Page 5 of With Conditions

Chapter Three

Sophie

I scurried out of the house, running late, although Tibby was right on time at 6 a.m.

“Red heels, love it,” she complimented me as we met.

I twirled holding a confident look on my face in my gray pencil skirt, white button-up blouse which was tucked in, showing off my slender hourglass figure perfectly, the one, I worked so hard for, to maintain.

“Who are you trying to impress?” Tibby teased while I buckled up in the backseat.

“Myself!” I looked into the rear view mirror to meet her eyes and winked. I felt good and sexy which I wanted to express for myself that morning.

Looking into my calendar, I called Drake but quickly hung up as Tibby pulled up in front of his home. He lived in the community house I purchased for Paul and him for their wedding. Drake climbed into the car and it was immediately about business.

“Why do I still have the 1 p.m. interview on my calendar?”

“He called at 6 a.m. this morning and said he could make it. I hate how executives wake up so early” Drake gave me a smart-ass look to which I smirked.

“You look nice.” Drake said as Tibby glanced in my direction.

“I’m starting to feel like I don’t look nice every day with the way you two are acting.”

They both started laughing and we grabbed a quick coffee on the way. The morning was mundane as usual with meetings and email responses. Finally, Drake announced my 1 p.m. interview which I was hopefully looking forward to. With my eyes fixated on my laptop, I gestured Drake to give him a seat in one of the two chairs in front of me.

A familiar smell took over me, and my eyes quickly met those beautiful jade green ones that were locked with mine. “Miles Calvin,” his whispery voice reverberated through my ears. Our eyes didn’t part but I saw his lips curling up a bit. Standing up to shake his hand, my heart raced even faster as my cheeks rushed red.

“Miss Sophie Dash. Please have a seat.”

Drake was still in the room as he stayed for all my interviews as someone to discuss with after.

Miles dressed himself in an under armor polo shirt, through which one could see his large chest muscles perfectly. His black pants were paired with professional but sleek workout shoes. His biceps could easily frighten a goon trying to mess with him, but he held them well to his sides. With my gesture he took a seat and brought up his ankle to rest on his knee. His face was calm, not nervous like most of the people I used to interview. Well, he was also the first person I had to interview who saw me naked and quiver. Knowing that it was never going to happen again, I opened his file and already framed three hard questions which I was sure he would stumble over and move on. “Talk to me about your year-over-year profit margins. Why would you sell during the growth period? Did it lack sustainability or longevity?”

He paused with a smirk like he knew my intentions. “Well, first, I would like to tell you a bit about myself.”

Leaning back in my chair, I stole a quick glance over Drake, who seemed quite amused that someone had the guts to try and control me in that setting. I folded my hands together in my lap. His eyes scanned over my body and stopped dead on my red heels which he could see through the glass desk.

His eyes shot right back into mine as he adjusted his hips while his lips bowed back into a coy expression. “My love for fitness started in the military. I was in IT but loved working out and watching Soldiers transition from people who couldn’t run a mile to running for half marathons for fun. Watching their fitness journey inspired me to help others. After getting out of the military, I had a full-time job as an ethical hacker.” He paused, and I noticed Drake’s eyes on me deep which told me that Paul informed him of our conversation. Adjusting again, trying to keep himself from smiling he continued, “I took a part-time job at a local gym that had a great master fitness internship.”

My eyes quickly darted to Drake as he was talking about the program I designed. The part in his file about working for my gym before was missing, for which Drake already excused himself to get more information. Being alone, my gaze went back to his face, but he kept it professional. “Yes, your program developed me into a small gym owner which I sold a few months ago during a hardship in my life. I’m currently looking to work for the same company that gave me the life I have today to ensure it stays above water.”

Smiling at his egoistic comment, I interrupted just as Drake returned in with a blue file. Drake placed it on my desk, but I wasn’t interested into looking at papers right then. “My fitness company EBITDA is getting ready to hit 240, so I’m interested in your take on why you don’t think we are staying above water and how do you think YOU can change that?” I emphasized over that bit as a way of throwing a challenge at him.

The conversation went from uncomfortable to full-on business strategy in a second. Accepting the challenge, he pulled out a small device like that of a thumb drive from his pocket while the keeping the chivalry alive in his voice, “May I?”

Having no clue of what it was but highly interested in knowing what he had to offer, I waved him on. His tall frame made its way to the TV screen on the wall. My eyes shifted to Drake and he responded with a nod, which intrigued me further. Like magic, the screen was now full of several different metrics including future builds in Florida and acquisitions from Bally’s.

His long finger, started directing towards what was on the screen, “You’re currently sinking 23% of your overall profits into growth which is good; however, you’re not considering the competitive market. The places you have selected in Florida to build your future projects are in areas next to country clubs or 55 and above communities who already have what you can offer.” I wasn’t impressed by his suggestion until then, yet I chose not to interrupt. His left hand went back into his pocket while his velvety but commanding voice continued, “What makes your company unique is the new smooth, no scanning system. This is brilliant, but you need to locate your clubs in more adaptable locations. Yes, the cost is high for now; however, two of the five clubs you’re opening next year are next to high competitor locations or facilities that people move to Florida to meet and mingle.” Finishing off his explanation, his eyes locked on over my red heels.

I moved over to the edge of my desk leaning towards him, and I probed deeper. “What is your people strategy?”

“You don’t need one. As a former HR executive yourself, before opening gyms, I would recommend building on your internship programs and fill positions as needed with growth.”

The numbers on the screen seemed blurred due to the size of the font which compelled me to move further towards him. I could feel his warmth take over with each step. Finally, as the numbers became clear, I realized I was standing within inches of him with his eyes locked on me. I could feel the sexual chemistry. The right corner of his lip curled up, which I noticed was beautifully pink and suckable. The air between us was tense for a few moments before I extended my hand. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Calvin”

His hand grabbed mine with a grin planted on his face, “To you as well, in another life.” My heart skipped a beat as he moved away followed by Drake.

“What did you think?” Drake asked as I calmed my high from having him in my presence.

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