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tried not to think about it.
    When
the door opened, the first thing that I noticed was that the walkway
leading to a large set of double doors was lined with desks manned by
blonde bombshells. It seemed like each one was prettier than the
next. They smiled at me politely as I passed, though I knew their
eyes were scrutinizing everything about me.
    “ Are
you here to interview with Mr. Kemble?” one of the women asked.
Her honey blonde hair was pulled up into a tight bun. I could tell by
the way she spoke that she was no bimbo.
    “ I'm
here to interview,” I said, though I hadn't known I would be
interviewing with Jack Kemble himself. This was where my hopes got
dashed. My dark-brown hair should kill his interest in me instantly,
if what Mandy had said was true about him only hiring blondes. From
the looks of the top-floor staff, she'd been right on the mark.
    The
woman picked up the receiver on her desk and dialed in a number. “Mr.
Kemble, there's a woman here to see you. She said she has an
interview with you.” When she hung up the phone, she gave me a
courteous nod. “Mr. Kemble will see you now.”
    “ Thank
you,” I replied, unsure of whether to be nervous or not give a
crap. This had all been a waste of my time, so why should I care. As
soon as Jack Kemble laid eyes on me, he'd be every bit as dismissive
as the man who interviewed me before; I just knew it.
    The
woman gestured to the double doors, and I walked forward, curling my
hand around the handle before tugging it open. Taking a deep breath,
I stepped inside, closing the door behind myself. It wasn't until my
eyes met the man on the other side of the desk that my breath hitched
in surprise.
    “ Jim?”
I asked with a curious smile.
    The
man stood, beaming a grin as he extended his hand, urging me to step
forward and take it. This time, Jim's handshake was firm, more
professional than casual.
    “ Jim
is a moniker I use in public so people won't know who I really am.
Please forgive me. My real name is Jack Kemble, and I'm the CEO of
Syngex Incorporated.”
    I
was at a loss for words. Part of me was happy to see this man again,
but the other part was horribly disappointed, now knowing who and
what he really was. This kind person, who had gone downstairs to aid
me in my time of need, was a womanizer.
    “ I'm
shocked, to say the least,” I finally muttered.
    “ I
figured you would be.” Jack sat back down, gesturing toward the
chair on the other side of his desk. “Now, if I remember
correctly, you were looking for a job.”
    “ Yes,”
I replied, rounding the chair to sit in it.
    “ I
had some time to look over your resume. It appears you have mostly
restaurant experience. What do you know about working in an office?”
    “ Nothing
really.” The room was suddenly hot, though I was sure that it
was just me. My mind was still mulling over how the polite man who
had helped with my flat tire was now sitting before me, interviewing
me for a job. It seemed so surreal.
    “ It's
not a very difficult job. All you'd have to do is run errands for me,
accompany me on business trips when required, make my coffee in the
morning, and take a few phone calls.”
    “ So,
I'd be like one of the girls out there.” I pointed over my
shoulder.
    “ Yes
and no. I'm looking for more of a personal assistant, someone to stay
by my side and tend to my needs as they arise.”
    If
that didn't sound cryptic and sexual, I don't know what else could. I
hadn't been inside his office for more than five minutes, and I
already didn't like where this was going. This guy was a different
version of Eric, and I didn't want him to feel entitled to my body
because he was helping me out. Still, I was in a very desperate
situation.
    “ It
doesn't seem that difficult,” I said, swallowing my pride. If
all else failed, I could quit and call my parents. There were always
choices, but I needed to test my opportunities first.
    “ Well,
it's not always a cake walk, but I wouldn't call it a