Five days. Just five days, and I’ll get my first paycheck.
God, I can’t wait.
Every time I think about it, excitement fills my chest. Sure, it’s not my actual first paycheck, but this one feels different. It’s not part-time but permanent, and that makes all the difference.
I’ll save up for three months, then I’ll be able to get a bigger apartment. After that’s done, I plan on padding my savings account again.
“What’s that smile for?” Denise asks when she takes a seat behind the reception counter.
“Dreaming about my first paycheck,” I grin at her.
Putting in her earpiece, her smile matches mine. “I still remember mine. I spent it all on clothes and makeup.”
“That must’ve been so much fun.”
Will Gillen, who I think is some kind of assistant to Liam Byrne, places his hands on the counter, and leaning forward, he asks, “What was fun?”
He’s the only executive who’s actually down to earth, and his smile is always warm.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Denise teases him, her dark eyes sparkling brighter than usual.
Hmm…
“Teasin’ me again?” Will murmurs as he leans closer to her. “One of these days…” With a wink at Denise, he walks away from the counter.
I can’t keep the huge smile off my face as I widen my eyes at her. “What’s that about?”
Denise shrugs, but her face is shining with happiness. “Maybe something, maybe nothing,” she answers vaguely.
“Oh, that’s a whole lot of something,” I tease her. The internal line rings, and I quickly answer, “Kiara speaking.”
“My office. Now,” Finn orders.
The smile drops from my face. “Yes, Sir.”
Ending the call, I remove my earpiece, and it has Denise asking, “You’ve been summoned again?” When I nod, she frowns darkly. “He’s really starting to make a habit of it. I hope he’s paying you for the extra work he’s making you do.”
“I’ve been logging the hours,” I say to set her at ease, then quickly make my way up to the executive floor.
When the elevators open, it’s to see Will talking with Devon. Devon instantly frowns, then asks, “Again?”
I nod as I step into the lavish reception area.
“Again, what?” Will asks.
“Finn has Kiara doing his work,” Devon mutters, cautiously glancing in the direction of Finn’s office.
Will crosses his arms over his chest, then locks eyes with me. “Is that so?”
“I don’t mind,” I quickly reply. “I’m learning a lot.”
Slowly, Will nods, and removing his phone, he walks down the other hallway toward the CEO’s office while making a call.
I dart to the right, and after knocking on the door, let myself in.
Finn gestures at a black garment bag hanging next to the door. “Change into the dress. We’re going to be late.”
Huh?
I blink a couple of times, then ask, “Late for what?”
He looks up from his desk, impatience flashing in his eyes. “We’ve completed construction on the Pearson building. There’s a celebration we need to attend.”
But I’m just a receptionist, and it’s almost time to go home.
When I hesitate, Finn’s features tighten, and his eyes sharpen. “Do you have a problem attending a work function with a director?”
God, when he puts it that way, it makes me feel stupid. “No, of course not.”
“Good, because you won’t get a chance like this again,” he warns me.
Taking hold of the garment bag, I move to open the door again when he says, “You can change in there.” He points at the en-suite bathroom.
Even though I feel uncomfortable, I listen and walk to the bathroom. Shutting the door behind me, I don’t even take in the luxury around me. While I unzip the bag, I try to convince myself it’s just a work function, and I have nothing to worry about.
I’m probably overreacting. If I want to make a success of my career at Byrne Enterprises, I’ll have to show how competent I am in every field. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.
My eyes glide over the silky dark ruby gown.
Wow, I’ve never worn anything so beautiful.
Stripping out of my suit pants and blouse, I’m careful with the dress as I slip it on. While straightening out the fabric, I move to stand in front of the full-length mirror next to the sink.
Holy crap.
My eyes flit over my reflection, drinking in how stunning the dress looks on me. Finn sure has good taste.
I remove the heels from the bag, and only when I step into them do I realize Finn got my size spot on.
Okay, that’s super weird.
“Are you ready?” Finn calls out, impatience lacing his words.
Damn, such a pretty dress, and I can’t even do my hair or freshen my makeup.
Hurrying, I fold my clothes, and not wanting to leave them behind, I hold the items to my chest and exit the bathroom.
