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“So I’m supposed to just turn around and leave?” Gabrielle breathed. This was the worst thing that could happen. She had been so happy about this job.
She should have known it was too good to be true. Had she really believed she had what it takes?
The blonde receptionist could only sit there with an uncomfortable look on her face, even as she kept on an apologetic smile. Gabrielle wanted to blame someone, but didn’t have it in her to pick a fight. She turned to leave, just as the phone on the desk started to beep.
Gabrielle had already made a few steps toward the exit when the receptionist stopped her.
“Miss Black? My boss just rang.” The blonde had her bright smile on again as Gabrielle turned to face her. “He’s agreed to grant you an audience. That is, if you’re still interested in the job.”
Gabrielle let out a ragged breath. “Of course I am. I’d grab at any chance of getting to work here.”
“Very good. This way please.” The receptionist had moved from behind her counter and led Gabrielle down the hallway to two huge wooden doors that seemed carved from the finest and most expensive wood.
She lightly rapped on the door twice and a deep, husky male voice told her to come in. The receptionist opened the door and led the way for Gabrielle, whom she announced as there for the assistant job.
As Gabrielle stepped from behind her, she planted a bright smile on her lips, but the instant she saw those green eyes, her face went slack. Sitting there in a three-piece gray suit was Adam, complete with that designer five o’clock shadow.
Moments seemed to freeze in time. Gabrielle felt her heart virtually stop at the shocking sight of him. Positioned behind that huge desk, he projected a presence of power and masculine excellence.
Her instant state of panic didn’t go unnoticed by Adam; a shrewd smirk tilted his perfect dusty pink lips before he glanced at the receptionist. “You may leave now, Gretchen.”
Gabrielle wanted to scream at Gretchen not to go. Don’t leave me with him! But no sound came from her lips and the door closed behind her.
Adam was looking at her from head to toe. Gabrielle’s knees wobbled from that familiar, heat-sensor gaze. She’d taken care with her appearance, from her sleek bun to her pencil knee-length dress in flattering maroon and nude heels. Yet she felt anything but as poised as her attire, not when she was right before the one man she’d never wanted to see again.
The same man she’d been ignoring texts from for the last week, who as cruel fate would have it, was her would-be boss, the name behind Adam Bronson Finance. Oh, crap.
She noticed the huge screen that took up one wall, which showed numerous monitors observing different main sections of the building and in particular, she viewed the reception area and groaned inwardly. Adam must definitely have seen her come in and argue over the error. Double crap!
Even as she watched, he depressed a button behind his desk and the screen was hidden by a wall sliding to cover it. Gabrielle let out a shaky breath and tried to find her voice.
“Adam…”
“Ms. Black,” he began briskly, sweeping his eyes from her to the computer screen before him. “I understand there’s been some error on the part of my human resources team. Though it’s regretful, I’m still interested to know if you really think you can be a great fit for this job.”
Gabrielle’s eyes flashed. “If I didn’t think I was, I wouldn’t have applied for it in the first place.”
“I’ve pulled up your resume, and I’ll give you this, it’s…colorful. But nothing that shows you can take on a demanding role as assistant to the CEO.”
“So why did you ask me in here to see you? To embarrass me further?” She bristled as she gripped tightly on her clutch. “I should just go.”
“Stop.”
He rose from his chair, while Gabrielle angrily stood there watching as he moved from behind the desk, his fingertips gliding along the edge. Making his way around to the front, he perched on the edge of the desk and faced her with folded arms. “What would you say if I offered you the role?”
Gabrielle stared at him for a moment, then huffed. “Why would you do that? It’s clear I was never in the running. I don’t even know what I was expecting when I walked in here. I just thought…” She shook her head angrily. “Just forget it. I’m not interested.”
“You should be. It’s one of the most sought-after positions. The perks alone make this a job some would give anything for – not to mention the fantastic salary. And if I do say so myself, I have a great track record as an employer. While you, Ms. Black, need a job.”
