Page 8 of The Christmas Trap

The seconds stretch as she shuffles through her thoughts, then she firms her lips. “I don’t just want to impress you. I want toanticipateyou.”

I arch an eyebrow.Not bad.

She presses on, gaining confidence. “The others are probably more polished. They’re definitely more qualified than me. But I’ll try my best to be ten steps ahead. I’ll anticipate what you need from me. You’ll never have to tell me twice. You’ll barely have to tell me once.”

Interesting. And audacious. Definitely courageous.

She knows she has me hooked. A small smile curves her lips.

“You can trust me to be ahead of the curve every single time.”

I still. “That’s a tall claim.”

“It’s true.”

“Prove it.”

She looks askance, then recovers admirably. “I know that you fire fast but reward loyalty. And that you don’t just want an executive assistant, you want a shield. Someone who can manage the day-to-day problems which crop up and put out fires without having them intrude.”

Good answer.I lean back in my seat. “What makes you think I don’t want to know what’s happening day-to-day in my own company?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “You need perspective to be effective. You’re a big picture man.” She levels a shrewd gaze at me. “Youwant to focus on strategy without being pulled into the minutiae of business. That’s where I come in.”

She’s saying all the right things. I’m almost convinced.Almost. But I need someone who can deliver. There’s no room for failure. There’s also a lot at stake.

It’s why I thought long and hard before creating this position.It’s why I decide to test her further.

“You think you can streamline my workflow?” I scoff.

She leans forward. “I’ll not only streamline it, I’ll own it.”

I lean forward, mirroring her posture.

“I’ll make the running of the business smoother,” she says with complete confidence.

Woman has guts. And assurance. Something I find hugely appealing. I run my thumb under my lip. Her gaze is drawn there, and she flushes. But she quickly recovers herself and squares her shoulders.

“I don’t want to be just your EA, Mr. Davenport. I want to be your advantage.”

“Is that right?”

She sets her jaw. “Absolutely. If you give me the position, you won’t regret it.”

3

Lark

He regards me with skepticism. A sinking sensation opens in my belly, and I push it aside. I was sure I’d convinced him. Maybe he’s testing me one last time before making up his mind?

“You don’t believe me?” I lift my chin, daring him to say it.

He pauses. Long enough to make it sting.

“I admire your confidence. And your initiative. Your belief in your abilities is…impressive.”

I can’t let myself relax. There’s a ‘but’ coming. I can feel it.

“But—”