Page 88 of Burning for You
“Your name?”
“Levi Holt.”
“Can I call you Levi?”
“Of course.”
The reception types something in, and then skims her monitor screen. “Are you here for the first time?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have your portfolio with you?”
“Umm… no, but…”
“Oh, not to worry. I think your best bet is to see Alain Bond. He’s good with new models.”
“Um… I’m not a model.”
“I’m so sorry! I thought you were auditioning. Usually new models just ask for Caro by default,” she says guiltily. “Assumption, assumption! Damn me.”
Suddenly another girl approaches. She says to the receptionist, “I got this.”
“Oh, thanks!” the receptionist says. “Have a good day, Levi. I’m sorry again for the mix-up.”
I wave at her.
“I’m Rhea,” the girl who escorts me in says. “Caro sent me to get you. She apologizes, she’s on the phone with the mayor.”
The office has an open plan, and unlike Brilliance, the space feels lively—people sit on gym balls or lay on the couch with their iPads, and a couple of them are playing table tennis at the far end of the hall. I see people with tattoos and facial piercing. I’m glad I listened to Andreas. A white shirt and a tie would’ve made me stand out like a tax man.
I smile to myself. I am bringing my best, handsome self, indeed.
Noticing me, I can see Rhea trying to hide her own smile.
We’re advancing toward a door with a sign saying: Carolyn Meyer, Connoisseur of Pantone and Overall A Nice Boss
Rhea knocks.
“Come in! I’m free,” Carolyn’s voice seeps through the gap on the door.
“Your guest is here,” Rhea says, a slight pause between ‘your’ and ‘guest.’ It sounds like she was about to describe me as something else.
“Oh, thanks,” Carolyn says. “Levi, this is Rhea, one of Sass’ security experts.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say to the girl.
“Nice to meet you too, Levi.” Then Rhea disappears hastily, as if her boss and I were about to do something inappropriate.
As soon as the door clicks shut, Carolyn pulls at my t-shirt, pins me to the corner of the room and says, “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” She trails her fingers along my biceps.
Maybe Rhea reads Carolyn better than I do. With the position Carolyn has put me into now, she obviously intends to do something inappropriate.
Acting innocent, I say, “What have I done?”
She looks at me from head to toe, then without warning, kisses me vigorously.
“You’re horny already?” I say.