CHAPTER TWO — FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1186 Words
Monday arrived far sooner than Maya wanted.
She woke before sunrise, nerves twisting in her stomach. She spent almost an hour debating her outfit before settling on a fitted cream blouse and black pencil skirt professional, simple, safe. Nothing that would draw unnecessary attention.
Well… she hoped.
The truth was, no matter what she wore, she doubted she’d blend into the background around Adrian Cole. The man was a storm walking on two legs. Just being near him made the air feel charged.
She tried not to think about the way he’d looked at her in the interview intense, calculating, almost as if he were studying her pulse through her skin.
By the time Maya arrived at the Cole Enterprises building, her heart was pounding. She inhaled deeply and stepped inside.
Ms. Thompson, the receptionist called with an approving nod. The CEO is expecting you.
Expecting her.
The words alone sent a shiver of anxiety and something else anticipation? down her spine.
She rode the elevator to the top floor, gripping her bag tightly. When the doors opened, she was surprised to find the hallway bustling. Assistants hurried past, managers whispered urgently into phones, and interns clutched stacks of documents like their lives depended on it.
A woman with short blonde hair approached her briskly.
You must be Maya. I’m Claire, Mr. Cole’s operations manager. She handed Maya a slim tablet. Your access device. Everything you’ll need is inside.
Thank you, Maya said, adjusting her grip.
Claire walked quickly, and Maya scrambled to keep up.
You’ll handle all calls directed to Mr. Cole, Claire explained. Meetings, flights, travel itineraries, personal scheduling, document reviews, investor calls
Wait investor calls? Maya blurted.
Claire glanced at her. He likes his assistant to know what’s happening. Nothing leaves the room without you knowing the basics.
Maya nodded, trying not to panic.
And, Claire added, he can be… direct.
Direct.
Cold.
Intense.
Dominant.
Yes, Maya remembered.
They stopped at the tall black doors again.
Good luck, Claire whispered, then vanished before Maya could question the ominous tone.
Maya lifted her hand to knock, but before her knuckles touched the wood
Come in.
Her breath caught.
How did he always know?
She entered.
The room was different today people filled the space. Two managers stood near his desk, presenting reports, while another typed furiously on a laptop. But even in the chaos, Adrian stood out. He wore a tailored charcoal suit today, tie undone around his collar as though he’d yanked at it moments earlier.
When he saw her, he paused mid-sentence.
Everything in the room quieted for a fraction of a second.
Maya, he said. He didn’t smile. But something warm flickered in his eyes. You’re here.
The way he said it…
As if he had been waiting.
Yes, sir.
Her voice came out softer than intended. Adrian’s eye twitched slightly disapproval? amusement? she couldn’t tell.
Since you’re here, he said, turning back to the managers, continue.
The meeting resumed.
Maya stood by the wall, tablet in hand, not sure if she should sit or stay or leave. Adrian’s voice filled the room sharp, smooth, authoritative. He questioned charts, challenged projections, corrected strategies with swift precision.
He was terrifyingly intelligent.
At one point, he glanced sideways at her. Just a glance. But it was enough to make her stomach twist.
When the team left, the room grew quiet again.
Adrian moved to his desk and leaned against it, arms crossed.
Your first day, he said. Overwhelming?
A little, she admitted.
He huffed a soft breath almost a laugh. I expected as much.
He pushed away from the desk and walked toward her. Slowly. Purposefully.
She resisted the urge to step back.
Rule number one, he said when he was close enough that she could smell his cologne warm, dark, addictive. Never call me ‘sir.
Her eyes widened at the unexpected instruction. Oh I’m sorry. I just thought
You’ll call me Mr. Cole at work. His gaze dropped to her lips briefly so quick she wondered if she imagined it. And Adrian when we’re not on the clock.
Her heartbeat skipped.
When we’re not on the clock.
Why did that sound dangerous?
Yes… Mr. Cole.
His jaw relaxed slightly, as though satisfied.
Second rule, he continued. If I give an order, I expect clarity. If you don’t understand something, ask.
Okay, she whispered.
Good.
He turned away, but paused. Without looking back, he added, You did well standing through the meeting.
That was just standing, she said with a nervous laugh.
People crack under far less, he said, sitting at his desk. Now, your tasks.
She exhaled, relieved to dive into work. He listed responsibilities: reviewing his daily agenda, handling emails, organizing flight plans for a spontaneous trip he might take, and preparing a briefing for an investor summit.
That’s a lot, she admitted before she could stop herself.
His eyes met hers. “Do you think you can’t handle it?”
I didn’t say that.
No. His voice softened. You didn’t.
And something like approval passed across his face.
Hours passed. She worked beside his desk, typing quickly, sorting files, answering calls. He occasionally gave curt instructions—never rude, but always commanding.
What unsettled her most was the way she could feel when he looked at her, even without turning.
At one point, while she was leaning over the table gathering documents, she felt his gaze again heavy, slow, as if tracing the line of her back.
Her breath hitched.
She didn’t dare look at him.
No, Maya. Stop imagining things.
He was her boss. A billionaire. Untouchable.
And she had no intention of becoming another rumor whispered in corporate hallways.
But the tension between them hummed like electricity.
Around 5 p.m., he finally rose from his chair.
That’s enough for today.
Maya blinked. Already?
Already? His brow arched. Most people run out the door before I dismiss them.
I guess I’m not like most people.
No, he said quietly. You’re not.
He walked closer, stopping about a foot away close enough that she needed to tilt her head up to meet his gaze.
You handled today better than I expected. Better than most would.
She swallowed. Thank you.
His expression shifted into something unreadable. And you didn’t disappoint me.
Her chest tightened at the unexpected praise.
But, he added, this job will demand more from you as time goes on. More hours. More pressure. More… He paused as though choosing his words very carefully. Exposure.
Exposure? she echoed.
To me.
Her lips parted.
Before she could respond, he stepped back, regaining his cool, composed exterior.
I’ll see you tomorrow, Maya.
She nodded, gripping her bag, pulse racing.
But as she turned to leave, he said her name again so softly she nearly thought she imagined it.
Maya.
She faced him.
His eyes locked with hers.
Don’t let anyone intimidate you.
A beat.
Except me.
Her breath stilled.
He smirked slow, wicked, intentional.
And in that moment, she knew:
Adrian Cole wasn’t just going to be her boss.
He was going to be a problem.
A dangerous, irresistible one.
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