“I can’t believe I’m here without knowing what position I’m applying for,” she muttered as she checked her reflection in the elevator’s mirrored walls.The chic business suit was probably not the right choice for the kind of job she was being interviewed for, but it was too late now.“Six years of higher education, multiple industry certifications, and here I am, potentially on the cusp of becoming a mixer of drinks.”
Bartending had helped pay for her college tuition.It was as noble a job as any student could wish for.It had paid well, so she shouldn’t be scoffing at it.
“But fuck me...where’s the challenge in that?My brain needs strategic stimulation.”Her lips thinned as she walked down the hallway in search of the CEO’s suite.“There’s a perfect job out there for me.I know it.Patience is all I need.Soon, all this will be forgotten.”
The modern architecture of the building took her breath away.Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the white marble floors with natural light, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.Sleek aluminum accents complemented the minimalist white furniture scattered throughout the lobby.
Following the directional signs, she located the CEO’s office suite on the top floor and headed toward the elevator, deliberately keeping her mind blank on the ride up.
The moment she stepped through the heavy oak doors of the suite, the stark contrast hit her.Gone was the modern aesthetic, replaced by old-world elegance.Dark hardwood floors stretched beneath her feet, while masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh adorned the walls.The natural light filtering through tinted windows cast a warm glow over the traditional furnishings.
An attractive middle-aged woman looked up from behind a massive oak desk as she approached.“Good morning,” she smiled warmly.“May I help you?”
“Morning, I’m Xia Foster.I have an appointment with Mr.Oliver.”
“Ah, yes, Ms.Foster.”The woman consulted her computer screen.“I’m Mr.Oliver’s executive assistant, Vee Harris.Please take a seat.Mr.Oliver is finalizing another interview and will be with you shortly.”
Xia sank into one of the leather armchairs, immediately curling her fingers together in her lap.“Get it together, woman,” she muttered.“This is ridiculous.You’ve been to tens of interviews and never once were you this anxious.It’s just a stupid bartending job at best.”
But the nervousness persisted, gnawing at her empty stomach.When was the last time she ate a proper meal?She glanced down at her suit.It was now hanging loser than when she bought it seven months ago.The forced diet had melted away thirty pounds, transforming her from overweight to what fashion magazines might diplomatically call curvy or chubby, as she phrased her newly shrinking figure.
Dark circles lurked under her eyes, which she carefully concealed with makeup.Sleep had become a luxury she couldn’t afford, and her nights were spent tossing and turning, worrying about bills and her dwindling savings.Stress and irregular meals induced headaches that were now constant companions.
“The reality is, if I don’t get a job,” she said sotto voce as she smoothed her skirt for the hundredth time, “I’ll either be homeless or a size zero.Neither option appeals to me.”
Heavy oak doors swung open as Rex Oliver strode into the reception area.He dominated the space with his presence—all six-foot-three of solid muscle barely contained by a charcoal Tom Ford suit.His clean-shaven head and strong facial features gave him an intense, almost predatory look, softened only slightly by a well-groomed stubble along his jaw.Dark eyebrows framed deep-set onyx-colored eyes that held an unnervingly direct gaze as they assessed her.
Xia’s breath caught.She had never been one for bald men, but the photos she had seen online hadn’t captured his raw physical presence.At forty-two, he moved with the fluid grace of someone who clearly spent considerable time maintaining his impressive physique.His broad shoulders strained against the tailored suit jacket, hinting at the powerful build beneath.
“Ms.Foster?”His voice deepened with a New Orleans accent.Extending his hand, he caught hers in a firm, confident grip.“Rex Oliver.Please, come through to my office.”
She stood, grateful that her legs remained steady despite her racing heart.This was not what she had expected.The man ran a BDSM club in the sky, for heaven’s sake.She had imagined someone perhaps more...flamboyant?Instead, he looked like he had stepped off the cover of Men’s Health magazine.
“Thank you for the opportunity, Mr.Oliver.”Her voice emerged steadier than she felt.
The moment Xia passed Rex Oliver, his cologne invaded her senses—the expensive, subtle aroma had an unexpected, devastating effect on her.Her empty stomach fluttered, and this time, hunger had nothing to do with it.Every nerve ending in her body sparked to life.
Get it together.She scolded herself silently.He's just another CEO.A very attractive, definitely intimidating CEO.Hopefully, one who’s about to offer me a job mixing drinks at 35,000 feet.
Her inner voice scoffed.This man is one hot tamale and fucking delicious, and since you’re always the slowpoke, let me enlighten you.This is him.The One.Look at that magnificent specimen of masculinity.Those shoulders, that jaw, those eyes that see right through you.Yep, he’s our man.Hell, I’d even go as far as to say this is our future husband.So, get yourself straightened out, Xia Foster, and ace this goddamned interview!This is one man we’re not letting slip through our fingers.
Heat bloomed across her cheeks, and though Rex’s eyebrow lifted slightly, he maintained his professional demeanor as he settled behind the imposing desk.
Or perhaps, her inner voice suggested,he’s so used to women losing their tongues around him, he’s not fazed.Hmm...speaking of tongues.I wouldn’t mind taking a long, slow lick along that lower lip of his.
Shut up!You’re going to make me embarrass myself.
Just saying...
Xia shifted uncomfortably as Rex’s penetrating gaze raked over her.
“Just to clarify, Ms.Foster.”His voice rolled over her like warm honey.“Are you aware this interview is for an inflight position at an exclusive club aboard an Airbus?”
“Yes.”Her hands fluttered self-consciously over her business suit.“Force of habit.I’ve been interviewing in the corporate arena, so I didn’t think to dress down.”
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.“Xia Foster...GlobalTech’s marketing prodigy.”Recognition flashed across his face.“You launched their revolutionary cloud computing platform and won the Marketing Excellence Award.”
“Oh, my.”Surprise colored her voice.“No one outside the company’s customer base has ever made that connection.”
