“So,...where do we go from here?” He asked, I could see the mischievous smirk playing on the corners of his lips.
I swallowed.
Wait, does this mean…?
If he's here in this office right now then…
I saw the inscription on the door before coming in, it was clearly written in bold block letters 'CEO’.. So it means, he's the boss?
I tightened my grip on my portfolio.. “Uhm.. I, I'm so sorry about what happened earlier.. I-I didn't know.. I didn't know you were…”
The sound of his loud laughter took over the room, interrupting my stutter.
My brows furrowed, there was a hind of irritation in me, I mean… how arrogant?
“Please have your seat and introduce yourself.” He gestured to the seat before him.
I sighed, my grip still tightened on my portfolio as I advanced towards the chair.
I sat down, my gaze meeting his.
Up close, he was even more handsome. His jaw was strong, his eyes a deep shade of blue, but he wasn't as handsome as Tyler had been.
Fuck. Tyler?
The thought of him made my heart ache. Why did he have to pop into my mind now?
I quickly pushed it off, focusing on the man before me.
"My name is Samantha Blake," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. "I'm here for the interview.”
“You seem nervous. Are you good?” He asked.
I adjusted myself on the chair, placing my purse and portfolio on the table.
“Not at all, sire. I'm good.”
“Sure?” He gazed down at my blouse. “Is the stain making you uncomfortable? You don't have to be huh.. it's fine, ain't obvious anyway.”
He sounded calm now, more serious and the mischievous smirk had left his face, replaced with this sweet, inviting look.
Oh stop it Sam, sweet?
I turned my gaze back at him and I realized he still had his on me.. had he asked me something and was waiting for my response.. why the stare?
I swallowed it, I had totally lost concentration.. while trying to rack my brain to remember the last thing he said, I made sure to keep a calm look on my face hoping the confusion in me doesn't become visible so I don't look dumb.. I added a smile too.
I kept the smile plastered on my face, but inside I was frantically trying to remember his question or his statement?
The more I tried to recall, the more blurry it became, like a slippery fish escaping my grasp.
He continued to stare at me, his gaze unwavering.
Maybe he wasn't asking me anything? Maybe he was just observing me. Or maybe he was trying to make me uncomfortable.
Whatever his motive, it was working.
I swallowed then I finally said,
"I'm sorry," My cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm not sure if you asked me a question. I seem to have lost my focus.”
He scoffed and it caught me off guard. I tried to maintain my composure, but my heart was racing.
Had I messed up already? On my first day? Urgggh
"Ms. Blake," he said, leaning forward. "I didn't ask a question, I merely suggested you might be uncomfortable because of the stain on your blouse. I can see that you're quite good at pretending everything is fine.”
I forced a smile on, trying my best to make it look as real as possible.
“Oh.. Yeah.. sorry, I…”
My stomach rumpled, signaling hunger.. It was loud and unmistakable.
The world had to be against me today.. just had to be, ain't my lucky day at all. I thought I could die of embarrassment.
I stared directly into his, trying to read his expression but his face was blank.. unreadable.
“Uhmm..” I started. “I’m sorry about that.. I didn't mean to…” I trailed off, literally didn't know what to say.
He adjusted his tie and leaned towards me.
My heart skipped. He's probably about to kick me out.
“Can I have your portfolio please?” He asked, his tone uncomfortably calm.
Say something please, anything.. I thought within myself as I handed over my portfolio.
As he accepted it, I watched his eyes sweep over the contents, his expression remaining unreadable.
He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on something in particular.
"Ms. Blake, you have an impressive resume. Your academic achievements are outstanding, and your internship experiences are commendable." He paused again, his eyes moving back to meet mine
He sat back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips.
“I have to admit, I find you quite interesting. Your resume is excellent, but your nerves... Well, let's just say they're not quite as impressive.”
I swallowed hard.
"I assure you, sir, my nerves won't get the best of me again," I replied, mustering as much confidence as I could. "I'm capable of excellence, I promise.”
There was a glint of amusement in his eyes, and I couldn't help but wonder what was running through his mind.
"Anyway, despite your blunders, I'm willing to give you a chance. But let's be clear, I expect nothing less than excellence from my employees. Can you handle that?”
A wave of relief rushed over me, “Sure, definitely, I can” I said the words in a rush, without pause.
"Good," he replied, seeming OK with my response. "Well, that's the end of our interview.. You're dismissed.”
I breathed a sigh of relief as I rose from my seat, ready to leave. But before I could make my exit,
"Ms. Sam..." His voice stopped me, my heart skipping a beat.
"Yes?" I said, my voice shaking slightly.
"I heard your stomach earlier. Have you had breakfast?" he asked.
"Oh," I replied, feeling caught off guard as I quickly searched for an answer within me. "Yes, I have.” I lied “Thank you for asking."
His gaze stayed on me for a moment, like he was studying me and I felt like he would see through my lie.
Finally, he smiled. "Good. Well, what about lunch or dinner together?” He paused, then sensing the awkwardness in the brief silence that took over the office, he added, "We could discuss your potential role over a meal."
I stood there, stunned.
Lunch or dinner with my potential boss? On the very first day?
"Tha..that would be wonderful," I stuttered, masking my nervousness with a smile.