Page 15 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
“This is a joke, right?”
“Nope. I use the apartment to pick up women like you. Easier to pretend I’m rich.” Gabriel steps closer, smirking. “And this job’s mine. My sister pulled some strings. I’ll get the offer. You might as well leave before you embarrass yourself.” I’ll kill him. Would tossing him off the fourth floor do the trick?
I straighten my blouse and put on my game face. With a confident smile, I fire back: “Well, I’m sure Mr. Kensington prefers honest employees over frauds living in a little make-believe world.”
“I’m damn good at my job. That’s exactly what he’s after—reliable, punctual, nothing shakes me.”
“I’m better. I was here first, and I’ve got some outstanding references.”
“Even one from your ex-boss?” Crap. I told him about that idiot. “The one with all the drama? I’m sure Kensington would love to hear how his potential assistant handles herself when her mom wants a 50th birthday party.” Gabriel’s nasty grin makes me want to knee him in the groin, but a quick glance at the secretary watching us says that’d be a very bad idea. Instead, I just smile at Gabriel and clear my throat.
“You’ve got no proof of that.” Lucky me.
“One phone call’s all it takes.” Gabriel grins wider and strolls past me. The secretary practically leaps up, scurrying toward him like she’s stung by a tarantula. They shake hands and chat while I try to pull myself together.
“Ah, wonderful. The second candidate. Would you like something to drink? Coffee?” she asks, breathless.
“Yes, please. Lots of milk and sugar.”
“Of course. Right away. Um, Mr. Kensington isn’t here yet, but as soon as he arrives, I’ll let you both know, okay?”
Poor thing looks like she’ll keel over before lunch if she keeps going like this. She hurries off to the kitchen while Gabriel saunters back to me, hands in his pockets. That arrogant look of his is way too hot for my own good—and it makes me even more nervous. Thank God we didn’t sleep together last night, or this reunion would be even more unbearable.
“I’m at least relieved the kid isn’t yours,” I say, sitting back down. Gabriel circles me slowly, calmly. I sip my drink like I couldn’t care less and try to ignore him. His pacing back and forth is a sign of nervousness, so I act completely at ease. Maybe I can drive him a little crazy with that? It might give me a small advantage.
“You actually thought I was cheating on my wife?” he asks, plopping down next to me. He just can't help it. That damn grin never leaves his face.
“So, you are married?” I ask, horrified.
“No, but you might’ve thought so.”
“I would have felt sorry for the little girl. Having a father like you.” I wrinkle my nose.
“Why?” he shoots back, cockily.
“Because someone who lies isn’t a good role model.”
“So, you’re completely honest all the time?” he presses.
“Of course. Honesty’s the best policy.”
“So, you always tell the truth? Even when it screws you over?” I hesitate a second too long. “Caught you.”
“Little white lies are fine. If the truth would hurt someone, I’d rather say something polite or friendly. That’s just normal.”
“But calling me a bad father—that’s not hurtful?”
“She’s not your daughter.”
“You judge fast. Always do that?”
“I’ve seen enough of you to know what kind of person you are.”
“Oh, this should be good. Please—tell me more about myself. Preferably something I don’t know yet.” He’s enjoying this, and I can’t wait to wipe that grin off his face.
“Alright. You pretend to be rich so you can get women into bed. Probably the ones chasing money and power, who spread their legs right away.”
“Like you?”
