Scarlett's POV.
"You heard me." He stated matter of fact, looking me dead in the eyes as he awaited my response.
First a scoff, then a full fit of giggles filled my chest. I placed my hands over my mouth, embarrassed by the way his eyes didn't leave mine, lips tight as his eyes scanned my reddened cheeks for answers.
"Ms. Fox, do I look like a joke to you?" I gasped, my face going beet red now.
"Of course not, sir. It's just…I didn't think you were serious. That's an important position to hold and I just started working here. I'm sure doing market research and working as the CEO's secretary are completely different ball games. Also, from what I know you have a secretary or did she quit?" I was out of breath by the time I'd finished rambling, but he seemed rather unfazed.
He pushed one of his juice boxes forward, signalling me to drink and I did gratefully.
"I think you've been doing just fine. You can handle it." He answered and my brain scrambled for an excuse.
Why was I even looking for an excuse? Working as the CEO's secretary was something to gush over, not to fear. But after spending a few hours here, I could tell that it wasn't as simple as it all seemed.
"Well, I do believe strongly in my ability to adapt and learn quickly but if I do so, the marketing department will be short staffed. Mr. Gibbs is truly in dire need of some assistance, he can't do all that work alone." I offered, hoping he'd see reason to drop it but he only seemed to push further, as if he was enjoying the back and forth going on between us.
"That can be easily dealt with. One of the other candidates can be brought in to temporarily fill your space and he or she will be compensated for their time spent there, as will you if you agree." He took a sip before continuing.
"As for my secretary, Mrs. Everett. She's having some health issues right now. I called her earlier and spoke to her on the phone. She's now on official leave till she's back in health. She's a wonderful secretary and I value her position but this is a crucial time for the company and I need someone intelligent, like you, to take on the role until she returns. So, what do you say?" He asked expectantly. I didn't know if he was expecting me to jump for joy but I stayed rooted to my seat.
Naturally, I wouldn't hesitate to grab this opportunity. I mean who would? Better pay and status a day after resuming, that was a dream that didn't happen anywhere. Yet that offer was being presented to me and I almost wanted to reject it.
Why? I couldn't tell exactly. But I knew it had something to do with the knife cutting tension that had formed around us. Even with the size of the office, in some moments it felt too small, too crowded with unspoken desires.
I didn't want to join the long bandwagon of girls that were probably fawning over him all day. I had a purpose for being here, a point to prove and I couldn't allow myself get distracted. But my instincts told me working in close quarters with this man would make that difficult to achieve.
I was conflicted. A good offer hovering over grey waters. What should I do?
"I'm truly honored that you think of me as intelligent enough to work as your secretary. But it's quite a lot of pressure. Can I take some time to think about it?" I asked, holding my breath and praying he doesn't get offended.
He stayed silent for a moment, before nodding in understanding. "You're right to be cautious." He said under his breath.
I would've asked what he meant if I wasn't too scared to discover for myself.
"Well, you can at least assist me for the day, right?"
I nodded and he gave me a Hollywood worthy smile.
"I appreciate it." He said, a notch of affection in his voice and I gulped, blushing like a fool.
"Just doing my job." I murmured, going back to my laptop but from the corner of my eyes I could see his smile drop.
My heart sank alongside but it was a good thing. Whatever had been going on, flirting and whatnot, needed to end. I really wanted to accept this job offer, but with those blue orbs staring me down like a predator ready to pounce at any moment, I couldn't be sure I was making the right choice.
I mean, the last thing I wanted was a scandal or flying rumors of some sort.
We both grew quiet, typing away on our computers. Mr. Knight casually received like a hundred calls every hour, his tone always steady and professional.
By the time the clock struck 2pm my fingers were beginning to ache from hours of constant typing. I stopped, sat back and carefully massaged my fingers while stifling a yawn.
"It's past lunch. You must be hungry." Mr. Knight probed, reaching for the telephone on his table.
