Jane

I fiddled nervously with a button on my silk blouse. I had been waiting in the lounge for forty-five minutes, and it was almost my turn for an interview. It looked like I was the last one left, so I knew I needed to make an even better impression than everyone who went ahead of me. This was my dream job, and I had worked my tail off for the past four years to get a foot in this door. I didn't want to mess it up now.

I had recently graduated from university with a marketing degree. I had my eye set on Greene Industries ever since my senior marketing project in college when I had researched the company extensively. Greene Industries is an environmentally friendly company that promotes green energy and partners with organizations worldwide to figure out solutions to save the environment. I was moved by their mission statement and beliefs, as well as the projects they had already completed over the years. They were a company that I could be proud to work for, which is why I wanted to get this position so badly.

My leg bounced up and down, and I regretted drinking so much coffee this morning before I left. I was jittery and stressed. I took a few deep breaths to calm and center myself. I went down a list in my head of good things to think about.

1. I looked amazing today.

I had gone shopping and splurged on an expensive but ridiculously sexy business casual outfit for the interview. I was wearing a maroon pencil skirt that hugged my hips and ended just above my knees, and my silky white blouse was tucked into the top. Because I have been preparing for this interview for so long, I went out and got an entire makeover a few days ago. I mean, the works! I had gotten my legs and eyebrows waxed, my long hair had been colored and cut, and I had even bought some new expensive makeup to use. I probably looked the best today than I had ever looked in my life.

2. Next, I reminded myself of the work and dedication I put into coming here.

Not only had I gone to college for marketing, but I had also gone the extra mile and attended seminars, joined clubs, and read all of the marketing literature I could get my hands on. I was an expert. I graduated top of my class with honors and about a dozen recommendation letters from professors and mentors. I was more than qualified to work for a fancy company like Greene Industries.

"Miss Beckett."

I was jolted from my thoughts when the secretary called my name. I took a deep breath and walked over to the front desk.

The secretary was stunning. She was a tall, sleek blonde with blindingly white teeth. She could have been a supermodel or a celebrity if you saw her outside of the office.

"Mr. Greene is ready for you in the conference room." She beamed at me and gestured to the door across the room.

"Thank you," I replied and made my way over to the door, my heels clicking satisfyingly on the marble floors.

Greene Industries was located in the heart of the bustling city, and the conference room was on the 25th floor. The building was incredibly fancy and had open floor plans with massive windows showcasing a beautiful city view. It was sleek and modern, and of course, everything ran on green energy.

I opened the door to the conference room and saw that it was just as impressive as the rest of the building. The far wall was nothing but glass overlooking the cityscape at dusk. There was a very long table that took up much of the room, and there, at the head of the table, was Mr. Greene.

Of course, I had seen photos of him. I knew he was an attractive man, but seeing him in person was nothing like seeing a staged photo of him. He was breathtakingly handsome. He was sitting, but I could tell that he would tower over me if he stood up. He was obviously fit by the way his immaculate suit hugged his form, and he was very clean. I felt my heart begin pounding anew in my chest. I wasn't used to seeing men this attractive, and the dominant power that radiated off of him was intimidating. Even in a crowd, you would know that he was important just looking at him.

I swallowed hard and walked over to the table.

"Ah, Miss Beckett. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the seat next to him, and I confidently took it. Even his voice was attractive. He still hadn't looked up at me from the papers spread out before him.

"I have looked over your resume. You have impressive qualifications, albeit no experience in the field yet." He said everything matter-of-factly, and although his voice was like butter, it sounded a bit cold and indifferent.

"Yes, I have worked extremely hard to get here, Mr. Greene. My resume reflects the measures I took to get an interview with such a prestigious company."

Finally, Mr. Greene looked up from his papers and met my eyes. His brow furrowed, and he blinked a few times before closing the file in front of him. I started to feel awkward as the silence stretched on, and he just kept looking at me. I wasn't sure if this was a power move or not, so I stared back at him with confidence and intensity. A small smirk pulled at his lips, and his eyes traveled down my body curiously. I couldn't tell if he was checking me out or not. I shifted in my chair, and he seemed to snap out of it.

"You mentioned that you worked hard to get here. Why exactly do you want to work for this company specifically?" He was back in business mode, but his gaze remained trained on me.

"One of my marketing projects in college was focused on your company, and I was moved by the mission statement and values that you have here. I am passionate about the environment, and I want to help this company in any way that I can. Lucky for you, I graduated top of my class and have multiple certifications. I am more than qualified, and I am passionate about this organization, which makes me even more of an asset." Although my voice resounded with authority and zeal, I had to clasp my hands together in my lap to keep them from shaking. I still wasn't used to making myself be this confident, but I needed to make him hire me. It was now or never.

