Читать книгу Seduced by the CEO - Pamela Yaye - Страница 10

Chapter 2

Jariah sat at the conference room table inside Morretti Inc. mentally preparing for her interview. Her heart was beating so loud and fast she feared she would collapse. As Jariah waited for the Human Resources Director to arrive, she straightened her dress and assessed her look. Jariah was excited about the account manager position, but worried her nerves would get the best of her and she’d trip all over her words.

Glancing around the conference room, she took in the tasteful paintings, the leafy plants positioned beside the window and the low-hanging lights. I have to nail this interview. I need this job and the salary even more. Jariah had been out of work for months, and pounding the pavement had yet to produce any results. Teaching aerobic classes at Premier Fitness was great fun, and she loved seeing her students’ progress each week, but the paycheck just wasn’t cutting it. Her bills were piling up, and Jariah feared if she didn’t land a full-time position soon she’d have to dip into her emergency fund.

And what will I do once that runs out? Jariah told herself not to imagine the worst possible scenario—the one with her losing her home and crawling back to her ex-fiancé. It didn’t matter what Wesley said. She would make it without him, and when she did, she’d finally be able to give her daughter, Ava, the life she’d always dreamed of. And she didn’t need Wesley or anyone else to help make it happen.

Turning her face toward the window, she closed her eyes and allowed the sunshine raining down from the morning sky to calm her fears. Jariah felt herself relax, felt the tension radiating through her cold, chilled body recede. Hearing her cell phone vibrate from inside her purse, Jariah slid a hand into the side pocket and took out her BlackBerry. Jariah had three new text messages from Wesley, and each one was more annoying than the last. He was furious that she had refused to get back together with him. So he’d been blowing up her phone for weeks, his cruel taunts only proved how immature he was.

Switching off her cell phone, she dropped it inside her purse, and sat back comfortably in her leather wingback chair. Jariah was sick of Wesley’s superior, know-it-all attitude and she refused to take any of his calls.

Wesley Covington, the twenty-nine-year-old chief administrative deputy making waves from Orange County to Capitol Hill, was not only the father of her daughter, but an overgrown child himself. The Ivy League graduate had the power to ruin a perfectly good day, and as Jariah thought about the messages he’d sent her, she wondered for the umpteenth time what she’d ever seen in the privileged mama’s boy.

Why can’t I meet a nice guy? Jariah wondered, releasing a troubled sigh. Someone sweet, chivalrous and romantic, who was good with kids. Hoping the man upstairs was listening, she stared up at the ceiling pitifully, as if that would seal the deal. A little chemistry would be nice, too, she thought with a fervent nod of her head. Since calling it quits with Wesley eight months ago, Jariah had been on dozens of dates but none of the guys she met excited her.

A picture of a tall, gorgeous guy with intense eyes and curly hair sprang in her mind. As Jariah sat there, thinking about the hottie who’d approached her at Javalicious on Friday, she inwardly chastised herself for not giving him her phone number. Why? her inner voice questioned. He’s a player who’s probably bedded more women than Hugh Hefner!

Hearing a sharp knock on the door, she shot to her feet and adjusted her Donna Karen dress. The door opened, and Jariah stood there, dumbfounded. Her lips parted, but nothing came out. What the hell? What is he doing here? It was the guy from Javalicious. The one who’d hit on her, and probably every other woman in the popular café. On Friday, he’d looked handsome in his casual T-shirt and khaki pants, but today he looked like a Hugo Boss model fresh off the runway. Clean-cut, with thick eyebrows, and sideburns, his ebony-black hair a mass of short, tight curls, he carried himself like a man who was used to getting his way in the boardroom and in the bedroom. All arms and legs, he was the height of a basketball player, and had the strong, muscled physique to match.

