There is no way in hell I'm going to let her be Monroe's intern.
Over my dead body.
* * *
Faith
“Are you kidding? Of course I'll take it!” I squeal over the phone to my advisor. She just called to tell me that I’ve been hand-selected for an internship at Foxworth Financial.
Of course, at the mention of the firm’s name, my mind immediately goes back to that Halloween party and the darkly handsome man Sarah had called the devil. I haven't had a chance to speak to her since the party since we've both been busy with our classes and are on completely different schedules, but I shrugged it off and told myself that it didn't matter anyway. It's not like I’ll ever see that guy again. What do I care about some super handsome dude who's probably some spoiled socialite that they call the devil? If they call him that, it's probably not for anything good.
I can't believe I'm being offered an internship at the biggest financial firm in the city. This is groundbreaking and will catapult my career from the jump. I'll be good to go fresh out of the gate.
“So, what does this entail? When do I start?” I hit my advisor with a barrage of questions, and she laughs happily for me on the other end of the phone.
That's one thing I love about my advisor. She's always been my biggest cheerleader and is always looking for the best opportunities for me. I really lucked out when I got her.
“Why don't you ask Mr. Foxworth all of that yourself? He didn't send over too much information. Just an urgent message that he wanted to meet with you today.”
“Today?” I squeak out in alarm. “When today?”
“As soon as possible,” she answers back.
“Oh shit,” I curse, and then when I realize I've just cursed in front of my advisor, I wince. “Oh shit. Sorry!” I apologize when I realize I’ve done it yet again.
She just laughs. “You have nothing to apologize for,” she assures me. “Get ready, and scoot your butt on over to Foxworth Industries as soon as you can get there. I don't know if you've heard or not, but Mr. Foxworth isn't a man who likes to be kept waiting.”
“Okay, yeah,” I tell her before hanging up and moving to get my ass in gear. I don't know who this Mr. Foxworth guy is, but surely, he can't be any worse than the darkly handsome stranger—Warren—the man they call the devil.
Even though I keep trying to forget him, my curiosity about the darkly handsome stranger is still piqued, and I'm irritated that he's flashed into my mind even now in this moment that should be all about me and my career.
I shake thoughts of his icy blue eyes from my head and jump over to the closet to see what I have clean. I chew on my lip as I study my options. The only things I have clean are a few dresses. My eyes flick to the pile of laundry in my laundry basket. Both my sensible navy and black dresses are in there. The only other thing that's even halfway acceptable is a vibrant red dress. I continue to worry my lip between my teeth as I consider my options—which are really none.
It looks like I'm going to have to wear the red dress. It might be too bold for a first impression, but it's certainly better than showing up in a pair of jeans or leggings and a slouchy off-the-shoulder top, so let's just hope that my new boss sees it as a move of confidence rather than what it really is—a stupid coed who hasn't had time to do her laundry yet.
I throw on the dress and a sensible pair of black pumps before I gather my mass of hair together and twist it into a bun at the nape of my neck.
A few stubborn tendrils break free, and I struggle to make them lay flat but finally give up, knowing that they'll only break free again on my walk downtown.
I step back and give myself a critical once-over in the mirror. This is about as good as I'm going to get, so it'll have to do.
I wish I had more time to do a bit of research on Foxworth Industries and its owner, but I've got to jet it out of here if I'm going to get there as quickly as he wants me. It’s probably not a good idea to keep my impatient boss waiting on the first day.
And isn't this the mark of a successful businessperson? Being able to adapt to make yourself available at the drop of a hat? Besides, there's no need for me to do a bunch of digging. I'll find out who the man over the most successful financial firm in the city is soon enough.
Another shiver of excitement goes through me. I can't believe my good luck. This is like a scholarship I didn't have to apply for. I was hand-selected, and that makes me glow with pride. I must have stood out amongst my peers, and that gives me some validation. I work my ass off, and it looks like it really is paying off. Now, I just have to prove that Mr. Foxworth did the right thing by singling me out for this internship.
ChapterThree
Warren
I am notthe kind of man who’s given to anxiety. I didn't get to where I am today by being a bundle of nerves, but dammit if I'm not pacing back and forth across my office like an overexcited schoolboy on his first date as I wait for Faith to show up.
I keep checking my watch. It's not even been an hour since I summoned her, so I know I'm being ridiculous, but I feel like I'm on pins and needles as I wait for her arrival.
Finally, my secretary buzzes me. “Mr. Foxworth, there’s a Faith Ellison here to see you.”
I click the button to answer her back, “Send her in, Georgia.”