Behind the CEO

Chapter 7

"I've been meaning to ask you something, Ms. Anderson." Jonathan chuckled as they were sitting at the table in her office. The paper work was somewhat scattered all over the table.

"New day, new question." Taylor said, not surprised in the slightest. She rolled her eyes. "Is this question work related?"

"I told you before, smart people ask questions." He reminded her. "And yes, it is work related."

"If by smart, you mean annoying? Yes, I agree."

"Aaw!" Jonathan pouted, pretending to be hurt. "You find my questions to be annoying?"

"No, not your questions. Just you."

"But I'm the one asking the questions." Jonathan pointed out, knowing very well that he was pushing her buttons. He did it everyday. Every single day Jonathan said something to her that none of her other employees would even think of saying. He just wanted to get a reaction out of her. He wanted to know how far he could push his boss- mainly because he knew that no one else at Parkwood had the balls to do it. It was amusing to him to see how annoyed she became.

"If you really thought that I was annoying, you'd fire me." Jonathan said boldly. He had a good feeling that no matter what he said that she wouldn't fire him. It was risky but he had a good feeling! He was the best employee she had- she couldn't afford to get rid of him.

"Ask your question before I put you out of my office." Taylor threatened.

"Just your office? Why not the entire building?" He smirked.

"Do not tempt me, Carter." Taylor warned. "Ask before you really irritate me and I'm forced to."

"Why'd you choose construction of all things?" Taylor's ears perked at the question. She stopped writing as her heart begin to beat a bit faster. She was frozen in place, but her heart was pounding through her chest. It wasn't because of the answer, it was simply because Jonathan, of all people asked her. He wanted to know why she chose construction and contracting. He asked tons of questions since she hired him. She knew that his questions were just to get on her nerves.

This question in particular, it was complex. A question, with a simple answer. It was a question she felt like one would ask when trying to truly get to know and understand a person. It wasn't like the other questions he asked. She could confirm this, knowing every other question he asked her. "Excuse me?" She finally stop flipping through the folder and looked up at him.

"Out of all the professions to pick, why construction and contracting?" Jonathan asked.

"Why not?" She challenged.

"Why not? Because you could be a talkshow host or a TV producer, a runway model, an actress, or a beautician- any-"

"So because I am a woman, I have to be-"

"Could be." Jonathan cautiously corrected. "Not have to be."

"Have to be, could be. Your point and the approach, it's all the same. Because I am a woman, hair and make-up is all that I can do? I can't be in the same business a man typical would?"

"That's not what I'm saying-"

"What are you saying?" She pressed, making Jonathan a bit nervous. He was only nervous because he didn't want to offend her. Yes, he genuinely enjoy getting a rise and a reaction out of her. He only wanted her to crack a bit, smile and laugh because it was foreign. He never wanted to literally upset her.

"Why do you want to run a construction and contracting company, though? You genuinely find joy in this? I guess being the CEO makes way more money than the others, huh? I would pick this, too." Jonathan figured that Taylor's reasoning would money, like his. When she didn't respond, he was unsure of the answer. She could've remained quiet because he was correct or because she decided not to tell him. It wasn't the first time and he knew that it would't be the last.