The Forbidden Affair

A Spark Of Attraction: Before That Night

After my contract wasn't extended, I found myself on the hunt for a new job. Balancing work with a demanding degree wasn't easy, so I needed something that didn't just pay well but actually made those hours enjoyable. That's when I came across an opening at Pear, the well-known tech giant famous for its sleek phones, tablets, and laptops. The idea of working with cutting-edge tech immediately caught my interest. It felt like the ideal fit—a chance to improve my social skills, dive deeper into the world of technology, and earn a decent paycheck along the way.

I sent off my application, and to my excitement, they invited me for an interview. I'd be meeting with the two store managers. But, as luck would have it, I was running late, and by the time I burst through the doors, I was already flustered. The first person I saw was Caleb—someone who, as you'll soon see, would become much more than a casual coworker. He was standing at the front and he was really tall, probably 6'2, a slight smirk tugging at his lips as he watched me nearly trip over my own feet. His eyes sparkled with amused interest, and even in that chaotic moment, I felt a little thrill run through me. Trying to gather myself, I asked where I should go for the interview, feeling his gaze linger just a bit longer than necessary.

"Uh... hi, I'm here for the job interview?" I said, laughing awkwardly as I glanced around. "I was supposed to meet someone named Thobias, but... you're not him, I suppose?"

Caleb chuckled before answering me "Nope, not Thobias" he said with a chuckle and a smirk, his posture and laid back attitude hinted at a big ego. "Just head downstairs; I'll let him know you're here."

Already flustered, I tried to shake off my nerves. I wasn't used to talking to guys I didn't know—especially not one who was so effortlessly flirty. My brain was still spinning from Caleb's smirk as I hurried downstairs, half hoping to clear my head before the interview actually started.

When Thobias finally showed up (even later then I was), he greeted me with a casual smile that instantly set me at ease. His laid-back vibe made me realize that this place didn't take itself too seriously. We got into the usual questions, but soon we were joking around, and it felt surprisingly refreshing.

Just as I was starting to relax, another person barged in—Danny, one of the managers, who was somehow even more chaotic than Thobias. He tripped right into the room, his Pearbook flying out of his hands and crashing onto the floor. Miraculously, it didn't have a scratch on it. Thobias and I burst out laughing, and Danny joined in, shrugging it off like this was just another Tuesday.

After a few more laughs, they sent me off with a "we'll be in touch soon," and sure enough, they were. I got the job! They told me I'd fit right into the team and said they couldn't wait to start working with me—which, as I was about to find out, would be anything but boring. 

About two weeks later, I showed up for my first official day on the job. Remember Caleb? Well, he was on the schedule too. It's company policy to arrive 15 minutes early (and you even get paid for it!), so naturally, everyone was on time... except Caleb. Of course, that just made him stand out even more.

Thobias, who was the manager that day, raised an eyebrow as Caleb strolled in and gave him a playful scolding. "Late again? One more time, and you're done for, Caleb."

I chuckled quietly to myself, and Caleb shot me a casual smirk as he shrugged off his coat, totally unfazed. "Please," he scoffed, loud enough for everyone to hear. "This company would crumble without me. Besides, they're not about to fire me after ten years."

The whole room laughed, but I just blinked in surprise. Ten years? He didn't look a day over 24. How could he have been here for a decade already? I was dying to know how old he really was, but no way was I going to ask in a room full of people, especially since he barely even seemed to notice I existed. Still, as he walked by, he flashed that self-assured grin, looking every bit like someone who believed the place would collapse without him. And who knows? With that confidence, maybe it would.