Chapter Six: Hire Me. I Dare You

Mr. Dalton acted like giving me a day off had shaved years off his life. He didn’t so much greet me as grunt when I clocked in.

Yesterday, he handed me a fully paid day off like it was his idea. Today, he was clenching his jaw like I’d stolen it from him.

The way he hovered, inspecting every move like I was planning war crimes with the coffee beans

I knew exactly why he was acting like I’d spat in his morning brew.

Cade.

The rich boy had yanked the strings on my schedule, and Mr. Dalton was still tangled in them.

But I didn’t care.

Because if Cade signed that contract I’d drafted? I’d be out of here faster than Dalton could remind me who signs my paycheck. 

By early evening, my coworker Tasha poked her head out from the back. “You’re good to go.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”

She shrugged. “Dalton said you're off the hook. Someone’s waiting for you outside.”

Of course.

I turned to Romi, who was restocking croissants. “I’m either getting kidnapped or promoted.”

She rolled her eyes. “Text me if it’s both.”

---

Cade lounged against his Range Rover like trouble dressed in black leather. 

He straightened as I approached. “I got your text.”

“Figured.”

“But before we talk business,” he said, flashing that infuriating grin, “we’ve got a quick stop. My media handler wants to chew me out. Should be fun.”

“Charming,” I muttered.

We drove to some fancy restaurant that reeked of old money and fresh herbs. Outside, paparazzi clicked like vultures on espresso. I kept my head down.

Inside, a woman was already waiting.

Blonde bun. Perfect posture. Phone in hand like a weapon. She didn’t look up until we were nearly at the table.

Then her eyes landed on Cade. Followed by the unfortunate part, me.

“Finally,” she snapped. “Do you ever not cause trouble?”

“Missed you too, Lizzy,” Cade said with a wink.

She ignored him. “Cade, I told you what’s at stake. We’re finalizing a deal with MONTROSE, do you know what it means to represent a luxury brand with zero tolerance for mess?”

Cade slid into his chair like her anger was a playlist he’d heard before. “You’re being dramatic.”

“You kissed a random girl at a club! There are pictures about to drop!”

“I was drunk. Horny. A beautiful woman was there. I made a human decision.”

Lizzy’s mouth tightened. “And now I get to clean it up, again.”

She finally looked at me properly. Her brows lifted. “Who’s this?”

Cade smiled. “My new assistant.”

Elizabeth gave me a once-over like I was a clearance item she didn’t order. “Well. At least she’s easy on the eyes this time.”

I opened my mouth to clap back, but Cade’s hand brushed mine under the table.

Lizzy turned to him again, softer now but no less annoyed. “Please, try to behave. I’m tired of tap-dancing through scandals.”

“I’ll try,” Cade said, smirking. “No promises.”

They bickered like siblings who hated each other professionally. I stayed quiet, watching.

Finally, she stood. “Just once, Cade, keep your distractions outside the headlines.”

Then, she met my eyes with zero warmth. “Let’s see how long you last.”

I gave her a polite nod and an internal middle finger.

As we left the restaurant, cameras flashed again. This time I didn’t keep quiet.

“Should I wave, or just pretend the cameras aren’t breathing on my neck?”

Cade chuckled. “Welcome to my world.”

---

When we pulled up in front of my house, he cut the engine but didn’t move.

“So,” he said, turning to face me. “You asked to see me. What’s the verdict?”

I pulled out my phone and handed it over. “Read this.”

He took it, brows raising.

“You wrote... a contract?”

“Terms and conditions. Non-negotiable.”

He laughed but started reading. I watched his smirk evolve with every line.

---

HIRE ME. I DARE YOU.

BY MIRA LEIGH

Hours

I don’t do 24/7. I’m not a hotline. Emergencies allowed. Your ego isn’t one.

Salary

Enough to make me consider not selling your secrets if you screw me over. Weekly transfer. No “my accountant is out of town” nonsense.

Perks

First dibs on your plus-ones. If we fly, I’m not sitting next to the bathroom.

Boundaries

No yelling. No 2 a.m. drunk texts. No calling me “assistant” in front of girls you’re trying to impress. My name is Mira. 

Girlfriend Clause

Your boo, side chick, ex, or future scandal cannot give me orders. I don’t take tasks from someone whose entire job is “pretty.”

Mental Health Clause

Two personal days per meltdown cycle. If I need to cry, I cry. If you make me cry, I invoice you.

Reputation

If I go viral standing next to you, I better be in a cute outfit and tagged correctly. 

Exit Terms

Fire me without reason? I walk with a month’s pay and a glowing reference so bright it blinds your PR team.

I quit because you act up? Still getting the payout. Try me.

Signature means you agree to ALL this. No take-backs.

---

By the time he finished, he was laughing so hard he had to put the phone down.

“What’s funny?” I asked, deadpan.

“You. This. All of it. You do realize this reads more like a roast than a job agreement?”

“Some slight adjustments can be made,” I said with a shrug. “Slight.”

He shook his head, still smiling. “You’re not like anyone I’ve met.”

“Flattery won’t get you out of signing.”

“I should be offended. But... this is actually impressive.”

He handed back the phone and leaned in slightly. “You didn’t include the usual line, though.”

“What line?”

“You know… ‘Let’s keep this professional. Don’t fall in love with me.’”

I rolled my eyes. “Please. That’s a waste of ink. Something like that would never happen. Not in a million years.”

Cade raised a brow. “So you’re not attracted to me at all?”

“You’re not exactly my type.”

He placed a hand over his heart like I’d stabbed it. “Ouch. First time for everything.”

“Want me to list what’s not my type?”

He leaned in, eyes glittering. “Do it.”

I held up a finger. “A guy with a Barbie girlfriend.”

Another. “Rich Guy who uses money to solve personality flaws.”

Another. “A man who has to be begged to grow up.”

And a final. “A cheating asshole.”

He laughed so loud the car shook. “So… not me?”

I arched a brow. “Let’s not flatter ourselves.”

Then he pointed between us. “You and me–we’re going to be the best damn team ever. I can feel it.”

I rolled my eyes. “Then read the contract again. Make the edits. Sign it.”

He grinned. “Officially mine, huh?”

“Assistant. Not property. Try not to get it twisted.”

Cade looked at me one more time, then nodded.

“Fine. Let’s make it official. Tomorrow, I bring my terms. And sweetheart? That’s when the real fun starts.”