Page 1 of The Unplanned Wedding

1

June

"In the six months since Knox Davenport took over as the interim CEO of the Davenport Group media division, he’s run through a string of assistants. He has a chronic bad attitude." The Human Resources Manager wrings her hands. "He is grumpy. And irritable.Andill-tempered. Not to mention, impatient. He’s not an easy man to please."

I swallow. He sounds like an absolute nightmare to work for, if I’m being honest. But it’s not like I have a choice. I've been without a job for six months. I’ve exhausted my savings and had to go into debt to take care of my family. I’d hoped to engage an adoption search specialist to track down my birth mother; but now, I don’t have the money to do that either. Then I heard about this position from my friend Zoey.

I applied and was sure I wouldn’t get an acknowledgement of my application. So, imagine my surprise when I got a call to interview. You can bet, I’m not going to mess up this opportunity.

"How much did you say the position pays?" I ask.

She names a monthly salary, which is more than I earned in a year in any of my previous roles. My gaze widens, and my jaw drops.

"It’s generous"—she nods—"for a reason."

"Oh?" I push my oversized spectacles up my nose.

“Most of his assistants quit within the hour, thanks to his unpleasant temperament.” She shudders. “Those who made it past that left before the end of the day. They found it too traumatizing to look at his”—she gestures to her face— “you know?”

“I don’t actually.”What is she referring to?I researched the Davenport Group and its management team before I came here. I even drew up a plan on how to address weaknesses I noticed in the company’s image, which I hoped to present during my interview. However, I didn’t find anything alluding to whatever it is she’s referring to.

She notices the chagrin on my face and leans in, then beckons me closer.

I mirror her move.

"He used to be a commando in the Royal Marines, which is where he was disfigured. His features are rather grotesque,” she says in a stage whisper.

I stare at her. Some of my shock at her statement must show on my face, for she raises her hand. “I know, it may seem impolite for me to share that, but I think it's best to prepare you for what you’re going to see.” She folds her arms across her chest. “On the positive side, there’s no fear of you falling for him.” She shrugs.

Me? Falling for my future boss? I scowl. You can bet I’m not going there. Getting this job and keeping it, so I can earn enough to take care of my family, is of the utmost importance. I’d never screw that up.

“In fact, you won’t find it difficult to keep your attention from his face, for the rest of him is sooo built.” She blinks rapidly. “It makes you want to touch his chest to find out if the muscles under it are as sculpted as his shirt hints at…" She reddens.

I can’t stop myself from scowling. I don’t know this guy, but I feel like I should tell her not to objectify him. But before I can voice my opinion, she firms her lips. "Gosh, I shouldn’t have said that. In fact,forgetI said that. I tend to lose track of my thoughts where The Beast is concerned."

"Thebeast?"My frown deepens.

"With a capital B. That’s the nickname we have for him." She squirms in her seat. "I shouldn’t have revealed that, either."

No, you shouldn’t have. And you’re the HR Manager, lady.It’s so inappropriate that she indulges in office gossip.

She must realize that she’s crossed a line, for she sits upright. "Forget I said that, please." She waves her hand in the air, as if that will remove the images she’s put in my head.

She picks up her tablet and scrolls across her screen. "You haven’t had an office-based job in a while?"

"Uh, yeah, the job market hasn’t been the best." I shuffle my feet. "I couldn’t get an office assistant role, so I worked as a waitress for a while.”

"Hmph." She makes the sound under her breath, but I hear it. “Waitress, huh?”

There’s no missing the judgement in her tone.

My cheeks flush. “Being a waitress helped me learn the importance of interpersonal skills.”

“Oh?” She seems taken aback by my words.

I should stop my outburst, but I must defend myself. Besides, this is where I can make an impassioned plea for the job.

I nod. “It helped build my stamina by being on my feet all day. And of course, develop a thick skin from warding off insults from rude patrons. Not to mention, unwanted attention from male customers.” I set my jaw, “In my humble opinion, it shows that I have resilience.” Something I believe will put me in good stead, from what she’s told me about this role.ThatI keep to myself. But I can’t prevent myself from adding, “It also indicates that I have perseverance. I don’t give up easily.”

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