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He studied me for almost a full thirty seconds, the quiet drifting between us keeping my knees knocking. I’d always wondered if that was such a thing.
Yes, it was.
“I’m looking forward to reading your story, Ms. Adams. You have a darkness inside of you that I covet.”
Was he talking about the passion that had erupted between us or my writing? I couldn’t be certain. “Thank you. I do enjoy creating worlds where evil has a stronghold on society.”
Another ten seconds passed by, but he finally smiled, a knowing expression that kept me on edge. “Yes, I believe you. As I said, I’m very eager to read your piece.”
“Thank you.” That was it? I wasn’t certain what I was expecting. A date? An apology? I could tell I was getting neither.
When he handed me the portfolio I’d brought with me and left at his house, I sucked in my breath, having forgotten all about it.
“Ms. Adams. I’ve read over your resume and while limited in scope, it would appear your credentials with writing are very impressive. Why do you want to work for me?”
He was asking me that now? Seriously? Should I even consider the job at this point or would I be making a bigger fool of myself? I’d originally had a glorious answer prepared for him, but why not tell him what I could do for him instead of what he could do for my career? “Because I’m an excellent researcher, capable of navigating my way through any and every website with ease. I’m extremely good at putting together an outline or simply adding thoughts to help a writer’s creative endeavor. Plus, as you already mentioned, I have an affinity for the darkness, which is what it would appear you plan on writing about.”
I offered him a rather haughty look, refusing to blink as we stared at each other. A slight sound allowed me to realize he was twirling a Montblanc pen on his desk, tapping one end then the other, obviously weighing his decision.
When he rose to his feet, I took a step backwards, biting back a single moan. His aftershave was exactly the same as before, which instantly made me lightheaded. He seemed amused that I was having difficulty.
Oh, I should hate the man and would if I didn’t find him so damn attractive.
I was itching all over, fearful I’d broken out in hives, something I’d done as a kid when I was extremely nervous.
“Ms. Adams, my expectations and needs are very high, including living on site, working side by side for very long hours with little time off. For that, I will pay you ten thousand dollars a month plus room and board, a bonus if the book is completed in time. Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?”
Thirty thousand dollars for doing what I loved. That would be an incredible jumpstart to my career, whatever that turned out to be. Or maybe I could live cheaply for a little while so I could finish my first novel. I was almost giddy, jumping up and down like some stupid schoolgirl until I reminded myself what had occurred between us.
“I’ll have my own room, privacy, a bathroom?”
His stare hardened until he seemed amused. “Yes, Ms. Adams. In fact, you will have your own floor all to yourself including a media room. You aren’t being kept prisoner although I do expect your full attention and professionalism at all times.”
The flutter of butterflies had turned into a swarm of bees, but it was an offer I couldn’t turn down. Even if the nagging inside the back of my mind screamed I was about to get myself into the middle of something I could regret.
No risk. No reward.
And it was time to take life by the balls and make it what I wanted. I doubted another opportunity like this would come about any time soon, if ever.
I stuck out my arm for a friendly handshake. He lowered his gaze to my hand before accepting. The moment we touched, just like what happened before, a wild jolt of electricity shot through me, as if his touch was going to sear my skin.
“Does that mean you accept?” he asked, his voice far too sensual.
“Yes, sir, I do.” As soon as I offered him the word of respect just like he’d required the other night, every part of me drifted into a fog.
“Good girl.”
The haze remained as I walked out, nearly stumbling out of the building into the bright, sunny day. When Josie bounded closer, I tried my best to keep a fake smile.
“Okay, so this job you mentioned,” she started.
“I was just hired.”
“What?” She looked at Taylor who had her eyes opened wide. “Do you know what’s been said about him, all kidding about his good looks aside?”
“You mean that he’s dangerous?” I refused to stop walking, trying to get some distance between me and the window he could look out of.
“Yeah, but there’s more,” Taylor half whispered.
