Finding Herself(Surrender, Part 1)(3)

She frowned slightly. Nate Steele was dark and cynical, and she’d probably made a fool of herself by sounding naïve and hopeful. But it was too late to take back what she’d just said, so instead, she replied, “This is a great opportunity and it would mean a lot to me if I got the internship.”

“Really? And why is that?”

Nate’s eyes didn’t miss a beat, and Emily tried her best to explain. She began to reel off a list of reasons why Alpha Investments was such a great company, and what a wonderful opportunity it was for a new intern.

“Stop.” Nate interrupted her halfway through the spiel, and Emily took a deep breath, trying not to admire the way his face reflected the light from the window. Nate Steele had broad shoulders, and his face was a symphony of hard, angular lines, tanned skin, and dark hair that fell just the right way.

“You have a liberal arts degree,” Nate said, “We usually hire people with backgrounds in economics, finance, or mathematics – people who are interested in investment decisions. Why do you even want to work here? And don’t give me the usual bullshit, I need to know the truth.”

Emily gulped and said, “I’m looking for a job where I can really contribute something to the company, and not just be an unthinking peon. Even though I don’t have a technical degree, I’m a logical thinker and I can analyze real-world situations properly. I do think my skills match up well with the job here, and I can see beyond what most quants see in investment opportunities.”

Nate shook his head. “You’re just one of those girls who move to the big city, hoping it’ll be exciting and glamorous. This job – it’s just part of that plan. Any job would do, and personally, I think you’re better off looking for a proper job that’ll pay better money – not an internship that pays peanuts.”

Emily hated that Nate had seen through her so well. But then again, why was she surprised? A man who ran such a successful company would probably have to be a good judge of character.

“You’re right,” she admitted softly. “I did hope that New York would be exciting and glamorous. But you’re wrong that any job will do. I’m very loyal, and if I got this internship, I’d do my best – I’d work harder than anyone else, and I’d deserve the position more than anyone. I might be new to New York and still trying to settle in here, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’d be one of the best employees of Alpha Investments.”

Nate’s face was unmoving and his expression didn’t give anything away. Emily held her breath, too scared to say anything more in case it was the wrong thing.

Finally, Nate stood up and walked around the table. He stood next to her, just a few inches away. Emily stared down at her shoes, realizing that his belt buckle was almost at her eye level. She tried to keep non-professional thoughts out of her mind, but she couldn’t help wondering how it would be to reach out and … Stop it, she told herself, hoping that Nate couldn’t read her mind. She felt flushed and the scent of his oceanic cologne flooded her nostrils.

“Look at me,” Nate said softly, and Emily raised her eyes, trailing them up quickly until she met his glance. He looked amused, as though he’d caught her checking him out. Had she been checking him out? He certainly had large hands, and the way he leaned casually against his desk implied an understated strength. She felt confused, and waited for him to ask her something.

“Emily Miller,” he said, “You’re not what I expected.”

She blushed, wishing she’d bought a more expensive suit, and maybe worn more makeup. She wished she wasn’t so unsophisticated, or at least, that she could hide it better.

Nate held her gaze and said, “Stand up.”

Emily tried not to gulp, and stood up. Nate dropped his eyes and let them travel down her body slowly, down her legs and then up again, until their gaze locked. Emily felt naked, as if he had x-ray vision and had just seen through her clothes. Or was that wishful thinking on her part? Her hands tingled, and she had a sudden need to be touched, to feel a pair of strong hands on her body.

“You’re not what I expected at all,” he said, “And I really don’t think you should be working here.”

The words weren’t unexpected. This interview had been a disaster from the start. Nevertheless, Emily felt her heart drop a thousand floors. It landed near her feet with a thud, and she tried to keep that hopeless feeling at bay.

“I don’t agree,” she said, “I’d be really good at the job. I’m good at analyzing trends and –”