Layla

by E. L. Todd

  “You like baseball?” he asked with a smile.

  “Who doesn’t?”

  “A lot of girls,” he said. “Who’s your favorite team?”

  “The Giants.”

  He cringed. “It’s all about the Yankees.”

  I glared at him. “I can already tell we aren’t going to get along.”

  “Nope.” He shook his head. “But it’ll be something we don’t talk about, like politics or religion.”

  “I’m a democrat,” I said. “You?”

  “The same.”

  I nodded. “Okay. Maybe we won’t kill each other.”

  Kyle chuckled. “We’ll make it work. So, what’s your favorite color?”

  “My favorite color?”

  “Yeah. Or is that too personal of a question? I told you mine.”

  I smiled. “You did bare your soul to me. It’s green.”

  “I like it. Our colors are complementary. What kind of green? Like the color of your eyes?”

  “Yeah, I would say so.”

  He nodded. “Excellent choice. “What movies do you like?”

  I shrugged. “I’ll watch anything. I’m not picky.”

  “Okay,” he said. “Pick your favorite movie of all time.”

  I picked up my fork and felt it in my fingers. “Heat.”

  “With Al Pacino and Robert Deniro?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Yep. Why is that surprising?”

  “I just wasn’t expecting that answer. Most people have never heard of that movie, let alone women.”

  I shrugged. “Well, I like it.”

  “May I ask why?”

  I thought for a moment. “I feel like everything combined together. The screenplay was good, the acting was amazing, the plot was phenomenal, the special effects, everything. It really made the movie soar.”

  He stared at me, nodding slightly. “That’s very cool.”

  “What?”

  “That you like a cat and mouse story, and not only about romance.”

  “You like what you like,” I said vaguely.

  The waitress brought our dishes. Kyle folded his napkin across his lap then ate his food with perfect manners. His elbows weren’t on the table and he didn’t drop a single crumb. His sandwich was thick with meat and dressing, but he didn’t get a stain on his mouth. I was glad I ordered a salad because I wasn’t nearly as elegant as he was.

  Before I finished half my salad, he already devoured his sandwich and moved onto his salad. He glanced out the window every few minutes, watching the people walk by. For some reason, I didn’t feel uncomfortable around him like I thought I would. Then a revelation hit me.

  “Aren’t we here for an interview?” I asked.

  “We are?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you said on the phone. You haven’t asked me anything that even relates to that.”

  He shrugged.

  I glared at him. “So you tricked me?”

  “You’re having a good time and you know it. I told you I was pleasant.”

  I shook my head. “You told me you wouldn’t ask me out again.”

  “I didn’t. I just invited you to lunch. I never said it was a date.”

  “What a loophole…”

  He smiled. “Actually, I wanted to see you so I could inform you that you got the job. I didn’t think that should be said over the phone.”

  “I got it?” I asked, my eyes wide.

  “Of course.”

  “Wait. Which one?”

  “The copy editing position.”

  “Are you serious?” I covered my mouth so I wouldn’t scream.

  His grin widened. “I like your enthusiasm.”

  “Thank you so much. I couldn’t make another drink if a gun was pointed at my head.”

  “And it looks like I can still stalk you at work.”

  “That’s not funny,” I said with a smile.

  “Then why are you grinning?”

  I ignored the question. “When do I start?”

  “Tomorrow, or whenever you can put your two weeks in.”

  “Two weeks notice?” I said with a laugh. “I’m quitting immediately. I hate working there.”

  “I think the customers will be happy about that,” Kyle said. “They don’t have to worry about getting punched in the face anymore.”

  “I hope my replacement is just as feisty.”

  He drank from his water then leaned toward me. “Do you have any questions?”

  “A lot.”

  “Go for it.”

  “Well, I guess I should wait until my first day. That way I’ll have the job in front of me.”

  He nodded. “Just to let you know, you’ll be working with me very closely. As your superior, I’ll be checking your work, asking for your input, traveling with you—”

  “Wait. What do you mean traveling?”

  “We’ll be taking some trips together. When I attend conferences, I’m required to write up reports, articles, and news clippings because I send them to the director and other personnel. I need you there for that.”

  “Can’t I just do it from home?”

  He smiled. “I’m really not that bad. But no, you can’t do it from home. Perhaps you should consider that before you officially accept the job. You act like you can’t stand me, so you might want to reconsider everything.”

  I sighed. Kyle seemed like a nice guy—for the most part. I did enjoy talking to him, but his insistent interest in me was annoying. The harder he pushed, the more I didn’t want him. “I don’t know.”

  Kyle’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. He glanced out the window then looked down at the table. “I’m sincerely sorry that I’ve made you so uncomfortable that you would consider refusing a job you really want. I’ll drop the act. You have my word.”

  I looked at him, spotting the truth in his eyes. “Why are you interested in me anyway? There’s nothing special about me. Every girl in this room is far more beautiful than I am. I’m a bartender who just starting making a move toward a real career. I have no idea what I’m doing with my life.”

