AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He sent me a bland look and leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands over his stomach. “You’ve done good work so far this semester. I think it’s time we added another component to the assistantship.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. The work I’d done this semester was entry level at best. I’d nailed it, of course, but it hadn’t exactly been challenging.
“What do you have in mind?”
“A job offer.”
Shock froze me in place for a couple of long beats. Carl gave me a smug smile, like he enjoyed having the upper hand for once. He hadn’t offered jobs to the other assistants directly. They’d had to go through the hiring process, and they worked under a different supervisor to keep things at least superficially fair.
Why would he offer me a job when he hadn’t tested any of my skills, let alone taught me anything about the way he ran his business?
I took a slow breath to gather my thoughts and make sure the suspicion didn’t show on my face. “I’m happy to discuss an offer, but I haven’t completed any projects for you. I’ve only provided background research.”
He shifted side to side slightly, watching me. “Obviously, the job wouldn’t begin until you graduated. I wouldn’t want to take too much time away from your studies, but I believe you have the appropriate qualifications for a position I have in mind.”
His vague response set off all kinds of warning bells. If he reached for his pants, I was out, and he’d be hearing from my lawyer.
“What position would that be?”
“Senior coordinator for social media management.”
My eyes narrowed—that was a management position I was definitelynotqualified for. “And what do you want in return?”
“I’d like for you to act as my personal assistant for the remainder of your contract in addition to the aforementioned duties. Take care of my calendar, schedule meetings, accompany me to events.”
It was the last one he really wanted. His hands tightened on each other, and his voice deepened very slightly. Why would he want to?—
The truth hit me from a far-fetched connection in my head. I’d suspected I’d gotten the assistantship due to my father’s name, but I hadn’t considered he might be using me for access. Carl had made it sound like he knew my dad when he first congratulated me on winning the spot.
Invitations for my dad’s political fundraiser had recently gone out, and I was almost certain Carl wasn’t on the list.
“Let me be sure I understand you correctly. You’ll offer me a job I couldn’t hope to get anywhere else as a new graduate, and in return, I’ll take you with me to my father’s fundraiser as my plus one. What’s the matter? Couldn’t get tickets on your own?”
His amusement faded. “Your father only invited a select group of people. As my assistant, it wouldn’t be strange for you to show up with your boss.”
I shook my head slowly. “Sorry, Carl. My dad already has my dance card filled with prospective dates. He’s not interested in a prospective boss.”
Carl rubbed his smooth chin, dropping the pompous attitude a bit. “Take me as your date, then.”
I stood, immediately done. “I regret to inform you I have to resign from the assistantship. Thank you for your time.”
He spoke before I could take a step. “The job offer is real, but the date won’t be. You’re very attractive, but unfortunately, not my type.” He spun around the single picture on his desk, revealing him and another guy in hiking gear with big smiles on their faces.
I’d noticed the picture before, but I’d assumed the other guy was a friend. With the current context, my view shifted drastically. My frown deepened. I wished the business world didn’t care who was fucking who, but he’d been painted as a bitof a playboy, with one beautiful woman after the next on his arm for social events.
He may not have much respect for my skills, but I was good at digging up information. Nobody knew Carl Bennington was gay. I wasn’t sure why he was hiding it at this point, but it was his life. At least he wasn’t hitting on me.
I slowly sank back into my chair. Carl would probably pass muster with my dad, meaning I’d be able to bring him if I asked, but I didn’t want a job offer based on my family line. This was also the second time I’d been placated with my looks, as if I didn’t own a mirror.
“Why do you want access?” I assumed the usual, but I wasn’t about to bring in a psycho who wanted to hurt my family.
“The same reason everyone else is there. Networking. That ballroom will be filled with people who could benefit my business, and the hard-to-come-by tickets will make it even more useful. Everyone there will assume everyone else there is worth their time to talk to.”
I had a sudden appreciation for how Carl had become such a success in the business world, and my frustration at his refusal to teach me anything grew. The job offer was tempting, but I balked at the idea I hadn’t earned it. Iwouldearn it, in time, though this felt like cheating.
“I need to think about it.”
Carl nodded. “Let me know what you decide. In the meantime, I hope you’ll continue the assistantship.”
