Page 10 of Company Ink

Adrian's office is bigger than it looks on the outside. A sturdy black wooden desk sits against the floor-to-ceiling windows, two cream-colored chairs with black piping positioned in front of it. An extravagant bookshelf fills the adjacent wall, stacked with leather back books and nautical figurines. I make a mental note of the charcoal mid-century sofa tucked into the corner of the room. I'msurethat will come in handy at some point.

I stare at Adrian as he takes a seat across from me, his glistening eyes glued to mine, taking me in, observing me as I lower myself down on the guest chair. I straighten out my emerald-colored blouse and adjust my black pencil skirt. I desperately want to cross my legs, it's my go-to power pose, but this damn skirt is too tight, so I'm forced to sit like a proper little princess, knees pulled together and tilted to one side, ankles crossed. Just toss a fascinator on me and call me Kate Middleton.

"So, Cassie," Adrian begins, holding a document in his hand which I can only assume is my resume. "What brings you to Pearson & Associates? It doesn't look like you have any legal background."

Got canned. Now I'm here.

I clear my throat and mentally crack my knuckles. Golden Globes here I come. "I've worked primarily in event coordination since I graduated withhonorsfrom the University of Washington, however I recently decided to explore different career paths. I've been fascinated with law ever since I was a little girl and watchedErin Brockovichwith my mom for the first time. But before jumping into a new degree, I thought I'd get my toes a littlewetand really see how the industry works."

I say bull. You say shit. Bull– shit! Bull– shit!

My mother always said I had a flair for acting, perhaps I should get into it because boss-man looks convinced.

Adrian's eyebrows perk up. "A career change so early on in life? Most people wait until their midlife crisis to jump ship," he laughs, his eyes crinkling. "You seem a little young for that."

"Well, I'm almost twenty-five; we can call it a quarter life crisis. I might not be able to buy myself a shiny red Porsche, but I can change jobs," I retort playfully. I'm literally just talking out of my ass right now, but there's no way I'm going to tell my employer that I've been laid off.

"That's one way to look at it." Adrian lets out a low husky chuckle. "However, you should know that changing careers can be quite challenging, especially if you're thinking about becoming a lawyer."

My lips perk up into a smirk. "Oh, don't worry Mr. Cavallero, I like a good challenge."

What am I doing? This is your boss, Cassie. Simmer down for thelove of God. Monique would straight up slap me right now if she heard that flirty tone. PG, keep it PG, Cass.

"Hmm," Adrian hums, his mouth slightly parted, the tip of his tongue on the fringe of his full lips. "I see, in that case, I'm glad to have you here. I'll be sure to give you anin-depthlook into the industry."

"I look forward to it," I smile sweetly, forcing myself not to bat my eyelashes. "I've heard you're one of the best lawyers at this firm. I'm sure you'll be able to provideexcellentinsight."

Adrian's lips twist in amusement as he lowers my resume and reclines back into his chair, resting his hands on his torso. He's emitting a strong aura of power that makes me feel some sort of way; if his gaze lingers on my lips for a second longer, I'll be tempted to leap across the desk and test how far his ergonomic chair can recline.

Oh my god, what is wrong with me?

Hormones. Must be hormones.

A long pause suffocates the room as we subtly study one another, making sure no imaginary lines get crossed. Even though nothing inappropriate has escaped his tempting mouth, there's something mischievous lurking in Adrian's body language and blazing eyes. There's an electrifying spark bouncing between our two bodies. But unfortunately, a spark can start a blaze which often leads to destruction, and I'm not yet certain if he's worth the damage.

"Other than your career aspirations, please tell me a little bit about yourself, Cassie," Adrian finally says, breaking eye contact. Oh, thank God. My ass is sweating through my silk skirt.

"What would you like to know Mr. Cavallero? I'm an open book," I say, adjusting my position. Thank God these chairs are lined with fabric and not leather; otherwise, I'm sure there would be a giant butt stain on the seat when I stand up.

"Are you?" he smirks, tapping his fingers playfully against the desk. "Why don't we start with something basic? Are you originally from Seattle? Or did you come here for college?"

"Born and raised in Seattle," I confirm. "The Evergreen State has always been home."

"So, you're a local then? You're very lucky. Washington must have been a wonderful place to grow up."

"Lucky? I'm not sure about that. After twenty-four years of constant rain, a girl gets a little bit jaded." Not to mention endless humidity which does nothing for my naturally frizzy hair. I swear I single handedly support the hair spray industry. "But I guess the ocean and mountains make up for it. Washington is a very beautiful state, I'll give it that."

"Yes." Adrian's eyes flicker briefly down the length of my body. "Simply breathtaking, isn't it?"

"I- I take ityou'renot from here?" I falter, my pulse quickening. Who knew the topic of geography could be so arousing?

"No, I was born in Madrid," Adrian explains. "But my family and I immigrated to the States when I was five. My parents moved back to Spain several years ago to run the family business, but I stayed behind for law school."

"So, you have no family in America then?" I frown. "Doesn't that get lonely?" I couldn't imagine not seeing my family. I mean, I can go months without seeing myparents, but there is no way I would be able to survive without my weekly lunch dates with my aunt Lucy and cousin Vanessa.

"I find ways to occupy myself, Cassie." Adrian lets out a soft chuckle. "Plus, this job does take up a lot of my time."

I press my lips into a thin line. "You specialize in Intellectual Property Law, right?"

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