I get up and walk over to his computer. We’re so close that I can actually smell him, and the scent immediately takes me back to last night. I try desperately to concentrate on the screen in front of me, but all I can think about is how I felt with his hands moving up my leg.
The way his mouth felt against mine. I gulp and shake my head slightly.
Concentrate, Raven!
I reach over to move the mouse at the same time he does, and our hands briefly touch. I jump ever so slightly and notice that he flinches, too.
We are only at the computer for a few minutes as he clicks through several pictures of pieces that Diosa has suggested we use in our ads, but it’s enough to set me back on edge.
Can I do this? Can I work this closely with Charles Cavendish?
You have to. This is your dream job. If you impress him, maybe it can become a real promotion. Not just a temporary fill-in.
I stand tall, taking a step away from him. “I like them all, but it really depends on who we pick up to wear them.”
“I agree. I’ll call Paxton and Royal Talent to set up meetings for this week.”
“I’ll start working on some mood boards for each of those garments. Can you forward them to me?” I ask, rounding the desk and taking a seat across from him once more.
“They’ll be sending over the other items for AlteredX and Icon as well,” he says, clicking keys on his keyboard. “As soon as they’re sent, I’ll forward those. You should have the ones we just looked through now.”
“When are we conducting the rest of the interviews for the assistant positions?”
He sighs, running a hand back through his thick hair.
“I had them moved to next week. We need to nail the talent first.”
I stand, ready to get back to my office and get started.
Charles walks around the desk so he is only inches away from me, leaning back against his desk so we’re at eye level.
“You are an incredible asset to this company, Raven. I hope you realize that despite my actions last night, I genuinely mean that. Your passion will be what makes this campaign remarkable.”
The word passion lingers in the air, and I swear he’s about to lean down and kiss me. A knock on the door has me snapping out of it.
Had I imagined it? Charles is still leaning back against his desk, looking like he hasn’t moved.
I shake my head, brush my hands over my skirt, and stand a little taller.
“Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Cavendish. You won’t regret it.” Without looking at Charles, I open the door and leave.
The woman on the other side of the door is Shelby, and her eyes widen.
“Oh, you are here today,” she says.
“Sorry.” I offer a tight-lipped smile.
“Shelby, I’m ready for your meeting,” Charles says from behind me, and Shelby glares at him over my shoulder.
“Are you leaving?” she asks.
“Yep,” I say and quickly hurry away.
I don’t look at Charles at all, and I don’t look back to see if Shelby is still glaring at him. I desperately need to get away from this office. Fromhim.
It takes a lot to unravel me like that, but the more time I spend alone with Charles, the more I find myself unable to control myself, and that’s a huge problem. I got the job, but having feelings for the boss won’t help me keep it.
I run to the bathroom and shut myself in one of the stalls. I stand here breathing deeply, in and out, in and out. What would've happened if there hadn’t been a knock on the door?