CHAPTER THREE- THE INTERVIEW

Eric’s POV

Eric Whitmore glanced through the file on his desk with passive interest. He had no idea why he had chosen to conduct the interviews today rather than let his hiring manager do it. He was already on the verge of reassigning when his office phone rang.

“Your nine o’ clock is here sir” his receptionist’s voice sounded through the speaker.

“Right. Send her in” he said and closed the files on his desk.

He looked up when his doors opened and the woman he saw walking in made him freeze. She wasn’t flashy or overly dressed but she was captivating. Dark curls framed her slim face, gorgeous brown skin, and almond eyes that held some sort of innocence in them. Her full lips were nude but had a little shine from her lip gloss.

His gaze slowly drifted down her body and there was no missing the gentle sway of her hips as she carefully walked in, glancing around before her eyes settled on him and her lips parted. She was effortlessly sexy and he couldn’t take his eyes away from her. For the first time in years, Eric’s breath seized and his mind went blank. He could have sworn he saw a shocked expression on her face but it was quickly replaced with a warm smile.

“Good morning Mr Whitmore. My name is Katrina Jones.” She said in a soft but steady voice and a warm feeling settled over him. He took a few seconds to compose himself, clearing his throat before he spoke.

“Take a seat” he simply said with his eyes still fixed on her.

“Thank you” She said, resting in the seat opposite him.

She looked nervous yet confident as she forced her gaze to settle on him again. A quiet moment passed between them and for some strange reason, that was all Eric wanted. Just to stare at her until he could regain his senses and focus on why she was here.

“Tell me,” he said finally, “Why should I hire you?”

Kate’s POV

Her breath caught as her gaze settled on the man sitting behind the desk. Eric Whitmore himself. His dark hair was swept to the side, gray eyes that commanded attention, and a chiselled jaw. His tailored black suit framed his slim build perfectly. His demeanor gave off authority and she caught his cold stare as she approached his desk.

To say he was handsome was an understatement. The man was insanely good looking, good God! Kate quickly recovered from her spell and introduced herself.

When the man spoke, his voice vibrated through her body. Sending waves of electricity through her. It was deep and commanding, like someone who didn’t like wasting his time. But something about the way he looked at her made her breath hitch. His gaze was filled with so much intensity she could feel it boring a hole through her.

Did he look at everyone this way or was she going crazy? She cleared her throat and began her pitch but stuttered when his gaze dropped to her lips, neck, her lips again then back to her eyes.

“I…I have years of experience managing client portfolios and uh… also in sales. I’m very organized and-and I pay attention to details” she swallowed and took a deep breath.

Kate was finding it hard to concentrate and fumbled her words which she rarely did during interviews but she couldn’t deny the effect this man was having on her right now. Why was he looking at her like that? Was he feeling it too?

“Have you walked in a fast paced environment before?” He asked and she cleared her throat before responding.

“Not of this capacity but yes, I have and can adapt to new environments pretty quickly” she managed, pressing her legs together.

He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin as if contemplating her words, never breaking eye contact with her.

“That will be all for now. We’ll be in touch” He rose suddenly, sliding his hands in his pockets and staring down at her.

“Oh” Kate was surprised with how brief it was but she also rose then extended her hand to him. “Thank you so much for meeting with me. I appreciate the opportunity.” He took her hand in his but the current that suddenly passed between them wasn't one that either of them expected.