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Chandler’s brows wrinkled as he read over her history. She nibbled her bottom lip, willing her leg not to shake. His head shook as he sighed and sat back in his seat. Their eyes locked, and yet again, her heart stilled.
“What are you doing here, Cheyanne?” Her mouth opened and closed, but he continued. “You know you’re overqualified for this position. You double majored in communications law and international business, and you have a master’s in business management. I feel like I would be taking advantage of you if I hired you to be my assistant.”
Cheyanne smiled as she carefully considered how she wanted to respond. “I understand how my background can make you come to that conclusion. However, instead of viewing me being overqualified as a bad thing, why don’t you look at the benefits?”
“Which are?”
“Well…” Cheyanne sat up in her seat, swallowing her nervousness. “My degrees should make you confident that I will not only be able to handle the basic requirements of this position but go above and beyond as well. I can help you with your schedule, planning, calls, and everything else listed, but I can also sit in on meetings to take notes and offer my expertise when it pertains to your deals. Only if you wanted me to. That’s not my way of asking to be your partner or anything… just a second set of ears and a fresh mind if needed. I also have connections that you might find useful and the experience to handle meetings on your behalf if needed.”
Chandler massaged his temple before picking up the résumé again. “I can’t pay you what was offered, Cheyanne. If I agree to this, I’ll have to double your salary.”
“Oh, you don—is that—if you can afford it…”
Chandler chuckled as he stood. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll have someone in HR send you a compensation package to look over. If the benefits are to your liking, the job is yours.”
A smile spread Cheyanne’s lips as she stood. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
“Would you like to go out and celebrate?” Chandler asked, checking the time on his watch. He made his way around the desk, stepping close enough for her to inhale his woodsy, warm scent.
“I don’t mix business with pleasure, Mr. Jones.” Cheyanne spoke softly, hoping the quiet tone would keep Chandler from hearing how breathless his closeness made her.
“Then how about you allow me to give you pleasure tonight before we start business Monday?”
“Mr. Jon—”
“Chandler.”
Her lips parted slightly as she inhaled a deep breath. “Only until Monday.” Chandler nodded his agreement. “Chandler, I do find you attractive, but I’d prefer to keep things professional.”
“As you wish,” he agreed with a comfortable smile, putting space between them. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and if you’re pleased with the package, I’ll see you Monday.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sure you will.”
Without waiting for him to say more, Cheyanne quickly left his office. It wasn’t until she was away from him that she felt like herself again. She’d shared space with handsome men and been in relationships with them countless times but being around Chandler… that was different. All she could do was pray they were able to maintain a professional relationship.
“How’d it go?” Amy asked.
“I think it went pretty well. You may see me Monday.”
“Yay!” They high fived and said their goodbyes before Cheyanne left. She was so nervous about the interview, she decided to use her grandfather’s driver instead of driving herself. As soon as she was comfortably seated in the back of the town car, Cheyanne checked the time on her phone, along with her notifications.
“Where to, Ms. Taylor?”
“The View. I’m meeting Papa for lunch.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
A comfortable smile rested on Cheyanne’s lips for the entire ride. She was grateful Chandler didn’t allow her degrees to stop him from giving her the position. It was important to Cheyanne that she got a job outside of her grandfather’s orbit—where no one knew who he or she was.
Once she made it to The View, the sight of the beach immediately vibrated her already peaceful soul. It was one of her favorite restaurants in Rose Valley Hills because it was directly on the sandy beach. A low hum escaped her as she rode the elevator up to the restaurant. When the doors opened, she greeted the hostess and let her know her party was already seated.
It didn’t take Cheyanne long to find her grandfather. As she expected, he was seated to the left of the restaurant, on the patio. A large red umbrella shielded him from the beaming sun as he looked out into the ocean.
“Hi, Papa,” she spoke, leaning down to place a kiss on his cheek. “I apologize for being late. My interview was this morning.”
Port sucked his teeth as she sat next to him behind the black bar-top like setting. “I’m not sure why you’re so adamant about working anywhere other than with me anyway. You know I want you to come into the fold so you can take over for me one day. How do you plan to do that, working for someone else?”
Cheyanne’s eyes rolled playfully. “I know, Papa, but you know how important it is for me to carve my own way. I appreciate you holding space for me there, but I want to find a job on my own.”
