Chapter 10
Ten
Friday had come around quicker than Nhuri thought it would.
She’d spent most of yesterday preparing her resume and trying not to talk herself out of going.
When Natalia called to see what she was doing, it took everything in her not to spill the beans.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want her sister to know she had an interview with Shyriq, but more so how it came about.
An interview was one thing. Flirting with a married man was another.
Separated or not, Nhuri knew Natalia wouldn’t approve of her behavior or actions.
Nevertheless, Nhuri had kept her plans for today to herself.
If she accepted the job, she would gladly tell Natalia what she’d been up to.
Nothing was final until she saw the extent of her duties and pay.
Those two outweighed everything when considering this position.
As nervous as she was, Nhuri didn’t let that stop her from showing up fifteen minutes early.
Her mama always taught them that being on time was late and to respect people’s time because they’d want the same courtesy in return.
Nhuri smoothed her hands over her high-waisted, wide-leg black slacks as she entered Great Hendrix Co.
headquarters’ sleek, modern lobby. She had chosen the outfit carefully.
It was polished but not too corporate. Her fitted white blouse was tucked in neatly, accentuating her waist without being too form-fitting, and the cream-colored blazer she wore over it provided just the right amount of structure.
Her stilettos clicked against the polished floors, and her steps were steady even though her stomach disagreed.
She was nervous, but she wouldn’t let it show.
The distillery’s main office was impressive.
The kind of space that felt both luxurious and powerful.
Floor-to-ceiling windows let in an abundance of natural light that bounced off the marble reception desk in the center of the room.
A few plush chairs were in the waiting area, but Nhuri didn’t sit.
She wasn’t about to look unsure of herself before she even got started.
A young woman at the front desk, dressed in a navy blue dress with a name tag that read Ashley clipped on the left, glanced up from her computer and smiled politely.
“Good afternoon, welcome to GHC. How can I help you?”
Nhuri adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder and cleared her throat. “Good afternoon. I have an interview today. Nhuri Coleman.”
The receptionist nodded, clicking away at her keyboard before checking something on her screen. “Got it. Give me just a second.”
Nhuri exhaled slowly, forcing herself to relax. She had prepared for this and even spent yesterday evening researching the company. GHC was spoken of highly by various people in different careers, and the company’s work ethic and environment were praised. That was a good sign, and Nhuri felt ready.
Or at least she thought she was. She spotted a tall, curvy woman with a lovely silk press striding toward her in grey slacks and a cream top that accentuated her belly. Even while carrying a child, she moved confidently, silently telling Nhuri she wasn’t anything to play with.
“Nhuri?” the woman asked, her voice smooth and professional.
Nhuri nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”
“Hi. I’m Michelle, Mr. Hendrix’s executive assistant. I’ll be taking you back.”
Nhuri blinked. “Oh, I thought I was meeting with HR?”
Michelle gave her a soft smile. “No. Not at the moment. That will hopefully all come later.”
Nhuri exhaled and nodded. “Okay. Sounds good. Mr. Hendrix told me that I’d be filling your position. I’m sure you’re ready to kick your feet up.”
Michelle blew out a deep breath and rubbed her belly. “I most definitely am, so please kill this interview,” she pleaded teasingly.
“I’ll try my best.”
“And that’s all you can do. Please follow me,” Michelle said with a wave of her hand.
Nhuri’s heels clicked against the hallway floors as they moved deeper into the building.
The glass walls and doors gave a glimpse into different offices.
Some were occupied by people locked into meetings, others empty but immaculately designed.
This wasn’t just some random whiskey company.
Shyriq and his family had built something profound.
A business of opulence that operated at a high level.
Michelle stopped at a door near the end of the hall, tapping twice before pushing it open.
“You can go in,” she said, stepping aside.
Nhuri hesitated for only a fraction of a second before squaring her shoulders and walking through.
Floor-to-ceiling windows cast natural light over the office.
Shelves were lined with a mix of books, awards, and bottles from the distillery’s premium collection.
Behind a dark wood desk, Shyriq sat casually yet with an air of quiet dominance.
Unlike the suited executives she expected to meet, Shyriq wore a black crewneck that hugged his broad frame and a gold watch gleaming against his deep brown skin.
His beard was freshly groomed, and his cologne instantly hit her.
