Trying to gasp for air I held on to my chest coughing uncontrollably. What a good first impression, my subconscious chimed in. Mia let go of my hand and immediately ran to the man who had called out to her.
I was so embarrassed I turned away and pulled out my handkerchief to try and wipe off any tears and water spilled on my chin. I quickly recomposed myself and turned around.
My mouth dropped at the man standing in front of me. His handsome face was complimented by his sparkling blue eyes and chiseled jaw. He looked like a model straight out of a show. He held little Mia in his arms and his smile held me in a trance.
How could someone be so handsome it was unreal. I was suddenly self-conscious of my appearance and shrunk at his imposing figure.
"Look Daddy my new friend gave me a lolly." She excitedly showcased the sweet while smacking her lips.
"Daddy has some business to discuss. I'll be right with you in your playroom." He reassured her as he placed her down.
"Can we play with Bella too? " Mia asked innocently.
"Right after we are done sweet pea" He answered in a soft tone smiling at her.
"Promise? Pinky swear then." Mia adorably extended her pinky finger to her father and he instantly intertwined it with his. It was such a cute interaction and my heart melted at the sight.
"There now run along," He said kissing her cheeks and she ran along with her pigtails chasing after her.
His warm expression suddenly changed as his perfect jaw ticked and I could see a hint of annoyance on his face. I took back the initial impression I had of him.
He walked silently past me making me more nervous. I had never seen anyone shift their mood that fast and it scared me. I stood there and watched him keenly as he walked around the desk and took a seat.
"Let's begin, take a seat so we can get this over with." He spoke up in a stern tone.
"Sure" I answered as I took my seat. I crossed over my legs and rested my bag on my lap to appear confident. I read this in a book once about posture and how it influenced first impressions.
Pulling the drawer open he took out two stapled sheets of paper. He quickly skimmed through it and placed it on the desk.
"So how great are you with kids?" He finally spoke up.
"I could say that I love kids and I am very playful with them." I rushed out my answer in a single breath.
I didn't know why I was nervous maybe it was the fact that he was strikingly handsome or his cold demeanor that gave me the chills.
"So no experience then great! " He exclaimed and I could feel his eyes burning into me.
As I went to speak up in my defense he quickly interjected.
"Don't you think it was a bad idea to offer a sweet to a child? It reinforces the fact that she should trust strangers based on a simple smile and a treat."
"I don't know who recommended you but I don't think you belong here."
I felt a twinge of guilt. It was only a good gesture since I was to meet with the child eventually. Since I desperately needed this job I had to apologize and play nice.
"I am sorry, that thought did not cross my mind. I was just trying to build up a good rapport with Mia." I calmly trying to hide my trembling voice.
"So you were trying to bribe her?" He asked with a deep melancholy tone
"I could tell by the stain on your top that you are clumsy, slow, and enabling. You look like an easy target for manipulation and not fit to be around my daughter. You can see yourself out, I have what I need."
I was shocked at his tone and his insults. It was baffling how a striking man could be so rude and Ill-mannered. I was taken aback by his comments about me.
"You are the one who lacks manners. Your rudeness is disgusting" I said through gritted teeth as I stood up.
The way he looked at me made me feel like an alien that just dropped from another planet. His face twisted in annoyance as he stood up and walked over to me.
The thrumming in my cheeks increased, mirroring the way my heart was pounding in my chest. I was scared he would do something I would regret but I couldn't just sit there and let him run me down when he barely knew me.
He stood in front of me and stared down at me in an assessing manner from my head to my toes. His eyes blazed into mine and the emotion behind them was so intense that I was forced to look away.
"I don't have time for your petty argument young lady. I could call security if you want." He said in a cold calm tone that sent shivers down my spine.
If it wasn't for his poor behavior I would be lost in his alluring scent that was intoxicating and his appearance wasn't helping my situation either.
I boldly walked past him and never looked back. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing my defeated face. As much as I needed the job respect was very important to me.
I walked as fast as my legs could carry me and stepped out to call a cab to take me home. The day was a disaster and I wished I had just stuck with my previous job however miserable it was.
As soon as I entered the cab fresh tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn't care that I looked crazy. In times like this is wished that my aunt was alive. She could have made me feel better with her encouraging words. She always knew the right things to say.
After what seemed like a while I got home. I paid the cab driver and tipped him for having to endure my sniffles the entire ride. I walked over to my door and opened it only to find two envelopes that were slid under.
"What could it be?" I whispered to myself.