  “No one knows what they’re doing. You aren’t the only one,” Kyle said. He looked into my face before he answered my question. “Well, the initial reason why I approached you was because I thought you were pretty. I love the light color of your hair and your bright eyes. You have a gorgeous body and a perfect face. I admit that the physical attraction caught my eye.” I wasn’t expecting such words so I felt my cheeks redden slightly. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a belly and round hips. I didn’t think I was gorgeous, let alone attractive. And my face was far from perfect. “But when that drunk asshole was giving you shit, calling you baby, you didn’t ask for help, you didn’t avoid him, and you didn’t get scared. You told him where to go, and when he didn’t stop, you took care of it by smashing his face into the counter. That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” My eyes widened. I thought I was totally psychotic, rude, and just violent. “Most women aren’t strong like that. They avoid situations and remain passive, especially with their emotions. With them, it’s always a confusing puzzle. You, on the other hand, are blunt and truthful. I’m never confused about what you’re thinking or what you want. It’s…refreshing.” He rubbed his chin for a moment, feeing the soft prickle on his face. “The city is a dangerous place and a lot of women don’t take that seriously. I like that you understand that people aren’t trustworthy and innately good. With you, trust has to be earned. It’s never given freely. I like that you guard your heart, body, and mind. You carry a weapon in your purse, which gives me relief. And when I approached you in the darkness, you did exactly what I would want my girlfriend to do. You took charge and protected yourself. You’re different than other girls. You are strong and independent. You take care of yourself. I find that—really amazing.” He stared at me, gauging my reaction. I didn’t know how to respond to that. I intimidated most men with my head strong personality and my zero toler
ance for bullshit. Most guys would think I was a bitch for acting the way I do. Kyle leaned back in his chair. “I’m not used to getting rejected by women. To be honest, I can’t recall a time it ever happened other than when I was four and kissed a girl on the playground. I guess the fact that you shut me down so quickly made me more interested. Most girls swoon over me as soon as I act charming, and the rest is history. There’s a lot more to you than what’s on the surface. You have a good head on those shoulders and you don’t need a man in your life. My good looks and charisma don’t seem to affect you, which makes me even more attracted to you.”

  I avoided his gaze because there were no coherent thoughts in my head. His little speech left me winded. I just met him and he seemed to understand me pretty well. And for the first time, I felt like a guy really respected me. I never had a guy show such a strong interest in me. Guys asked me out from time to time, but there was no thought behind it. It was mainly because they were desperate and I was just at the right place and the right time. A guy had never come to my work just to ask me out. And I’d never been asked out by someone as gorgeous as he was. I still didn’t say anything.

  The waitress brought the tab and Kyle quickly inserted his card before she took it back. He drummed his fingers on the table, waiting for me to say something. After a while, he gave up. “I’ve done everything I can to get you to go out with me, but clearly, nothing is going to work. I accept that and I’ll back off. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable or scared. The working environment will be professional and safe. Please don’t’ reject the offer because of me. That’s the last thing I want to happen.”

  “Why did you pick me?”

  “I thought you were the most qualified.”

  “Is that the truth?”

  He touched his tie while he glanced at the table. “I guess not. There were other people more qualified than you. But the reason why I chose you isn’t because of my attraction to you. It’s because you wanted it the most. While work experience and personality are important, drive and motivation are just as essential. I can tell you and I will work well together and you won’t let me down. In that respect, you were the best candidate for the position. Please accept it.”

  “I really want this job.”

  “Then please take it. I want bother you anymore. I promise.”

  “Then yes, I accept.”

  He smiled at me. “That’s great. But can I ask you something personal?”

  “I may not answer.”

  “Why don’t you want to go out with me?” He leaned forward and stared at my face.

  “Now that you’re my boss, it would be unprofessional and inappropriate. I wouldn’t want my colleagues to hate me before they even knew me.”

  “There’s no policy that prohibits inter-department data. There are actually a few married couples that work in the same hallway as my office.”

  “It’s still unprofessional.”

  “Well, that isn’t the only reason, right? You didn’t want to date me before. Tell me why.”

  After being in such a bad relationship that wasted years of my life, I wasn’t looking for another one. When I met Jared, I thought he was a safe choice. I met him in a bar, but I could immediately tell how sweet and loyal he was. But I had been wrong. All the men I chose were assholes, they didn’t care about me, and they certainly didn’t love me. As much as I hated to admit it, my heart was damaged. I needed to put it back together before I considered dating someone else. Kyle was smart, attractive, funny, cute, and easy to talk to. But, I couldn’t let myself feel anything for him—for anyone. How could I be in a successful relationship if I wasn’t successful alone? And I didn’t know Kyle well enough to trust him. If I fell for him, he may just break my heart and then I would have to see him at work every day. That would be unbearable.

  “Layla?”

  “Sorry, I was thinking.”

  “And?”

  “I—I just don’t want to date anyone.”

  “So it isn’t personal?”

  I shrugged. “I guess.”

  “Could you elaborate on that?”

  “No.”

  He stared at me, his eyes softening slightly. Kyle didn’t press the subject and let it die at the table. “Okay.”

