Page 3 of Miss Typed

“Number one is honesty at all times. If you think I’m being a pussy, you tell me to my face.”

Don’t laugh. Don’t you dare laugh. God, but I wanted to. I bit my lip instead. “Got it.”

“Number two would be no sharing of your personal life. Please don’t take offense, but I don’t wish to hear about your day unless it pertains to the job. I don’t wish to know about your family, your friends, or what you’re doing after work. I’m not your friend. It’s nothing against you, but I absolutely abhor chitchat. I’m here to work, and I expect the same of you. Aside from the occasional instant message to your colleagues, which I’m trusting you will send to the correct person from here on out, I expect you to make the job your priority for the nine hours you’re here every day.”

Wow. Mr. Personality he wasn’t winning. However, I’d been so immersed in Tom’s private drama while working for him that I welcomed the break from such matters. I couldn’t help asking, “Will it be a two-way street? You won’t be burdening me with your personal stuff, either?”

He actually looked offended for a moment. “No, I will not. So long as that won’t be a problem for you, and you’re not sensitive to it, this may work out.”

After calling my last boss a pussy, I wasn’t sure anyone would call me “sensitive.” “I’d like to think so, too.”

“Good. I take it you’re able to start tomorrow?”

“Yes, sir. I mean Aiden. And thank you.”

“Go see Reid again, and he’ll get your security clearance in order.”

Say what now? I’d already completed a background check before starting at Delmont, a standard practice at the firm. Was there a different process for this job?

As if he read my mind, he answered my question. “The twenty-eighth floor requires a full security check as you’ll be privy to sensitive data here. I’m assuming you don’t have a criminal past?”

Nope. Just a criminal druggie brother who owed a loan shark a lot of money with my mother’s house as collateral, forcing me to wire money home every week to prevent foreclosure. “Nope. No criminal record.”

Again, his gaze studied me, his lips pressed together. But I must’ve passed his test as he finally spoke again. “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Yes. Tomorrow.” I stood up, anxious to leave. Considering his attention was already diverted to the time display of his phone, I assumed he was ready for me to do so.

I left Aiden’s office and didn’t let out a breath until I was alone in the elevator. My hands were still shaking. I could only pray the paperwork for the security clearance didn’t dig too deeply into my family.

After getting off on the tenth floor, I made my way to the interim HR director’s office.

Reid Maxwell was a handsome guy. With his baby face, impeccable manners, and friendly smile, it was easy to see why my roommate, Teagan, had a massive crush on him. But he was head over heels for his fiancée if the large picture of them together on his desk was any indication. I’d worked with enough guys over the last couple of years to recognize the faithful type. Frankly, after seeing the way Tom cheated on his wife, it was a relief to see they still existed.

“Have a seat, Chloe,” he said, folder in hand.

“Did you talk to Mr. Samuels? He indicated I had the job,” I blurted out before my butt hit the chair.

Reid gave me a kind smile. “Yes. He sent a message to expect you. I was happy to hear it. What I have are a few documents I’ll need you to review and fill out for an elevated security clearance. Access to the twenty-eighth floor has been given to you on a provisional basis, but there are a few more checks needed.”

Delmont Security took up almost the entire building, but I’d never paid attention to the “confidential” floors. Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen a lot of people milling about up there. I took the folder and thumbed through the two documents. “I’ll have them filled out and returned to you by the morning. Or I can do them now.”

“Tomorrow is fine. I’ll have Facilities gather your things from your old desk and move them upstairs.”

“I really appreciate it, Reid. I told Aiden this, and I meant it: I do regret the actions which got me fired. I shouldn’t have called my boss a p— Well, you know.”

Our faces both seemed to turn red with the reminder of my slipup. I suspected Reid didn’t care for Tom, but he was too professional to reveal his true thoughts.

“I trust this goes without saying, but please don’t flaunt that you’re still here to Tom. Since he’s on the fifth floor, and you’ll be twenty-three flights up, I’m hoping for a cooling-down period before he realizes you’re not fired.”

“Understood.” If there was any way I could avoid the ex, I’d do it.

Chapter Two

Aiden

It was after eight o’clock in the evening before I sat down for dinner at the steakhouse across the street from the office. A grin still played on my lips when I recalled my earlier interview with Chloe. It had taken everything I had not to burst out laughing when she’d told me what had transpired between her and Tom. As it was, I’d had to get up and face the windows.

“What can I get you to drink?”