious. Any leak of proprietary information could destroy a company.
“Actually,” Asher said. “We also have some special app requests, which, we’re given to understand, is another of your strengths. We’re hoping you’ll be willing to work on that as well. It was part of the agreement with Tri-O-Tech but strictly subject to your acceptance.”
“I can do that.” It would’ve been nice for Alex to tell me this.
Miles leaned forward and laced his fingers over the folder in front of him. “I’m assuming you researched us before coming here?”
“I wasn’t given time. My boss called me around six-thirty this morning and told me to be here by nine.
” I glanced at Asher and back to Miles. “I was told the project was network streamlining and integration of domestic and international operations.” What had Alex gotten me into?
I thought back to the name: Fantasies, Inc. I’d assumed they were a gaming company.
Miles sat back in his chair and glanced at Asher. By his expression, I was pretty sure some silent message had passed between them.
Asher turned his chair toward me, one arm on the table, the other on the chair arm, his posture exuding an air of casual arrogance. “If you don’t want to sign, you can leave. And thank you for taking the time to meet with us.”
Excuse me?
I stiffened, and my eyes widened. What was his problem? “May I see the NDA and contract, please?” Good. My tone was as cold as the brick in my stomach. I held my hand out, relieved to see it wasn’t shaking.
Miles handed it to me, and I began reading.
Pretty standard NDA and contract. I wouldn’t discuss in any detail what I was doing with anyone outside the company.
I wouldn’t disclose the inner workings of Fantasies, Inc.
I would be an independent contractor with Fantasies, Inc.
, and they would be paying me directly, not through my employer.
Which immediately raised the question: What was Tri-O-Tech getting out of this? The job was expected to last a month but could be extended if needed. Oh, here was the kicker. I would be working with the head of IT, which meant Asher, almost exclusively.
I blew out a breath and signed the NDA, then initialed each page of the contract, signed it, and pushed both documents across the desk to Miles.
“Thank you.” He slid them into the file folder and emptied the contents of the envelope that had been under the folder onto the table. “I want to make you aware that your pay is the same, and Tri-O-Tech is being paid a stipend for you being on loan to us.”
I nodded and stared at the items on the desk. A key card with my most recent picture from Tri-O-Tech—but how did they get it—what looked like a credit card, and a lanyard.
“This is your key card. It will open the parking gates for you. The parking garage next door is for employees. It will also work in the elevators and if you need to come into the building or get out of the building outside of business hours.”
Oh yes, they were very security conscious, not unusual with companies, but this was a new level. What the heck did Fantasies, Inc. do?
“This card allows you to get food in the café or the coffee shop. It’s a perk of working here. Both are on the ground floor, and there’s an employee lounge on the second floor.”
“I’ll take you on the grand tour when we get done here,” Asher commented.
I took the cards from Miles. “I’m assuming you got this picture from my boss?”
“Yes, he sent it to me shortly after we called him.” He pushed the lanyard across the desk. “This is for the cards. Most employees find it easier than trying to search for them.”
Miles gathered the paperwork and dropped it on his desk.
“I’m glad you’re staying,” Asher whispered.
“Why?” What was it about him that got to me so easily? Even the night of the party, I’d been drawn to him.
“Because I can’t wait to work with you.”
His expression was a mixture of interest and excitement. Okay, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.