Tempted by the Boss (Tempted Series Book 1) Page 3
“I’m looking forward to it.”
I nodded. “Good. Enthusiasm like that is exactly the kind of thing we value here.”
“I can be enthusiastic about anything,” she added.
“That’s excellent news.” I passed her my card. “I’ll hold you to that.”
She took the card in her delicate fingers and looked at it.
“Just in case you need to reach me for any reason.”
“Thank you, Will.”
The sound of my name in her mouth was more than I could take. “I can give you the Knicks tickets and the Macy’s gift card then, too.”
“Perfect,” she said.
Yes you are, I thought. Yes. You. Are.
Chapter 5: Ella
My new room was like a coffin. I imagined that if I died in there, my body would probably be perfectly preserved for a freakish amount of time because of the lack of oxygen. Of course, even though my body had been in the apartment ever since we got home from the party, my mind was somewhere else entirely.
I still couldn’t decide whether or not I was the butt of some sort of practical joke. It didn’t make sense that I could act like such an idiot and then Will Abbott would offer me a job. Then again, surely he had more important things to do than go around making college grads feel foolish and embarrassed.
But my offenses were many. I told him I’d been to better parties two seconds after I asked him if it was appropriate to tip the bartender. That doesn’t even make sense. I just couldn’t think straight when I was talking to him. I mean, first he took me by surprise by literally coming out of nowhere like that at the bar, and then he took me by surprise again just by being him, by being so attractive and having such a deep voice. No wonder he was so successful in business. He had the power to stun his audience during negotiations.
I didn’t know how I was going to act cool in the interview. He would be sitting there all chiseled and sexy with his deep laugh and I would be what? Dazzling him with my excellent grasp of party planning 101? Telling him all about the other parties I’d successfully pulled off? There was no way that would impress him. Unless he felt like clown and princess themed parties were exactly what the Abbott Hotel had been missing. The truth wasn’t going to get me the job. I was going to have to be ballsy and confident and act like I had business being there. I was going to have to win him over with ambition and enthusiasm which, fortunately for me, I didn’t have to fake.
I felt my phone buzz in my back pocket and pulled it out to check the caller id.
“I’m miserable without you. Please tell me you’re on your way right now,” I said.
“I miss you, too,” Jackie said. “How’s Barb?”
“Barb is fine. It’s her place I can’t stand.”
“That bad, is it?”
“Cozy would be too generous of a word.”
Jackie laughed.
“Seriously. Do you remember the apartment we had sophomore year?”
“Unfortunately.”
“It’s actually smaller than that.”
“But that apartment was two blocks away from White Horse.”
“Yeah, and this one doesn’t even have that going for it.”
“It’s only temporary,” she said.
“That’s what I keep telling myself.”
“Well the good news is I met with my boss and told her that I want to be transferred out there when I get promoted.”
“And?”
“She thinks it’s a great idea.”
“Thank God.”
“But she also said she wanted me to stick around to help her with the fall & winter catalogues first so I won’t be out there for a while.”
“Did you tell her about me? Did you say that I need you?”
“No, I didn’t. It took her forever to learn my name. I wouldn’t dare introduce another one into the mix.”
“Well I’m glad things are going well for you.”
“I’m glad your Mom’s place isn’t so nice that you don’t need me anymore.”
“On the contrary, I need you more than ever.”
“Any word from Trevor since the big breakup?”
“He hasn’t called.”
“Because he’s over you or because he hasn’t paid his phone bill?”
“The latter I’m guessing.” I lay down on my stomach. “I’ve actually started wondering if my Facebook inbox will fill up, though.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Yeah. My favorite note was one about how he can’t go to our favorite restaurant anymore because it’s too painful.”
“Wendy’s?”
“I have to assume.”
“I’m sorry, Elle.”
“Sorry you let me date him for so long?”
“That’s not fair. I told you he was a deadbeat.”
“I know. I just wish I didn’t only have myself to blame.”
“It’s not your fault. It was a bad experience.”
“Too bad that’s been my only kind of experience.”
“I admit you’ve picked some duds, but there’s nowhere to go but up.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“You want to know my secret?”
“Yes.”
“I just go for whoever I think you wouldn’t and they’re usually all right.”
“Now you’re just making me feel bad.”
“I’m joking.”
“Except you’re not,” I said. “Basically, you’re saying I shouldn’t trust my instincts ever.”
“Maybe for a while.”
“Well as much as I appreciate that, I won’t be needing any advice pertaining to men for a while.”
“Why? Did you meet someone?”
“No. I’m just swearing them off. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my last few relationships it’s that I’m better off without them and I’m not missing anything.”
“Oh good. So at least you’re not bitter.”
“I’m not bitter. I’m just going to focus on my career for a while.”
