ZOELLA
I have done a lot of things in my life but stalking has never been one of them. But right now as I sat across from Julian, it sure felt like I was stalking him. Come to think of it, he had called me a stalker when I slipped into the backseat of his car. Life really knew how to make a girl look desperate. “Look, Mr. Hart,” I began, sitting straighter in the ridiculously expensive leather chair. “I think there’s been some sort of—” “You don't have to waste your breath explaining Miss Monroe.” His tone was icy as he cut me off. He didn’t even look up from the folder in front of him, flipping through my resume like he was skimming a menu he didn’t particularly like. I clenched my teeth, forcing a calm I didn’t feel. Okay, cool. He’s going for ‘arrogant bastard CEO.’ Classic move. Breathe, Zoella. “I just thoughLIAM’S POV You know that feeling when you’ve messed up so bad you can’t even tell which way’s up? Like every move you make could save you… Or blow everything to hell? Yeah. That’s where I was. Madison was already waiting when I walked into the restaurant ,her back was to the window, her hair catching the light. She was reapplying lipstick in a little compact mirror, and when she saw me, her face lit up with a smile. “There you are,” she said, snapping the mirror shut. “I thought you’d bailed.” She gestured at the chair opposite with two fingers, casual and possessive all at once. “Missed you, Liam.” I slid into the seat, ignoring the way her perfume curled around me. “We need to talk.” She leaned forward, her hair falling in a glossy sheet over her shoulder. “What’s wrong? How are things with Zoe? When do you plan on announcing that the engagement is off?” I exhaled through my nose. No soft landing for this. “The engagement isn't off Madison. She forgave me,” She
ZOELLA’S POV Damien’s voice interrupted, effectively shattering the moment. “Oops. Forgot my watch.” I jerked back, my cheeks flaming, scrambling to my feet like the floor had just turned to lava. Perfect. Nothing like being caught kneeling in front of your boss, very appropriate. Julian straightened in his seat, that cool mask sliding neatly into place. Damien, who either didn’t notice or didn’t care about the tension in the room, sauntered in with his usual smug grin, his hands shoved in his pockets. “Well, well,” he said, glancing between us. “Didn’t mean to interrupt anything.” Julian pinned him with an icy stare, his expression not wavering. “You’re not interrupting. Grab your watch and go.” Damien chuckled, scooping his Rolex off the table. “Relax, Hart. Just picking up what I left behind.” He winked at me as he left. The door clicked shut behind him with a finality that made me all too aware of the fact that I was alone again with him. The silence in the ro
JULIAN’S POV The moment the door clicked shut behind her, I ran a hand through my hair, leaning back in my seat. The night we met, I had thought the alcohol was to blame for her wit but seeing her today made me realise I was wrong. She had the same quick mouth, the same spark in her eyes, and the same inability to stay upright, apparently. I smirked, shaking my head as I rose and crossed to the cabinet for a glass of water. I’d kept my face neutral when she tripped, but watching her try to cover her fall by admiring the flooring… that was new. And ridiculous. And oddly… charming. It was definitely the highlight of my morning. For the last forty-eight hours, I’d been thinking about her way too much — her laugh, her sass, the way she whispered “ruin me please” like she knew I would. I’d told myself that morning would be the last I saw of her. I was wrong.
ZOELLA I have done a lot of things in my life but stalking has never been one of them. But right now as I sat across from Julian, it sure felt like I was stalking him. Come to think of it, he had called me a stalker when I slipped into the backseat of his car. Life really knew how to make a girl look desperate. “Look, Mr. Hart,” I began, sitting straighter in the ridiculously expensive leather chair. “I think there’s been some sort of—” “You don't have to waste your breath explaining Miss Monroe.” His tone was icy as he cut me off. He didn’t even look up from the folder in front of him, flipping through my resume like he was skimming a menu he didn’t particularly like. I clenched my teeth, forcing a calm I didn’t feel. Okay, cool. He’s going for ‘arrogant bastard CEO.’ Classic move. Breathe, Zoella. “I just thought I should clear up the misunderstanding,” I tried again, keeping my voice even. “I didn’t even know who you were when I applied. This job w
ZOELLA I have done a lot of things in my life but stalking has never been one of them. But right now as I sat across from Julian, it sure felt like I was stalking him. Come to think of it, he had called me a stalker when I slipped into the backseat of his car. Life really knew how to make a girl look desperate. “Look, Mr. Hart,” I began, sitting straighter in the ridiculously expensive leather chair. “I think there’s been some sort of—” “You don't have to waste your breath explaining Miss Monroe.” His tone was icy as he cut me off. He didn’t even look up from the folder in front of him, flipping through my resume like he was skimming a menu he didn’t particularly like. I clenched my teeth, forcing a calm I didn’t feel. Okay, cool. He’s going for ‘arrogant bastard CEO.’ Classic move. Breathe, Zoella. “I just though
ZOELLA’S POV. I was already pulling the zipper up the side of my fitted navy blue dress when I heard Liam’s voice from behind me. “You’re really going through with it?” Here we go. I muttered inwardly as I rolled my eyes. I didn’t turn around. I just adjusted the sleeves of my blazer and reached for my perfume. “It’s just a job interview Liam.” “You say that like it’s a little thing.” He said, wandering in shirtless, like we weren’t on shaky ground, like he hadn't messed up less than forty-eight hours ago. His hair was still tousled from sleep—or whatever the hell he did while I stayed up last night reworking my CV. I had slept in the guest room despite his constant pleas for me to come to our bedroom. “I mean,” he added, hi