Finn’s eyes lock on me, and he gestures with his hand for me to twirl in a circle. “Set that down so I can get a good look,” he orders.
I place my work clothes on the couch, then turn in a full circle, my skin prickling with unease from having Finn staring at me.
“Just like I thought. Exquisite,” he compliments me.
My cheeks flush while I pick up my clothes before following Finn out of his office. When we near reception, Devon’s eyes flit over me, then a frown forms on his forehead.
“I’m leaving for the day,” Finn tells him with unnecessary authority tightening his voice.
The second Finn’s back is to us, Devon gives me a worried look.
I shrug and walk faster to catch up when the elevator doors open. Noticing Finn pressed the button for the basement, I push the one for reception, saying, “I just need to get my bag and tell Denise I’m leaving.”
When the doors open, Finn doesn’t step out but instead just blocks the doors from closing again. Knowing he’s holding the elevator, I hurry to the reception counter.
Denise’s eyes widen when she notices the dress I’m wearing. “Damn, girl. You look stunning, but what’s going on?”
“I have to accompany Mr. Byrne to a work function,” I explain while taking my bag from the drawer I keep it in. I tuck my clothes inside, then give Denise an apologetic smile. “Sorry that you have to sit here alone. I’ll make it up to you.”
When I start to walk away, Denise says, “Be careful.”
Her warning makes the apprehension already growing in my chest tighten its hold around my heart.
“We’re going to be late,” Finn calls out, and unable to reply to Denise, I rush back into the elevator.
As we step out into the basement, doubt trickles through me. Working overtime is one thing, but leaving the office with a director doesn’t feel right. Nervously, I glance at Finn as we approach the red Ferrari he always drives. “What’s expected from me at this function?”
Finn opens the passenger door, then smiles at me. “Just look pretty by my side.”
What?
When I hesitate, he adds, “You’ll meet many influential people who can make or break your career. Just impress them the way you’ve impressed me.”
I really hope he means that professionally.
Climbing into the car, I set my bag down by my feet and tug on the seat belt.
What are you doing, Kiara? If it doesn’t feel right, it’s because it’s wrong. There’s still time to go back to the reception counter where you belong.
Finn slides in behind the steering wheel, then smiles at me. There’s nothing professional about the way he’s looking at me, and for the first time, my skin crawls with apprehension.
The drive to the venue is filled with an uncomfortable silence, and I only manage to take a deep breath when I get to climb out of the car.
While Finn hands his keys to the valet, I glance up at the impressive building that’s all steel and glass.
“A work of art, right?” Finn says as he comes to take my arm.
“Yes.” Wishing he wouldn’t touch me, I follow him into the lobby.
We spend the next hour greeting various people, and I struggle to memorize all the names. Surrounded by couples dressed in expensive clothes and champagne flowing like water, I feel totally out of place.
Finn keeps either placing his hand on my lower back or wrapping an arm around me, and every touch makes my body feel tenser. There’s nothing professional about the way he’s interacting with me, and I’m dead sure his interest in me is personal.
“You make such a lovely couple,” Mrs. Pearson suddenly says. I’ve been standing quietly next to Finn, listening to him talk about a contract with Mr. Pearson, who’s the owner of the building.
“Oh,” I smile awkwardly, but before I can correct her, Finn interrupts, “Thank you, Mrs. Pearson.” He looks at me, and this time there’s actual desire darkening his eyes. Before I can process the expression on his face, he wraps an arm around me again and holds me tightly to his side, chuckling, “I got lucky.”
What the hell? No, you didn’t.
Totally inexperienced when it comes to situations like this and not wanting to make a scene in front of important clients of the company, I stand rooted next to Finn, feeling like an idiot.
As soon as the function is over, I’ll tell him this is inappropriate and not to let it happen again.
Unfortunately, the night drags on and on, my muscles aching from all the tensing whenever Finn touches me.
This is ridiculous. I shouldn’t have come.
Needing some fresh air and to get away from Finn, I excuse myself and walk out of the building. I move to the side so I’m not in the way, and suck in deep breaths while staring at the road that’s busy because it’s a Friday night.
