Conflicted (Secrets and Lies) (8 page)

I read it verbatim. As long as I got enough information for him to print what he wanted to for this piece, the job was mine. I reread it several times to confirm that there was no escape clause. I should be more concerned about the significance of this piece but I wasn't. I needed this change. I signed the dotted line and slid it over to him. He smiled signing in his spot before handing it back to me.

I raised my eyebrows with suspicion. "Don't you want a copy for your records?"

He gave me a dismissive wave of the hand. "I don't need a copy Mia. I've done this for your peace of mind. I don't go back on my word. You wanted something in writing. My lawyer has a copy of it."

"He doesn't have a signed copy. Isn't that what makes it binding?"

Harrison huffed. "It's clear you trust no one which is why you're perfect for what I need you to do. You won't allow yourself to get too close. I'm not here to hustle you. You'll get the position. I say that in confidence because I know you have what it takes to get me the information I need."

"I'll let you know if I hear from them and we'll go from there," I said evenly.

"Once hired, we'll set a schedule to check in with each other," he instructed.

Harrison got up going towards his fax machine with my resume in hand. He dialed in the number and sent it off. His unconcerned expression had me on edge. This guy was difficult to read and it bothered me. I took a sluggish breath still unsure of him. He really was a charmer. I rose from my seat to head for the door. Harrison met me at the door for a parting handshake. His hand gripped mine while his mouth morphed into an arrogant smile. Prior to leaving, I plastered on a fake grin to give him the satisfaction that I somewhat trusted him.

~

A couple of days later, my cell phone rang and it was F. F. Sweeney & Company showing an interest in me. I took the first time slot they had open and set the interview for Thursday morning. Bri helped me piece together an elegant outfit. We coupled my gray pencil skirt with a black pleated sleeveless shirt. She assured me it looked professional enough. Bri dolled me up again and I left the house that morning embracing my new path.

I could get to my old neighborhood with my eyes closed and stumbling drunk so I was on autopilot on my commute down there. The office I was heading for was impossible to miss. It was the most prominent building in a crumbling community. I parked my car in the back of their lot. On my way towards the building, I tried to ease my jittery nerves. After being buzzed inside, I confirmed my appointment with the receptionist. Ten minutes later she appeared in the lobby and raised a finger for me to proceed with her. We went down a long hallway ending in a huge office. She opened the door but left me to announce my arrival.

"Mr. Fitzgerald?" I asked tentatively.

The man nodded and pointed to the seat in front of him. He didn't seem like he wanted to be giving this interview and hid no signs of showing it. I scurried from the door to sit down.

"Ms. Ryan, I presume," he said, keeping his head down.

He was definitely on the agitated side. His deep voice was terse.

"Yes, Mia Ryan. Thank you for your time today."

When he looked up, it stunned me. His eyes ran along my body causing his expression to change somewhat. His scowl gradually transformed to a timid smile. His eyes didn't leave mine as his brows wrinkled as if he was trying to piece something together. I didn't have much brain space to think about what was going through his mind. I was too busy attempting to contain my own impure thoughts as my body reacted in ways I'd never experienced on a first encounter with someone. My body flamed to attention as I soaked him in. Heat rushed to my cheeks while my heart started hammering loudly in my chest. I had never felt anything this strong. It was potent.

Sweet Baby Jesus! He is beyond gorgeous!

He gave God like and beautiful a whole new definition. The man sitting across from me rendered me speechless. His detailed body alone would be enough to reduce artists and photographers to sobs as they prayed to the heavens for such an attractive creature to be amongst them. His prior irritation seemed to be gone as he sat up in his chair throwing every inch of his body within my eyesight to devour. He raked his eyes over me every so often bringing them back into my direct eye line to linger with an inquisitive stare. Tingling sensations trekked in waves at an amplified degree throughout me. It made the draw to him more intense.

The things his appearance is doing to me right now should be illegal.

"We interview with the best and your resume is flawless so it should be me thanking you for your time today," he replied.

His voice was commanding tying my stomach into one large knot. I imagined what he sounded like in bed. A fiery burn coursed between my legs making me hastily cross them.

Gah, get it together Mia!

His hair was amazing. It was short but not too short. It was a messy style almost like he ran his hands through it a few times without putting too much effort into it. The longer hair spiked up in all the right ways. It wasn't blonde or brown but a blend of both. I couldn't stop staring at his face. His cheekbones were prominent with his ears and nose annoyingly perfect upon his sculpted face. He had to be at least 6'2" if not taller. His shoulders were broad but muscular. I was willing to bet if I unbuttoned his finely pressed dress shirt that a defined six-pack would be staring back at me with the delectable V running deeper. It was like an unspoken message to run for the door now because this could only end in trouble. He had my body revved up. I had no doubt that he was the kind of guy that could teach a girl a thing or two in the bedroom.

Jesus, focus Mia!

I readjusted my eyes from the area that led to his pant line to his dark brown eyes finding myself captivated as ever. They begged you to keep staring at them so he could tell you all life's secrets. He had one of those faces that make you want to promise every possession you own just to have a chance at kissing his luscious lips. His lips were full leading into dimples on each side when he smiled. So far, I'd gotten him to do that a few times.

This interview has to go fast without any challenging questions because I'm not sure I can even spell my own name right now.

Knowing I had to get my thoughts out of the gutter that they currently wanted to hang out in, I straightened up setting my palms on his desk. It hit me that he paid me a compliment. Perhaps, I should say something in response instead of frothing at the mouth.

"I'm honored for the consideration. It's a great opportunity," I murmured.

He leaned back tapping his fingers together. "Your resume indicated you were studying journalism. I can't help but wonder why you would apply for a position with a finance company. It doesn't seem like an industry you'd have interest in if you were serious with your studies."

