Amanda pov
Crap, crap, crap!! A life changing interview is what I'm running late for. Three days ago, I had given up on life but now I race for the elevator doors like my life depended on it, which was crazy.
Someone was inside the elevator and it was about to close when I placed a foot in-between, forced it open before throwing myself in.
I crashed into something hard. The scent of the cologne hit my nostrils. A masculine fragrance. Nice one, Amanda.
He cleared his throat, "I'm so sorry." I apologized feeling so embarrassed as he helped to steady me back on my feet.
"It's alright. It can happen to anyone."
His voice was strong and firm with a musical effect to it that sent chills running down my spine. I took a sneak peek at him and froze.
My mouth fell open as I stared at the Adonis before me. Hell, who was this? I've seen a lot of handsome guys in my few years on earth but he was different.
My mind flashed to Gilbert as I stared at the man before me like a lost puppy. His eyes reminded me of him but he was more handsome.
He was so beautiful and looked out of this world. He had dusty brown long hair which he styled beautifully across his face and nape. His eyes were icy blue with a spark of amber which was strange and his lips were red, and looked so succulent like a cherry. How could someone be this handsome?
"Are you going to stop staring and pick up your things on the floor?"
I blinked twice, stunned that I'd been drooling then bent to pick up the file that held my resume, a notebook and pen before putting them back in my bag. But what happened to helping me pick up my stuff like it happens in the movies? I shook my head, clearing off the crazy thoughts that were creeping in.
"Sorry."
"Why did you apologize? You have nothing to be sorry for."
He's right but he should have said it with less cockiness. Now it seems like I apologized for drooling him.
But didn't I?
"You're here for the interview?" I asked, uncomfortable with the silence that was beginning to stretch out.
He said nothing in reply and I sighed inwardly.
Amanda, does he look like someone who's looking for a job? I stole a glance at his wrist and saw he was wearing a Rolex. Trey always had that on him. His suit looked expensive and it strengthened the point that he wasn't a job seeker. He still might be a job seeker… I mean, everyone needs to convince the boss with their appearance also before he selects whoever, to become the next CEO.
"It's okay if you don't want to say." I lashed out gently, not hiding my annoyance at being ignored. I mean, why ignore someone you don't know? That's rude.
Is it because he's handsome? One reason why I dislike handsome men. Some can be so cocky as f**k!
With a frown on my face, I turned again to steal another glance but the elevator door opened and he got out within the speed of light.
"Such an arrogant prick." I muttered under my breath as I headed out too. I scanned the floor but it seemed like Mr handsome-arrogant had disappeared into thin air.
Where do I go from here?
I took the bend on the left and was met with the receptionist.
"Good morning, I'm here for the job interview."
She eyed me with a displeased look before giving me a form to fill. I know I'm late but please do not give me that look. Why is everyone here being so unfriendly?
I filled out the form and she gave me a card.
"Third door on your left." She said and blew on the gum she was chewing before typing away on her laptop.
I shook my head and walked away.
"Why are you late?"
I turned around and saw Gilbert walking towards me.
"You're late, but thank goodness you're here now. I was beginning to get worried. Two more applicants and it's your turn." His voice dropped to a whisper and I c****d an eyebrow at him.
"Is anything wrong?"
He looked around like one who was about to commit a crime before shoving a piece of crumpled paper into my hands.
I opened it and stared hard at some written notes that were scrambled on it.
"Those are the answers to the questions Alvarez would be asking."
Alvarez. The brain behind BAP Group. I did a little research before coming.
"But why would you give me this? It's wrong."
"Bring down your voice, Amanda. Don't you need this job? I spent the last few days going through your records at your former organisation and I realised you're good and fit for the CEO role. Alvarez is being crazy, firing off questions nobody can answer. I'm only trying to do you a favour."
I swallowed hard as my eyes scanned the paper. Okay, this is one big temptation.
"Thank you." I said and tucked it into my bag.
"No, no, no… Start memorising it now. There's not much time left." He said and walked away hurriedly like he was about to be caught in the abominable act.
Few minutes later my name was announced and I slowly walked into the office where I would be interviewed with my heart in my mouth.
Because of the fact that I'm cheating, my nervousness has increased by two hundred percent. I made a mental note to fail some of the questions deliberately.
"Good mor…" I stopped halfway in my greetings, my mouth hung open as I took in the person that sat behind the desk.
The scowl on his face deepened and I quickly pulled myself together, greeted again and moved to take the seat opposite him.
"Can I meet you?"
I soaked up his words. The same enthralling voice from the elevator. Goddamnit… hope I didn't give off the wrong vibe and sent the wrong impression.
I introduced myself while stammering.
He nodded as his eyes scanned some documents on his desk.
The door opened and within some seconds, Gilbert sat beside him. He winked at me and it helped ease up some of the tensions I felt.
"Very good we would proceed to the questions." He looked up at me and looked back down so fast as though he was scorched by just the mere sight of me
I adjusted uncomfortably on my seat with a mix of curiosity and fear. My heartbeat increased as he asked the first question.
I answered and sneaked a peak at Gilbert but he was staring at the wall. Of course, we have to act like we didn't do any funny business.
After answering the ninth question correctly, it dawned on me that I hadn't failed any question deliberately like I had planned to. Sweat broke out on my forehead and I began to hyperventilate. I glanced at Gabriel. The look on his face wasn't helping and I knew I had screwed it. He gestured for me to take a deep breath and I did.
"Sorry, come again."
I didn't get the last question from Mr. Alvarez.
He slammed the papers in his hands on the desk making a long bang and I jumped in my seat.
"What's the need when you would answer it right?" He said in a low cold voice and I froze.
He knew. But how?
I turned to Gilbert who had guilt written all over his face.
"Gilbert Stone." He said in a low menacing voice as he faced Gilbert.
"Alvarez." He said back in a normal tone like things hadn't turned fifty shades darker.
"What did you do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you f*****g play dumb!" He raised his voice at Gilbert and I shrunk back in my seat.
Is this where we draw the curtains?
"But I don't get what you're saying Alvarez. Stop beating around the bush and get your point straight." Gilbert replied, looking Alvarez squarely in the eye.
That's some level of guts there. I'm merely trying to survive his presence.
He turned his laptop towards us and we both saw ourselves exchanging the paper.
Great! They had to have a camera at that spot.
"You gave her the right answers. You helped her cheat. What is she, your girlfriend?" He said and turned to me on the last word with an enraged look on his face.
I lowered my eyes to the desk, unable to hold his gaze.
"Excuse us." He said to me and I quickly scurried away from his office in shame.