I decided to take a break from the hectic interviews that had been occupying my day. Reflecting on the earlier conversation with Alexis about the kinds of people I might encounter, I had dismissed her warnings as exaggerated. Now, though, I realized how wrong I had been. Anxiety gnawed at me, and the last thing I wanted was for Alexis to find out. She would tease me relentlessly, and I wasn't in the mood for her jokes.
When the interviews began, and the first candidate walked in, I could immediately tell that she had only one thing on her mind and it wasn't the job. She sauntered over to the desk, her eyes locked on mine as she licked her lips suggestively, leaning forward in a way that was anything but professional. Without a second thought, I sent her out.
"This is a workplace, not a damn nightclub," I muttered to myself as she left. It wasn't just about her behavior; it was about maintaining the sanctity of the workplace. I needed people who could focus on their jobs, not those whose minds were elsewhere.
As the day dragged on, the candidates only seemed to get worse. One woman came in wearing a crop top that barely covered anything. I couldn't believe my eyes. "Who the hell wears a crop top to an interview?" I thought, barely able to keep my frustration in check. I didn't even bother to interview her—just sent her back the way she came.
Some of the candidates were intelligent, but their intentions were off. Others had good intentions but lacked the necessary knowledge to do the job. A few were downright idiots. One even started talking to me as if we'd been friends for years, completely disregarding the professional setting. Not a single candidate seemed fit for the role. I found myself questioning why Alexis had selected them in the first place.
"Did you do something to her in the past and now she's getting revenge?" a voice in my head asked. It made me pause. Maybe she had done this intentionally as payback for the pranks I'd pulled on her over the years. I couldn't help but smirk at the thought.
"Well, I'll have to think of a way to get back at her for this," I mused, mentally cataloging possible pranks.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called, and Alexis entered with my coffee in hand. My favorite drink at the perfect time it was just what I needed to get through this frustrating day.
She placed the cup on my desk and said, "Sir, there are only two candidates left outside now." I nodded, removing my coat and draping it over the back of my chair.
"So, did you like anyone from the interviews so far?" she asked with a knowing smirk.
I shook my head, lifting the cup of coffee to my lips. "No, Alexis. I don't even know why you chose them," I replied, taking a sip. The coffee was too hot, so I set the cup back down.
"I thought you already knew the answer," she replied, her smirk widening. Of course, she had planned this.
"Okay, send in the next one. I want to get this over with," I said, eager to finish the process. She nodded and left the room.
The next candidate walked in shortly after, and while she seemed competent, her attitude was unbearable. She acted as though she knew everything and didn't hesitate to show it. I dismissed her as well, feeling more exasperated by the minute.
As soon as she left, I picked up my coffee again, finding it at the perfect temperature now. Just as I was about to take a sip, the door to my office burst open, startling me so much that I spilled the coffee all over my shirt. I jumped up, cursing under my breath. "Shit!"
When I looked up, I saw Alexis laughing at me, clearly enjoying my misfortune.
"Alexis, stop laughing. Why did you enter like that? You know better than to come in without knocking," I snapped, trying to suppress my irritation.
"Sorry, sir," she said between giggles. "I was just here to let you know that the last candidate will be here shortly." She turned and left, still chuckling to herself. I stared at the door in disbelief. She hadn't even asked if I was okay.
Shaking my head, I walked into the bathroom connected to my office to change. I quickly removed my shirt and inspected my chest in the mirror. There was a little redness from the coffee, but nothing serious. Thankfully, the coffee hadn't been too hot. I opened the cabinet next to the sink, hoping to find a spare shirt, but the shelf was empty. With a sigh, I realized I'd have to ask Alexis to fetch me a new one.
As I exited the bathroom, I froze. Someone was standing in my office, their back facing me. The person's long brunette hair reached down to their waist, and the black dress they wore hugged their figure perfectly without being too tight. A handbag hung from their left shoulder.
"Why does her hair look so familiar?" I thought, the image stirring something in my memory.
Clearing my throat, I tried to get her attention, but she didn't seem to hear me, lost in her thoughts as she gazed out at the city. I took a step closer, stopping just behind her. The air between us seemed to thicken with tension, and I noticed her back stiffen as she sensed my presence.
I cleared my throat again, and this time she turned around, her eyes landing on my bare chest. Her gaze widened in shock, and to my utter surprise, she let out a scream.
Instinctively, my body moved before I could think. My right hand shot out to cover her mouth, while my left arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to me. She fit perfectly in my arms, as if she belonged there.
As she lifted her head to meet my gaze, recognition hit me like a ton of bricks. Those dark brown eyes that had haunted my dreams for years stared back at me. It was her, Destiny Sky Walker, the girl I had once liked, the girl who had never truly left my thoughts.
What was she doing here? Why had she come back into my life now? A thousand questions raced through my mind, but one thing became clear: I wasn't going to let her slip away this time. Fate or accident, it didn't matter. I was determined to win her back.
"You're mine, princess," I thought possessively, though I quickly pushed the thought aside, trying to stay composed. She had only become more beautiful with time, and I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me.
Breaking the charged silence, I teased, "You're the first person I've ever seen scream at the sight of a man's chest. It's not like you've never seen one before." I released her and stepped back, giving her some space.
Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and I couldn't help but smile. "She hasn't changed a bit," I thought.
"Why are you naked?" she asked, her voice sweet but embarrassed as she averted her eyes from me, still clearly flustered.
"Are you sure this is what you call naked, princess?" I teased, unable to resist. "I can show you what naked really means." I smirked as my hands moved to the waistband of my pants, pretending to unbutton them.
Her eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly covered her face with her hands, backing up until she hit the glass window. I laughed, thoroughly enjoying her reaction. She was so adorable when she was flustered.
"I didn't mean that!" she protested, peeking through her fingers. "I meant, why are you shirtless? I didn't ask you to get fully naked. I know what that means!"
I laughed even harder, finding her flustered state irresistible. "Well, you should've been more specific, princess. To answer your question, I spilled my coffee on my shirt, and there isn't a spare one in here. So, I'll be like this until a new shirt arrives." I smirked again, deciding that the shirt could wait. This encounter was far too entertaining to cut short.
She slowly lowered her hands, her face still flushed, and cleared her throat. "Can we get on with the interview? I'm here for a job, after all," she said, trying to regain her composure.
"Of course," I replied, moving to my chair and sitting down. She followed suit, taking the seat across from me. She pulled out a file from her bag, placing it on the desk and sliding it towards me. Then, she set her bag on her lap, looking at me expectantly.
"Shall we begin?" I said, picking up her file. As I opened it, I couldn't help but think, "I won't disappoint you, my new assistant."