“Since when is that a new plan? You’ve always been focused on your career.”
“But now I’m going to focus without any distractions.”
She laughed. “Meaning men?”
“Meaning everything that could interfere with me getting a job that will help me pay off my debt and move into a place where I can open the windows and get some fresh air.”
“Your Mom’s place doesn’t have windows?”
“It doesn’t even have air.”
“Wait what?”
“It has windows. They just don’t open,” I lied.
“Oh. Right. And how’s Plan Career Focus going so far?”
“Good, actually. I already lined up an interview.”
“That’s amazing! You haven’t even been there a week.”
“Well it was pretty lucky, but at least it’s something.”
“Who’s it with?”
“William Abbott.”
“William Abbott of Abbott Hotels?”
“You’ve heard of him?”
“Yeah. The magazine did a whole article about him a while ago. His wardrobe budget for the photo shoot was bigger than K-Skeezy’s.”
“The rapper?”
“Yeah.”
“Cool.”
“How did you meet him?”
“He hosted this charity thing my Mom dragged me to. I was talking to him, and he thought I might be an asset at their new hotel.”
“Holy shit.”
“I won a raffle, too. A Macy’s shopping spree, season tickets to the Knicks, and dinner with him at his favorite restaurant.”
“And here I was feeling bad for you!”
“Did you talk to him at the photo shoot?”
“Not personally, but he had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. I guess he’s actually a pretty nice guy despite everything.”
“Despite what?”
“I don’t know. Having all that money and being sexy as hell.”
“What was the article about?”
“It was for the Annual All American Bachelors Special. He was on the cover.”
“Oh god. This isn’t helping my nerves.”
“I’d be shitting it, too, if I were you.”
“What do I need to know about him? Anything you can remember that stood out?”
“You didn’t Google him?”
“Not yet. I didn’t have a chan-”
“You’re such an amateur! You don’t go interview with an egomaniac without Googling them first!”
“I thought you said he was a decent guy?”
“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love himself. Of course, he loves himself! Why wouldn’t he? Everyone else does!”
“Okay, okay. I get it. I’ll Google him,” I said. “Tell me what you know anyway.”
“I know he’s divorced. His ex is like besties with some famous actress or something.”
“Okay, but what about him?”
“I know he dropped out of college to start his business which is worth something ridiculous. He’s been on the Rich List every year since he was thirty two.”
“What else?”
“The girls in wardrobe went on and on about how good he smelled for days.”
“That’s helpful. I’ll be sure to give him a good sniff during the interview.”
“Hey you asked.”
“I know, and I do appreciate you telling me what you know.”
“I’m not saying you should sniff him,” she said. “But I would definitely make sure you’re groomed to within an inch of your life and that you don’t smell so bad yourself.”
“I think that’s weird.”
“Do what you want. I’m just saying this guy doesn’t have to be around anyone he doesn’t want to be around, so it wouldn’t kill you to look extra easy on the eyes.”
“I want him to think I’m competent.”
“Of course you do. But guys like him aren’t attracted to humility. If you’re not confident and gorgeous, you won’t even register on his radar. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Sure, but I don’t really expect to get the job. I’m mostly expecting it to be good practice for interviews in the future.”
“Don’t say that, Elle. This could be the biggest opportunity ever!”
“I know. Jeez.”
“So don’t blow it.”
“I won’t.”
“Working for him could set you up for life. You have no idea.”
“I guess I don’t.”
“Do whatever it takes to get that job.”
“Okay,” I said. “I will.”
Chapter 6: Will
Frank was only a few steps behind me when I placed my racket on the patio table.
“Are you sick of it yet?”
He took a seat next to me. “Sick of what?”
I smiled. “Getting whooped by me.”
“Yeah, actually I am. I haven’t beaten you since-”
“April I think it was?”
“We could always switch to golf.” Frank pulled his sweaty t-shirt away from his chest. “Then I’d get to taste victory again.”
“Your tennis needs work if we’re ever going to beat those pricks from Wesleyan.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“Cause I hate to lose, Frank. Especially to pricks.”
A young doe-eyed waitress with her hair pulled back arrived beside our table. “What can I get you gentlemen?”
“Two Peroni and a plate of sandwiches,” I said.
“Of course, Mr. Abbott.” She tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear.
“And an order of those fries with the Cajun spices, please.”
“Coming right up, Mr. Reynolds.”
I watched her walk away, but it did nothing for me. She had no curves to speak of.
“Cute little ass on her, don’t you think?” Frank asked.
“She’s shaped like a little boy.”
He shrugged. “I would anyway.”
I shook my head. “How can you eat fries after you exercise?”
“I’m starving. Becky’s on a diet again, and I’ve been eating bird seed all week.”