I gulped. "I took my studies in journalism very seriously. However, I've come to realize to succeed in any career it is important to have wide range of knowledge and expertise. Since my studies had such a narrow focus, I wanted to expand into other areas."

"Why do you think that this position is the best fit for you?" he questioned.

His eyes burned into me completely unreadable. My stomach fluttered at the intensity exuding from him. I prayed my heartbeat would slow down a little. It was beating so loud that it sounded like someone was hammering a board right next to us.

"I believe it's an opportunity to learn about this industry. I think that the position offers possibilities to learn skills that will benefit me in any industry," I responded.

He cocked his head to the side bringing his long fingers to his chiseled chin letting them linger above his lips. My body temperature went up several more degrees as I stared at his mouth watching his fingers trace his lips. It took everything in my power not to let my body stray to his and replace his fingers with my tongue.

God, focus Mia!

"Why are you interested in working for our company?" he asked with a thin smile.

"It's well known throughout the financial industry that this company is the most successful privately owned finance company this city has ever seen. I strive to perform at my best in everything I do and your company can give me the opportunity to learn from the best."

"I don't need to ask you what your major achievements are to date. It's obvious that you climb to the top in all that you do. You were editor in chief of one of the most renowned college newspapers in circulation. You work history confirms that you have held a variety of positions that have given you diverse skills that are all necessary for this position. The 4.0 GPA is an excellent attribute as well. What I can't overlook is the gap from your enrollment last fall at the university to you sitting here today. Can you please clarify why you're not finishing your degree?"

His question jolted me out of the electric trance his body had me in.
"There was a misunderstanding that led to my dismissal from Eckman. The entire experience brings me back to my first answer. It's imperative to have as much knowledge as you can in a variety of areas. It was an unfortunate blemish for me but I've learned from it," I replied not showing any sign of weakness.

"What has it taught you?" he pressed.

"It's led me to believe that we can learn just as much by firsthand experience in the work force than in a lecture hall. I've elected to take time away from academics to test the skills and knowledge I've acquired thus far and to continue to grow personally and professionally."

His fingers drummed on the desk. After a short pause, his eyes connected with mine. There was a hint of understanding from him as he stared at me. "I appreciate your honesty. Most people lie to cover up their downfalls. You've chosen to embrace it as well as learn from it. That's impressive. Have you decided against pursuing journalism? What I'd like to confirm is your long term goal here?"

"If I'm going to pursue a career as a journalist, there is a lot I need to learn that books can't teach me," I clarified.

"Why move towards the finance industry?" he inquired.

The fingers that were tapping the desk were now running back and forth across his perfect jaw line. He was so unreadable but definitely intrigued in everything I had to say which made sense since this was an interview after all.

Really Mia, has your basic reasoning left the building all together?

"The driving force in our economy is business and ultimately the financial industry. The financial crisis is a painfully obvious indicator to that fact. Knowledge in this industry will give me invaluable experience," I said smoothly.

"Why switch focuses now?" he asked as his eyes creased together.

"I'm at an age in my life that I should be exploring as many opportunities as possible. If I'm going to become a successful professional, I want to create a resume that will allow me to assimilate into any field or occupation. The depth in the financial industry can do just that. If my path leads me back to journalism, I'll have gained a wealth of knowledge through this industry allowing me to write about a variety of subjects."

His tongue made an appearance licking his lower lip. My mouth went dry and I inhaled a ragged breath. The burning sensation traveling through me was close to boiling over. I hoped that he wrapped this up soon. I couldn't handle being here for much longer without doing something stupid.

"Why should we pick you out of the pool of candidates? What makes you exemplary?"

I squirmed before focusing my eyes to his with my last shred of seriousness. "I'm a fast learner which I believe is an asset for any company. I'm a team player that can bring a lot to any project. I know how to multi-task and operate well under deadlines. I don't intimidate easily so dealing with difficult people and situations isn't hard for me. I'm never satisfied with learning the basics. I like to be challenged as it pushes me to perform at my best."

His face crept into a full dimpled grin as he relaxed into his chair. The way he was looking at me made me wonder if I had food in my teeth. He wasn't holding back a bit as he absorbed every feature of me. It was exhilarating and nauseating all at the same time. We sat there for a few moments staring at each other before breaking the heated connection.

"Well, I think that about does it. We'll be in touch," he said deeply.

He rose from his chair to walk with me to the door. I collected my purse and remained a step behind him. As I suspected, he was about 6'2" with long legs covered in black slacks that showed every amazing detail to his fine ass. Thank God, this was over. It was even better that this position was entry-level. The less time I spent around him the better. I liked having control over my bodily functions. I learned in this brief meeting that maintaining control around him would be problematic.

When we reached the door, he paused before turning the handle. His eyes trailed across my body making no apology for openly checking me out. My breathing sped up at the passion behind them. My brain was working overtime to keep from moving closer to him. He opened the door leaning against the frame as he extended a hand. I placed my hand into his and almost moaned from the pleasure my body experienced at his touch. The mass of emotions I had been feeling for the last twenty minutes bubbled over sending sparks throughout my entire body. My heart was ready to leap out of my chest. I barely noticed that his breathing faltered as he closed his eyes. I pulled my hand out of his and cleared my throat hoping to steady my heavy breathing. I was close to panting like a dog on a hot summer's day.

"Uh, thank you again, sir. I'll wait to hear from your office Mr. Fitzgerald," I stammered.

He laughed. "Mr. Fitzgerald was my father
and sir makes me feel like a fifty year old man. I'm Ethan."

"It was a pleasure to meet you Ethan," I stuttered.

His laugh was doing all sorts of things to me. My stomach and everything south of me clenched together demanding satisfaction for the dull ache that rose to the surface. Every five minutes he was finding a new way to unleash some reaction in me.