Chapter 10

Finally back home from her mom’s, Beth settles into her favourite pastime—sweatpants, takeout, and whatever Netflix show she was binging at the moment. When the credits start rolling across the screen, she goes into her kitchen and tosses the empty takeout container into the trash can. She congratulates herself for avoiding dishes another night. Eating leftover takeout at 8:30 p.m. is just one of the perks of single life.

The thought of her relationship status gets her thinking about the task she’s been putting off since she got back. While she was at her mom’s house, she’d made up her mind to quit her job at 'Buzz' and go work for Adrian Dane.

After spending the weekend with her brother and telling her mom about the offer, she was certain that accepting the job was the right thing to do. Alex was doing much better but her mom was working two jobs. And what her mom earned from those jobs combined with whatever Beth could manage to spare was still barely enough. That’s why she was shocked when her mom had tried to talk her out of accepting the job.

“Be careful with men in positions of power who give you something you didn’t earn—they’re going to expect you to earn it down the line and in a way you won’t like,” her mom said. She added that it was her responsibility to provide for them and not Beth’s. And that things were going to get a bit better because she was sure she would get a raise at one of her jobs pretty soon, But Beth knows her mom. She’s the best at putting on a brave face. She got so good at it when her dad walked out on them. No matter how hard things got, she refused to beg. She just pushed harder and did everything within her ability to provide for them. But no matter how good her mom was at hiding her struggles, Beth saw it. She heard her mother's soft cries on the nights she struggled to fall asleep.

While she understands that her mom is just trying to protect her, she’s also certain that she’d be stupid to pass up such an opportunity. And maybe there’s more to it. Maybe she wants the job for reasons other than the money. But she’s not willing to admit that to herself.

She hurries back to her couch and picks up her cell phone. Sunday evening is definitely not the best time for a call like this but she has to make the call anyway before she loses her nerve. She takes a deep breath and calls Adrian, her heart hammering in her chest.

Christ. Is she really doing this?

She has no time to chicken out because the phone rings just twice before he picks up.

“Beth,” he says, in that smooth and sexy voice of his.

It throws her off. “Hi. Uh. It’s me…Beth…” She pauses, panicking. What the fuck, Beth?

“I know.”

She can hear a hint of amusement in his voice. She envies his unwavering composure and she detests how he affects her without even trying. Without sparing a second to consider her words she blurts out, “Why me?”

“What do you mean?” he asks after a brief pause.

“Why did you have me followed and why did you offer me a job?” Although she wants actual answers this time, she secretly hopes he’ll tell her the same things he’d said the night she was at his house. That he thinks she’s beautiful. Hearing him say that then had made her heart skip uncontrollably. And one more time wouldn’t hurt.

“I already told you, Ms. Parsons. I believe you’re qualified for the job and my company could really use the help.” He says, answering just the second part of her question. “Also, I believe I added that you’re beautiful. But that’s just a bonus.”

A shiver runs up her spine when she hears those words. Having heard them before didn’t make them any less effective. And the matter-of-fact manner in which he says it makes it even hotter. But she’s determined to get an answer to the first part of her question. Hopefully, her pressing him will throw him off and cause him to lose some of his composure. So he can get a taste of his own medicine.

“You’re avoiding my question. You didn’t tell me why you had me followed.”

He sighs, but when he speaks, his words are measured and even. “Beth, I'm interested in you. You caught my interest the second I saw you in that conference room. Then you lied about your name and I just had to find out why.”

Whoa. Ridiculous excitement flows through her and a million questions circle through her mind, too quickly for any to take shape. She can’t say anything because she isn’t sure she won’t stutter.

“While I’m pleased to hear from you, did you just call to get answers? Or is there something else I can help you with?” His words hold a hint of a tease.

Of course, he knows why she’s calling.

“Your job offer. I’m calling to accept it,” she says, closing her eyes. She hopes she won’t regret this.

She hears a sound through the phone. The shuffling of papers and the creak of a leather chair. Could he really still be at the office at this time? On a Sunday? “I’m happy to hear that, Beth.”

“So how soon do you need me to start?”

“I assume you’ll need some time to wrap up with your current employer. When you’re done with that, come by my office and we’ll finalize the details.”

She takes a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” His rasped words confuse her, making her thoughts go down a very inappropriate path.

“Looking forward to it?”

His laugh is low and soft. “Yes. I’m looking forward to having you on the team.”

Good God, that laugh. It’s crazy hot and has her body reacting in all sorts of dirty ways. She shakes her head, refusing to entertain her distracting, slightly exhilarating thoughts.

“Thank you for this opportunity. I really appreciate it,” she says.

“You’re welcome. And thank you for considering it.”

Why is he thanking her for considering such an irresistible offer?

“Goodnight, Beth.” Then he adds, “Sweet dreams.” He hangs up and Beth stares at her phone until the light goes out. When it does, she closes her eyes and places a palm on her chest to calm her racing heart.

She’s accepting this job for the incredible salary and not to be close to Adrian. It’s not like she even wants to be with him.

Right?