Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 65489 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65489 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
I walked down the hall, attempting to look more confident than I actually felt. I was used to faking it. That was how I’d survived my teen years.
I approached the woman at the desk. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, sir. Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes. I’m Benjamin Allred. I’m here for an interview.”
“Welcome, Mr. Allred.” She gestured toward an upholstered chair to her left. “Have a seat. I’ll let Mr. Montgomery know you’re here. Would you like coffee or anything else to drink?”
“No, thank you.” I wasn’t about to chance upsetting my stomach or trust in my ability to keep from spilling something on my suit.
I forced myself to sit still even though my whole body was buzzing with nerves. A few moments later, the assistant said, “Mr. Montgomery is ready to see you now. You can go on in.”
I heard a lock disengage as I reached the door. When I stepped inside. I saw Mr. Montgomery behind a large desk, looking even better than he had in his many online photos. I knew he was gorgeous, but I wasn’t prepared for the reality of seeing him in person.
He was everything I would’ve wanted if I could’ve had a man made specifically for me. He was in his mid-thirties and tall, a few inches over six feet, with broad shoulders that made me wonder if he was a swimmer. His dark gray suit hugged his body in all the right places. It had clearly been tailored just for him and likely cost more than I earned in several months. His dark hair was styled to perfection, and his deep blue eyes seemed to see all the way through me.
“Good morning, Benjamin.” His silky voice and the way he looked me up and down made my whole body tingle as if he’d touched me.
I had to stop thinking like that. I was here to be a professional, not to gawk at him. “Good morning, Mr. Montgomery.”
He smiled and something about the look in his eyes unsettled me. I felt like a rabbit being watched by a wolf.
“Have a seat.” He waved his hand toward the chairs in front of his desk.
I chose one, and he surprised me by moving around the desk, and holding out his hand. When I shook it, the electric charge that shot up my arm startled me. For just a second, Mr. Montgomery’s eyes widened.
Had he felt it too, or had he only seen my embarrassing reaction? Either way, he must not have minded. He held my hand longer than he should have, and I reveled in the heat and softness of his skin.
How was I going to get through this interview without embarrassing myself? I never should have applied for this job. I wasn’t qualified, and apparently, I was incapable of doing anything but staring at him.
He settled into the seat beside me, his movements calculated and graceful.
“So, Benjamin, what makes you think you’re qualified for this job?”
Damn, he wasn’t going to hold back, was he? I should have been prepared for this question. I should have been prepared, but my mind went blank.
“Benjamin?”
Something about the way he said my name sounded filthy and that jolted me back to reality. I wanted this job. I needed this job. “I’m familiar with all the software mentioned in the job listing. I have experience as an executive assistant, and I am skilled at arranging schedules and I can make sure you have all the information you need to keep your day running smoothly.”
“Only part of that is reflected on your résumé.” His lip quirked up, and I was sure he was trying not to laugh. How ridiculous did I sound? He obviously knew I didn’t belong here.
I didn’t dare include most of my practical experience, because I’d gained it working for my family. The longer I stayed silent, the broader Mr. Montgomery’s smile became. Had he just brought me here to laugh at me?
What had I expected? He was a fucking billionaire. Of course he would be an asshole. Why had I thought otherwise just because employees rated his company better than lots of others? Working here was better than working in hell. But that didn’t say much.
I needed to pull myself together. I wasn’t going to let him get to me. “I have experience from volunteer positions, but I assure you, I can do everything I’ve said. I have the ability to get people to listen to me without annoying them.” Everyone except my father. He was angry with me all the time.
“Why don’t you tell me more about your volunteer work.”
I’d volunteered to lure my wealthy friend into trusting my brother. I’d volunteered to help my father embezzle from his previous job. I’d volunteered to help my brother cheat his way through school.
“How about you give me a scenario, and I tell you how I’d handle it?”