Chapter 4

Once again, what the hell am I doing here? What does he expect me to do? Kiss his ass? Who does he think he is?

"That's my offer, and believe me when I say it's way over my budget, so take it or leave it.""If she doesn't budge now, that's her problem. She's got more than anyone has ever received from me."

"Well, one day. And you'd better work hard the rest of the day, because I've already wasted enough time today. I never fall behind schedule."

It's funny to hear that from him. It's something I'd normally say to my employees.

"I always work hard, so don't worry about that."

—Yes, I've seen it before. Although, to put it more accurately, it wasn't difficult at all. —I see him trying to hide a smile.

"You're already making me regret this,"he said, with that lingering smile on his face."I can't say it as seriously as it was meant to seem."

Upon re-entering the upper floor, I offer to show her her office, which is located directly opposite mine.

"Thank you, but we need to finish the job urgently; let's not waste any more time. I know where it's, and I'm sure I'll find my way there if necessary. We'll both be working together on this new campaign for the rest of the day, so I'll be in your office anyway."

Anyone else I know at this company would have spent their first day organizing their office the way they wanted and would have taken their time getting down to work. Either she's different from everyone else, or she thinks she needs to prove to me quickly that she deserves this job. The way she stormed into my office earlier suggests it's probably the former, which surprises me a little.

"At least take your laptop, you'll need it."

For once, she obeys and quickly enters her office, picks up her laptop from her desk, and approaches me. Watching her, I notice she didn't even glance around her office. She just took a quick look around and found the laptop on her desk.

His office has an incredible view of the city, with a large glass partition just like mine."Are you afraid of heights?"I exclaim as soon as he enters my office.

This question seems to have caught her off guard, as a look of confusion crosses her face."No. Why? Should I? Is it important for this job?"

"No,"I chuckled softly."It's just that I couldn't help but notice that you didn't even glance out your office window, while everyone else stood there in awe of the view."

Shrugging, she replies,"I could, once I finish my work for today, but I've already wasted too much time; I'm not going to waste any more just to look out the window.""I don't know what you were expecting, but certainly not an answer like that. Most of my employees would kill for an office like yours."

I pull up a chair for her to sit next to me, and we start talking about the current project for which I need her. We brainstorm, I tell her my expectations, and she explains why my ideas aren't the best way to use them in marketing and suggests how to improve them.

Until now, our former creative director simply organized all my ideas; no one corrected me. But, to be honest, her approach doesn't bother me at all; on the contrary, I find it fascinating. She's very professional, and her explanations are excellent and inspiring. Listening to her soft, enthusiastic voice is pleasant and very refreshing. Little by little, I understand why my father decided to offer her this job: she's good at it.

She's so engrossed in the project that she doesn't even pay attention to Trish every time I ask her to bring something to drink. Since she didn't even take a break for lunch, I insist that we at least order something to eat later in the afternoon.

"I don't really need anything, it just distracts me while I work."

"Well, I'm hungry, and as your boss, I'm concerned you don't collapse here from not eating, so I insist."

"I wouldn't, but fine, as long as I can work while I eat."

"You haven't taken a break, so relax for a moment and eat.""I can't believe I'm saying this to an employee."

Yes, I did take breaks every time I went to the bathroom. And if it hadn't been for your idiotic behavior this morning, I might have had time to rest.

I can't help but laugh at his response."Is peeing a break? Really? I guess I should tell all my other employees; it would save me a ton of money. Only they'd probably hate me even more than you did this morning."

Hey, I went to the bathroom four times. Let's say, with washing my hands, that's about five or six minutes per pee, which adds up to between twenty and twenty-four minutes. Besides, the time lost this morning is more than enough for a break.

One minute this girl drives me crazy, and the next she amuses me or even surprises me.

Although we should have been way behind schedule, she has managed to catch up almost completely on time and even do things better than she had planned.

As soon as our Chinese noodles arrive, I insist we sit at the other table in my office, because I've the feeling I'd be working instead of eating. The room falls silent as we both devour our food. I can't help but notice and watch as she closes her eyes while enjoying her meal. It almost makes me forget to eat mine.

"What?"he asks when he catches me.

—Mmm... nothing, it's just... well... I've never seen anyone enjoy Chinese noodles so much. Good thing I ordered them. —Was I stuttering at the beginning of the sentence? Well, I guess being caught staring at someone can be embarrassing, that must be why.

"Well, these are the best Chinese noodles I've ever had. Perhaps you could give me the address so I can order some myself in the future,"she pleads.

"I'll think about it,"I say jokingly.

"Yes, I'm sure you're thinking about how to pay me back. Thanks, but no thanks. I'd rather stick with my Chinese takeout. I'm not going to end up on my knees in front of you like I did this morning, Trish."

My eyes automatically go to her full, pink lips, and an image of her kneeling before me flashes through my mind. What the hell?

No, I don't mix work with my personal life, and I certainly don't want this girl around; she's driving me crazy. Even though the thought of her gives me goosebumps. Sighing, I get up, walk around my desk, take out my restaurant card, and throw it on the table in front of her.

"Here, you don't have to wreck your knees in front of me. Asking politely would have been enough,"I said through gritted teeth.

She hands me back the card. - I asked you nicely... - she stops.

—What? Bastard? Piece of shit? Idiot? Another word?—My voice comes out louder than I intended.

"Yes, all of that would be fine."

Well, things escalated quickly. From eating peacefully to shouting at us in a matter of minutes. Just when I thought we were starting to get along, she had to revert to her old ways. Maybe I could have been a little nicer and given her the card instead of throwing it at her. But she started this whole mess, with that refund nonsense.