Page 35 of Stolen Kisses

I was getting antsy and hungry. Since I still had a bit of time, I took a small blueberry muffin out of my bag. I'd bought two on the way here, along with a coffee, but only ate one, intending to have the second one as close as possible to the actual interview solely for the sugar rush. A sweet treat always lifted my mood, and I wanted to put my best foot forward.

I crammed into the elevator with a few other suits, and one gave me a side-eye. I wondered if she saw me practically inhale my muffin. I smiled sheepishly, using the elevator mirror to wipe my mouth of possible crumbs, then cleaned my hands with some disinfectant that I carried in my bag before stepping out. The woman who had been watching me got off at the same floor as me. Then she looked at my badge. My name was written with a black marker under the word "Visitor."

"Hannah, you're interviewing with me today."

I swallowed hard.Well, serves me right. Why the hell did I bring that muffin in here with me and not eat it out on the street like any normal person?

"It's nice to meet you. We've still got a few minutes until we're supposed to start the interview, but why don't we go into my office? I'm Magda, by the way."

"Great to meet you," I said.

We passed by rows upon rows of desks. I knew without anyone saying that they were brokers because I recognized the setup of the desks and the monitors. On the other side of the room were analysts.

Magda’s office was large. She didn't have a window looking outside, but she had a huge glass wall that presided over the open space where the analysts and brokers worked.

"All right, so I've reviewed your résumé. It's impressive. Between you and me, we like stealing employees from our competitors. That tells us that they’re capable."

I smiled, starting to feel a bit more at ease. "It was a great experience working at Dingle Finance. I learned a lot."

"So, why did you leave? You’ve got a one-year gap in your résumé."

Well, that stung. I listed that year as “business owner and inn manager,” but I could see why she saw it as a gap since I'd been out of the industry. "I inherited a small inn from my grandmother, and I was determined to make it work. We've had a few mishaps along the way, though, and I've decided that finance is a better use for my skills."

"All right, so you don't plan to leave again in a few years? It's important for us to know that, because we like to invest in our employees."

I wasn't going to lie. "Look, Magda, I'll be honest. I can't foresee what will happen in the future, but I'm a very, very good broker, and I'm always determined to give the best at my job.Please rest assured that if you give me any opportunities, I will make the best out of them and prove myself."

"I like your energy, Hannah. I'm glad Chase forwarded me your résumé."

I scrutinized her expression. It was perfectly polite and neutral. Maybe that was something Chase did often and it wasn’t a special favor like I was thinking.

"All right. So, that's it from my side," she continued.

"Oh," I said.

She laughed. "Don't relax too much. The hard part is yet to come. You've got four back-to-back interviews."

"Okay, I had down that it was three, but I’m fine with whatever." I smiled.

"Top management called dibs on an interview, if you perform well at the test. I won’t tell you who you’ll get. Don’t want to spoil the fun.”

Holy shit. Is it Chase after all?So what if it was? I could impress him too. But at the thought of seeing him, my heart gave a flip. Oh man, how was I going to be in the same building with him if I reacted like this at the idea of seeing him?

The interviews took place in the room adjacent to Magda's office. I liked it so much more, as it had a window looking straight outside. It felt a bit like I was in an aquarium when I was in her office.

The first two interviews went by quickly. It was easy stuff that any broker worth their salt should know. After the second interview, they left me alone in the room with a laptop and a case study. My palms were sweaty, and I was a bit light-headed. I should've eaten a more consistent breakfast this morning, but I'd been too nervous, and the sugar rush was long gone. I'd treat myself to a healthy lunch afterward.

I kept an eye on the timer while I clicked away at the keyboard. The test was easy, mostly equations and marketknowledge. Pressing Finish with two minutes to go, I had a really good feeling about it.

I wondered who my last interview was with. I got up from the desk, walking around the room to stretch my legs. When I checked my phone, I had a message from my sister.

Blair: Good luck. I know you're going to kill it.

I beamed, replying quickly.

Hannah: I'm almost done, but so far, so good.

I poured myself some coffee from the thermos they had set for me on a side table. It was lukewarm but good.

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