It was warm and rich, with a subtle spice that made her head swim for a second.
He didn’t look up immediately, focusing on whatever was on his phone. But then, with an exhale, he set down the device and leaned back in his chair, finally locking eyes with her.
Nhuri swallowed, and Shyriq smiled as if he’d missed seeing her face.
“Thank you, Michelle. You can head out for the day,” Shyriq said.
Michelle mumbled Thank God under her breath, and it took everything in Nhuri not to chuckle. When the door shut, they stared at each other for a few seconds before he gave her instructions.
“Please, have a seat.”
His tone was casual, but there was an underlying authority in it that had her legs moving before she even realized what she was doing.
Shyriq watched her the entire way. Mainly her hips, that would surely be a distraction.
He shook his head and focused on her face, which was even more taunting than her body.
When Nhuri finally sat down, Shyriq exhaled.
He’d been holding his breath, trying to control his tongue since his mind ventured to unprofessional thoughts.
“So,” he said, resting his elbow on the arm of his chair and dragging a hand down his beard. “You made it.”
Nhuri frowned slightly. “I was invited to an interview.”
He smirked at her response. “That you were. You sounded a bit apprehensive on the phone is all.”
“I was, but for a reason. I’m technically overqualified to be an assistant,” Nhuri said.
She wanted to let him know she was taking a risk even considering this position.
“You are, but I hope you can consider your options. I’m sure Natalia has mentioned what a joy it is to work here,” he said.
Nhuri gave him a tight smile. “Actually, she hasn’t said much about the company or you.”
Shyriq’s brows dipped. “Interesting.”
He was sure Nhuri had given her the rundown about him pushing up on her at Patio, but it was clear she hadn’t.
Nhuri found it amusing that he thought they sat up gossiping about him.
That wasn’t the case at all, and Shyriq sensed it.
He could also tell that Nhuri was serious about this interview, so he planned to tone down the informality.
“I have my resume prepared if you’d like to take a look,” she offered, wondering why that wasn’t the first thing he asked for.
Going along with it, Shyriq stuck out his hand. Nhuri opened the shiny black folder and handed the papers to him. Though he didn’t need to read it, he was highly impressed with her skills. From his quick scan alone, Shyriq had no doubt that she’d excel on his team . . . in more ways than one.
“An MBA in international business.” Shyriq wasn’t asking a question.
“Yes,” Nhuri replied, keeping her voice steady.
“Fluent in Spanish and French,” he continued. “Worked in market expansion, competitive analysis, even handling strategic partnerships overseas.”
As he read her credentials, Nhuri checked herself. She had no reason to be nervous, and this was more of an opportunity for Shyriq than it was for her. He needed her, not the other way around, even though she needed a job. His tone was smooth yet firm, leading her to believe he was evaluating her.
Finally, Shyriq set the papers aside and leaned back in his chair, leveling her with a gaze that pinned Nhuri in place. “Why did your last job fire you?”
The bluntness caught her off guard. She hadn’t been expecting that.
She straightened her shoulders. “Because I wasn’t willing to uproot to another state and leave my family for two months.”
One brow lifted slightly. “That’s all?”
Nhuri nodded. “Yes, unless you’re privy to something I don’t know.”
He’d asked as if he had the inside scoop on her termination. Shyriq didn’t, but he found it strange that a company, one of such success, would let go of someone with Nhuri’s credentials. It was baffling, to say the least.
“I was just wondering. Your duties here will be slightly different than what you did there. Is that something you’re willing to take on?” Shyriq questioned.
Nhuri wanted to tell him it was his decision, but instead of smarting off, she answered his question.
“Yes. Being an assistant can’t be that hard, can it?”
Shyriq smirked. “You tell me.”
Nhuri wished Michelle or somebody would have warned her about Shyriq.
He was somewhat arrogant, which frustrated Nhuri and turned her on.
Instead of trying to win her over with what he had to offer, Shyriq wanted her to understand that much more came with being his right-hand man.
Well, his right-hand woman in this case.
“I have the experience to make an impact here and know how to move in high-stakes environments. This job might be titled ‘assistant,’ but we both know it’s more than that,” Nhuri said.
Shyriq leaned back, tapping his fingers against the desk. “It is.”