“Bird seed?”
“Flax. I don’t know. Some shit that gives her gas.”
“Charming.”
“Speaking of which. We’re having a dinner party next weekend- flax free. Will you come?”
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Why not?”
“Cause I can’t trust you guys anymore after that last charade.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Are you kidding?” I leaned back in my chair. “Becky blatantly invited all her single friends and me. It was an ambush.”
“How was she supposed to know you’d already pissed two of them off?”
“For the record, those money grabbing maniacs pissed me off. They were the two highest maintenance women I’ve ever taken out. I have no reason to think the rest of your wife’s friends are any different.”
“The food was good though.”
“Yeah, it was. But I can get Viccino’s anytime I want, can’t I? Without having to watch my wallet or my mouth?”
“Your mouth?”
“Don’t pretend you ever speak your mind in front of those women. Becky’s friends are the unofficial gossip mill of New York. It’s not safe for a guy like me to even be around them.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“Yes it is. I have to protect what little privacy I have which means I’ve no interest in touching any of those social climbers with a ten foot pole.”
He rolled his eyes.
“Honestly, if I wanted your wife to know everything about my sex life, I’d just sleep with her myself.”
“Fuck off. You don’t have to say that just to get out of coming to dinner.”
The waitress showed up with our drinks, our food, and a pitcher of ice water.
“Thanks.” I checked her name tag. “Marion, is it?”
She blushed. “Yes, sir.”
“Thanks, Marion,” I said again.
“Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?”
“No. I think we’re all set.” I didn’t bother watching her walk away this time.
“Do you always have to flirt with the waitress?” Frank asked when she was out of ear shot.
“I was just being polite.”
“Sure you were. She turned red as a tomato.”
“That’s because women are defenseless to my good looks. I can’t help it. It’s a curse.”
“Whatever. If you’re all that irresistible why haven’t you gotten back out there and started dating?”
“No one has peaked my interest.”
“Bull shit.” He grabbed a handful of fries. “Are you still sleeping with Laura?”
I stuffed a finger sandwich in my mouth.
“Jesus, Will. Why?”
“Why not?”
“Cause you can’t move on if you’re still fucking your ex. Even teenagers know that.”
I shrugged. “It’s easy, and there are no surprises. Plus, it doesn’t distract me from my work cause she doesn’t want anything else from me.”
“That’s cold, man. You’re cold.”
“That’s what she said.”
He lifted his beer to his lips. “What are you talking about?”
“She said I’m incapable of love.”
“What a bitch.”
It bothered me to hear him call Laura a bitch, but I let it slide. After all, he only ever heard about her when she was shitty to me.
I poured some ice water into our glasses. “She thinks I don’t even know what love is and that all I do is think about myself and my work.”
“Well those things might be true.”
I set the pitcher down and looked at him. “I’m listening.”
“All you think about is yourself and your work- but as far as not knowing what love is- I think that’s only because
you haven’t found it yet.” He leaned back in his chair. “Personally, I don’t think anyone really knows what love is until they find it.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’m serious.”
“So you don’t think I ever loved Laura either?”
“I think you loved Laura for the same reason you love your job.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“Because she’s challenging, and you love a challenge.”
“Hmmm.”
“But there’s nothing challenging about fucking your sex obsessed ex-wife. That’s why I’m surprised you’re still even interested in doing that.”
“It’s only temporary. I’m not looking for anything serious right now. I have too much going on.”
“I’m not saying you have to get into anything serious. I’m just saying you ought to get back out there and have a little fun.”
“I understand.”
“With someone else.”
“Right.”
“Who doesn’t have a long history of screwing you.”
“That’s enough.”
“How was the benefit last night?”
“Good. Sorry you couldn’t make it.”
“Emily got my note though, right?”
“Yeah. The time share in Napa is all yours. I’m sure Emily will have the contracts over to you first thing next week.”
“Great. Anyone choke on any horderves this time?”
“No. We make them smaller now.”
He shook his head. “God. Some idiot always has to ruin it for everyone else. So nothing interesting happened then?”
“Not really, but I may have met someone that might be a good hire.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah. Recent college grad.” I didn’t know why I was telling him about Ella. Did I want to talk about her that badly?
“A college grad?”
“Yeah. I might bring her on if I think she’s got potential.”
“Well that explains it.”
“What?”
“It’s a chick.”
“She’s a young woman.”
“I bet she is. Fresh out of college. Probably all bright eyed and eager to please.”
“Hopefully.”
“What a nice thing for you to do.” The sarcasm in his voice was thick.
“It’s sort of an experiment.”
“About how long it takes you to get in her pants?”
“No, actually.” He was annoying me now. “I want to see if she’s easier to train because she won’t have picked up a bunch of bad habits from previous employers.”