Page 4 of Softest Touch
“I know, Grandma.” I hug her. “I'm doing it for Laura. With her daughters off to college, she might feel lonely. This way, she can play Crazy Eights.”
“It's not like she's good at it, but it's fun to see her lose.” She giggles.
I smile, stroking her face. “You're evil! I've already cooked your lunch, and please don't forget your medicines.”
“Thanks, baby.” She rolls her eyes. “I'll remember them. Go now, or you'll be late.”
“Okay. See you tonight; love you, Grandma.”
“Have a great day,” she whispers before I leave the apartment.
The office is only minutes away from my apartment. On my way, I pick up coffees and head to our floor. After a quick review of the final details for today's meetings, I place a cup of coffee and the folders on Mr. Cocky's desk and return to my computer.
When I hear the elevator doors open, my stomach knots.
“Good morning, Melissa,” Mr. Cocky greets me as he enters his office, not giving me time to answer. I wonder if he's grumpy because he fell out of bed or if it's me who he can't stand.
At half-past seven a.m., I knock on his door, and he gestures for me to come in while he ends a phone call. Mr. Cocky looks at me from head to toe and smiles, gesturing for me to sit down, but I prefer to remain standing.
“Thanks for the coffee. A little too sweet for my taste, but I appreciate it.”
“You're welcome.” I place his mail on the desk. “I've sorted them according to urgency.”
“There was no need.” He looks at me over his coffee mug. “I see you've given up on jeans.”
“I wasn't dressed properly yesterday because I wasn't supposed to start working. It won't happen again,” I promise. Sienna gave me a tour to ensure I knew everything I needed, but nothing else should have happened. He's so demanding and wants everything sorted faster than a second. Her words still make me smile.
“I appreciate your commitment, and I think we've started off on the wrong foot.”
“No shit.” I sarcastically laugh. His reaction makes me worry. Did I just say that out loud? “I said it out loud, didn't I?”
“Yes, you did.” He bursts out laughing. “I've read your resume, and I'm sorry for being so hostile toward you.”
“I would say more arrogant.” Quickly, I cover my mouth with my hands. Why can't I keep quiet for fuck’s sake?
“Yeah, I'll take it.” He chuckles. “I've seen so many incompetent people at that desk, and I need someone capable of managing my agenda, my commitments, and above all, my travels. Basically, my entire life.”
I nod firmly. “I see.”
“I've noticed you've gotten on with the job, and for now, I'm happy with how you're managing everything. That doesn't mean you're hired. You're still on trial for a week,” he says while getting up.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“Well, Melinda,” he passes by, and I peer at him, surprised he says my name correctly, “come with me.”
He opens the door for me, and I take my iPad from my desk and follow him into the first meeting room.
“Today, we will have new aspiring designers here. I would be curious to know how well you know the fabrics and trends.” His eyes on me make me nervous, but I still pretend to be comfortable with it. “And yes, I'm asking for your opinion.”
Peering around while spinning in place, I ask, “Is there a hidden camera somewhere?”
He takes his seat while his head snaps at me. “What do you mean?”
“Yesterday, you treated me...” I stop right away, like shit is not that professional, “poorly, and now you want my opinion?” I raise an eyebrow at him. What game is he playing now? “Where's the catch?”
He shrugs. “No catch, let's call it personal curiosity.”
I take my seat and give in. “Okay, Mr. Wilson.”