"Stone doesn't like anyone until they prove themselves." He glanced at me. "Don't take it personally."
"Should I be worried?"
"About the background check? Only if you have something to hide."
Everything. I'm hiding everything.
"I don't," I lied.
The elevator reached the guest parking level. Doors opened.
He walked me to the entrance. Held the door.
"Quentin?"
"Yes?"
"Will I get the job?"
He smiled. "What do you think?"
"I think you've already decided."
"Have I?"
"Yes. The question is what you decided."
He stepped closer. Close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
"I think," he said quietly, "that hiring you is either going to be the smartest decision I've ever made, or the most dangerous."
My breath caught. "Which one?"
"I'm still trying to figure that out."
Then he stepped back, professional distance restored.
"I'll call you," he said. "Soon."
I nodded, not trusting my voice, and walked to my car.
Only when I was safely inside, doors locked, did I let myself breathe.
What am I doing?
I was supposed to be detached. Professional. Focused on the mission.
Instead, I was attracted to my target. Wanting him to hire me for reasons that had nothing to do with revenge and everything to do with the way he looked at me.
Like I was someone worth knowing.
Someone worth taking a risk for.
Someone who mattered.
I pulled out my phone. Texted Carlo:Second interview complete. Waiting for final decision.
His response came immediately:And?
