Page 19 of Hate You Up Close

Pretty. That’s comical.

“She’s more just than pretty, and you know that,” I say through gritted teeth. “She’s fucking sex on legs.Youdid this because you knew it would get under my skin, and that’s fucked up, Skylar.”

She leans back like she’s been stabbed.

“Actually, me hiring Roxy hasnothingto do with her looks. As an HR professional, it’s against everything I do to hire people based on their physical appearance,” she clarifies. “But you know whatdidencourage me to hire her? Her attitude and personality. I hired her because she’s smart, independent, and isn't going to put up with your shit.”

No, no, no.

What Skylar doesn't understand is that Ineedan admin who’s going to put up with my shit. I don’t have time for anything else. I need someone who’s going to do as I say, not ask questions or give me any pushback. Isn't that the whole point of having an assistant? To make your job easier?

“Move her, Skylar,” I demand.

“No,” she clips, holding my stare.

Dammit.She’s not going to budge.

“Fine, then I’ll do it myself,” I growl. “I guess I’ll have to fire her because you simply can’t transfer her to a new manager.”

Skylar's brows shoot up as she lets out a sarcastic chuckle.

“You do that, and you’ll be fired immediately,” she says sharply. “That’s discrimination, buddy. And good luck finding another job in the corporate world after getting fired for discrimination.”

A beat of silence passes as my brain runs wild, trying like hell to come up with a solution.

I got nothing.

“Fuck!” I curse under my breath as I pace around in a circle.

Skylar audibly clears her throat.

“Now, if you don’t need anything else, I have a meeting in five minutes. So if you would please excuse yourself,” Skylar says in a professional tone that pisses me right off.

“This is bullshit, Skylar,” I hiss, feeling my cheeks heat with anger.

“Goodbye, Elliot,” she mocks, rolling her eyes.

“This conversation isn't over,” I bark, not moving a muscle.

She arches a threatening brow.

“Do I need to call security to escort you out? That would be pretty embarrassing for you.”

I hate her. I actually fucking hate her.

I narrow my eyes, shaking my head as I shoot her a furious glance before turning my shoulders and storming out of her office.

SIX

Roxy

My first day is going dreadfully slow. I only have an hour left until five o’clock, but I feel like every second is passing by slower than molasses.

When Elliot returned from wherever he ran off, he barely made eye contact with me when he instructed me to spend the day completing my new hire training courses. Even though he’s been a complete jerk since I arrived, I’m happy he’s giving me time to work on the classes because the list is ridiculously long.

So far, I’ve completed Compliance Training, HR Onboarding, Safety and Security, Company Policies, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Each class comes with quizzes at the end of the course, all of which I’ve scored a ninety or above.

I exhale a tired breath before taking a sip of water and clicking on the next class: Timesheets and Payroll.