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“He only forwarded résumés for male candidates to the hiring managers because he believed only men are good at such high-level technical jobs.”
“What?”
“Exactly. So my assistant and I contacted people in those departments, including the managers and their assistants, and asked questions without asking the big question and discovered that only seven women work in those departments. Seven. So I asked the managers who hired those women how they found them. In all cases, they searched for a wider pool of candidates online themselves.”
“In other words, they went searching for a woman.”
“Yes, because their departments didn’t meet the diversitycriteria set by the company. They tried to do something about it but got pushback from the guy in HR when they did. It was only when they went around that guy that they got the person they wanted for the job. So he’s out and there will be a companywide email about the situation and how we’re going to fix things going forward. Starting with you.”
“Me?”
“You weren’t given a fair shot. Now you’ll get the interview you deserved. As you can imagine, the director of HR was all too happy to accommodate my request that they find your résumé and forward it to Jay, who called me because I recommended you, and thanked me profusely because he desperately needs someone like you. He can’t wait to talk to you about joining his team.”
She raised a brow. “Because he knows I’m your girlfriend?”
“No. I didn’t think that had anything to do with your qualifications.”
She eyed him. “So he didn’t ask for the interview because you said so?”
“He based it solely on your résumé. With my position, I meet a lot of people. You’re not the first person I’ve recommended for a position I know is open. Just because I connect a manager to a potential hire doesn’t mean they’ll get the job. You are the right fit.”
She raised a brow. “You don’t know anything about my work history or what I do. How do you know I’m the right person for the job?”
“I know you’re smart, honest, and kind, and get along withmost everyone, including my asshole cousin, even if you don’t like them. You’re a good problem solver. You’re fair. You think about others. Your job and work are important to you, otherwise you wouldn’t have taken that call from your boss last night during your vacation. You told me that you’re used to working long hours to get a project done on time, which tells me you care about the bottom line and the work. Jay needs someone who is a team player, but who can get the job done. I told him that’s you.”
“Gray, I really don’t know what to say.”
“Yes is the only correct answer.” He kissed her softly. “Do the interview. Talk to Jay about what you’ll be doing for the company. He’s prepared to make you a better than fair offer because he’s desperate for someone with your qualifications. I know you’re more than interested in working there or you wouldn’t have applied twice.” The sexy grin made her smile.
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to refuse you.”
“I won’t be your boss. If you take the job, you’ll report to Jay and the people above him. No one needs to know we have a relationship, though I don’t want to hide it. But if it makes you feel better...”
“Maybe we don’t hide it, but we also don’t flaunt it.”
“So we can drive to the office together, talk in the office, and have lunch together?”
“I suppose we could, though it’s a drive from Los Altos to Santa Clara and back to the office.”
Gray raised a brow, his demeanor turning very serious. “Why would you be in Santa Clara when you could be with me?”
She almost stuttered. “I really don’t have a good answer for that. And I’m sure we’ll get there sooner rather than later.”
“Fair enough. It’s a lot all at once. And I don’t want to push, but I also want you to know I’m all in.”
“Me, too.” She smiled and sighed her contentment. “Will we have all these life-altering conversations in bed?”
“I hope so.” He slid his hand down her arm and side to her hip, then pulled her snug against him. “Now, I have one more proposal to make.”
She rocked her hips against his thickening erection. “Oh, yeah? What’s that?”
“We make love, then shower, then you can have the fruit and croissant I ordered for you, then we’ll go meet Maggie and Joel for lunch.”
“A proposal is usually a question. That sounds like a plan.”
“One that starts with this.” He leaned in and kissed her, and it wasn’t long before she found herself straddling him, his hands and mouth on her breasts, their sighs and moans filling the room, and all thoughts of a job interview and lunch with friends were washed away by the sheer pleasure that consumed them.
