You Never Knew

Chapter 5

I adjusted my black suit and made sure my sheer, white blouse was still spotless. I had brought an extra top with me, just in case, as well as a pair of flats if my feet would start protesting against my high, black heels.

I was feeling confident and ready!

When the elevator stopped, I took one last deep breath before stepping out into a spacious hallway. To my left was a large elegant reception.

"Hi, I'm Kiara Clarke", I said as I walked up to the desk. "I'm starting as an assistant here today."

"Good morning Kiara! It's very nice to meet you!

I'm James." He looked to be roughly my age, with a sweet smile and shiny, light-brown hair. "The other Wavers are gathered in the White room – straight across the corridor to your right."

"Thank you, have a nice day!" My heels echoed against the shiny stone floor. There was a large window next to the door into the conference room. I decided to take a peek before entering.

There was already at least 40 other people in the room. Some mingling with each other, some standing on their own – looking nervous as hell!

A pretty blonde was carefully adjusting her lipstick. Two women by the far window had already found each other and was laughing together. One stern looking man stood by the coffee thermoses talking to...

Oh no!

I stared and my whole body froze. I instinctively leaned in closer to the glass, hoping that my eyes had deceived me.

No. No. No. No!

I took a step back and muffled a screech with my hand.

Shit!

I stared in horror at his broad shoulders and strong jawline. His hair just long enough to curl against his collar.

What is HE doing here?!

I could feel the panic wash over me and I took an uneasy step back. My brain quickly narrowed his presence in the room down to two options – assistant or manger. Meaning he was either my competition, or my boss.

Neither was a good option.

Oh to hell with it!

I had come too far to let anything, even him, stop me now. I took one last deep breath, and walked into the room as if I didn't have a care in the world.

I placed my things down on one of the chairs and decided it was best to get it over with. I turned and walked over towards the snacks table were the coffee thermoses was located.

"Good morning!" My tone was light and perky as I greeted the two men standing there. I grabbed an empty coffee mug.

"You...?"

I could see his face change, as a whole range of emotions seemed to bubble just underneath the surface.

I filled my mug and poured in some milk before turning towards the man standing beside him, feeling that I needed another moment before I could face him. "Kiara Clarke."

The man shook my hand with a firm and assertive grip. "Tom Johnstone, manager."

I turned, suppressing my nervousness and smiling at the man I'd been entangled with merely a few hours ago.

I stretched out my hand towards him, looking straight into his warm brown eyes. "Kiara Clarke."

He took my hand in his, a firm grip that sent unwanted shivers down my spine. All my brain could process was exactly how goods his hands had felt last night.

"Finian Summer." A cool smile spread across his face and his arousing scent had all my senses on alert. "Finn is fine."

He gently graced my hand with his thumb and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

I was in trouble.

Suddenly something caught my eye. A dash of red whirlwind into the room, followed by an enormous bodyguard

"Good morning everyone! Please take a seat." No other than Jessica Clarke had entered the room.

Finn released my hand and walked to his seat across the room. I tried to brush myself off and headed towards my chair. A bit star struck I concentrated on the woman in front of me.

"As you probably all know – I am Jessica Clarke, CEO of Clarke corp. And I am sure you are all wondering – what is SHE doing here?!" A low chuckle spread across the audience in the room.

"Here is why: I would not be where I am today without hard work and dedication. But I also would not be here without the support of amazing employees across the corporation. Therefore, I always make sure to attend the start of the Wave. Because I want to feel the excitement vibration from you, want to remember how it all started."

She holds herself with such poise and grace, yet it's very clear that this is person that you do not want to cross.

"You have one month until the first cut. I hardly think I need to remind you what are at stake here." Her sharp dark green eyes scanning the room. "I will hand over to Matteo Matthews, executive management coordinator, and he will run the details past you."

She glance one last time across the room, making eye contact with as many as possible. "Good luck."

She and her bodyguard leave, making place for a man in his early fifties with a thick dark moustache and a gentle yet concentrated look.

"Good morning! As Jessica explained, I'm Matteo Matthews." He gives us a wry smile. "Welcome to the  Wave!"

❦

"I can't believe we are finally here! I'm so excited. Aren't you excited? I'm so excited!"

I laugh and feel the joy from Jennie Brown's overly positive energy wash over me. I had been teamed up with her for the coming week and figured I'd either strangle her for being so over the top, or simply go along with it.

The rules of the Wave were simple. The first month was all about putting your head down and work!

Whatever the department needed - we were to provide it.

Each week the assigned team mate and department changed. By the end of the month, a large number of us would be cut.

"..and I loooooove that they assigned us to one of the finance departments first. I'm so into numbers!" Jennie continues to talk a I glance over at Finn, walking a few steps in front of us. His tall frame demanding such presence in the hall.

I had been so relieved not the be teamed with him. Sooner or later we would have to cooperate and I was already dreading it.

His smouldering brown eyes met mine and I could feel my pulse picking up speed.

How can he affect me so much? It was only a one night stand... right?

*****

A/N:
What are the odds?! And how will they handle working together?

Say hi to Jessica! She is like a bubbling, spring meadow filled with irritatingly cute birds that will not stop chirping. 

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