Mary, at this point, felt relieved she was no longer under his scrutiny. His open assessment of her body as he shamelessly feasted his eyes on her made her body crawl beneath. Her irritation was almost palpable.
"Firstly, I would like to appreciate you for your kindness that day. You saved me from a huge mess. Thank you sir".
Smith nodded and motioned for her to proceed.
"Well, to be honest, the same question has been nudging my mind since I received this exclusive card from your ever polite chauffeur, Mr. James Damastus"
Mary blinked her eyes in innocence as a ghost of a smile travels across her lips. She was testing him. Her witty skills was soon to be on display.
There was a sudden ear deafening sound of laughter. Mary was startled. It took her a few seconds to realize its source. John had his head thrown back in laughter. He was truly impressed by Mary's smart mouth. She acts more clever and smart than her age.
"You're a witty one, uhn? I could actually use someone like you when the day is gloomy."
He placed two fingers under his jaw. Scratching lightly. He appears to be considering the option. The continuous stare was making Mary uncomfortable once more.
"Okay, shall I propose a deal then?"
Mary eyed him. Her instinct sounding a note of caution. She took her coffee cup and slowly emptied its content in her mouth.
"By all means sir. I would love to know what you propose"
"I need a nanny. A discreet one"
Mary's eyes widen. In all the enormous possibilities she had itemized in her head, this would not have made a bottom list even. An eligible bachelor in need of a nanny, just sounded like a damsel in distress to her. Perhaps, one of his secrets is about to unfold. Such news have juicy contents when it concerns prominent individuals. Mary tried so hard to repress her laughter but the dancing butterfly she felt within was making it difficult to do so.
All the while, John studied Mary's expression intently, searching for any guile behavior. He could only sense her amusement as though, she had hit a jackpot. He scowled at her.
How dare she take joy in his dilemma, he thought.
"Now, if you are quite done, Miss Minali, do you mind telling me your decision on the matter at hand?"
"Oh, okay sir. I...Well, I think it's a nice offer, really, but, I'm afraid I cannot take it". She said slowly. "At the moment, I'm boxed in a dreadful situation that prevents me from taking a full-time job".
Her voice became thick with emotion. She cleared her throat and try to put her emotions in check.
"Don't be too swift to conclude. You should hear me out first", he cautioned. "I did a background check on you and I know how badly you need this job. I'm also aware you live with your mother who is gravely ill at the moment. Perhaps, it might help you get out of your dreadful situation".
Mary's throat tightened. How could he sit there and speak so casually of her situation, when he had played a major role in orchestrating the downturn of her life! Mary thought, as she throws dagger look his way. John, misinterpreting Mary's look as one of weariness, quickly added.
"I'm saying this, not to freak you out, but to make you understand the benefits of taking this job. I won't go into details of the job now, but I can only tell you that it comes with an excellent pay and provisions would be made to accommodate your mother in the plan. You will be provided with an apartment on the premises where you work, so, she can move in with you".
John could see Mary's eyes lit, it was so quick, a flash, that he almost questioned his sense of sight. Except, that he knows how sweet a deal he just proposed and Mary is a smart one. He's confident her response would be positive.
"Is it alright if I request to know the salary package sir?"
"You will be paid in foreign currency of 400 dollars a month, have access to free primary health care, monthly feeding and clothing allowances", he said, wasting no time to dawdle.
Wow! That's truly impressive, Mary thought while wetting her lips lightly.
John had lost count how often Mary had done that since she stepped into his office. It's beginning to affect his demeanor.
Mary mildly cleared her throat to get John's attention
"I am wholly sold out on your offer, Mr. Smith, that I believe it's one of the best one could get out there".
One of the best? No, it's the best! You idiot. John was tempted to say.
"However, I need to confer with my mother on this issue as it involves her too. Would you mind if I took some time to think about it, then get back to you sir?"
John thought he didn't hear her clearly. He didn't know anyone who would not jump at his offer. Well, except this blockhead. John thought angrily. His patience already growing thin.
"Take all the time you need, Miss Minali, but I must warn you, that, this offer won't be open for long", he said with a smirk.
He stood and rounded the table to stand behind Mary's chair. He leaned forward, his lips almost in contact with her her left ear.
"I see you quite enjoy my company. As much as I would love to prolong your stay here, I do have a meeting to attend in the next 15minutes".
He allowed his fingers to trail her jawline, down to the notch of her neck. He felt the softness of her skin and how her pulse quicken. He allowed his lips touched her ear this time when he whispered.
"So, if we head out now, I would be back in time to get ready for the meeting".
He straightened, dipped his left hand in his pant pocket, then extend his right hand to Mary.