Chapter 16
Iwas trying to process what he was saying. It made sense, but as I watched him, I realized that it hadn’t even occurred to me for even a second that he would be attracted to me. He had to be one of the most genuinely beautiful men I had ever seen. He was clean-shaven, with a strong, angled chin, and dark, lustrous hair combed away from his face. Broader than thou shoulders and an impeccable three-piece suit. And yet, he was telling me that I was attractive, and this was why I had been bullied all day.
I couldn”t help my frown. However, I was almost equally as curious about what he had meant to propose to me back at the restaurant since I had already quit. My mind, in trying to figure it out, was already going to the dirtiest places, but I tried not to conjure any fantasies—I mean, images in my head until he explained. And so, I asked.
“What did you want to proposition to me?” I asked.
He shook his head then and lifted the glass of water to his lips.
“No longer relevant since you”re resuming employment with us. Let’s talk instead about work and how you plan to catch up on at least five years of experience in only a few days.”
This absolutely was not what I wanted. I mean, it was, but how could I just ignore what he had just said? I hadn’t had the time or capacity to think of him in this light since everything had been a whirlwind coming straight for me, but now that I could catch my breath… I couldn’t help but shift in my seat.
This was dumb; again, a client looking for a quick time with a young thing. This was my very incredibly attractive boss perhaps... wanting to get into some sort of sexual arrangement with me? Or was it more?
I perused him as discreetly as I could and truly had to ask myself why I couldn’t have him. I mean, it was the worst thing to voice out, but… if I gave it further thought, I would be open to it.
Shaking my head, I dispelled that crazy thought away, especially given what I had just gone through, which were all observed daydreams.
“Gloria mentioned to me that she was going to find someone in the company and assign them to you so that you could learn the ropes. I think a paralegal and another secretary will be good. We can arrange it when we get back.”
I nodded at this, still thinking about things I had no business thinking about, like how it would feel to kiss him and how his lips would taste on my lips.
It was crazy how with his simple comment, the switch flipped for me and my brain registered that he was actually out of this world gorgeous.
“You said you have someone,” he said. “Is it someone you can call via phone or do they have to be at the office as well?”
I immediately responded.
“Um, yeah, I do, but via phone. They have some experience, so they can guide me as needed.”
He watched me, and I was suddenly so nervous that I instantly grabbed my fork and began to stab away at my salad. He called the waiter over then and ordered a green juice.
“Alright,” he said. “Let’s give it a go for a week and see how you improve. I hope we won’t be having another unnecessary conversation by then?”
“We won’t,” I all but swore it.
The rest of the lunch went well, as well as could be, but of course, he had to take over doing my job and getting his meeting ready. He called George and then the other person, who I assumed was the infamous guy, and the investigation was underway. I ate faster than was needed because I didn’t want to be even more of a burden, and in no time, I was done and ready to head back.
“I”ll pay,” I told him as I pulled out my card when the waiter came over.
He raised his brow at me.
“It”s the least I can do, in the spirit of honesty, I would”ve joined you at the restaurant as well, but it seemed ridiculously expensive, and I didn’t want you to have to pay for me.”
As his eyes narrowed at me, I wondered if I had just further convinced him that he was making a bad decision by extending my grace period. Before he could make up his mind, however, I rose to my feet, and soon we were on our way.