RC.

Ch2 ...... F

The day has already drown to an end. It went by in a flash!

I worked on several projects that Carter entrusted me with and already have several people to get back to...

I lean back in my chair and take a deep breath.

T:"Ok, you've won this round. I'll work for you Mr. Carter."

I giggle and stand, leaving the office.

                               ◇◇◇

I hadn't even realised that it was dark out. The secretary's already gone.

I see a dim light at the end of the corridor.

Attracted by the light, I decided to walk towards it.

The light is coming from an office. On its door, in capital letters, is written :
RYAN CARTER, CEO.

I gently knock three times on the translucent glass and a masculine voice invites me in.

I lose my nerve at once.

(Relax, Tayla, relax...)

                            ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

As I step into the dimly lit room, I discover Carter at his desk, buried in paperwork.

I can't help finding him sexy, alone, concentrated, in the half-light of the room.

Despite his young age, there's something intimidating about him, a kind of strength, powerful yet worrying.

The city light pierce through the bay window, reflecting off his suit.

Even at the end of the day, he's still impeccable.

(What's hiding behind that apparent
self-control, Mr. Carter...?)

He seems so engrossed in his work that he's forgotten my presence.

I gently clear my throat, discreetly announcing my presence.

He frowns, turning a page over. He lifts his head up at me and his face relaxes.

In his eyes, I see that same arousing intensity that penetrates the deepest parts of me and worms itself into my gut.

Mr. Carter:"So, Miss White, what have you decided?"

T:"To accept your proposition."

Mr. Carter:"It wasn't a proposition."

T:"Let's just pretend it was."

He smiles. His expression isn't that of satisfaction. He probably finds his victory easy. But I'm not gonna make it too easy.

T:"On one condition."

He slowly leans back in his chair, rubbing his chin. His eyes glisten differently.

Amused, he motions for me to go on.

T:"I don't mind playing the secretary for certain things, but you must also entrust me with interesting projects and give me responsibility."

T:"I want to be able to move up, learn at your side. I want my job to mean something."

He straightens up, joining his hands together on his desk.

I wonder if I wasn't a little too cheeky... He could very well send me and my terms flying back down to the 42nd floor.

Mr. Carter:"Very well. From now on you will be available at all times. I want to be able to contact you when I need."

Mr. Carter:"I need to be able to trust you. I aim for excellence, I don't expect a job to be done correctly or acceptably. Mediocrity doesn't interest me."

Mr. Carter:"Your job will include organising galas, choosing restaurants but also dealing with interviews for which I don't have the time."

Mr. Carter:"Reporting back to me on our activities abroad or advising me on my choice of suits."

T:"I will make myself available of course, but not all hours."

Mr. Carter:"I'm not a slave driver, Miss White. But as you step into your office up until you leave this building, you must be available."

Judging by the tone of his voice it's
non-negotiable...

T:"Very well."

T:"Naturally, excellence and my devotion to the job have a price."

I raise an eyebrow looking at him. Playing with fire gets you burned but I can't help it...

Mr. Carter:"What is your price?"

His question totally disarms me... Nobody's ever asked me that before! Generally, people warn you that the salary will be low, to begin with...

T:"Well..."

A smirk comes to his lips.(He's really charming when he smiles...)

T:"50 000 dollars a year."

(Am I really asking for such a sum?)

His smile broadens.

Mr. Carter:"Ah very well. I'll have your contract modified then cause I'll be saving several thousand dollars per year. I had anticipated 60 000..."

I'm dumbstruck! I think I must look like a cooked clam. I've really missed an opportunity to keep my mouth shut! I should have known that talking contracts now was a little risky!

Mr. Carter:"Miss Sparke will bring you your contract, modified, tomorrow morning."

(Cassidy ?! Oh no... She's really the last person I want to see...)

He motions that I may leave.

Mr. Carter:"Have a good evening, Miss White."

T:"You too, sir."

                              ◇◇◇

As I leave his office, I realise that he's just won twice. He's good, too good!

I can tell that working with him isn't gonna be easy but the idea excites me more than it frightens me...