Page 25 of Rhet

“Okay, see you there.” I hang up. “Thank fucking God.”

I couldn’t do these interviews without him. Julian has been the best personal assistant anyone could ask for. I consider him more of a VP than a personal assistant some days. He gets paid like one and trust me, he deserves it. His substitute is going to have big shoes to fill.

ZEETA

I didn’t even get coffee. I left after I realized who the jerk was. Rhet Banner. I’m supposed to go to an interview at his office today. The position I’m interviewing for is as his personal assistant.

I need to get this job. My life depends on it. I also have a big payback in mind for Mr. Banner, and it’s about more than just coffee.

I enter the offices of Banner Freight Inc. Unlike the other buildings near the port on the water’s edge, this one has a balance between the old vintage styles and a modern age touch. The arched windows and roman columns blend in beautifully with the glass and chrome features.

“Good morning, my name is Kellyanne Woods. I have an eleven o’clock with Mr. Banner,” I say to the receptionist.

“You can go on up, it’s the top floor.” She points me to the elevator.

I do as directed, and ride to the top floor. As the elevator doors open, I’m greeted with the sight of so many long legs and short skirts. All these women sit on either side of the office.

I have never seen so many stockinged legs in my life. Meanwhile, I’m here in an oversized suit because my client said it would intrigue Mr. Banner. I should have followed my instincts.

My hair would have been down, and my skirt would have been above my knees. I pass the other ladies and make my way to the reception desk on this floor.

“Hi. Good morning. My name is Kellyanne Woods. I’m here for an interview with Mr. Banner.” I smile at the older lady who has the most unbothered look. She points to a sign that says take a number.

“Thank you.”

I pull a number and I’m the last one to be interviewed; just great. I look around one more time. Obviously, the word was out, bad boy and popular bachelor, Rhet Banner needs a new personal assistant.

God, how am I going to do this? We already met and started on the wrong foot. He may fire me before I even get to interview.

My stomach growls. I want coffee so badly. Maybe a cup and a chocolate chip muffin would calm my nerves. Too bad they’re sitting at the bottom of a trash bin.

Two hours later, I’m the last person in the hallway, everyone else has gone. My stomach grumbles its empty protests. I touch my tummy, promising myself a Popeyes’ chicken sandwich and maybe an apple pie once this is over.

The double doors open, and a tall beautiful Asian man walks out. He speaks to the lady at the desk before he nods and turns to approach me.

Snap. I guess it’s time for my interview. Quickly, I stand and brush my hands over my suit. I place a smile on my face and stick my hand out.

The man smiles softly at me and shakes my hand. He’s gorgeous. His hair is dark and thick.

He’s so perfect. This man knows how to dress, everything about him is crisp, precise, and clean. He smells like a hint of tea tree oil and patchouli. It’s quite comforting.

“Hi, Ms. Wood. I’m Julian Yang. Thank you so much for waiting.”

“Hi, thank you for having me. Am I next?” I’m ready to ace this interview. I have my information in my head. I’m ready.

“I do have to apologize. The candidate before you got the position. If another opens, we will call you.”

I pull my hand away. “Excuse me?”

He says nothing as he seems to wait for his words to sink in.

“I’m not even going to be offered a chance to be interviewed?” I try to remember the woman who went in before me. She was stunning, blue eyes, black hair. Her skirt wasn’t as short as the others. In fact, she looked elegant and professional.

“Thank you so much for coming.” Mr. Yang ushers me gently to the elevator doors, presses the button, then turns and walks back to the office.

“What the fuck just happened?” I murmur to myself.

The elevator door opens, and I step into the steel box, blinking. As I lean back against the wall the doors begin to close slowly. All the things I wanted to accomplish, the promises I made, all go down the drain. Rhet Banner needs to pay for all he has done. I’ve come too far to turn back now.

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