“Good morning, Mr. Mason,” he says.
I glare at his dumbass as I walk to my desk. I told him to wait in the reception area until I arrived. Not in my office. I’m going to have to make some shit clear to him real soon.
I unfasten the button to my suit jacket and run my hand down my beard, all while keeping my eyes on Troy. I see he gets the point, when he squirms in his seat and turns bright red. He’s fucked up.
I sit and glare at him a few seconds longer for good measure, before pulling my eyes away from him and turning to Eva. When my gaze lands on her surprised face, my scowl fades and a smirk forms on my lips.
Eva groans out loud and smacks the palm of her hand to her forehead. “Owen Mason, the Owen Mason, how could I be so stupid. I never put it together,” she whispers almost to herself.
“Not your fault, darlin’. That’s the way I’ve made it.” I chuckle and wink at her, giving her a knowing smile. “You’re just proving I’m doing my job.”
Like I said before. I don’t deny my connection to the Lost Souls, but it isn’t something I broadcast either. When you’re a man as large and wealthy as I am, people are already intimidated. There’s no need to throw my club affiliation on top of that, not unless it’s needed. In some circles, it is a fact best unknown.
Troy gives a nervous smile. “I’m sorry, do you two know each other?” he asks, awarding him my glare once again.
I ignore him and turn back to Eva. “I was impressed when your file came across my desk. Your transcripts are impressive, and your portfolio is amazing. I like that you sent it over as a video presentation, rather than bringing it in the old fashion way. It shows your initiative and innovation.”
I sit back in my chair and stroke my beard again as I watch a stunned Eva process all of this. “What are you looking to get out of this internship, Ms. Kennedy?” I ask trying to keep this as professional as possible.
Eva licks her lips and straightens her back. I can see her mentally pulling herself together, after the initial shock. She’s the sweetest thing ever. I love watching her find her bearings.
“I know that Soul Deep Architecture and Construction is one of the top firms in Georgia.” She pauses and winces. I think it’s once again hitting her, she has missed a big piece to the puzzle here. I try not to laugh at her. It’s really an easy miss.
Besides, while in her apartment, I found her lecture notes on a discussion about my firm. Eva had doodles, scrolls, and sketches all over the sheet. It was clear she paid little attention that day.
She clears her throat and starts again. “I think this will be an opportunity for me to gain some real-life, hands-on experience and to hone my skills.”
“I think this would be the perfect place for you. I plan to give you as much hands-on experience as I can,” I say with a sly smile and innuendo laden throughout my words.
Troy clears his throat. He’s starting to annoy me, and I can’t for the life of me remember why I wanted him here in this meeting. If he wasn’t here you would be fucking her, not interviewing her. I have to remind myself.
I cut my eyes at Troy and suck my teeth, like something nasty is in them. Troy smooths down his tie, before looking between Eva and me. I don’t like the way his eyes linger on her breasts and legs. I have to stifle the growl that tries to rise up in my throat.
“Eva, I think there’s great potential for growth for you here,” Troy starts with a smug smile. “Working with Mr. Mason will set your career off in the right direction.”
I grunt in response to his interruption. I’m sure he thinks he’s doing his job, but his welcome has just run out. I’m not interested in having company any longer.
“Troy, I would appreciate if you would get Ms. Kennedy squared away to start her first day. You can leave the package she needs to sign with Beth, and I will take care of the rest,” I say and wave a dismissive hand.
Troy blinks at me a few times. This isn’t how things are normally done, but Eva had the internship well before today. I really was impressed with the email she sent with a full presentation on her and her skills. It was cute and brilliant at the same time.
“Oh… well… it was a pleasure meeting you and welcome, Ms. Kennedy. I look forward to seeing you around the office,” Troy says as he comes out of his shock. “I’ll get right to it, boss.”
I refrain from rolling my eyes at the little kiss ass. I just want him out of my office. Eva mutters her thanks and Troy finally takes my glare for what it is. He hurries from my office, leaving me alone with a stunned Eva. I sit for a few moments waiting for her to speak up.
“What happened, baby? Cat got your tongue.” I laugh when she says nothing.
Eva
Yes, a cat has my tongue. So many things are running through my head. Granted, I know more about the architecture firms in South Carolina than the ones in Georgia, because I had always planned to go back home after graduation. I wanted to do my internship in South Carolina as well, but King set this interview up here.
I’ve heard a lot about Soul Deep Architecture and Construction in my classes, but as I said, I gave it little attention because my heart has been set
