Meeting Him in Between

LAURIE

The room was a crisp white, accented with dark blue accessories. It was modern and sophisticated, yet inviting. The woman spoke as I closed the door behind me. “Please, have a seat, Miss Sanchez. Mr. Wells will be with you shortly.”

With that, she left the office. “Great, now I’m alone with him,” I whispered under my breath.

“Is that a problem for you?” a male voice asked from behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I hadn’t realized he was already in the room. Damn it.

“Not at all,” I replied quietly, keeping my gaze forward. I could feel him close behind me.

“Did you miss me?” he asked, his voice authoritative.

“I, uh, no, sir,” I stammered.

“Hmm. I don’t believe you,” he murmured, his breath tickling my neck. If I turned now, our lips would be mere inches apart.

He walked around his desk and took a seat in his chair, his piercing brown eyes studying me. “What brings you here, Laurie? Or should I call you Lorena?” he asked, his tone harsh.

“Laurie is fine, sir,” I answered firmly.

“I don’t like people who play games with me,” he said, irritation evident in his voice. He sat still, his gaze never leaving mine.

I couldn’t find the words to respond. I knew he would see me this way. For a moment, I closed my eyes, feeling the sting of tears threatening to spill over. Anger and shame bubbled up inside me, and I straightened my posture, meeting Jeremy’s eyes. “I’m sorry. It was a mistake coming here.”

I turned to leave, desperate to escape his presence, but his voice stopped me. “Wait. Sit, Laurie.”

I hesitated, my gaze fixed on the door. I didn’t want to face him right now. “Why?” I challenged. “So you can humiliate me? You don’t know me. I have to go,” I sighed.

“I’m hiring you,” he said, his voice suddenly close. I hadn’t heard him approach.

“What?!” I hissed, spinning around to face him.

“You heard me,” he said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“You’re joking, right?” I laughed nervously.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” he retorted sharply. “You’re here for the job as my assistant, correct?” His penetrating gaze bore into me.

“Of course,” I replied, my voice steady.

He nodded and walked back to his desk, leaning against it. “Sit down, Laurie. I won’t ask again.”

I looked up at him, feeling uneasy as his chocolate eyes seemed to take in every inch of me. Swallowing hard, I returned to the chair I’d occupied earlier.

“Why are you hiring me before you’ve even seen my résumé?” I asked, crossing my arms and staring straight ahead.

“I looked you up yesterday. I know almost everything about you,” he said firmly.

“Why did you do that?” I asked, my agitation growing.

He smiled at my reaction. “Are you always this feisty? You seemed much more innocent at the party,” he teased.

I chuckled bitterly. “Am I here to entertain you? Are we going to analyze my behavior at the party, or discuss the job? Because I’m only here for the interview,” I said, my annoyance clear.

“I know you’re here for the job. Do you know how I know that?” he asked, grinning.

“Please, enlighten me, since you’ve already figured everything out on your own,” I replied sarcastically, looking up at the man now standing before me in his impeccably tailored dark blue suit, his arms crossed.

“We’ll have to do something about that mouth of yours if you want to work here,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I frowned and glared at him.

“Well, because you seduced me at the party, I wanted to know everything about you. I discovered your real name, which just so happened to be on the list of candidates for the job as my assistant.” He grinned at me.

My blood boiled with anger. Why was I putting up with this? I didn’t have to work for this arrogant man just because he was important in the publishing world. “Seduce you? You were the one who approached me! Screw you. I don’t want to work for you. Not now, not ever!” I shouted, standing up and making my way to the door on shaky legs.

“You will work for me, little kitten,” he said, his tone neutral and calm. I hesitated at the door. “I’ll make sure no other publishing company will hire you. Eventually, you’ll work for me, and you’ll enjoy it.”

I clenched my fists in anger and slammed the door behind me. The women in the room stared at me in shock as I stormed out.

Minutes later, I exited the building, unable to hold back my tears any longer. What the hell just happened in there? My dream had crumbled before my eyes. What was I going to do now?