Mr. Greene leaned back in his chair and looked out at the city. He crossed his legs and seemed to be contemplating. I was hardly breathing at this point, and I didn't dare say anything else lest I sound like I was begging. Even though I would get on my knees and beg for this job, he needed to believe that I wasn't fazed by possible rejection.

After what felt like forever, he turned back towards me.

"I have good news and bad news." He stated.

"O-okay...?" I was unsure of what was going on. Mr. Greene was a difficult man to read.

"The marketing position has been filled. I chose a candidate before you interviewed today." My stomach dropped at his statement, and then anger began to bubble inside of me.

"You didn't even wait to interview everyone before filling the position? I waited almost an hour for this meeting, and you're saying that you didn't even need me to come in at all? What kind of person does that?" I realized that my voice was louder and sharper than it should have been, but I was pissed! This guy just crushed my dreams. I felt so stupid for walking in confidently and acting like I was a sure thing. Meanwhile, Mr. Greene already had someone hired. I probably looked so ignorant to him. Not to mention all of the extra work that I had put into preparing for today. What a waste.

Mr. Greene was staring at me dumbfounded and slightly amused, which only made me more irritated, "If you are finished, I said that there is also some good news." He raised his eyebrows at me.

I sighed, "I doubt anything good can come from a career rejection, but by all means, do tell." I was a little shocked at how sarcastic I was being to the CEO of my dream job, but I was too worked up to care. I had always had a quick temper.

Mr. Greene chuckled and shook his head, "Yes, the marketing position is filled, but I have another position that opened recently. I haven't had the time to conduct interviews yet, and I think you would be perfect for the job."

"What position is this exactly?" I asked skeptically. I was a market manager; that was my degree.

"I need a new assistant. A personal assistant." He had that matter-of-fact tone again. I looked at him like he was insane.

"I am overqualified for a position in marketing, and you want me to go on coffee runs for you?" I was almost insulted that he couldn't see my potential. I was never the prideful type, but I knew my worth, and it was a lot more than a personal assistant .

"You really don't like not getting your way, huh?" He was thoroughly enjoying himself at this point. It was probably a power trip for him.

He sighed, "Before you turn it down so quickly, there are really great benefits to the position, and I can sweeten the deal for you." His intense gaze locked onto mine, and I felt my breath catch. He was too good-looking. He looked...hopeful?

"Fine," was all I said.

"For starters, you wouldn't be running to get me coffee. At least not all the time. I would need you with me at all times. During meetings, on business trips, in conference calls, and anything else involving day-to-day work. I need you to take notes, keep my schedule organized, make my appointments, coordinate meeting arrangements, and basically just help be an extra pair of hands for me. This is a big job. It is intimidating. But there are amazing perks. You will get to be on the inside, which means you will make connections with important people from all industry walks. You will also have important administrative experience under your belt. Not to mention the pay and bonuses that come with every employee's hiring package."

I had to admit; it didn't sound terrible when he put it like that, "You said you could sweeten the deal?"

At that, he broke into a glorious smile that nearly made me hyperventilate, "Miss Beckett, you do have a way with words. You are a force to be reckoned with." He trapped me in his intense gaze, and I nervously bit my lip. He tracked the motion with his eyes, and I watched as his breathing quickened just the slightest. My stomach started to flutter, and I begged it to calm down.

"Yes, I can sweeten the deal. Any time there is a meeting with the marketing department, you are to sit in and gain knowledge from the experience. You may also offer ideas and input if you wish. I will set up weekly meetings with one of the marketing team members for you to get one on one mentoring with." He began shuffling papers around, and I knew the meeting was going to end soon.

"Suppose I do accept this job, when do I start, and how much does it pay?" I wanted to know the terms before accepting, but let's be honest, how could I refuse?

"You would start immediately. Monday morning 6 am sharp. The pay begins at $40 an hour."

I whipped my head up to look at him as he stood. Wait, what? The pay was forty bucks an hour? Had I heard him wrong?

He chuckled at my expression, "Like I said, the job is demanding. The pay is an incentive for those who are brave enough to work with me so personally."

I decided to use one of his moves against him and stared at him in contemplation for several moments. I watched his amused look turn into slight uncertainty and wanted to smirk but held my poker face.

Finally, I stood and offered my hand, "I accept your job offer and look forward to the challenge Mr. Greene."

Without breaking eye contact, he took my hand and slowly bent to kiss the back of it.

"Please," he said, "Call me Lee."

Part 1