"I'm starving." I confessed, my stomach rumbling on cue. He frowned, forehead wrinkled as he dialed a number.
"I apologize for keeping you hungry for this long. I didn't realize how far the time had gone. What would you like to eat?"
Just then the person at the other end picked up. I could hear that it was a female voice.
"Hello, sir." She drawled and I rolled my eyes.
"Camille. Please get me lunch from the usual place. My usual order, please." He reached into his drawer, pushing a menu toward me.
"What's your usual?" I asked, looking through the packed menu.
"Excuse me for a moment Camille." He pointed at a steak that probably cost an arm and a leg and some other delicacies to go.
I grimaced, I could barely afford anything here except the salad. I'd used most of the money in the debit card Liam had sent to get enough clothes to use for work. It wasn't exactly a wise decision but I couldn't be blamed. I was a spoiled rich kid thrown into the wilderness, I was bound to make dumb choices.
"I'll get the salad." I whispered, disheartened that a measly salad was all I could afford.
He nodded.
"Camille, get two of the usual and a salad to add. Thank you." He ended the call and settled back on his chair with a huff.
Did he order the second portion for me or was he that hungry? I couldn't tell but I couldn't bring myself to thank him. Imagine if he didn't get it for me? I would die of embarrassment.
So I waited patiently, with a rumbling stomach and achy fingers.
A knock sounded on the door 20 minutes later.
"It's Camille." The blonde from earlier called out.
"Come in." He ordered and she stepped in, her eyes narrowing into slits on seeing me.
Had she thought he had planned to have lunch with her? The deep shade of red burning down her neck gave away her embarrassment but Mr. Knight either didn't notice or didn't care.
He rose, taking the packaged food from her. Carefully, he brought them out, setting different mouthwatering dishes in front of me. I couldn't help but salivate at the wonderful aroma.
"You can wash your hands in the bathroom." He said, pointing to the bathroom door.
"Thank you, Camille. You can leave now." I could see her lip slightly quiver before she turned around, hurrying out of the office with her short flared skirt bouncing behind her.
"Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it." I thanked him, feeling embarrassed that he must've noticed me looking at the price before ordering. He probably ordered the salad as a joke.
"First lesson as my secretary, when I ask you to buy something for yourself, don't look at the price. Understood?"
I couldn't help the blush that burned my cheeks. No wonder he had all the girls here under his control. He wasn't only devilishly handsome, but he had the words to match as well.
"No wonder your employees are in love with you." I said under my breath
He raised his eyebrows and my eyes widened. Did he hear that?
I turned, trying to avoid his question by rushing to the bathroom but his firm hands on my shoulders stopped me dead in my tracks.
"That is an interesting observation." He began, turning to face me. He must've towered over me with at least 6 inches. I had to strain to look him in the eyes.
"Can you tell me which ones?" His voice was low now, deep and borderline seductive.
I gulped.
"Camille, for starters." My tone sounded breathy, as if I'd developed a lung problem over the space of this short discussion. One we wouldn't be having if I never opened my big mouth.
"Really? Who else?" He inquired, his eyes burning hot as they ran over my body.
"I-i- don't know." I stuttered, my chest heaving with each deep breath.
"You, perhaps?" He asked with a smirk while my mouth fell open. I wanted to deny it, swear against it but his boldness had me tongue tied.
"Hmmm. Silence is often taken as approval." He whispered, bringing his lips dangerously close to my ear lobes and I shivered in response.
"Did you want me to tell you how ravaging you look in that dress? Red really is your colour." He murmured, almost as if he were talking to himself.
By now he'd backed me up against a wall. I felt trapped but I couldn't lie to myself. Whatever was going on here, a part of me liked it a little too much.
He reached for my hands lightly, his blue orbs darkening. His eyes pierced into mine, blues crashing against each other like the ocean waves.
His lips parted and I froze. What came next?