Page 9 of Matteo

Still, I doubt I’ll see her again. Can’t see how she’ll end up working here, especially with that nose ring.

I briefly consider telling her, but my heart starts racing again and I figure I must be coming down with something.

***

ELIZABETH

My stomach twists into knots and my mouth has gone dry.

I’ve learned the art of not falling apart, of not being reactive and I’m usually good under pressure. But I’ve been running through my presentation on the journey here and I’m having second thoughts.

This interview is an opportunity I never thought I’d get, and it could help me so much. I need to impress Mr. Knight, and this presentation is my last chance. I was up until three in the morning redoing my slides, and then I overslept. I had to rush like a maniac to make it here on time.

At least I know where to go.

I’m in the final stretch.

This is the last interview. That’s what the email said. I smooth down my blouse and try to breathe. It’s so crowded in here, and my shoes are so uncomfortable. I wish I’d worn my sneakers. I’m going to have to dress like someone I’m not. But it will be worth it. I’ll make myself fit in, like I’ve had to for most of my life.

I take a deep breath and mentally try to prepare for what’s ahead by running through my presentation in my head for the fiftieth time.

People get out, occasionally jostling me from the side, interrupting my focus. I move aside, giving them a way through, but the tall guy I stood in front of, doesn’t flinch an inch.

I wish I had his composure.

Someone else gets out of the elevator and it’s just me and him. I lean my back against the wall, my curiosity getting the better of me as I shoot a glance in his direction. He’s facing the doors, so I only see him from the side. He presses the button to close the doors then tucks his hands into the front pockets of his dark jeans. He’s wearing a charcoal-colored shirt.

No tie. I’m sure I caught a faint glint of metal around his neck when I rushed in. My eyes take in his rolled-up sleeves and I see a tattoo of four feathers; the intricate ink curl on his skin steals my attention. He’s wearing a couple of thin bracelets, too, similar to the ones I have in matte leather. His sit low on his wrists.

I force my focus back to my interview, but within a few seconds, I’m wondering where he works. He’s not suited and way too casual for a place like this. He probably works in office maintenance or something.

Heat coils around my neck because I like a man with tattoos. I also like a man with thickly veined forearms.

Ordinarily, this is the type of guy who would catch my eye, but this isn’t an ordinary day. He has the type of build I like. Tall, lean and wiry, rather than bulky. I like the way he’s dressed. Non-conformist. Rebellious. Someone who doesn’t belong in a corporate tower full of suits and spreadsheets.

The presentation. Focus on the presentation.

And now he’s caught me looking at him. I turn away quickly, feel the flush in my cheeks, but not before his lips widen into a smile.

Chapter 4

MATTEO

The elevator empties, and she’s still here.

When we get past the fortieth floor, my curiosity bubbles up even more, though I’m certain that she’ll get off on the seventy-third floor. All the marketing people work there and I’m sure she’s headed there.

My eyes take her in slowly, moving from her shoes, up along her pencil skirt and jacket, to her face.

Nice lips, mouth, cute nose and those goddamn gorgeous eyes.

Fuck.

She just caught me checking her out. ‘Cause I caught her checking me out, too. I don't flinch, but she tilts her head. Gives me a “what the hell” glare.

I want to smile. But she's not smiling.

One eyebrow rises, just so slightly. She's pissed.