Working for the Alpha

6.Serissa

Serissa

Donovan picked up his phone and began dialing a number while I sat staring at him in shock, my mouth hanging open as my mind tried to catch up to what had just happened.

“Was there anything else, Ms. Carter?” he asked, looking up from his phone at me.

“Are you... are you offering me the job?” I asked lamely.

“I thought that was obvious,” he narrowed his eyes at me. “Nine o'clock, tomorrow. Don't be late.”

“I can't start tomorrow,” I blurted out. How did I keep losing control of this conversation? “I have to give my notice, and I have a shift tonight. There's no way I can...” my voice trailed off as he stared at me, his green eyes intense. It felt like he was seeing more of me than anyone else ever had before or would again.

Sighing, he set his phone down again, and gave me his full attention. “You work at Stumpy's, right?”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

“I know Joe, the owner,” he said simply. “After I call Mrs. Jones, I'll call Joe and let him know you no longer work for him. It will be fine.”

“Mr. Rush-”

“Call me Donovan,” he smiled at me and my mind went blank. No one should ever look that tempting. “We're going to get to know each other very well, you may as well use my name.”

“Donovan,” his name came out as a sigh. I felt goosebumps lift on the back of my neck and his eyes darkened at the sound, making him look, for a moment, like a dangerous, feral animal. I swallowed audibly, the sound echoing in my ears. I tore my eyes away from his, knowing there was no way I could say what I needed to say while lost in his green pools. I focused on my hands that were still tightly clenched in my lap. “I appreciate the opportunity, and I'm sorry for taking up your time. I'm not sure that this is-”

“Serissa,” my eyes snapped back to his at the gentle way he uttered my name. He was still looking at me with an intensity that burned, but something about him had softened. There was a vulnerability behind the sophisticated veneer I hadn't seen before. “As I said, I'm very demanding. I won't apologize for it, it's part of my charm,” he smiled a wide, and, dammit, charming smile. “I know this probably all feels like a lot right now and I understand if you feel a bit, well, rushed,” he paused to smile at his joke while I struggled not to role my eyes. “But, I don't have time to waste. The fact of the matter is, I need an assistant. And I want you.” He paused again, letting the words hang in the air between us. It was probably because I hadn't allowed myself any male attention for so long that my imagination was running away with me, finding more meaning in his innocent words than there was, but hearing him say he wanted me made my heart beat faster and my stomach clench. “This is all a little overwhelming, but please know that I will always take care of you.”

My heart was beating wildly in my chest. This didn't feel like a job interview. This felt more personal, more intimate. I wasn't entirely sure what he was offering, but I knew I'd be a fool to walk away from it. Still, we needed boundaries. “I appreciate that, Mr. Rush. Donovan,” I corrected quickly as his lips twitched. “And I have a feeling you're the type of man who's used to getting what he wants. I'm not rejecting you,” it may have been my imagination, but he seemed to shrink away from me at the notion. The vulnerability was back in his eyes, and for a fleeting moment I felt a terrifying sense of power over him. A power I wasn't sure I wanted. “Can I think about it and call you this afternoon?”

He took a deep breath and nodded slowly. Still, there was disappointment in his eyes as he calmly gazed at me. I wanted to take it back, accept the position on the spot, and give him whatever he needed. “Of course, whatever you need to feel comfortable will be fine.” He reached forward to the note with the information he’d written for the Blue Moon Boutique, and quickly scribbled a phone number before sliding it towards me. “That is my personal cell number. I will answer day or night.”

“Thank you,” I said as I got to my feet. My ankle was still a little sore, but it felt better, and I found I could put more weight on it now without discomfort.

Donovan also stood and came around the desk so we were face to face. Well, more like face to chest. He towered over me, but despite his bulk, he moved gracefully, almost like a dancer, or perhaps a hunter. I resolutely kept my eyes turned upward, but I couldn't help but notice the impressive bulge in his pants as he stood. He held a hand out for me to shake, and as my fingers brushed his, an electric jolt raced up my arm. I gasped in surprise at the warm feeling that seemed to spread from where our hands were joined throughout my entire body. The corners of Donovan's mouth turned up in a pleasant grin, and he bent over, gently brushing my knuckles with his lips.

“I look forward to working with you, Serissa,” he whispered before letting me go. My hand hovered in the air between us, not quite ready to break the connection, and his smile widened.

“Ok. Have a nice day,” I squeaked before turning and walking out blindly. My mind was swirling and the heat that clawed at my belly was almost enough to make me turn back around and beg him to press those magical lips everywhere.

It wasn't until I stepped outside and felt the sun warm my face that I took a deep breath. A giggle bubbled up from my chest and I shook my head. “Oh Serissa,” I said to myself. “What have you gotten yourself into now?”