Chapter 10 #2
Nhuri nodded, wanting him to delve deeper.
He exhaled, glancing at her resume once more before pushing it aside.
“This isn’t a run-errands, grab-coffee, schedule-meetings type of role.
I need someone who can anticipate what I need before I ask for it.
Sure, you’ll manage my schedule, but you’ll also handle vendor contracts, investor meetings, and overseeing projects directly affecting GHC’s growth. ”
Nhuri nodded, absorbing the weight of the responsibilities. “Okay. Doesn’t sound excruciating.”
Shyriq continued. “Depends on your tolerance. You’ll be working with distributors, tracking market trends, and making sure I’m not walking into any bullshit deals. That means long hours, last-minute changes, and me being on your ass every step of the way.”
His gaze was unwavering, wanting her to understand fully the extent of her role.
She didn’t waver. “I can handle it.”
A slow smirk ghosted over his lips, but it disappeared just as quickly. Shyriq nodded once. “Okay. Good. Any questions for me?”
“Yes. What would my salary be?”
“One hundred five thousand. You’ll receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus and full benefits. The welcome packet will include all other details, including sick leave, PTO, and other incentives.”
Nhuri was pleased with his response but didn’t let it show.
A sign-on bonus was right up her alley, and she couldn’t wait to go shopping for a new wardrobe, stationery, and add some to her savings account.
But she had to play it off as if she had other options.
Make Shyriq on edge about her decision since he wanted to play.
“That all sounds good,” she said, sounding unimpressed.
“So, you accept the offer?”
She twisted her glossed lips side to side. “Possibly. GHC sounds like a good home, but I have to weigh my options. Thank you for offering me this opportunity to—”
Shyriq shook his head, stopping her midsentence. He wasn’t falling for her games. “You don’t have to do all that.”
Her brows knitted. “Do all what?”
“The rehearsed speech,” he said, shaking his head. “You don’t have to sell me on anything you bring to the table.”
Nhuri pressed her lips together, irritation bubbling in her chest. “I was under the impression this was an interview.”
“It is.” He tilted his head slightly. “But not in the way you think.”
She took a slow breath, forcing herself to read between the lines. Shyriq was a confusing man.
“Then how exactly should I be thinking about it?”
“That you already have the position because you did before you stepped foot inside this building or my office.”
Nhuri let her guard down some. “Okay,” she said slowly and evenly.
Shyriq rested his forearms on the desk, leaning forward slightly. “I was never planning to let you go through HR.”
That caught her off guard. “And why is that?”
You know why, he thought.
“This wasn’t about them,” Shyriq continued. “It was about you. Whether you were serious enough to walk through that door.”
He told her to use his card for two reasons, but Nhuri wasn’t trying to discuss that here. Or ever again, for that matter.
She stared at him, processing his words. “So . . . What? This wasn’t a real interview?”
He shrugged. “Depends. Do you really want the job or not?”
A rush of frustration mixed with confusion flared inside her with his underlying message. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
He smirked again, leaning back. “Well, okay. Then it’s yours.”
Her stomach flipped, but she refused to let the surprise show on her face. “And if I say no?”
“Then you wasted both of our time,” he said, shrugging like it didn’t matter. But something in his eyes told her he already knew her answer.
Nhuri exhaled slowly, glancing down at his ring finger before locking eyes with him again. “And if I say yes?”
Shyriq’s smirk deepened, knowing what was on her mind. His answer would confirm the question she wasn’t willing to ask just yet. “Then you start Monday.”
“And all the paperwork is filled out and ready to go?”
She finally hinted at what Shyriq had been waiting for her to mention since she sat down.
“It is.”
Smiling, Nhuri said, “Monday it is then.”
“Perfect. Ashley will have a welcome packet waiting for you at the front. You’ll need to give her your ID and some other information so you’ll be able to enter the building come Monday.
Your office is two doors down from here on the right, with a nice courtyard view.
Take my number down in case you have any questions or concerns before then. ”
As if he knew she’d accept, Shyriq had an entire speech ready. Nhuri smirked at his eagerness to get her settled in when he’d just been throwing mixed signals minutes prior. Working for him wouldn’t be a walk in the park at all. Especially with the way he kept staring at her.
“I have your office number. Isn’t that the one on the card you gave me?” Nhuri answered.
“No. As my assistant, you need my personal cell number so you can contact me directly. This line will transfer to you when I’m out of the office.”
Nodding, Nhuri pulled her phone out of her purse and unlocked it.
“Okay. What’s your number?”
Shyriq rattled off his cell number, and Nhuri saved it under Mr. Hendrix.
“All locked in?” he questioned.
“Yep. I’ll contact you directly when you’re needed. Do I get a tour today?”
Shyriq chuckled. She was testing the boundaries, but that’s what he liked about her. She toyed with him just as much as he did with her.
“Unfortunately, you don’t. I have another meeting, and Michelle has gone home for the day. She’ll show you around on Monday. Be here at seven thirty.”
“Is there anything specific I should have waiting upon your arrival?” Nhuri questioned.
Shyriq’s eyes darkened some. Her question sounded innocent. One that an assistant had to ask, and he was trying to convince himself that she wasn’t fishing for him to step out of character and tell her what he really wanted. Nhuri saw the fire blazing in his eyes and smiled.
“Coffee or tea?” she continued, urging him to break.
Shyriq swallowed. “Sure. A chai latte with almond milk from Sip.”
Nhuri took a mental note and nodded. “Got it. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday.”
She stood, and Shyriq followed suit. He stuck his hand out for her to shake. His large hand swallowed her dainty one, and Nhuri could’ve sworn she felt him caress her fingers.
“Welcome to GHC, Nhuri. It’s a pleasure to have you aboard. Enjoy your weekend.”
“You as well.”
Nhuri stood on steady legs, much steadier than the ones she entered his office with. She didn’t have to see his face to know Shyriq was looking at her ass as she walked to the door; she could feel him. Before she walked out, his voice cut through the air.
“Oh, and Nhuri.”
She glanced over her shoulder.
His eyes locked on hers. “Don’t make me regret this.”
She met his stare with her chin lifted. “You won’t.”
Nhuri wasn’t sure if he meant giving her the job or whatever journey they were about to embark on. Either way, her pulse quickened at the idea of stepping into something much bigger than her role as his assistant.