“I’ve been with the company for awhile now, and I understand how important organization and reliability are to the day-to-day operations of the company,” I respond.
Alex pauses slightly, before saying, “Besides being organized and efficient, I’m looking for someone who can think ahead, someone who can anticipate my needs…” He trails off.
I sat there, waiting for him to finish his sentence. He didn’t. He sat, waiting patiently for my response. I felt a hot flush spreading across my chest.
“Yes, uh, of course, Mr. Mc-er…..Alex.” I stammered. I take a deep breath. “I feel that I have the experience to be able to handle this job,” I said, recovering quickly. “I would really appreciate the opportunity to be given a chance to prove myself to you and to this company.”
“Good,” Alex replies. “And how do you feel about moving from Georgia to London? That’s a big move to make.”
“I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready for a change,” I reply. “I think this would be a great opportunity for my career. I’m sure there’ll be challenges along the way, but I welcome those challenges. I know that with change comes growth.”
“Yes, I agree,” Alex says, raising an eyebrow. “In my experience, change is a good thing.”
“It can be,” I respond, forcing myself to maintain eye contact with him.
He smiles, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Well, it was lovely to meet you, Katherine.”
We stand and shake hands again, the feel of his hand sending another jolt of excitement through my body. “Thank you for coming in today, and I hope you have a safe trip home. My receptionist will be in touch.”
I gather my briefcase and coat, hoping that I had made a good impression. Alex walks with me to the door, opening it for me.
“Goodbye, Katherine.”
“Goodbye, Alex, and thanks again.”
We hold each other’s gaze just for a moment, and then I leave his office, struggling to get my coat on. I feel slightly dazed. Alex McCall lived up to his reputation, that’s for sure. Handsome. A man who is in control. A man who could simultaneously make you weak in the knees and make you run for the hills.
You did fine. You got through it.
I walk out of the building, breathing in the cool, damp air. I was proud of myself for trying and relieved the interview was over. Time to sit back and let whatever happens, happens.
Time for lunch and then some retail therapy. I smiled and hailed a cab.
Alex stood in his office doorway, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching Katherine walk down the hallway. He turned back into his office and sat down at this desk. He smiled. He liked her. She was exactly how he thought she would be. Smart, focused, yet she had a calmness about her. And completely unaware of her physical beauty. Alex opened the file labeled Harris, K., and looked at her photograph. Chin length natural blonde hair, blue eyes, 5’5” frame. She had an all-American look that was very appealing to him. Mmm…..very appealing indeed.
Alex buzzed his receptionist. “Sandra.”
“Yes, Alex?” she asked, snapping to attention.
“Cancel the rest of the interviews. The position has been filled.”
Chapter 2
“Where’s the file on the Belvedere development?” my boss, Thomas Rolland asks, an edge to his voice.
“It’s right here. Let me get it,” I said, rifling through the filing cabinet, praying I could lay my hands on it quickly, before my boss could get any more impatient.
“Here it is,” I quickly handed it over to him, hoping this was all he wanted and he would leave so I could get on with my work in peace. Ever since I returned from the interview in London, Mr. Rolland has been riding my ass. Get me this, get me that. I can’t seem to do things quick enough. Asshole. God, I hope I get the promotion.
Not that Thomas Rolland was ever an angel to work for. Impatient, demanding, and tough as nails. He expects a lot out of his employees. But straight as an arrow. And that’s saying a lot in a business full of dirty people doing dirty deals, especially when official government permits are required.
Thankfully this was all he needed and he left my office without saying another word. It was Friday afternoon, it had been a long week, and all I really wanted to do was go home early. No chance of that. Sighing, I looked at the stack of reports on my desk and knew I would be working late.
A soft knock on my door, then Heather pokes her head in. “Hey, you. I just saw that asshole coming out of your office, and I thought I would come and check on you. Make sure you’re okay.”
Heather’s title is office manager. Unofficially, she’s the peace maker and the person I go to for any crisis, professional or otherwise. She started working for the company four years ago and took me under her wing when I first started. Curly dark brown hair, petite, and funny as hell, Heather always makes me laugh.
“I’m okay, thanks,” I reply, laughing.