Chapter 8 When Sparks Collide

POV Damian:

After half an hour in a meeting with Liam, we finalized the remaining arrangements and it wasn't long before he left my office. I checked the time, knowing I had made the candidate wait too long. I picked up the phone, called Liam's secretary, and asked her to escort the candidate to my office.

I picked up her resume for a quick read, and I didn't like that she wasn't qualified for some of the things I wanted her to be. Nothing I couldn't teach, I thought, assessing the rest of her information. I was surprised to learn she has a degree in economics. I've always been a boss who believes in an employee's drive; her not being apt for what I'm looking for doesn't mean as much as it should. My last secretary is living proof of that.

Darlene had one of the most complete resumes I've ever seen an employee possess, but her lack of responsibility at certain times was lacking. For that reason, I no longer wanted her by my side. I want someone dedicated and responsible; the rest we can work around. A knock on the door announced the arrival of Tasha and Scarlett Monroe, the candidate with a high chance of becoming my new secretary. I stood up, buttoning my suit, and asked them to enter.

"Good morning, welc..." The cordial phrase died on my lips when I saw who the candidate was.

I knew I should have paid attention to the photo on the resume.

"Sir, this is Miss Monroe," Tasha said, not noticing my look of disgust and disbelief. "Shall I bring coffee or water?"

She asked, but I was still too absorbed to say anything.

I must have been silent for a long time, because I soon heard a throat clearing, bringing me back to reality. I straightened up, pointing to the chair in front of me. The petulant miss didn't take long to sit down.

"You can leave us alone. If I need anything, I'll call you."

I said, opening my suit jacket and sitting down again, the reluctance present in my voice.

"Of course, sir. Excuse me." Tasha left, and my eyes raced to Miss Monroe.

The petulant one at least had the decency to look guilty and regretful, saying nothing. I could pretend nothing happened, but I'm not like that. I can't let what she did to me pass without a jab, or a provocation. Hell, she called me an asshole and flipped me off; I'm within my rights to needle her for her lack of manners.

"So, you steal my spot, curse me out, give me the finger, and not satisfied, you waltz into my office with the nerve to apply for the position of my secretary?" I asked mockingly.

"I..." She straightened up in the chair, fixing me with the most stunning blue eyes I've ever seen. "I didn't know who you were."

"That was your answer."

"Are you trying to tell me that if you knew who I was, you would have gotten out of my spot?" The sound of her breathing became audible to me. And the sound of a small, indignant huff did not go unnoticed.

Petulance in its purest form.

"Of course," she replied, and then fell silent. I suspect she must have been mentally adding: like hell I would.

"Right." I kept looking at the woman in front of me for long seconds, asking myself what I would do: Should I continue with the interview? Do I want to hire this petulant woman? Do I call Amanda and tell her to cancel the tow truck?

"I want to apologize," her voice pulled me from the stupor of my doubts.

"I'm listening," I said, and noticed the way she clenched her purse in her lap.

"I apologize for my misguided attitude."

Misguided attitude? Should I inform her that her misguided attitude was a lack of manners?

"It's fine." It wasn't, not a fucking bit. I lied. "But due to what I witnessed today, I believe you are not the type of secretary I'm looking for." She didn't bother to disguise her look of displeasure.

"Marvelous," she said in a rude tone. "Couldn't you just forget it and move on?"

Is she telling me what I should or shouldn't do? Unbelievable.

"That is my final decision," I said with a stern face.

"So that's it?" she asked, making a defiant pout. "You're not going to give me a chance because of the shitty parking spot?" Oh, dirty mouth. Doesn't this woman know the meaning of the word 'education'?

"The company is mine, the spot you stole is mine, this interview is for me to hire a secretary for me. So yes, that's it, Miss..." I pretended not to know her last name just to intensify the red flush on her face.

She is irritated, and that pleases me greatly.

"Monroe," she replied through clenched teeth, and I concentrated on not smiling.

"You may leave now. I have other interviews scheduled."

Her blue eyes shone fiercely, and I have to admit, she is a beautiful woman. Fair skin, full lips, incredible blue eyes, voluminous brown hair—mix all that with the irritation and you have a beautiful woman.

"Is this your final decision?" she asked and stood up from the chair, placing both hands on my desk, staring me down. If I weren't so irritated, I would find this whole situation exciting.

"Are you deaf or what?" I provoked her a little more, and she growled.

Yes, she growled. I've never seen a woman growl.

"You are an asshole." She gave me her back and opened the door, but before leaving my office, she stopped at the door and turned to me. "Mr. Blackwell."

She called me, but it was unnecessary; my eyes were still locked on her.

"Yes."

"Have a nice day." She raised her hand and showed me her middle finger again.

Petulant!

"Miss Monroe," I called out. "If I were you, I would run." She turned to me, and I flashed my victorious smile. "From what I heard, someone called a tow truck for your car. After all, you parked in a spot that isn't yours."

She didn't stay to curse me out this time. She ran, and for a millisecond, I felt bad, but it soon passed, and I started to laugh. I dialed Amanda's number and waited for her to answer.

"Mr. Blackwell?"

"Amanda, the young lady I just interviewed,d will be passing by you shortly. I want you to inform her that she is hired." I am committing an act of madness, but seeing her petulance again enchanted me. I must be crazy. "Check with her what would be the best day for her to start working and call me to let me know."

"Of course, but is there anything else, sir?"

"No, that's all." I hung up and, for some reason, smiled.

This will be interesting.