  “Thank you for lunch,” I said quietly.

  “You’re very welcome. Will I be seeing you tomorrow at the office?”

  “Yes. I’ll go quit my job right now. I’m going to dance on the counter and give everyone the bird.”

  He laughed. “That sounds like quite a show.”

  “What time?”

  “Eight.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Kyle stood up then helped me from the seat. We walked outside the restaurant then stopped on the sidewalk. He kept his hands in his pockets. The watch he wore wasn’t the black digital one, but a metal Rolex. He looked sharp and classy, definitely someone I would check out if I saw him pass by. He must have a line of girls waiting for him, just begging to get his attention for even a moment. Kyle stood in front of me, staring into my face with an intense gaze. Nothing was said but I could feel his thoughts leak through his skin. The frustration was evident on his face. No matter what he did, he still couldn’t have me. It was driving him crazy.

  I looked at his lips, eyeing the corners. They looked wet and kissable. I wondered what they tasted like, felt like against my mouth. As my thoughts turned sexual and sinister, I forced them into the dark recesses of my mind. This man was my boss and colleague. Even if I wanted something to happen with him, it couldn’t. And I was an emotional wreck who had a limited capacity for friendship, passion, and definitely love. Kyle seemed like a nice guy, despite our awkward meeting. The conversation between us was easy and unforced. He seemed interested in everything I had to say, and he was such a keen observer of my behaviors and actions. I already felt like we were friends—in a way. The sexual tension was starting to form between us. I think it had always been there, but I had been immune to it on my end. Now that he was charming and sweet, I started to notice it more. It was hard not to.

  Kyle extended his hand and shook mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Gallagher.”

  “Call me Layla.”

  He smiled. “Good. Because that name is too beautiful not to be used.” He nodded then walked away, moving into the crowd as he headed back to the office. Entranced, I watched him leave, noting his upright posture and elegant form. His head reached over the crowd because of his height. His movement was fluid and straight. His feet never dragged on the ground and he held himself like someone of importance. His confidence was clear even blocks away. After I couldn’t see him any longer, I left.

  6

  When I walked into Satin Magazine the next morning, I was directed to the human resources department where I filled out paperwork and received my badge. Then I went across the building until I reached the same receptionist I saw a few days ago. She was playing solitaire again.

  “I’m here to see Mr. Benedict,” I said.

  She stared at the screen, clearly at a stalemate.

  “Move the five to the right pile and disperse the other cards. Then take the king from the deck.”

  She finally looked at me and stared at me for a moment. When she went back to her computer, she followed my recommendation and it worked. “Thanks,” she said.

  “No problem.”

  She stood up and smiled at me. “Are you the new copy editor?”

  Wow. She’s actually talking to me. “Yes.”

  “I’m Joanna.”

  “Layla.”

  “I’ll show you your office.”

  “Thanks.”

  She turned down the hallway until she unlocked an office door. When it was open, it revealed a small room with a large window that took up the entire wall. There was a desk, a computer, and bookshelves on either side.

  “Here’s your key,” Joanna said. “We don’t have any spares so don’t lose it.”

  “Thank you.”

&
nbsp; Joanna was very thin, borderline eating disorder sick. Her elbows stuck out because there was barely enough skin. Her hair had a red tint to it, but it was so many different colors I couldn’t tell what her natural hair color was. Her eyebrows were dark brown, so I wondered if that was any indication. Her skirt was a little loose on the hips, and it’s probably because they didn’t make clothes small enough for her. Maybe she should try children’s clothes. “Let me know if you need anything.” She turned and left.

  I stared at the office for a moment before I put down my purse and sat behind the desk. When I felt the wood under my fingers, I was relieved I wouldn’t be pouring drinks over it anymore. It was such a nice change. I was finally getting my life on the right track.

  There was a knock on the open door. “Can I come in?” Kyle asked.

  I looked up at him and saw the gray colored suit he wore. A tie with specks of yellow was around his neck. Every time I saw him, he was wearing the color in some way. His suit fit his upper body perfectly, masking the toned muscles of his chest and stomach. Every time I looked at him, I wondered what he looked like shirtless. Those thoughts needed to stop.

  “Of course, come in,” I said.

  He strolled into the room, his shoulders back and his posture straight. “So what do you think?”

  I stared at his body. “You look nice.”

  He smiled. “Thank you. But I was referring to the office.”

  “Oh.” Now I felt stupid. “It’s—great. I love it.”

  “If you have any special needs, we’ll accommodate you. The chair I used to have was so uncomfortable I felt like I was sitting on a fork.

  I chuckled. “I think I’ll be fine.”

  “Let’s get started, then.” He came behind the desk and leaned over me, grabbing the mouse from the computer. Kyle was closer to me than he’d ever been. The scent of his cologne was noticeable. I liked the musky smell. The soft fabric of his suit touched my shoulder, and I could faintly feel the outline of his arms. They were thick and wide. Kyle wrote down my log in information and showed me the system they used. I paid attention to everything he said, but there were times when I was distracted by his proximity. Sometimes I wondered if he did it on purpose.