Behind The Bright Lights

Chapter 2

Kimmy could almost swear there was lightning when her eyes met the grey of Nate's... and thunder? Yes, definitely thunder or was it just her accelerated heartbeat? She wasn't sure. She had seen Nate Kanon before on TV but none of it prepared her for this unbelievably good looking, sexy man who was sitting behind the desk looking at her with that intense gaze that made her want to crawl under something. Jet black cropped hair which was a little messy, smoky grey eyes that had her mesmerized, expansive chest... Kimmy wanted to cry. She had never seen such a beautiful man in all her existence- and he was giving her a chance to be on his show- her eyes moistened but before she could cry, she cleared her throat and walked in closing the door behind her. When she reached his desk, she opened her mouth to introduce herself but he beat her to it.

'Yes? How may I help you?' Nate said professionally in a deep baritone. She shrunk a little.

'Good morning, Mr. Kanon. I'm Kimmy Edga,' she was pleased that her voice was firm, His gaze narrowed. 'The stylist?' she stretched out her hand for a handshake- she even smiled despite her nervousness.

He stood up and reached out to take her hand in his. His hand was warm and soft...and big. She shrunk a little more.

'Yes, of course. It's nice to meet you. Please, sit.' Nate offered releasing her hand.

'Thank you.' She said sitting down awkwardly in one of the mauve colored cushioned chairs.

'I apologize, Miss Edga, Rocki didn't exactly tell me much about you or why she was so eager to have you as her stylist but I'm hoping that should be cleared as soon as I look at your work.' Nate got down to business immediately. She was on the verge of replying when he continued, 'But you must understand that if your resume does not satisfy me I might have to reconsider having you on my show.'

'I understand that completely, sir and it's an honor to even be considered for your show.' She responded feeling a little breathless. She just couldn't believe she was here... all thanks to Rocki.

'I'm glad we understand that.' He smiled and Kimmy was mesmerized by it. Gorgeous straight white teeth, she smiled back. 'Your resume, please?'

'Yes, of course.' She reached into her big bag and pulled out a thin portfolio and hesitated before handing it to him.

'Nervous?' Nate asked with another smile. So he had noticed her hesitation.

'A little.' She lied. This was her first time doing a thing like this. She had never been confident enough. All she did was design for people her came privately to her and she worked on credit and so far it had been working until she met Rocki. Opposite her, Nate opened the portfolio slowly. She tapped her foot on the floor waiting for his reaction but he kept his expression perfectly schooled showing no surprise or disapproval or approval - nothing at all. He flipped another page still maintaining a neutral expression. Her anxiety grew and when Nate glanced at her briefly, she realized the tapping had become loud and she stopped immediately.

'It says here that you are twenty seven years old.' He looked up from her portfolio raising an eyebrow. 'Is that correct?'

Puzzled, Kimmy answered 'Yes, of course.' He nodded and continued reading. Did she look older? Urgh! She knew this dress made her look older but Chase had approved but then again Chase could do anything to jeopardize her career. She sighed and set him out of her mind.

Nate couldn't believe the young nervous girl sitting opposite him and looking at him anxiously was twenty seven. She looked about twenty even eighteen! But her work told another story. When he looked at it, the words amateur, stranger, mystery or childlike were flushed down the toilet. It was amazing, exceptional, unique, classy, beautiful...and yeah, maybe a little childlike but in the most amazing way. He flipped another page and, from the corner of his eye, saw her shifting position then almost immediately, the door opened and they both turned to look at the new comer.