Page 6 of Billion Dollar Mistake

“I should be interviewing more candidates…”

“But you won’t.” I lift a brow at him. I’m barely holding back a beaming smile.

His lips pinch together before he shakes his head. “Seems like I can’t say no to you.”

I don’t believe anything he’s saying, but if my looks win me this job, I’m alright with that.

“Which floor would I be working on?” I ask.

“Let me give you a tour.”

That I like the sound of. But I don’t want him to realize how excited I am so I tone down my response. “Okay.”

He stands and moves beside me. His hand gestures for me to go first, even though I have no clue where I’m going.

We enter the elevator and I’m quick to stand on the opposite side. He presses level ten, and it doesn’t take long til we’re there. Exiting the elevator, I take in the open floor. I’m able to see all the workers behind their desks typing away and working hard.

I’m quiet as I absorb everything around me. I get a few looks as we pass by. He pauses at an empty desk.

I peer at him.

“This would be yours,” he says with a smirk.

My gaze flicks back to the space. Not too small and not too large with everything I could possibly need and more. All the latest technology, pens, paper, files, folders, and a calculator. Accountant heaven.

“Our current accountant is on maternity leave, so the job is temporary, but I’m sure once she returns I can find another position for you. I wouldn’t want you working anywhere else.”

The way he speaks it’s as if he owns me. I wonder if he is serious…I wonder if he means he wants me or if he’s still talking about the job. I would never go there with my boss.

Now that I think about it, I wouldn’t even have time for a normal relationship. The only time I have for myself is when I can squeeze in a workout. I’ve kept up with my boxing at a cheap local gym. It’s an hour that's just for me and I savor it more now that my dad’s sick. Instead of curling up in a ball and crying, I take that hurt and pain out on a bag. Literally punching the shit out of it until I can’t feel anymore. I go home exhausted but also lighter.

“Let me introduce you to your team.”

My stomach begins to flip with nerves. I follow him to a desk where a guy in his mid-30s with short, dark hair is typing furiously on his keyboard. He must hear us approach because he ceases typing and swivels in his chair to face us. His green eyes look brightly at me.

“Dalton, this is Nova. She's replacing Fern.”

Dalton smiles. “Hi Nova, it’s nice to meet you. When do you start?”

The question takes me off guard. I look to Mr. Spencer for the answer.

“We haven’t worked out a start date but most likely in a week or two.”

Dalton nods. “Well, I look forward to working with you.”

Mr. Spencer touches my arm and I jolt. But I relax the moment I realize he wants me to follow him to another desk where a red-haired woman, who looks to be in her early 40s, finishes up a phone call.

“Hi, Poppy. I’m just introducing a new staff member. This is Nova, she’ll start in a week or so and she's replacing Fern.”

Her icy blue eyes slit at me. She’s unimpressed.

I smile and she gives me a curt one back, which twists my stomach into a ball of nerves. I don’t normally have issues with other women, and I really hope she’s no different. I don’t get long to think about it, though, because Mr. Spencer's phone rings and he hits decline before speaking to me. “Let's get to the contracts. I have a meeting soon, so I unfortunately need to end this.”

Not unfortunate for me. Today has been a lot. From coming into a job interview to leaving with a job and starting in possibly a week's time. No wonder my emotions are a mess.

But this is all positive. I need this.

I can’t wait to leave and tell my parents. Their proud faces and tears will be worth it.

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