Her eyes slid greedily down his chiseled body. His shoulders filled out every inch of his lightweight suit jacket, his sky-blue shirt showed off the powerful definition of his upper chest, and his tailored pants hung just so. The man knew how to rock a suit, and smelled as debonair as he looked. He was cool, suave and hot—just like she remembered. He wasn’t the kind of man a woman forgot, and as he crossed the room toward her, Jariah felt a rush of panic. Her palms grew slick with sweat, and if her knees shook any harder her legs would give way.

“We meet again,” the stranger said in a velvety smooth voice. “Jariah, right?”

Taken by his smile and his dreamy scent, all Jariah could do was nod her head. Is this really happening? she wondered. Am I actually standing face-to-face with the guy I blew off two days ago? He was too close, but Jariah didn’t move. Couldn’t, not when he was openly staring at her. The Italian hunk was the sexiest thing on two legs, but something about him still rubbed her the wrong way. Jariah didn’t know anything about the attractive stranger, but she could spot a player a mile away, and this guy was definitely that. His cocksure stance said it all: I’m handsome and charming and I can have any woman I want.

Not me Casanova, so back off!

“I thought that was you. I glanced into the conference room, and there you were.” He slid a hand casually into his pocket, stood there as if he had all the time in the world to shoot the breeze. “Shouldn’t you be at the gym teaching the morning Bootie Camp class?”

“Are you stalking me?”

His eyes gleamed with mischief. “No. Would you like me to?”

Jariah couldn’t think of a witty comeback to put him in his place, so she said nothing.

“I’m just kidding,” he said, holding his hands up in the air, as if he was surrendering to Miami’s finest. “I work here. What’s your story?”

“If you must know, I’m here for a job interview.”

“That’s really great news.”

Baffled by his statement and his enthusiasm, she said, “It is?”

“Absolutely. This place is filled with a bunch of boring, stuffy suits, and it’ll be a nice to have a woman like you around for a change.”

“A woman like me?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’ve got moxie, and I find your honesty refreshing.”

“You don’t know me.”

“Not yet,” he shot back. “But I’m working on it.”

He smelled of expensive cologne, and when he raked a hand through his hair, Jariah wondered what it would be like to play in his dark, thick curls.

“How’s your daughter? Did everything go okay at the dentist on Friday?”

Stunned by the question, Jariah eyed him closely, trying to recall their previous conversation. What is this guy up to? Is it possible that he is stalking me? He didn’t give off that creepy, peeping-tom vibe, but he made her nervous. His questions put her on edge, made her uncomfortable. Before she could put him in his place, the door opened and a skinny brunette wearing designer eyeglasses and a stylish gray pantsuit marched briskly inside.

Stopping abruptly, she said, “Good morning, Mr. Morretti. Is there a problem?”

Jariah didn’t hear the gasp that escaped her lips, but it must have shot out of her mouth in surround-sound because the brunette gave her a funny look.

Touching a hand to her scalding-hot cheeks, Jariah choked down the lump in the back of her throat. This young, ridiculously hot guy owns Morretti Incorporated? Hell, no. No way. It couldn’t be, she argued, refusing to believe it. He was the boss’s son. Had to be. Remembering their conversation on Friday made Jariah wince. I am so screwed. There’s no way I’m getting this job. Not after the way I spoke to him at the coffee shop.

“Please, Mrs. Reddick, call me Nicco.” His eyes were narrowed, as if he was pissed off, but his mouth held a teasing grin. “Save the formalities for Rafael and my father. I’m far more laid-back. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

Jariah wanted to roll her eyes but didn’t. The HR director was wearing a wedding ring the size of a jaw breaker, and was likely in her mid-forties, but she giggled like a kid watching Finding Nemo.

“Mrs. Reddick, if it’s okay with you I’d like to sit in on this interview.”

No, it’s not okay! Jariah screamed inside in her head. She prayed the brunette would show Nicco Morretti the door, but when he flashed one of his wide, panty-wetting smiles at the HR director, she eagerly nodded her head.

“Of course, by all means.” Mrs. Reddick gestured to the conference room table with more flair than a model at the Miami Car Show. “Please, pull up a chair and join us.”

