Page 56 of Nails
He grinned.“How about we start with what made you accept an internship here in Hong Kong?Isn’t Hartley & Brockman a big name back in the States?”
The guy definitely had done his homework.
She gave a soft, practiced smile and nodded.
“Yes, they are.They are leading the industry in next-gen cybersecurity applications, and that’s what I’ve been really passionate about.”She folded her hands together and leaned in slightly, selling the story with sincerity in her tone.“That company is where I want to land a job.When I applied for an internship, the only opening they had was here in their Hong Kong office.It wasn’t ideal at first, being so far from home, but I wasn’t about to pass it up.So here I am.”
Adam studied her, then smiled.“Impressive.Most people wouldn’t jump continents for an internship.”
Riley shrugged lightly.“I figured if I want the job badly enough, I have to show them I’m willing to take the leap.”
He nodded, then glanced around the club.“So, why do you want to work here?”He gestured to the room.“What made you want to work at a place like this?”
Riley hesitated but then gave him a sheepish smile.“Honestly?”She glanced down for effect, then met his gaze again.“I have a little money saved, but I’ve always been independent.I didn’t want to rely on my parents for financial support while I’m here.My dad did insist on covering my housing because he wanted to make sure I had a safe place, but everything else, I wanted to handle on my own.”
She shifted in her seat, softening her voice slightly.“One of the girls at the company mentioned the club.She said she had heard that it paid well, and the hours seemed perfect for someone doing daytime work.”She gave a slight shrug.“I’ve waitressed before, and I’m comfortable talking to people.So, I figured, why not?”
Adam smiled again, but there was something sharper behind it now, like he was really impressed, but also calculating.“You sound very responsible.I like that in a person.”
Riley smiled back, letting a flicker of nerves play across her features, just enough to sell the part.“I try the best I can.”
He fired off a few more questions, and Riley answered each one carefully, again sticking to the details of her false identity.
After what seemed like an interrogation, Adam looked at her.
“Do you have any questions for me?”he asked.
“Well, that would depend on whether I got the job or not,” she replied, offering him a flirty smile.
Adam let out a low laugh as he leaned back in the chair.His gaze raked over her body.“You’ve got the job, love,” he said with a smirk.“In fact, I’m going to have you trained as one of our VIP hostesses.”
Riley’s lips parted slightly.“Really?Just like that?I’m hired?”Her tone was laced with hesitant excitement.
Adam grinned.“I trust my instincts.And my instincts tell me that you’ll be a perfect fit here.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and lowered her gaze, as if acting a tad bit shy.
“I appreciate the opportunity.I guess I didn’t expect to be offered the job so quickly.I heard that you guys get a lot of applicants and that the hiring process can be long.That is, if one does get hired.”
Adam leaned forward in his seat.“When I see something or someone I like, I don’t waste time.”His voice dipped suggestively as his eyes shamelessly trailed over her, and it took Riley every ounce of control to keep from shuddering under his gaze.
She cleared her throat and changed the subject, hoping to redirect his forwardness.
“What is the uniform for hostesses.And does the club have a staff dressing room or locker room?”
Adam’s brows lifted slightly.“The uniform we provide our hostesses is classy, but sexy.And we do have a dressing room for staff members with lockers.”Adam stood up.“In fact, I can give you a tour of the place right now.”
“Isn’t that something a manager or someone else should be doing?I mean, I don’t want to take up your time.”Riley asked as she stood up.
Adam grinned.“Normally, yeah.But I have some time right now,” he told her and winked.
Her stomach twisted.He wasn’t just being welcoming.It was like he was already fixated on her.That realization sent an unpleasant chill down her spine, but at the same time, it could mean easier access to the club’s inner workings.
“Lucky me,” she said, forcing a smile, and followed him.
He led her through the club, first pointing out the different bars, each stocked with high-end liquor.Then they climbed a short set of stairs to a roped-off area.
“This is our VIP area, and where you will be spending most of your time,” he explained, stepping aside so she could take in the view.
