Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals 2)

“What kind of job are you looking for? Marketing? Sales?” I took another sip of my whiskey.

Damn, she’s so beautiful that it’s hard to concentrate when I make eye contact.

“Honestly?” she sighed. “I just want to get my foot in the door somewhere. That hasn’t worked out so far. I’ve submitted my resume to several places—including Alcott Inc.”

Ah, that must be why Taylor introduced us… I guess I can stop wondering if she’s standing here because she’s interested in me—this is just business.

Chapter Three

Melanie

When Taylor told me that I might have an opportunity to network at her engagement party, I didn’t expect to be standing at the bar talking to the CEO of Alcott Inc. I submitted my resume to a lot of different companies. I thought I might get a chance to meet a few people that worked at those places—maybe talk to someone that could give me some tips on the interview process—but I just went straight to the top—literally.

“Why do you want to work for Alcott Inc.?” Mr. Alcott leaned against the bar and sipped his drink. “I assume you already know that I’m the CEO.”

“Yes sir.” I looked down and nodded. “Taylor mentioned it before she introduced us…”

“Alright, so pretend we’re in my office right now.” He tilted his head. “Answer the question.”

His voice is so smooth—calming even—but there’s a rough edge to it. I could listen to him talk all night.

“Honestly?” I sighed. “I saw that your company was hiring about six months ago, and I thought it would be a good idea to get a job lined up before I graduated. I wish I had a better answer—I was just looking for work. One of my professors mentioned that some companies would hire students before they graduate and let them work part-time to get used to the policies and procedures…”

“We’ve done that in the past.” Mr. Alcott nodded. “And I’d much rather hear an honest answer than the well thought out ones people spend hours practicing.”

“If we really were in your office right now, I would have definitely had one of those answers prepared.” I took a quick sip of my wine.

Should I be drinking in front of him if he could potentially be my boss? He’s drinking so I guess it’s okay. He did tell me to get another glass…

Mr. Alcott continued to ask me questions—and I gave him the most honest answers I could. I never expected the CEO of a huge company like Alcott Inc. to be so down to earth—I also didn’t expect him to be so damn hot that it was hard not to let my thoughts wander. He no longer had the scowl on his face, which seemed to be a good sign—and just made him even more attractive. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to offer me a job or ask for my number. His dark, piercing eyes made me weak in the knees—his voice was so sexy that it was hard to think straight when he asked me a question—but his demeanor was warm and inviting.

“Melanie…” His eyes furrowed as if he had just remembered something. “Melanie Monroe?”

“Uh…” My face went blank. “Yes sir.”

“I remember your resume.” He leaned back and shook his finger at me. “Yeah, you applied right around the time that Bryant bought Alcott Inc.—we had to hold off on hiring because of the sale. Why didn’t you apply again?”

He remembers me? I hope that’s a good thing…

“I didn’t hear anything the first time, so…” My voice trailed off.

“Right.” He nodded. “Your resume was impressive. We would have probably hired you if things hadn’t worked out the way they did—I wish you would have reapplied.”

“Does that mean I should?” I raised my eyebrows inquisitively.

Did I just get a job? Oh my god!

“Well…” He looked down and sipped his drink. “We’ve moved past the application stage for this round of hiring—I’m sure we’ll have something available in a few months…”

“Oh.” I nodded.

I can’t wait that long. I’ve scraped by with my job at Moretti’s while I was in school, but that’s not going to hold me over without the extra money I got from my student loans every semester…

“I’m sorry.” He winced—I must not have been able to hide my disappointment as well as I hoped.

“It’s fine.” I lifted my glass and took a sip. “It’s my fault. I should have applied again. It wouldn’t have hurt anything to try…”

I don’t want to offend him. I might find something now and want to apply at Alcott Inc. in the future.