“Can I get you something to drink?” Nicco asked, sliding behind Jariah and holding out her chair. “Coffee? Tea? A glass of wine?”

Jariah felt the compulsion to laugh, but didn’t. Who drinks wine at nine-thirty in the morning? she wondered. I bet he does! Nicco was testing her, but Jariah refused to let the hot-shot businessman unnerve her. Guys like Nicco Morretti—rich, arrogant, womanizers—were a dime a dozen in Miami and hardly her type. It didn’t matter that he had dashing good looks, or more swagger than a championship winning bull fighter. He was just a man, and like her ex, not someone she could ever trust. Nicco Morretti was a charmer, a guy who got off on seducing women and no one could tell her otherwise. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”

Girl, you better lick those lips and hike up that skirt!

Jariah was appalled by the thought that entered her mind. Yes, Nicco Morretti was attractive, and flirting with him certainly wouldn’t hurt her cause, but Jariah wanted to the get the account manager’s job on her own merit. Not because she’d flashed some cleavage at the boss’s son. She wouldn’t do it. No way, no how.

All business, the HR Director sat down with a flourish and opened the manila file folder she’d put down on the round, mahogany table. “Welcome to Morretti Inc., Ms. Brooks. I’m Mrs. Reddick. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

To conceal the fact that she was shaking, Jariah crossed her legs, and clasped her hands around her knees. Taking a deep breath didn’t calm her nerves, and Jariah feared if she tried to speak nothing would come out.

“Tell us about yourself, Ms. Brooks. What would you like us to know about you?”

Releasing the breath she’d been holding, she sat up straighter in her chair. This was her time to shine, to prove that there was more to her than met the eye, and Jariah held nothing back. She told the HR director about her education, her past work experience, and the joy she found in volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program.

“What makes you stand out from your peers?” Mrs. Reddick asked.

“I’m dependable, trustworthy and responsible. I take great pride in my work, and I’m committed to being the best account manager I can be.”

The HR director continued. “What’s your worst character trait?”

That depends on who you ask. My parents think I’m irresponsible, my ex says I’m unreasonable, and his mother is convinced I got pregnant to trap her beloved son. The accusation stung, even after all these years, but Jariah didn’t have time to dwell on her troubled thoughts. “I can be stubborn at times, especially when I’m very passionate about a project, but I’ve never allowed my shortcomings to interfere with my ability to do my job.”

Mrs. Reddick folded her arms rigidly across her chest, and Jariah knew she’d said the wrong thing, but before she could revise her response, the HR director spoke.

“Why should we hire you, Ms. Brooks?”

“Because I’m a dedicated, hard-working professional who thrives under pressure.”

“Mrs. Reddick, if it’s all right with you I’d like to ask Ms. Brooks a few questions.”

Bewildered by Nicco Morretti’s request, Jariah regarded him coolly. This isn’t good, she thought as her heart rate sped up.

“Go ahead, Nicco.” Mrs. Reddick flapped her hands like a bald eagle taking flight. “She’s all yours.”

Leaning forward in his chair, his eyes zeroing in on hers, he was nothing like the sly, flirtatious guy who’d hit on her two days earlier. “Why do you want to work for Morretti Inc.?”

Because I’m an out-of-work single mom, and kids are expensive! Unsure of what to say, Jariah racked her mind for a suitable answer, one that would paint her in a favorable light. Over the past three weeks she’d been on so many interviews it was hard to keep the companies straight, and though she tried, Jariah couldn’t remember anything remarkable about Morretti Inc. But she couldn’t tell the boss’s son that, so she said the first thing that came to mind.

“This is not only a fine opportunity for personal growth and professional advancement, but Morretti Inc. is a place where I feel I can make a difference.” Hearing the nervous quiver in her voice, Jariah paused to take a deep breath. “As an account manager, well versed in finance, book keeping and stock and investment options, I see this position as a perfect fit for me. Because I have excellent time management skills, I’m able to accomplish a lot in a limited amount of time and I have always led by example.”

“Is your significant other supportive of your career ambitions?”

