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“So, why did you call me here?” I asked. “Is there something you want to discuss?”
“Why do you think I did?”
There he is. The Mr. Snarkypants I know and hate.
“Is that a trick question?”
His lip curled. “I assure you it is not.”
“Then why would you ask me that?”
“I thought you might have an inkling.”
“I don’t.”
He opened his mouth, but someone knocked on the door, cutting him short. The mousy woman entered, carrying a stapled A4 document in her hand. She passed it to Neil. He accepted it without comment, and she left the room. He ran his eyes over each piece of paper and appeared satisfied. Then, to my bemusement, he held out the document to me.
Huh? Is it for me?
Brow furrowed, I took the document. “What is this?”
“I should think that’s self-evident.”
I looked down and read the title on the front page.
Secretary to the CEO, permanent, full-time, salary negotiable.
“A job ad?” I asked.
“Obviously, I will need a new secretary.”
My mouth dropped open. Did this mean what I thought it meant?
It can’t be. I must have the wrong end of the stick…
“Have a read,” he said. “If the job interests you, I’d like to make you an offer.”
He wants me to… take Christine’s place?
I thought he didn’t like me. Why would he want to hire me as his secretary? It took physical effort to close my gaping mouth and retract my wide-eyed stare.
“Well?” he prompted, arms folded. “Any thoughts?”
“Why me?” I stammered.
A smirk spread across his lips. “You’re devious, Amelia.”
I boggled. Devious?!
Never in my entire life had anyone called me devious. Hardworking, diligent—I had heard those plenty of times before. Conscientious had been a teacher favourite. Devious! It would have appalled me if he hadn’t said it in a way that made it sound like it was a good thing.
“Excuse me?” I spluttered.
“It’s as I said.”
My eyes darted around the room. “I think you must have me confused.”
He leaned in, making me even more aware of his presence, his scent, the heat radiating from his body. “Tell me, how long did you intend to keep up your little charade, hmm?”
