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Seth continues his walk across the parking garage before coming to a halt in front of a midnight blue hybrid SUV.
Of course, this has to happen to me. I stuff my charging cord into my bag, bend down to pick up the plastic lid, and stomp my way past Seth while not so nonchalantly giving him the middle finger. After tossing the lid into the trash, I decide to take the skywalk into The Blue Stone Group. I really need to keep an extra shirt in my desk drawer, but then again, I never expected something like this to happen.
With my keycard pressed to the scanner, the automatic doors open, and I stride through. Once I’m down the skywalk and into the main building, I immediately spot Charlie and Olivia at the desk. Maybe they can help me out with my shirt situation.
“I leave you alone for like five minutes and this happens.” Olivia points to my shirt.
“Tell me about it. Damn Seth.”
Like Beetlejuice, you say his name and he appears. Seth casually strolls through the door with a smug smirk on his face. I shoot daggers in his direction his entire walk through the atrium until he comes to a stop at the bank of elevators. Once he’s inside, my shoulders relax as I exhale a sigh.
“So, I take it he’s the one who caused the brown stain?” Olivia rests her hip against the side of the two-tiered reception desk.
“I got my charger from my car, turned the corner, and wham. Seth was just standing there, staring at his phone. My coffee took the brunt of it, which happens to be on my shirt and the rest on the floor of the parking garage.”
“I’m sorry Parisa. Seth should give you his shirt.” Charlie laughs.
Now I’m curious what Seth would look like underneath his collared shirt and bow tie. “I’m going to rinse this out the best I can before it stains. I guess I’ll just wear my cardigan the rest of the day.”
A few hours later, I’m seated beside Seth in Mr. Evans’ office. He’s typing away on his computer while we wait to see why he wants to see us. My gaze drifts to Seth who’s sitting straight, shoulders back in his chair, both feet planted firmly on the ground. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a stick shoved up his ass to make him sit so straight. The sound of Mr. Evans’ authoritative voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“It’s my understanding that both of you are interested in the Marketing Director position.” He clasps his hands on top of his desk as he glances between Seth and me.
“Very interested.”
“Yes, that is correct, sir,” Seth replies at the same time.
“Good. That’s what I like to hear. Either of you would make an excellent candidate. But of course, I will still need you both to formally apply.” We both nod in understanding. “Now, we have the real estate conference coming up in Aspen, Colorado, where some of the most influential agents and developers from around the country will be in attendance, and I want both of you to attend this year. It will give you a little perspective on what you’ll be getting into. Also, as part of the interview process, I want each of you to give a presentation on the new marketing ideas you would bring to the company.” Mr. Evans’ gaze shifts from Seth to me. “From there, The Blue Stone Group hiring team, along with the team heading the Aspen branch, will determine the best candidate for the position. It’s short notice as the conference is in two weeks, but this will also test how well you work under pressure, and I believe both of you will rise to the occasion. If you’re up to the challenge, I recommend getting those applications in today and get started on your presentations. I’ll email everything we are expecting from you. Then speak to my new assistant, Kimberly, and she will get your travel documents in order.”
“Thank you, Mr. Evans. I’ll get on this right away.” Seth stands and holds out his hand for Mr. Evans to shake. I quickly follow suit.
“Yes. Thank you. I’ll get my application in right now.” I flash Mr. Evans a bright smile. Shifting toward Seth, my gaze connects with his and I give him the stink eye. Unable to not have the last word, Seth directs his attention back to Mr. Evans.
“I’ll get my application turned in today as well.” Seth then turns toward me, lips upturned.
“I’m excited about the enthusiasm from the both of you.” Mr. Evans stands and escorts us out of his office.
Seth and I walk side by side back to our desks. My pace is much quicker in order to keep up with his longer stride. There’s no way I’ll let him think he has any upper hand in this situation.
“Glad to see you found a solution to your stained shirt.” Seth peers down at me, eyeing my oversized cardigan.
A bead of sweat forms at my hairline and trickles down my temple. There’s a reason why I dress in layers, but with this stain, that isn’t an option at the moment. I swipe away the moisture. “No thanks to you. Why do they keep this place like a sauna?”
“You could take your sweater off. Oh wait…” Seth chuckles. I harden my gaze at him. The desire to kick him in the shin is high right now.
Once we reach our cubicles, I pull out my chair and sit down a moment before Seth sits. I’ll take my small victory. Immediately, I pull up the online application and begin filling in all the boxes. When I peek a glance at Seth, instead of filling out his application, he’s straightening his desk from when I wreaked havoc on it earlier. My lips tug into a small smile. But soon after, I hear the clicking of a keyboard next to me. As soon as I hit submit, I stand. Then I see Seth push away from his desk and stand as well. Wait, he’s finished already. I started before him.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to give my information to Kimberly.” Seth turns on his heel and makes his way toward Kimberly’s office on the other side of the large room.
I pick up my stride to catch up with him. “But how did you finish before me?”
“I don’t pussyfoot around. I get my job done. Also, I know it was you who moved the things on my desk.”
Heat creeps up my neck as I glance down to the floor. Shit. Deny. Deny. Deny. “That wasn’t me.”
“Then why are your cheeks turning pink?” He quirks an eyebrow. Before I can answer, we’re at Kimberly’s office. Seth rushes to the half closed door, quickly knocking before pushing the door fully open. “I’m here to give you—”