Jariah frowned, and noticed that Mrs. Reddick raised her eyebrows, too. What an odd question. Is that his way of asking me if I have a boyfriend? She expected Mrs. Reddick to come to her rescue, but when the HR director didn’t, Jariah had no choice but to respond. “I’m single,” she said brightly, though she wanted to kick Nicco in the shin for digging around in her personal life. “My daughter is my number one priority right now.”

“Do you have any qualms about working at a male-dominated company?”

“Absolutely not. To be honest, I get along better with men than I do with women.” The second the words left her mouth Jariah regretted them, but to her surprise, Nicco grinned. He looked amused.

“Do you have any questions for me before we conclude today’s interview?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I do.” Jariah held his gaze. For some odd reason seeing the puzzled expression on his face bolstered her courage. “What makes Morretti Inc. different? What sets your company apart from the competition?”

Nicco gave her a long, searching look. “That’s a great question, Ms. Brooks.”

You impressed the boss’s son. You go girl!

“Morretti Inc. has been the leader in the shipping industry for over fifty years, and since expanding our services in the nineties we’re increased our profits by 16 percent. In addition to our shipping, moving and security divisions, we also own condominium properties, car dealerships and a wildly successful restaurant franchise. Have you heard of Dolce Vita?”

Yes, but it’s too expensive for my tastes. “Yes, of course. It’s a celebrity hotspot, and one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Miami.”

Jariah fidgeted with her fingers and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Lying didn’t sit well with her. It troubled her conscience, made her feel like a fraud but she felt compelled to tell Nicco Morretti what he wanted to hear. The interview was going well, better than she’d expected, and she didn’t want to do anything to turn him off. “Can you tell me about your employee development program?”

Mrs. Reddick spoke up. “We have a mandatory, one-week training session for all new employees, monthly webinars and workshops and a tuition reimbursement program for all full-time employees enrolled in university classes.”

“That’s impressive,” Jariah said, meaning every word. “When will you make a decision about the account manager position?”

“By Wednesday.” Mrs. Reddick closed her file folder. “Do you have any other questions?”

Shaking her head, Jariah picked her purse up off the floor and stood to her feet. “Thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule to meet with me this morning.”

“No, thank you for coming.” Nicco stood and gestured to the door. “I’ll walk you out.”

“That won’t be necessary. I remember the way.”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

Stepping forward, Jariah took the hand Nicco offered, and gave it a firm shake. Ignoring the warmth of his touch, she strode through the conference room door with her shoulders squared and her head held high.

* * *

Staring through the glass window, Nicco watched Jariah walk down the hallway with the grace of a woman twice her age. Her sleeveless dress, which clung to each sinuous curve of her body, made Nicco wonder if she’d ever been a model. He imagined her naked, with nothing on but her red patent leather pumps, and all but exploded in his boxers.

Jariah Brooks is all wrong for you. His conscience pointed out. She has a kid, man trouble, and a serious attitude problem, remember? Nicco did, but that didn’t stop him from wanting her. Intelligent, assertive women turned him on, and he enjoyed Jariah’s strong personality and the way she stood up to him. She was definitely a looker, and he liked that she was single...and available.

“What do you think?”

Remembering that he wasn’t alone and that Mrs. Reddick was standing beside him, watching him like a hawk, he turned away from the window and shook off his thoughts. “I think Ms. Brooks would be a great addition to our accounting department, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“You don’t?” Nicco heard the surprise in his voice and coughed to clear his throat. After leaving Javalicious on Friday, Nicco had told himself to forget about Jariah, but the message had failed to reach his brain. All weekend, he’d thought of her and nothing else. Running into her at his office had been a stroke of good luck, and after sitting in on her interview, Nicco was even more intrigued by the single mom with the keen mind and stellar résumé. “I was impressed by her answers and the questions she asked.”

“Ms. Brooks is articulate, and obviously intelligent, but I don’t want to hire anyone who may cause trouble or disrupt the harmony within the accounting department—”

“And you think Ms. Brooks is trouble?”

