In His Fantasies

1. Mr. Castle

Astrea

Today is the day I've been granted an interview with my favorite writer. I've spent months preparing for this, and it seems like everything is going to waste as I stand in front of his office internally debating on whether to walk through those doors. As much as I would like to say I'm ready, I'm not. My nerves are shot, and every breath I take draws me further and further away from reality.

A small gust of wind sends goosebumps across my skin and as I look up to the tall building my heart skips a beat. My eyes land on the bold words spread across the top. The only two words that matter to me right now as they glare back, taunting me, Castle Publishing Inc. It's one of the top publishing companies around and is also owned by a very well-known author.

People would kill to have their books published by this company and here I am closer than most people would ever have the pleasure of being. I guess you could call this luck but with my track record, it won't take long for me to ruin it completely.

It's no surprise that as I prepare myself for this I realize there is no way for me to. I can stand here for hours readying myself but the fact of the matter is, as soon as I step foot into this building all preparation flies out the window along with every ounce of confidence I've mustered as I stand like a scarecrow in front of this office building.

I pull down my dress which has somehow become tighter. Maybe it's me, but I feel like I'm suffocating in this dress. My body heats up as I reach out opening the only thing separating me from my job.

A glass door.

I walk in and fight the urge to scratch at my skin knowing it would lessen the prickling heat that has overcome my body. I push the urge away walking quickly to the front desk.

"Welcome to Castle Inc., how may I help you?" The smiling brunette welcomes me with an enthusiastic smile.

Her smile lights up the room and in turn, causes a drastic drop in my confidence. It only heightens my nerves as I see how easy interaction is for her but I push away those feelings knowing I need to at least look like I know what I came here for.

I need to present myself as if I have a purpose. Confidence is key, I can't let them see me sweat.

"I have a meeting with Mr. Castle." I blunder slightly through my words but shake it off with a forced smile.

"Name, please."

"Astrea Novak."

She nods her head and types on the keyboard. Each click soaks into my mind letting me know I'm one click closer to seeing him. Anxiety riddles me and my palms sweat the longer I keep my hands fisted. I can feel the small jitters just crawling up my skin as I shake my leg dispersing some of the pent-up nervousness.

"Welcome, Ms. Novak. Mr. Castle is waiting for you. Down the hall, black door to the right, two knocks and he will buzz you in."

"Thank you."

She smiles sweetly and bids me good luck.

I turn around and walk to his office. The clack of my heels fills my brain with each step and I finally make it to the door with the words 'KELLEN CASTLE' printed neatly on the front. I knock softly two times before hearing the buzzer and lock click. I jump as the door opens and my eyes shine as the man in question comes into view.

"Come on in. I won't bite."

I step in and my body reacts instantly to his voice. It sends shivers down my spine and my heart rate picks up at the small tremors that course through my veins.

I smile making my way inside and turn back as the door closes.

"Mr. Castle, thank you for having me." I greet him nervously. My hand flies out in front of me and he grins lightly shaking my hand firmly yet with a gentleness that sends my cheeks into a flushed panic.