Playing the Game of Temptation

CHAPTER 5

I felt like having my walk of shame even though I never got to experience it before when I was on my way to the new CEO’s office. I had to stop and draw in a couple of deep breaths from time to time before I continued my way to Mr. Bennett’s office.

When I was only a few steps away from his office, I was already starting to contemplate my life’s decisions. Maybe I should just forget about this and find a new job instead.

No!

That’s not me. I don’t back down easily. I have worked my butt off to get to where I am right now and I won’t let an incident outside work be the reason for me to resign from this company. Hey, I didn’t even know that a random stranger I’d encounter one night in a club would be my new boss the next day.

I can do this.

I took a breath with my fist hanging in the air, just a few inches away from the door. I knocked twice and waited for an answer. When I didn’t hear anything, I knocked again, three consecutive times. Still, no answer.

“Maybe he’s not here.” I mumbled to myself.

“Who’s not here?” A manly voice behind me spoke out of the blue and I almost teetered on my feet.

I turned around and I came face to face with none other than Liam Bennett. I almost cursed under my breath but I’m glad I was able to hold it in. I pressed a palm against my chest, my heart almost leapt out.

He flashed a cheeky smile. “I’m sorry, did I scare you?”

I cleared my throat. “No, it’s fine, Mr. Bennett. I just thought you were not in your office.”

“I’m sorry. I know I asked for you from Cameron but I had to go out briefly to get myself a coffee.” He explained, raising the cup of coffee in his hands. “I don’t have anyone yet to get me one, so I decided to get one on my own.”

I bit my lower lip and nodded, as I didn’t know what to tell him next. An awkward silence stretched between us and I was trying my best not to meet his gaze.

“Let’s get inside.” He offered, opening the door for us. I followed him as he walked inside what apparently was a very vast office.

This is by far the most spacious office I’ve ever seen since I started working for this company. I mean, by the looks of it, the CEO’s office alone can accommodate at least six more employees' stops inside. It’s that big.

I held in my amused reaction as he walked around his office desk. He took a seat in the swivel chair as he placed down his coffee and rolled his sleeves up to his arms.

“Please, take a seat, Miss Hutton,” he said, gesturing to the seat across his office desk.

The fact that he hasn’t said a single thing about our encounter last night made me feel a little less tense, but my palms are still sweating like a damn fall.

“I believe you already know why you’re called up here?” He asked, picking up a document from his desk. He scanned the first page then flipped it to the next one.

“Yes, Mr. Bennett.” My voice cracked and I never felt more humiliated. “I was told about the recommendation for the executive assistant post.”

He nodded his head. “Hmm, your credentials are quite impressive. I see that you’ve been recognized for your hard work for the past three consecutive years. Can you tell me more about your experience as an employee here at the company?”

I was actually surprised that he’s being very professional right now, which is completely different from the way he acted at the club last night. It somehow made me feel at ease that I had no trouble telling him my work experience and any information about myself that could help him know me better as an employee.

He also asked me a couple of situational questions. He was jotting down some notes on the paper in front of him as he listened to my answers.

I would find him frowning and then nodding from time to time, but I tried my best not to be fazed by his reactions.

“I think I got all that I need to know about you, Miss Hutton. Thank you for your time.” He stood up from his desk and approached me. He offered his hand for a handshake and I took it, briefly shaking his hand. “I’ll let Cameron know the result of the interview and if you will be qualified for the promotion. It was nice meeting you again, Miss Hutton.”

“It was nice meet-” I stopped mid-sentence when I just realized what Mr. Bennett just said.

He smiled meaningfully and that’s when I realized that he hadn’t let go of my hand yet. “The world is indeed small. I never expected I’d cross paths with my runaway stranger again.”

His runaway stranger?

Why on earth would he give me a nickname and did he just say ‘his’?

I took my hand away from his grip and stepped back. “There’s a reason why I ran.”

“I know and I’m sorry for the way I acted. I might’ve read the signals wrong.” He shrugged.

What exactly does he mean by that?

I cleared my throat and straightened my composure. “Mr. Bennett, with all due respect, I just acted on impulse. Besides, the stranger I was with last night was not behaving well, so it’s just right for me to run away.”

He chuckled and I was baffled why he seemed like he was finding this conversation so amusing. “So maybe this is fate’s way to give me a chance to make up for the wrong move I’ve made.”

“I don’t think this is the right place to have a conversation about something that happened outside work, Mr. Bennett.” I took another step back. “I believe we’re done with the interview. I appreciate your time as well and welcome to the company, Mr. Bennett. If you'll excuse me, I’ll get back to my station now. Have a great day.”

I knew he was about to say something when he opened his mouth, but I didn’t wait for him to say anything as I turned around and walked out of his office.

I didn’t stop walking until I was finally inside the girls’ washroom. I locked myself in one of the cubicles then finally let out the breath I’ve been holding since I left Mr. Bennett’s office.

Did I just talk back to my new boss?

Oh, shoot. I’m really digging my own grave.