Law #2: Don't Play with a Player: A Sweet Office Romance Story (Laws of Love) by Agnes Canestri (web ebook reader .txt) 📕

“Why female assistants?” Laia inquires.

I shrug. “I find that I work better with the opposite gender when under pressure. My assistant will see me sweating over deadlines. Women tend to deal with my grumpy self better than men do.”

“So, you’re saying you’re a grumpy boss? It’s not exactly the most attractive argument in favor of this position.” Laia tries to hide her smile.

I chuckle. “You’re right, it isn’t. Let me tell you what you’ll be doing if you decide to work for me. You won’t be handling my administrative tasks, that’s done by my secretary. As my assistant, you’ll do extensive research to build new client portfolios. There will be a good chunk of writing involved, because you’ll need to prepare client briefs, write proposals, and support current projects. You’ll also help control my public image, so preparing my speeches and press communication will be your responsibility. Finally, you’ll act as a filter for anything that reaches me, so all internal reports will be first read by you, and you’ll provide me with your key takes on them.”

Laia’s eyes widen as she listens.

I can tell that she didn’t even read the PA job description. She’d merely assumed it was boring phone-answering, calendar-tidying work.

For someone who studied my company’s entire website by heart, it seems an incongruent behavior.

Why wasn’t she as thorough with this part of her application as with the rest? Was it because she didn’t want to compete with her blonde friend? That’s the type of thing my sister would do for her besties.

I raise a finger to drive home the final two arguments. “All in all, I’d say there will be more creativity and writing involved in what you would do than what Fu, assuming he gets the internship, would get to see during his five months in my company. Don’t forget the assistant position has long-term potential, and it’s better paid than the other two internships.”

“I’m sorry. I haven’t done many job interviews. I might not know the rules but…” Laia furrows her brows. “Are you supposed to be selling me this position? Isn’t it usually the other way around?”

“Not all interviews unfold identically. I’m a pretty peculiar CEO.” I shrug. “Let this encounter be your first taste of that. What do you say? Would you like to become my assistant?”

“If I say no, will I still be able to do the internship in your creative department?”

It’s not the answer I was hoping for, but if that’s what she wants… “If you say no, it won’t influence the outcome of your interview with Sarah.”

Laia’s thumbs roll in rapid sequence around each other, but she doesn’t say a word.

I watch her tensed posture patiently, but I can deduce her answer already. It seems I’ll need to take Katja’s suggestion after all and hire a headhunter to find the right assistant for me. It’s a pity, though. My gut tells me Laia would have been a darned good option.

Chapter 5

(Laia)

I stare at Devon, my thoughts scrambling faster than the Thrust SSC race car in the Black Rock Desert.

What he tells me about the duties I’d need to perform as his PA exceed any expectations I had about the copywriting position. Not at all the tedious job I’d envisioned.

If I work for him, I’d be able to write all sorts of exciting things, not just ad copies. I would acquire much-needed business skills that would improve my hireability for the future. Plus, the position comes with long-term potential and a better salary.

I’ll be able to pay back Alicia and refurbish my entire bedroom in no time.

So why am I hesitant to accept? The decision should be a cakewalk.

Except, for my risk-averse nature, it isn’t. My palms are sweating, and my ears are buzzing like an untuned radio.

Although I’m determined to get out of the rut I’ve been dwelling in since graduation, Devon’s proposal scares me.

With more exposure comes more possibility of failing. If I screw up as his assistant, I’ll be doing it right under the watchful eyes of the CEO.

Am I ready for that?

“Leap and the net will appear,” Devon murmurs.

I jerk back at his unexpected comment. “Excuse me, what did you just say?”

Devon smiles. “It’s something my sister loves to say. Your torn expression made me remember it.”

His phrase strikes a particular chord in me. It reminds me of the Chinese proverb the author of Success Lies Within Us quotes repeatedly in the book.

“Pearls don’t lie on the seashore. If you want them, you must dive for them.”

A determination settles in me.

I’m not going to let my past insecurities corrupt my future. I can perform with flying colors as Devon’s PA. Anything that I don’t know, I can learn.

I clear my throat. “You know, I think my answer is…a yes. I’d like to become your assistant.”

His jaw drops and his eyes bulge, but he recovers fast, clapping his hands. “Excellent. Then, Laia, there is only one thing to say. Welcome on board.”

His enthusiasm makes me realize what I’ve just done.

I came into this building doubting whether I’d be good enough for a five-month internship, and I’m leaving as the CEO’s PA, the most coveted job among all the candidates.

I should be pleased with myself, but my stomach harbors mixed feelings.

I accepted the job Chelsea originally wanted. What will my friend think of me? Will she be upset?

Devon said he told her she wasn’t the right choice for him, and that Chelsea will be offered the accounting internship. Will she accept it?

Before I dwell on my culpability any further, Devon tears me from it by moving closer and stretching his hand to me.

I jump up to shake it and, in my haste, step on the hem of my pants, losing my equilibrium. My blazer billows out as I trip.

Before I can officially land on my bum, Devon’s hands close around my waist. His palms are firm, and an agreeable warmth seeps from his touch into my ribs, despite the relatively thick cotton of my blouse.

“I’ve got you.” He straightens me back to