Chapter 2
951 Words
Fallon nearly dropped her glass when I told her about the new job.
You’re serious? You actually got hired at Hayes Corporation? She squealed so loudly and almost woke up Celine sleeping down the room. “Emily, this is huge!”
I laughed, half-exhausted, half-elated. “It’s just an entry position. Don’t scream like I won the lottery.”
Entry position at Hayes is like winning the damn lottery. Do you know how many people would kill for that name on their résumé?” Fallon grinned, then wagged a finger. “We’re celebrating tonight.
I hesitated, glancing toward the hallway where Celine was asleep in her tiny bed. “I can’t. Not with her.
Already thought of that.Fallon smirked. “Ms. Williams owes me a favor. She can watch Celine. You? You’re coming with me. Since you gave birth, we’ve never had a proper night out. Don’t argue.”
I rolled my eyes but my chest warmed. Fallon was relentless, and sometimes I needed that. Fine. One drink. Then I’m back here before midnight.
She snapped her fingers. “Deal.”
*****
The club lights were dizzying. Music throbbed through my bones. Fallon disappeared to the dance floor while I leaned against the bar, feeling out of place in my borrowed black dress.
That’s when someone slid into the seat beside me.
Didn’t think I’d see you again this soon.
I stiffened. My head turned. Him. The arrogant jerk from earlier — the one who bumped into me at the firm’s lobby.
You’ve got to be kidding me. My words dripped with annoyance.
He looked amused. Still mad about a little accident?
Accident? I scoffed. You almost knocked me flat and didn’t even apologize.
Pretty sure you were the one glaring at me like I’d ruined your life. His tone was light, teasing, infuriating.
I folded my arms. Maybe because you looked like the kind of man who ruins lives for fun.
Instead of getting angry, he laughed — a low, rich sound that sent a ripple of unease through me. You don’t hold back, do you?
Why should I? I shot back. You’re just some guy at a bar. Not like I’ll ever see you again.
He leaned closer, eyes glinting under the neon. You’d be surprised, Emily.
My breath caught. He remembered my name.
Something in my chest tightened. Maybe it was the music, maybe the drinks, but suddenly my earlier anger felt childish. I exhaled, forcing the words out.
Look… maybe I overreacted earlier. It’s been a rough week. So—sorry.
His brows lifted, clearly not expecting that. Then he smirked. An apology. From you. Didn’t think I’d live to hear it.
Don’t push it, I muttered, but my lips betrayed me with the hint of a smile.
The rest of the night blurred. A few drinks, sharp words that softened into something like conversation. At some point I even laughed, though I hated that I did. When Fallon tugged me toward the exit, I was relieved.
I needed distance from him whoever he was.
*****
The next morning, I walked into Hayes Corporation clutching my staff badge, nerves sparking. Gossip floated around me the second I entered the sleek lobby.
“Did you hear? The CEO’s in today.”
“I heard he’s impossible to impress.”
“And his assistant quit last week. Whoever replaces her is screwed.”
My stomach flipped. Great. First day and the shark was already circling.
“Emily Parker?” A sharp-looking receptionist appeared at my side. “The CEO wants to see you. Now.”
My heart dropped. “Me?”
“Yes. Follow me.”
The walk to the top floor felt like a death march. My heels clicked too loudly. My palms sweated. The receptionist opened the office door and stepped aside.
I swallowed hard and walked in.
Behind the massive desk, chair turned toward the window, sat a man.
Slowly, the chair swiveled.
I froze.
It was him.
The arrogant man from the lobby. The one I’d insulted. The one I’d argued with at the club just last night.
His lips curved, not in surprise but in recognition.
“Well,” he drawled, leaning back like he owned the world. “Looks like we’ll be seeing each other again after all.”
My blood ran cold.
He leaned back in his chair, like he had all the time in the world. Good morning. Or should I say… welcome.
I stammered, heat rushing to my cheeks. You.
Yes, me. His smirk was infuriating. Surprised?
Surprised wasn’t the word. Mortified, maybe. Humiliated. Trapped.
He let the silence drag, studying me like I was a puzzle he’d already solved. Finally, he leaned forward. I’m Jacob Hayes. CEO. And you, Emily, are going to be working very closely with me.
My throat went dry. Working… with you?
He tapped a folder on the desk. Your qualifications are impressive. But what I really need is someone who isn’t afraid to speak their mind. Someone who won’t fawn over me like the rest.
I swallowed hard, remembering my sharp words, my reckless glare.
So here’s the offer, Emily. You’ll be my personal assistant. And since you seem to have a knack with children… you’ll also watch over my son when I’m away.
The room tilted. His son. The boy with the curls.
I gripped the edge of the desk. That’s… not exactly what I applied for.
It’s what I’m offering. He stood, towering over me, voice steady but firm. Think about it. You can either move into my residence to make the work easier, or be here every day before dawn. Your choice.
His gaze lingered on me, daring me to refuse.
- Writer
