Don't Fear Mr. Reaper

2

"My expectations for you would be simple. Keep my appointments, take notes on my behalf during meetings, organize contracts, and most importantly, serve as the first point of contact for my business partners. Can you do that?"

I nodded slowly, watching Mr. Reaper closely as he twirled a pen between his fingers. His hands were large, almost burly. Not the kind of hands one would expect to be attached to a CEO. However, they suited him and his stature. He was easily 6'2", if not taller. His shoulders were broad and tapered down perfectly to a chiseled torso that was obvious even beneath his button-up shirt. He was olive complected, reminiscent of someone from Italy or perhaps Greece, matching his thick black hair that was just long enough to appear slightly tousled. His darker features made for a stark contrast to his bright white smile and icy blue eyes. He was no doubt what many would consider handsome, myself included. 

"Do you have any questions for me then?" The deep rumble of his voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Oh, I, um... I don't think so, sir."

He shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Do not stammer, Miss Khol. Not only is it unbecoming of a woman as beautiful as yourself, but it would appear horrifically unprofessional to my peers."

"Oh, yes. Of course, sir. Um, I-I'm sorry. Shit. Oh no! No, no. Please forgive me, I promise to watch my-"

"Stand up." 

My heart sank as I slowly stood from my chair. Great. Way to go. "I'm so sorry, sir. I really-"

"Silence." His jaw muscle began to twitch as he stared me down for a moment, examining. I swallowed hard, frantically glancing out the floor to ceiling windows beyond him that revealed a completely unobstructed view of the city below. "Look at me."

My eyes flickered back to meet his. "I like you, Miss Khol. I'd like to offer you the position as my new secretary however, you've got some... polishing that needs to be done first."

"Yes, sir. I completely understand, I-" He raised his hand to quiet me once again.

"I'm not finished... Being my secretary will be no easy task, and to be frank, you are by no means qualified to do it. However, I want to give you a chance. But understand this, Miss Khol-" in a moment, he closed all space between us, coming so close I could smell more than the musk of his cologne, but I picked up on the subtle smokiness of a Cuban cigar mixed with fresh linens. "I do not give chances like this freely." I could feel his breath brush across my cheeks that threatened to burst into flame.

"I understand." A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he gently grabbed my hand, lifting it towards him. I felt panic build inside me rapidly until he pressed a pen into my palm, cold and heavy like ice. He turned away and gestured to a contract sitting on his desk. The paper seemed to beckon me towards it like it knew me and had been waiting for me for a very, very long time.

"Excellent. Please sign here then, acknowledging that you understand and agree to your new responsibilities."

*    *    *    *    *    *

I relished in freeing my long, auburn hair from its wretched bun, punching the crosswalk button. I couldn't help the smile that lingered on my lips. I did it, I got the job. Glancing down, I gave my leather binder a slap of gratitude. My father would've been so proud and the thought made my heart warm.

As I jogged across the street, I felt as if I could conquer the entire world if I wanted. Everything was before me, limitless possibilities, a horizon of options all wide open doors, reaching out to me. This was just the beginning, today was the start of the life I had always dreamed of. Right here, right now, right in my grasp-