He continued talking, but she couldn’t hear him. He thought she was bright and efficient. Great. Lovely. A combination of a good computer and favorite dog. Next he would go on about how tidy she was.
Cathy tried to keep her emotions from showing on her face. Why had she let herself hope? It was silly. She knew better. Stone was not like her. They had very little in common. He didn’t see her as a woman, at least not as one he would be interested in.
“I’m offering you a job,” she heard him say.
That got her attention. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
“I said I’m offering you a job. As my personal assistant. I’ve needed one for a long time. I want someone to act as a liaison for me with certain people at my office. There will be meetings, some occasional travel. At first you’re probably going to feel that you’re way out of your league, but I think you can do it. Actually I think you’ll be terrific.”
“A job?”
He frowned. “I would really like you to consider this, Cathy, but only if you feel the opportunity is right for you. I’m not trying to insult you or tell you what to do.”
“I understand that,” she said. Her head was spinning. A job? Working with him? “You’d want me to go talk with people at your company?”
“Yes. Currently we have meetings with me attending via speakerphone. That would still happen, but I would want you there as my personal representative.”
“I don’t have a college degree, let alone any experience in business.”
“I’m aware of that. You’ll have to work hard to get up to speed. It’s a daunting task, but if you’re up to it, I’d like to give it a try. We could agree to a six-month trial, after which time we both get to evaluate the situation.”
She pressed her lips together just to make sure her mouth wasn’t hanging open. Okay, this wasn’t the declaration of love that she’d imagined, but it was a great second prize. Working with Stone? It would be exciting and different. She would learn a lot. She didn’t fool herself about the hard work. She knew the hours he kept. Just because Stone used his house as his main office didn’t mean he wasn’t driven.
Now that they were discussing business, everything about him had changed. His posture was stiffer, his gaze more direct. Even his word choices had taken on a business flavor and a hard edge. Could she survive that?
Cathy wasn’t sure, but she also knew she would never forgive herself if she walked away from this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
“I think the idea has possibilities,” she said, trying on business-speak for the first time.
Stone grinned. “I’m glad. Before you decide, there are some logistics. I would prefer you to live in the house. You would be more accessible to me. I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult for you to rent out your house. However, if you hate the idea of staying here, I would appreciate it if you would live someplace closer than your home in North Hollywood.”
He wanted her to stay in his house? “Um, staying here wouldn’t be a problem.”
“Good. The company has an excellent benefit package. You can make an appointment with the director of human resources to discuss that with her directly. Which leaves the issue of salary.” He named a figure that made her head spin.
She opened her mouth to tell him that it was too much, then swallowed the words. What did she know about the starting salary of the personal assistant to the president of a very successful company? Maybe Stone was padding it a little because he knew she didn’t have much, but she doubted it. This was business, and for him that was very separate from his personal life. So what if she was about to earn over three times what she’d been making at the answering service? She thought she just might be able to suffer through that.
“I accept,” she said.
“Was that a yes?”
She grinned. “Absolutely. You’re right—I’m sure I am going to be in over my head, but I want to learn. I’m not afraid of hard work. I’m honest and dependable and I’ll give a hundred percent every day.” Now she sounded like a loyal dog, but she no longer cared. Not only did she get to stay with Stone, but she also was going to be working for him.
A flash of self-doubt filled her, but she pushed it away. Shewouldmake this happen, she promised herself. She would earn his respect.
“I’ll notify human resources,” he said, and rose to his feet.
He came around his desk toward her. Cathy stood up. When he held out his hand to shake on the deal, she reacted impulsively. She reached out to hug him.
Even as she moved forward, she told herself to stop. But it was too late, and the momentum carried her into him. She tried to pull back, to save the potentially awkward situation. Then large, strong hands settled on her back.
“Your way is much better,” Stone murmured, and bent his head to hers.
The hug had been an unplanned act. She’d meant it as a friendly gesture. She had no idea whathemeant by the kiss, but as his mouth gently touched hers, she found she didn’t care.
He was warm and firm, and she felt as if she’d come home. Cathy didn’t have enough experience to compare his kiss to others, but it was plenty wonderful on its own. He didn’t move much, or try to deepen the kiss. He stayed still. She didn’t know if he was savoring the experience or giving her a chance to get used to their closeness, and soon she found she didn’t care. It was enough to be in his arms, his mouth against hers.
She moved her hands to his shoulders and squeezed the hard muscles. In response, he tilted his head slightly and pressed a little closer. She inhaled the scent of his body—the scent of him. Clean and masculine, and maybe a little dangerous.
