ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 9: The CEO

I tried so hard to not express how shocked I was but it certainly didn't work.

Our eyes met and we both knew but I chose to pretend.

He on the other hand, he appeared to be really composed, like seeing me wasn't a surprise. He definitely knew how to handle situations better than me.

After the interviewer introduced Cole as the CEO, the other applicant stood on her feet and it took a few seconds before I did. My surprise didn't care so much about corporate courtesy.

I made sure our eyes didn't meet then he spoke.

"I assume the first stage went well, congratulations on making it this far." His voice, so familiar.

The other applicant responded really quickly. She was trying really hard to make an impression but mine had been established two nights before.

Regardless that I knew him the way I did, I still believed my expertise could help me earn my place.

"I hope you understand that the second stage is just standard procedure, nothing much to be fair." He turned to the interviewer.

"Who do we start with?"

"Umm, Miss Hailey this time." She gestured towards me. The one time I didn't want to be called first, how nice.

We were back in the room the first interview took place and I could feel my hands shiver as I sat. This time, it was just myself, Cole and one of the interviewers. I planned to fix my gaze on the interviewer when I was questioned.

"Miss uhh-" Cole stuttered like he wasn't sure what my name was.

"Hailey." The interviewer came in.

"Yes, Miss Hailey, I have just two questions."

Hearing that made me think so far on what he'd probably ask.

"If you're hired, what would you do in the first month?"

I thought he'd refer to that night but I guess we're being formal.

"I want to assume there's a proper orientation process in this company so I'd make sure to follow it surely and get familiar with the organization's culture."

"Okay." He nodded lightly.

"One more question."

"What's your take on workplace romance?"

Oh he was playing but I had to keep it cool. Thinking about it, the question was professional but I was the one being asked so it definitely wasn't. I turned to him and this time I maintained eye contact, what's the worst that could happen?

"Firstly, it would depend on the company's policy, if there are no restrictions, I think workplace romance is normal as we're humans but it's also very important that such relationships should be disclosed to ensure activities are not affected."

I could see the interviewer give a nod of approval from the side of my eye but they still remained on Cole.

"Thank you, that'd be all, you should hear from us soon." Cole got up from his seat and stretched his hand out for a handshake, another very familiar feeling.

I got through the interview and I couldn't wait to tell Belly what just happened. Cole handled the interview professionally so that night probably meant nothing to him and it was good for me.

Cole's POV:

Just when I regretted not getting her number, she shows up, that's definitely fate.

I interviewed Hailey and I was struggling so much in that room but I kept it together.

She looked as gorgeous as I saw her that night and seeing her corporately mesmerized me more.

I heard a knock on my door and it was Marcus. Talk about perfect timing.

"Come in."

"I think I deserve the right to barge into your office."

"Well I think you're due for a query."

"Are you good? You look like you just saw a ghost."

"Oh, even better, I just saw Hailey."

"The lady from before? No way."

"For real though."

"Did she reach out?"

"No, she came into the office today for a job interview."

"Oh that's interesting. Did she see you?"

"Of course, I took the second interview."

"I can imagine how hard that must have been but did you get her number this time though?"

"I just said she came in for an interview, how could I get it then?"

"You could ask for her details."

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because I always do the thinking."

"What did you come here for anyway?"

"The meeting from Saturday, they reached out."

I leaned forward sharply, these were the type of news I loved to hear.

"You should've led with that."

"Well guess who didn't let me speak?"

"Definately not me."

Hailey's POV:

Immediately I left the Duncan building, I headed to Belly's. She worked remotely so she was home most of the time. I knocked thrice before I heard her footsteps arriving at the door.

"You wouldn't believe what just happened."

"Did you get the job already?"

"It's not certain yet, let's go in."

I sat on the couch and Belly said she'd stand.

"Guess who I saw?"

"Raymond?"

I let a loud hiss.

"I don't guess well, you should know by now."

"I saw Cole."

She looked like she was still trying to remember who I meant.

"The guy from the club."

Her eyes widened.

"When? How?"

"At the company I had the interview, turns out he's the CEO."

She slowly sat beside me.

"So how did you handle it?"

"I don't know, I just tried."

"Did he act like he remembered you?"

"Not exactly but he surely did."

"Did you both talk?"

"Yes but just interview related."

"Nothing else?"

"Nope. He was professional about everything. It was just a fling, he probably didn't take it serious. On the bright side, I might have a chance at getting the job."

"Nahh, you'd have a chance regardless."

"How was the interview though?"

"It was great. There was another applicant though so finger's crossed I get it."

"You would."

"I still have some food from breakfast, do you want some?"

"Yes please."

I spent the rest of the day hoping to hear from them like Cole had said but nothing came forth, maybe it wasn't for me.