I laugh. “What? Didn’t you take the time to research the CEO of the company you were interviewing for?” I tsk at her, “That’s a bit remiss of you. I’m not sure if we want someone who makes such oversights working for our firm.”
Her hands ball into little fists at her side, and I flick my gaze down to them in amusement. I’m toying with her, of course.
“I did research the company,” she grits, obviously riled at the implication that she didn’t do her due diligence, “but there was no photo of the mysterious CEO on the website, and he's referred to as Mr. C everywhere, so I assumed that was his name. I’d hardly call the oversight mine, Mr. Callahan.”
A thrill goes through me as I close the remaining distance between us until there's scarcely an inch left between our bodies. I look down at her flaming blue eyes, impressed that she’s standing her ground and didn't even take a step back. I didn't expect any less of her.
I tsk at her again. “Now, now, Sharon. We are family, so call me Charlie.”
If looks could kill, I would be dead right now. I can't help the chuckle that rumbles up out of my chest.
That only seems to anger her further because her nostrils flare as she retorts, “I hardly think that would be appropriate,Mr. Callahan.”
I meet her defiant gaze with one of my own, “Charlie,” I insist, dying to hear my name spoken in her sexy little voice.
She presses her lips together, and I can't help goading her further. “So, when you said yesterday that you worked at one of the most successful firms in the city, where did you work before today?”
Her face colors, and she doesn't meet my eyes as she confesses. “I was being hopeful.”
I bark out another laugh at her discomfort. She crosses her arms and raises her chin before she hisses, “Okay, maybe it seems conceited, but I knew I would get the job. And I did, didn’t I?”
I take in her smug expression, my grin widening. “Oh, you've got it, sweetheart,” I tell her as I throw my gaze over her.
Her flush deepens as I rake my eyes over her. She watches me with her light blue gaze as I take another step toward her and whisper directly into her ear, “But will you be able to keep it?”
I feel the tremor go through her even though I'm not even touching her, and it makes my own body tremble. I inhale deeply, taking in her sweet vanilla scent.
“You'd best watch it, Mr. Callahan,” she tells me in a sugary sweet voice. “You don't want to get slapped with a sexual harassment lawsuit on my first day here.”
I raise an eyebrow at her threat before I throw my head back and laugh.
Steam practically shoots from her ears as she watches me.
“I have to admit, Sharon,” I tell her when I get my laughter under control, “I think this is going to work out very nicely.”
She inhales a deep breath as she clenches and releases the fists at her sides. “So, what would you have me do first?”
I have to commend her effort at trying for professionalism.
“First, I would have you address me properly.”
She clenches her teeth together before she says, “Of course, Mr. Callahan.”
I wag my finger at her and remind her, “Charlie. It's Charlie.”
She takes in a deep breath, and her knee twitches, as if it's taking everything in her not to kick me in the shin. My smile only widens at her fire. My little kitten is so easy to rile.
“Go ahead, kitten,” I tell her. “I know you want to kick me, though I warn you. It might backfire on you. I might like it.” My voice drops a note on the last words.
“You’re impossible.” She scowls at me. “And don't call me kitten.”
I cock my head to the side before I reach out and do what I've been dying to do from the moment I first laid eyes on her. I trail my finger through her curls and watch the way they grip my finger, twining around them like ivy plants.
Her breath hitches, and her eyes flick up to mine, showing a hint of vulnerability before she quickly shutters it,
“No, you're more like a fierce little lioness, but with the right touch, I know you'll purr like a sweet little kitten.”
She jerks her head away from me and puts distance between us before she runs a shaky hand through her hair. I watch in fascination as the curls bounce back into place.