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I burst into laughter in self-mockery. Did I just spend almost an hour looking for a woman I only just met? It defies all reasoning. If my friends could see me now, they would say I’m definitely losing it.
But the woman isn’t just any woman. I have to give her that. Her jasmine scent still tickles my nostrils. I wish I had gotten more information from her about who her sister is and where she lives. It would have made my search easier because I’m determined to find her.
“What is wrong with me?” I ask myself for the umpteenth time.
Never has a woman had me all worked up, not even when I was a teenager trying to get my first girlfriend. Hope’s brown eyes with specks of gold flash through my mind again. Those eyes could eat a man whole.
No. I shake my head. I’ll find her, even if it’s the last thing I do. And when I find her, I won’t let her say a single word before crushing her thick lips with mine. The thought of kissing her makes my body harden instantly. And then I’ll take her to a special dinner where we’ll get to know each other.
“Watch out, Hope—if that’s your actual name—I’m coming for you, and this time around, I won’t take no for an answer.”
Chapter Seven
Hope
“Why can’t I stop thinking about him?” I ask myself a few days later.
I can’t believe that thoughts of the handsome hunk I met at the mall have flooded my mind repeatedly. Even during Thanksgiving Day, my mind drifts to him and I wonder what he is doing at that moment. Hastily, I push the thought from my mind, ashamed of thinking about him when I have a feast before me with my loved ones.
I better put thoughts of him aside before he makes me botch my interview.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I woke up early to make sure I didn’t arrive late and to take special care in my appearance for my interview at Clause Enterprises. Sweet Ray put in a good word for me and helped to submit my application. Thankfully, I have worked as a personal assistant in between jobs.
I stare at my rounded hips revealed by the tight black pencil skirt I have on. My full breasts slightly strain the cream ruffled blouse covering them. I feel ready for the interview. Carrying my black purse, I leave the room and gently walk down the stairs in my cream heels.
“Wow. Don’t you look like a personal assistant already?” Debra teases as soon as I step into the kitchen.
I throw her a fond smile and place my purse on the counter before pouring myself a cup of coffee.
“Breakfast is ready,” she announces, but I shake my head.
“I don’t think I can stomach food for now. I’m so nervous, as if it’s my very first interview. I don’t know why.”
She smiles beautifully. “It’s because you’ve been searching for a job. Don’t worry, you’ll get it. Ray said that his boss is badly in need of one, so I’m sure you’ll be hired. You have the looks and the brains.”
Laughter erupts from my mouth. “The looks? What has that got to do with being a personal assistant?”
“Everything. A wealthy man like Clause would want people around him to always look good. You, my dear, look sensational.”
Unable to stop myself, I go over to where she’s standing by the oven and throw my arms around her.
“You’ve always been good for my ego.”
She laughs. “I know, right?”
I pull away and tears glisten in my eyes at the motherly role she had taken.
“Thank you,” I say with heartfelt emotion.
She shrugs it off and I return to my cup of coffee. I leave the house a few minutes later and take a cab to Clause Enterprises. I pay my fare and stand for a moment looking at the magnificent building in the heart of the town. Keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll soon be an employee there, I walk into the building. I’m not surprised at all by the opulent décor and the chic looking receptionist.
Pasting a smile on my face, I reach the receptionist’s desk.
“Good morning.”
She returns my smile. "Good morning. How may I help you?”
"I'm Hope Grady. I'm here for the interview for the position of a personal assistant.”