The Promotion

Chapter Five

The paperwork with Viv felt endless. I was surprised by how much there was to read and sign. By the time I made my way back to my desk, it was already six in the evening and dark outside.

My thoughts kept circling back to the interview. It had been too strange. Three questions. Ten minutes. Job offered. For a role that important, it barely felt like an interview at all. I'd been grilled more thoroughly when I first joined the company. Something about it didn't sit right, and an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.

When I reached my desk, Sarah was still there, lost in her own world.

"Sarah? What are you still doing here?"

She snapped out of it. "I was waiting for you. So—how was it?"

"Well," I said, unable to hide my excitement, "I got the job."

She gasped, shooting out of her chair and wrapping me in a tight hug.
"I knew it! Congratulations!"

I laughed and wriggled free. "Thank you. But... I have a weird feeling about it."

"What? Why?" she asked, frowning.

"The interview was strange. Three questions, then ten minutes later they offered me the job. I didn't even get to talk properly about my skills or why I wanted it."

Sarah stared at me like I'd grown another head. "Are you serious? Who cares? You got the job. That's what matters. Now come on—let's celebrate."

"Sarah, stop," I said, laughing despite myself. "This isn't just any job. Don't you think it's odd they didn't even check if I was right for it?"

She sighed and put her hands on my shoulders. "You're overthinking. You've earned this. Be happy. Try it—if it's not right, you can always leave."

I considered her words. Maybe she was right. I had the job. I should be happy.

"So," I said, lifting my brows, "which club are we celebrating at?"

Her face lit up. "Now you're talking. Let's get drunk."

I laughed. "First, I need to go home and tell Calum. I don't know if he'll be happy for me—"

"Who cares?" she cut in, grabbing her things. "Tell him. If he wants to come, fine. If not, forget him."

I grabbed my bag and followed her out.

⸻

Driving home, excitement bubbled inside me. Any doubts I'd had earlier faded. Sarah was right—this was something to celebrate.

When I walked into the apartment, Calum was on the couch. My mood was high, happiness coursing through me.

I dropped my bag and crept up behind him, resting my hands on his shoulders and pressing soft kisses along his neck.

"Guess what?" I murmured.

"Babe, what are you doing?" he mumbled.

I moved around and sat on his lap, wrapping my legs around him, arms looping around his neck. I brushed my lips against his.

"I said... guess what."

"What?" he asked, pulling me closer.

I smiled, meeting his eyes. "I got the promotion. I start Monday. I'm the new personal assistant to Alexander Pierce."

I leaned in to kiss him again—but his arms fell away.

"You applied?" he asked, confused.

My smile faltered. "What do you mean?"

"This job," he said flatly. "You'll just be running around after some rich twat who can't do anything for himself."

I froze.

"You cannot be serious," I said, climbing off his lap. "I told you—it's an important role."

"I don't want you doing this," he snapped. "You didn't even tell me you applied."

I stared at him, disbelief flooding in.
"I just got a promotion, and you can't even be happy for me? You know what—I am happy. And I'm going out to celebrate."

I stormed into the bedroom and got ready. Twenty minutes later, I left without another word.

I called a taxi and met Sarah at the club, still fuming. Tonight, I planned to drink everything away.

"Ready to get absolutely hammered?" I squealed, throwing my arms around her.

"Yes!" she laughed. "Did you tell Calum?"

"Calum-free zone tonight," I said. "Let's go."

The club swallowed us whole—loud music, flashing lights, the bass vibrating through my body. We ordered shots at the bar, then headed straight to the dance floor.

The night blurred into dancing and drinking. At some point, I lost Sarah. As I searched the crowd, my eyes landed on a familiar face.

Him.

The mystery guy.

He looked even better tonight, somehow. When his eyes met mine, he smiled warmly.

"You again!" I shouted over the music.

"We meet again," he replied. "How are you?"

"I got the job," I blurted.

"No way—congratulations!" he said. "Let me get you a drink."

I nodded. At the bar, the cocktail disappeared in seconds, followed by shots.

"Dance with me?" I asked boldly.

On the dance floor, we moved closer as the music took over. Soon our bodies were pressed together, arms wrapped around each other, moving in sync.

At some point, I turned, my back against his chest. His hands felt steady, warm. In one smooth motion, he spun me around so we were face to face.

Everything seemed to slow. His eyes locked onto mine, the noise fading into the background. My breath caught.

And then we kissed.

I pulled back for a split second—then kissed him again, longer this time. The world melted away as the music pulsed around us, my body moving against his.

For the first time in a long while, I felt free.

This night—
this night—was one I knew I'd never forget.

A/N

Calum not being supportive of the promotion... red flag? Why do you think Calum is being like this?

And mystery guy is back! And this time it looks like it's getting steamy between him and Louisa...

But was she right in letting herself go and kissing him...

Share, comment and vote!

Love _xxAMxx