Read Online Corporate Cowboy by Bella Masters - Free Book Online Page B

begins. “Emma, we are promoting you to the front desk supervisor position. We feel you are a good match for the job and have already shown promise as a leader.”
    I turn toward her and give her my attention. I feel Gage’s stare on my cheek. I almost have to question her statement. How have I shown leadership in five short days, two of those in training? Her words feel canned and staged.
    I glance at Gage, who remains businesslike and indifferent.
    She continues. “You’ll see an offer letter there on the stack of papers in front of you. Salary, hours, and a job description are included. We know this is the first time you have seen the offer, so if you need to think about it, that is fine with us.”
    Gage interrupts. “I would like a response today though, Miss Lavender.”
    I glance up from the letter. “If you don’t mind, I’ll read it now, and then let you know, Mr. Parker.”
    Christina clears her throat, and I wonder if that is a warning. For what? Don’t cross Mr. Parker? I think I have already done that, more than once.
    I look her way. “If you will give me a moment.”
    “Of course.”
    I read the letter. The salary is decent. The hours are nothing out of the ordinary. The job description is easy enough to understand but a bit vague in areas. I look up to Gage. “I don’t see the usual job description disclaimer here.”
    His brows arch. “And that is…?”
    “You know, the one that reads, ‘and other duties as assigned,’ generally under the discretion of the supervisor.”
    Gage stares. His mouth twitches.
    “By the way, who will be my supervisor?”
    He clears his throat. “That is to be worked out. We are restructuring our org chart this week.”
    Sure. Of course. I’m not buying that.
    Abruptly, I turn to Christina. “Will there be other duties assigned, or is this it?”
    “Those are the general duties, Emma. Of course, they are very broad, in some respects, on purpose, because tasks often change.”
    “I see.” I ponder that, and then look back to Gage. “I may need to have them lined out a little more specifically. I want to be certain, if I accept this position, of the duties expected of me.”
    Again, his gaze sears through me. I can feel the heat. Or maybe that’s something else.
    Christina breathes deep beside me and exhales. “Emma, this is our standard offer. If you are not interested in the position….”
    Gage interrupts. “Whatever Miss Lavender needs spelled out more specifically, Ms. Long, please make it happen. As I look this over,” for the first time he actually picks up his copy of the letter and peruses it, “I can see where there are areas of vagueness.”
    He stands. Christina and I follow suit. I see her fists clench and unclench at her sides. She’s agitated and annoyed. Damn, has he screwed her, too?
    “Ms. Long?”
    “I will take care of it, sir.”
    He turns to me. “Miss Lavender, please review the offer thoroughly and get with Ms. Long within the hour with your questions. I’m sure that you both will come to an agreement, and we can get this wrapped up today.”
    “Yes. Sir.” Then I catch myself. Although calling him sir was not in any way inappropriate, it felt a little decadent saying it in front of someone else. My mind flashed back to the day before.
    I glance up to see Gage’s stoic face staring back. I turn to Christina. “This really shouldn’t take long,” I tell her.
    “I’ll be in my office.” Turning, she heads for the door.
    I glance quickly at Gage, gather up the papers in front of me, and turn to follow her.
    “Miss Lavender. There is one more thing.”
    I swivel back and when I do, hear the office door click closed behind me.
    For a moment, we stand there staring. Finally, I break the silence.
    “Yes?”
    “Yes, what?”
    “The one more thing.”
    “Of course.” He motions back to the chair I was sitting in. “Have a seat.”
    I don’t hesitate and sit. He settles himself behind the desk and picks up his phone.