“If we hire you, you will need to sign a very detailed contract, as well as a non-disclosure agreement. Mr. Blackwood would require your services for the extent of the contract, any time, day or night.”
Zoe blinked at the words. “Any time, day or night?”
“Mr. Blackwood doesn’t have a regular schedule and works at various hours. Have you relocated to Chicago yet?”
“Yes, I’ve rented an apartment on the North Side. Even if I don’t get this position, I have every intention of working in Chicago.”
“Good. Also, Mr. Blackwood requires each of his employees to be discreet and professional at all times, and that includes sexual advances.”
For a moment, Zoe thought her ears had imagined the words. “Pardon me?”?
Now, the executive assistant’s glance turned to pure steel. “We’ve had problems with employees, female employees, who used their position to try and seduce Mr. Blackwood. I prefer to tell you right away that whatever you try, not only will you be fired, but you’ll probably be prosecuted for harassment if you do.”
Zoe tried not to gape at what Ms. Harrington was saying, but her mind was whirling like crazy. What kind of man wouldn’t take advantage of his position to do exactly that, especially as the women were more than willing?
“I intend to resume my work with the Department of State, and that means going back to Washington with a clear record. I’m not searching for a fling, a lover, a boyfriend nor a husband, Ms. Harrington. You want me to sign a paper specifying that I won’t attempt in any way to have sex with Mr. Blackwood, I’ll sign it.”
“I’m happy to hear it, Ms. Somersby.”
That voice. Zoe wasn’t prepared for it when it came from behind her. Deep, warm, and strangely detached at the same time, announcing some major trouble. Back stiff from the surprise, Zoe turned around to look at Archer Blackwood. She had seen his picture, but it didn’t prepare her for seeing him in the flesh. A punch in the gut. It was exactly how it felt as he stood there looking at her with frosty silver eyes. His almost black hair slicked back, with his strong jaw and full mouth, he was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen, but the energy he gave off was one of a snowstorm in the Arctic, as if you dared to touch him, you would lose your hand. His attitude strengthened her will.
“I always prefer paperwork, Mr. Blackwood. Coming from a government agency, it’s in my DNA.”
A slight dip of his head seemed to be the confirmation of his acknowledgment, and maybe an approval, but Zoe was far from sure about that. And without another word, he turned and left.
As she turned back to her interviewer, Zoe noticed that Ms. Harrington didn’t seem to mind her tone. She was typing away on her computer and her printer whirled.
“You’ll have to fill out some forms and we’ll do a thorough background check. But I suppose that it’s nothing considering your previous employment. I will also need your personal bank information.”
Zoe blinked. “And after I fill out all this, when am I supposed to receive an answer whether I got the job or not? And the language and translation tests?”
Ms. Harrington piled papers in front of her and dropped a pen on top of it. “You just did get the job. And as for the tests, they will happen every single day you work for Mr. Blackwood.”
