Page 15 of His Temptation
“You looked at my résumé,” I whisper.
“Yes, I did. Take a seat,” he barks at me.
My legs feel like they weigh a ton. I take heavy steps until I manage to take a shaky seat in front of him.
“Tell me, what’s your angle? Is someone paying you to get closer to me? Are you involved in something illegal?” His deep voice is filled with anger.
I forget who I’m talking to and raise my voice. “What? Are you crazy? There’s no angle!”
“Then how the hell did you get this job? This is my company, Miss Ricci. I know how rigorous our interview process is. There is no way someone with a GED and no higher education would land a job here.”
Ouch. That hurts. His words cut me like glass.
“Some of us might not have had the luxury of growing up as privileged as you did. I might not have a decorated résumé like you, but I’m smart, and I work hard. And as for getting this position, I’m apparently the only woman in the city your staff could find who wasn’t impressed with your money or good looks. And now that I’ve met you, your personality isn’t very impressive either.”
Should I have said it? No. Is it true? Yes. The man is insufferable. Nothing pleases him, and he’s always in a sour mood. If I had the kind of money he did, I’d have no reason to hate the world and everyone living in it.
He watches me for a long time in silence. Leaning back in his chair, he brings his hand to his face and runs it along his jaw.
I suddenly get an image of what it would feel like to have his stubble against my most intimate areas. I’ve read about it in books. While we’re at it, I wonder what it would feel like in general to have someone go down on me. The women in my books seem to love it.
This isn’t the first time I’ve thought the man was going to fire me. If he does, so be it. It’s out of my control if he thinks I’m suddenly unqualified for this position.
“I see. So, you have no interest in making me fall in love with you to get your hands on my money?”
He asks the question like it’s unfathomable. I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes at how cocky the man is.
“No, I have no interest in your money. If it comes with you on the side, I’ll have to pass.”
A smirk actually spreads across his face. I’ve never seen the man smirk before. It actually makes him appear semi-human-even sexy.
Ugh, I hate that there’s a part of me that is attracted to him.
“I see. While I’m not impressed with your résumé and I normally hold this company and its employees to a high standard, I am pleased with the work you’ve done so far. You’ve shown your dedication to learning the ins and outs. And for having no priorexperience, you’ve caught on rather quickly. Plus, it has been a nice break, not having to reject any advances from my assistant.”
“Sooo, you’re not firing me?” I ask, needing clarification.
“I’m not firing you,” he replies with little enthusiasm. “Today.”
“Thank you, Mr. Monroe.”
I barely make it to my desk before I sigh in relief. I’ve been here for a month, and I have been so close to being fired that I’m starting to get used to coming into the office with a ball of nerves.
The man is a ruthless businessman, but I wonder if he has a heart in there somewhere. He did just cut me some slack and keep me on board. Never mind. I’m talking crazy. He only let me stay because I don’t fawn all over him.
Between him berating my every move or demanding I remake his coffee so it’s at the perfect temperature, I can’t imagine fluttering my eyelashes at the man.
“Kylie, I’m heading out for a couple of drinks with friends. Can you please make sure that budget spreadsheet is finished before you leave?”
He can’t be serious. It’s going to take me a couple more hours, and it’s already five. He raises his eyebrows at me, daring me to say what I’m really thinking. Ugh, he knows I need this job.
“Of course, sir. I’ll make sure it’s done.”
“Good. Email it to me when you’re finished. I’ll take a look at it when I get home tonight. I have to approve it by tomorrow, so I need it completed.”
He walks out without a second glance. Not even a thank-you for staying late and working on this when everyone is already leaving for the day.
It’s been hours, and I’m about to pull out my hair. The stupid budget categories are not matching the total budget, and I’m at my wit’s end.