Mrs. Reddick shoved her papers back into her manila file folder. “I can’t say for sure, but I’d rather not take the chance. And besides, she’s a single mother.”

“What does that have to do with her ability to do the job?”

“In my thirty years of experience in HR, I’ve found single moms to be unreliable, undependable, and often too distracted by personal issues to effectively do their job.”

“That sounds like discrimination, Mrs. Reddick.”

“It’s called selective hiring.”

Her words troubled him, but Nicco decided not to argue with Mrs. Reddick. The HR director was new to Morrretti Inc., but his father trusted her wholeheartedly, and he didn’t want to say anything to ruffle her feathers. “You’re the expert. Do what you think is best,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “Have you hired a new executive assistant for me?”

“Unfortunately, none of the men I’ve interviewed yesterday were up to snuff.”

Stunned, Nicco stared wide-eyed at the HR director. Was Mrs. Reddick off her rocker? What would ever possess her to hire a dude to be his right hand? “Come again?”

“In light of what happened with Ms. O’Conner, your father thought it was best I hire a male assistant to work alongside you, and I agreed.”

“I don’t give a damn what my father thinks,” Nicco snapped, growing annoyed by her condescending tone. He knew what the HR director was implying, and he didn’t like it. “I would prefer working with a woman, so please don’t discriminate against female applicants.”

“I’ll keep your wishes in mind, but I have to do what’s right for the company...”

Nicco raked a hand through his hair. It wasn’t his fault his former assistant, Gracie O’Conner, had developed feelings for him and caused a scene at the company barbecue. Three days later Gracie quit, and when word had got back to company headquarters about the incident his father, Arturo, had reamed him out in English and Italian.

His thoughts slid back to the past. Nicco loved everything about women—their strength, their femininity, the way they smelled and looked and moved. But they were also the most cunning, calculating people on the face of the planet. One night, after too many glasses of Cristal, he’d slept with Gracie. The next morning he’d apologized and made it clear that they could never be more than friends, but like all of the other women in his past she’d foolishly thought she could change him. When that didn’t work, she threatened to sue him for sexual harassment. To keep her quiet, and their family name out of the tabloids, his father had quietly paid her off.

The muscles in his jaw tightened. Every time he thought about how Gracie had screwed him over, he burned inside. Why did women view him as their meal ticket?

He didn’t want to rock the boat or piss off Mrs. Reddick, but he wasn’t sold on having a male executive assistant. He needed someone strong and assertive who spoke her mind. Someone like... A light went off in his head. “I want Ms. Brooks.”

Mrs. Reddick gasped. “Excuse me?”

“I want Ms. Brooks to be my new executive assistant.”

“But she applied for the account manager job.”

“I know, but since you’re not hiring her for the position, I’d like her to work for me,” he said, keeping his tone casual, despite his growing excitement. “Not only does Ms. Brooks have marketing training, she also has extensive experience working with start-up companies, and I bet she has great ideas on how to trim costs without sacrificing value and quality.”

Mrs. Reddick pursed her thin lips. “I’ve been an HR director for more than three decades,” she reminded him. “My gut instinct is that Ms. Brooks isn’t the right fit for this company.”

Nicco dismissed her words with a shake of his head. For some unexplainable reason, he wanted to help the out-of-work single mom. Other women like Gracie enjoyed living off men, but Jariah was independent and charitable, and he admired her ambition. After reading her curriculum vitae, he felt that she’d be a great addition to the Morretti Inc. family. He didn’t care what Mrs. Reddick thought. He was hiring Jariah, and that was that. “With all due respect, Mrs. Reddick, I’m quite capable of hiring my own executive assistant.”

“Ms. Brooks is a university graduate, with years of experience working in finance,” she said matter-of-factly. “Being an EA is beneath her. She won’t take the position.”

“She will.” Nicco adjusted his tie and flashed a broad grin. “Because I’m going to make Ms. Brooks an offer she can’t refuse.”