I jump in alarm as the heavy knock on my office door reverberates, its deep sound bouncing off the room's walls. Mr. Jones walks in before I can catch my breath, as if he owns the place, which he could if he wanted to. Although he looks like a distinguished older gentleman in his smart black suit, his manners can be off-putting. However, the company I work for keeps coming back to him because of his immense wealth and power, which even allows him to get away with things that would normally put most people behind bars.
Taking in my look of surprise and dismay, he nervously clears his throat while fidgeting with the knot of his silver tie. He offers me an apologetic smile before quickly saying, "There's no need to stand up." As if that might help ease the awkwardness, not knowing I couldn't stand up even if I wanted to because doing so would cost me my job. He flashes me a quick smile before declaring, "I won't take up too much of your time."
With a resounding thud, he slams the door shut, projecting an aura of purpose-driven dominance. His presence conveys a confidence of entitlement that is both intimidating and intriguing. I brace myself for what's to come, knowing that Mr. Jones is not one to waste time or mince words.
As he takes a seat across from me, I can't help but feel a sense of unease in his presence, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a regent bow-fronted desk that prevents him from seeing under the table.
"Mia," he begins, his tone measured and deliberate. "I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for all the hard work and dedication you have shown in making my project a success. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and as a token of gratitude, you will be rewarded with a generous bonus."
Mr. Jones is many things, but he is not known for his generosity, and I can't help but wonder what strings might be attached to this unexpected bonus.
"I appreciate the thought, Mr. Jones, but it isn't necessary; I was just doing my job," I politely respond, hoping to decline the bonus without offending him.
"Jack," he corrects me with a smirk, his honeyed brown eyes twinkling mischievously in the light.
His confident correction firmly drops yet another wall of professionalism between us. I feel my cheeks flush and squirm slightly as I reluctantly repeat his name, uncertain of how far our boundaries will be pushed.
"Nevertheless, your hard work and dedication have exceeded my expectations, and I believe it is important to recognize and reward exceptional performance. Please accept this bonus as a small token of my appreciation," he insists with a smile.
With a strained smile belying my trembling nerves, I say, "Thank you, Mr. Jone—"
He cuts in quickly before I can finish speaking. "Jack," he corrects me, with a commanding yet gentle authority.
Forcing my back straight and taking a deep breath, I try to steady my voice as I respond, though it still bears the faint tremor of apprehension. "Jack," I say firmly.
He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's better," he says. "You know, Mia, despite my initial reservations, after a year of working with you, I can honestly say you are one of the best in the business."
I had sensed his judgmental attitude since the first time we met, and I had always felt like I was under a microscope around him, constantly trying to prove myself. His voice is steady and sincere when he speaks again. "Your attention to detail and creative thinking have been an undeniable asset to our team."
"Thank you," I murmur uncertainly, my heart pinching in my chest.
He settles into his chair, a contemplative look on his face, and lets out a contented sigh that almost imperceptibly tugs at the corners of his mouth.
"Do you remember the day I came into your boss's office?" he playfully inquires with a mischievous smirk etched across his features. I nod, and he continues, "You were chatting with that young blonde secretary. I can still hear your infectious laughter, and oh, how your blouse taunted me when you leaned towards her with your hand resting on her shoulder."
I feel a knot form in my stomach as the vivid memory of how obviously I was flirting with Sarah floods back to me. I wait nervously for him to continue speaking, unsure of what he is trying to imply.
"Well, I thought you were a secretary as well," he chuckles. "Imagine my surprise when you walked into the office and your boss introduced you as my new project manager."
I feel a mix of annoyance and a bit of relief that he hasn't accused me of violating the company's policy against flirting with coworkers.
"Well, I'm more than just a pretty face with good organizational skills," I say, a bland smile plastered on my face.
"I know I was being a prick, but being confronted with such an unexpected surprise when your boss announced that a stunningly beautiful, young woman, seemingly better suited for a beauty pageant than taking on such an important project, caught me off guard," he says. "I was convinced you were fresh out of college and incapable of handling my business."