At least I can sleep in tomorrow.
“Come back inside,” Finn says, his tone relaxed from all the champagne and whiskey he’s had to drink.
Remember to take a cab home. You’re not getting into a car with him again.
“I just need a minute.”
He comes to stand in front of me, and tilting his head, he says, “Everyone loves you.”
I can’t even manage a smile, the uneasy feeling I have is too overwhelming. “What time can I leave?”
That’s all I want to do. Just go home and think about how I’m going to fix this mistake.
Finn lifts a hand and brushes some of my hair back that’s come loose from the clip. Too late, I pull away, not that he even notices. The man seems to be oblivious to my uncomfortable feelings.
“You want to impress me, right?” he asks.
I get the feeling if I say no, my career will come to a sudden end.
My mind searches for the right thing to reply with, but before I can think of the best response, Finn leans down, his hand slips behind my neck, and I’m yanked against his body. His mouth hits mine, my teeth feeling the impact.
Even though Finn made it pretty clear he’s interested in me on a personal level, the kiss still catches me totally off guard. I’m too stunned to respond, and even when his tongue thrusts into my mouth, I remain frozen.
His other arm wraps around my back, and I’m held hard against his chest, the kiss turning hungry.
Only then does disgust pour through my veins. My mind screams no, and with more power than I thought I had, I yank back, freeing my mouth from his. As if I’ve run a hundred miles, the breaths explode from my lips, my eyes wide with shock.
“No,” I whisper. Thinking fast, I take a couple of steps back to put some space between us. “This is inappropriate.”
Finn tilts his head, a smug smirk curving his lips. “Really? You didn’t seem to mind hanging onto my side the entire evening.”
Seriously?
“If you’re clever, you’ll climb the corporate ladder fast. Think about the doors I can open for you. Besides, you wouldn’t have put on that dress for me if you weren’t interested.”
Staring at Finn, my pride makes me lift my chin. “I have no intention of sleeping my way to the top, Mr. Byrne.” Even though I’m terrified of what this will mean for my future at the company, I refuse to sacrifice my pride. “I’m not interested in you and want to keep my personal life separate from work.” Not wasting another second, I walk to the valet and ask him to bring the car around because I need my bag.
Turning back to Finn, I say, “Unless it’s work-related, I think it would be best if we don’t interact with each other again.”
“You’re making a mistake,” he warns me, darkness lacing his words.
I made a mistake when I ignored my gut instinct the first night I worked late with him, and I definitely shouldn’t have come tonight.
Crap, this is a mess.
Just wanting to end the uncomfortable conversation, I say, “I hope you enjoy the function, Mr. Byrne. Have a good evening.”
The second the Ferrari pulls up, I open the passenger door and take my bag from it. My spine is stiff from Finn’s eyes burning on me as I walk toward the road so I can hail a cab.
God, I hope this doesn’t become a problem.
Just keep calm. You’re not the first woman to deal with something like this at the workplace. Just do your job, and they won’t have a reason to fire you.
It’s hard to process what just happened.
Did I do something wrong? Did I do something to make Finn think I’m interested in him?
Just as I reach the pavement, Finn grabs hold of my arm, yanking me to a stop. Leaning threateningly into my personal space, he growls, “Careful, Kiara. You leave and you’ll regret it.”
I pull my arm free. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. That wasn’t my intention. I’m going home now, and I hope we can forget this happened.”
My heart is hammering wildly in my chest as I rush toward a cab that’s pulling up to the curb, and not looking back at Finn, I get into the vehicle.
Only when we’re driving away does my mind catch up to what happened. Confusion, frustration, and fear explode into a chaotic mess in my chest.
Shit, I can’t believe that happened.
And now Finn’s upset because I rejected him.
Dammit! Why did this have to happen?
Is it going to affect my work?
Probably.
Shit.
My heart’s still beating a mile a minute when the cab pulls up to my apartment building. I rush inside, and when I finally get to lock my front door behind me, I slump down on the couch.
God, what am I going to do?
Hopefully, nothing will come of this, and Finn will just let it go and ignore me.
