Geoff and I spent an hour talking on the phone last night. He told me about the life he had in Australia. It was tough but he managed to finish his master's and doctorate degree in University of Adelaide. While studying, he worked part time in a hotel. The owner of that hotel is his father's friend. He was treated like an ordinary employee as part of his training. After graduating, he became a hotel manager in the same hotel for 5 years. He kept himself busy with his work. He wanted to stay there for good since he was free to do anything he wanted and at the same time, he could travel and relax anytime he wants, but his father went ill 4 years ago so he had to come back home and take over the management of Liberty Group. After his father's death, he took all the responsibilities of the company making him so busy. Based on his story, he diverted his attention to other things so he could forget how much he missed me. If he didn't do that, he would have wanted to come home and look for me. Despite feeling happy with what he said, I had to remind myself that I shouldn't trust him 100% yet.
I woke up the next day feeling more refreshed and livelier than usual. Today is also the day I will be having an interview with my prospective teammates. This is the first time for me to do this one. Before, I felt nervous and I didn't think I have the abilities for the job, but now, I feel excited. I may make mistakes while on the job, but I know I can learn from those mistakes.
I arrived at the office early as usual. Everyone seems busy with their personal stuff. Some women are putting make up, while some men gather to chat. I think everyone is still not in the mood to work. I reached my desk with a yellow note on top next to my company laptop. It read "Can't wait to see you. – G"
G might stand for Geoff or it can be for Genie as well. How can he send items like these without anyone noticing? Is that how powerful a CEO is? Does he have access to this building?
I ignored my thoughts and prepared to work. I reviewed the resumes of the applicants I will be interviewing today. When Mr. Smith arrived, he called me to his office.
"The Liberty Group CEO's secretary called me this morning and notified me that his boss wants to meet you at 10am today to talk about his advertising plans for his company. He also said that we can get the signed contract after your meeting. You have to go Liberty Group's Main office. I requested to join the meeting but he said the CEO doesn't want to meet anyone but the leader of his company's advertising campaign." He doesn't look so happy while saying this.
"How about the interview with the applicants? Some of them are scheduled at 10am?" I was actually a bit happy to see him early today but I'm the type of person who always follows schedules. I feel stressed if I couldn't finish the things I planned to do for the day. And this sudden change of schedule is giving me stress.
"Don't worry about your task today. I will have someone to cover it for you."
I can feel disappointment from the way he speaks. I guess he also wants to meet the CEO and thank him personally for the opportunity but since he is the client, Pines Advertising must oblige to his requests.
"I will tell the CEO that you are grateful for the opportunity he has given to our company. I will make sure to say nice things about you and boost our company profile to him. Don't worry Mr. Smith." I tried to reassure him. As a businessman, I think he just wants to make sure his company will continue getting projects like this and meeting important people gives the company those opportunities.
"Thank you, Jessica. I think it would be good to do that." His eyes lighten. "Before heading to their office, can you drop by a tea store downtown? Choose the most expensive one and give it to the CEO as a gift. This way, he can feel our sincerity."
"Sure, Mr. Smith."
I started packing my things and was about to leave when my phone beeped. It is a message from Geoff.
"Someone will be picking you up. Please be safe my love."
I didn't reply. I will just show my appreciation later.
I arrived his office 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled meeting. I was ushered to his office right away.
His office is so spacious. I can't help but feel small. His office is bigger than my apartment unit. He was busy signing some documents when I arrived. He glanced at me for a moment then continued what he was doing. He is wearing glasses which make him look so sexy. He looks very cool, totally different from the man I met yesterday.
I sat down in a sofa and tried to make myself busy. The office looks like a hotel room without the bed. It has a mini bar where bottles of expensive drinks are displayed. The glass window is draped with thick gray curtains blocking sunlight from outside.
After about 10 minutes, he finally stood up from his chair and sat down next to me. He hugged me tightly and leaned his head on my shoulder.
"I was quite busy studying some contracts we have from other companies. I missed you. I even had to use my position to see you."
"Sorry, Mr. President. I came here as a worker and not as your girlfriend. I was told that we would have a meeting about your advertising plans for your company."
"I chose you for this project not because of adverts. I hired you so I can spend time with you anytime I want." He started playing with my ears with his fingers.
"If you read my diary, you should know by now that I don't play around when it is my time to work. I don't want to waste my company's resources for unnecessary things."
"I am willing to pay for your time to play with me." He started kissing me. My brain wants to resist but my body says otherwise. I kissed him back with our tongues playing. I could feel his hands in my waist, and I put my arms around his neck.
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked.
I came to my senses and tried to push him, but he kissed me again this time more aggressively. His hands are caressing all parts of my body and I don't want him to stop. When I felt his hand unhooking my bra, I moved backwards.
"We have a two-month rule." I reminded him.
He smiled, pulled me towards him and kissed my lips gently. "You are making me crazy. Why don't we get married now?"
"You said you can wait for me even it takes forever."
He laughed in response. "You're the boss, my love."
"So, what do you want for your company's advert? Do you have any celebrity you want to hire in particular? Or do you have anything you want the advert to focus on?" I asked.
"Actually, we don't need to do much advertising. We became famous because we take care of our customers and guests. We make sure that they will recommend our hotels, restaurants and services to their friends and family because they were satisfied with them."
"Yeah. I noticed that. Most of your adverts focuses are interviews from clients and just introduction of your services and facilities. How could you manage to be on top without spending too much on advertising?"
"We value all the people around us, that is our difference from other companies." He said confidently. His face is so near my face again, making it difficult for me to concentrate.
"Can we talk about those things later? I only have half an hour to spend with you. I have to leave for a meeting at 11. We have 30 minutes to kiss."
"How can you play around while working? Do you know I was supposed to interview applicants for my team at this time? I wanted to get to know them before hiring them because I want to work with people I can get along with and you asked me to come here, thinking that it is part of my work and here you are, just wants to play with me."
He was just smiling while listening to me. How can this man not be serious? "You're so cute."
I tapped his shoulder to make him stop. He is so childish, but I kind a like it. That is his charm, I think. I just hope he doesn't use it with other girls.
"Sit on my lap." He ordered. "We have 20 minutes left."
I followed what he said without asking why. I am now sitting higher than him.
"Kiss me." He instructed.
I was like a child following his orders. I kissed him passionately. I could feel traces of his fingers in my back and my shoulder. We kissed passionately, tongues playing.
After some minutes, our lips parted. "I have the energy to work now." He finally said. How childish!