Chapter 9
I remembered seeing Scott once or twice at charity events, dressed sharp in tuxedos, flashing smiles that charmed the cameras and annoyed Jarren to no end.
But if I was honest with myself… even then, I found him fascinating Handsome. Dangerous in the way.confidence always is. And now, here he was, standing before me on a quiet street in Switzerland, picking up my resume with a grin.
“Scott?” I murmured, blinking in disbelief.
His smile widened. “So you do know me.”
What was Scott Thompson doing in Switzerland? Although the last time she heard about Scott was years ago, Jarren was cursing him because he stole an investment. Jarren also never liked him, and they once got into a fight before. She never really cared about Scott because her focus before was only to Jarren–not until now.
“I mean… who doesn’t?” I said, a little breathless.
He gave a modest shrug. “Nice to see you again, Hayley Smith.”
“It’s Hayley Reid now, I corrected, tucking my hair behind my ear.
His brows lifted. “Hayley Reid? As in… you divorced Jarren?”
I nodded once. “Yes.”
Scott studied me for a moment, something unreadable passing in his eyes. “I see.”
“How did you know about me?” I asked cautiously, though my voice came out softer than I expected.
“The circle is small,” he said simply, his gaze never leaving mine. “Especially in our world. Your name… tends to travel.”
I shifted slightly, caught between curiosity and a strange warmth crawling up my neck. “That doesn’t explain how you recognized me in seconds.”
He tilted his head, a slight smile forming. “Let’s just say I’ve had my eye on you before. Once or twice.”
My eyebrows lifted. “Oh really?”
“Yeah. Those charity events weren’t that boring when you were around,” he said, and then leaned in a little, lowering his voice. “You always wore those understated gowns. Like you didn’t want to be noticed… which made you stand out even more.”
My lips parted, surprised–and a little flustered.
“Flattering,” I murmured.
“Only if it’s true,” he countered, a glint in his eye. “I had a crush on you.”
Before I could respond, a loud car horn blared from behind, jerking us both slightly. I turned my head instinctively, missing the last thing he said–something quiet, something thoughtful that didn’t quite reach me.
We laughed awkwardly, stepping aside as a delivery van rolled past.
“You okay?” he asked.
Chapter 9
7:17 pm
“Yeah,” I nodded, “I guess we were kind of in the way. Were you saying something?”
“No. Nevermind. Well, I won’t keep you though,” he said. “Unless… you’d like to grab a coffee with me?”
I raised a brow. “Are you offering me a job over cappuccino?”
He chuckled, “You’re overqualified, but yes, I’d love to hire you.”
We walked toward a café on the corner, and what followed felt like a strange kind of interview- half professional, half casual conversation. He asked about my experience, my specialties, my favorite ingredients to work with. I asked him what kind of cuisine he was planning. He smiled and said, “One that finally surprises Switzerland.”
It was easy. Comfortable. Unexpectedly refreshing.
By the time we parted ways, he had invited me to visit his estate the next day to look over the kitchen setup and finalize things. “It’s not a formal contract,” he said. “But if you like it, the job is yours.”
“Deal,” I smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Thompson.”
“Please,” he winked. “Call me Scott.”
That night, I could barely sleep.
Not from nerves–but excitement.
It felt surreal to finally be seen, to be appreciated. There was something different about Scott. Something that pulled me in, though I tried to ignore it.
The next morning, I arrived at the address he gave me–only to find it wasn’t a restaurant.
It was an estate.
Massive gates opened as the butler greeted me by name. “Mr. Thompson is just finishing a meeting. He asked if you’d like to walk around the property while you wait.”
“Oh… sure,” I said.
The place was stunning. Marble floors, rich dark wood paneling, chandeliers that looked like they belonged in a royal palace. I wandered carefully, letting my fingers graze the edge of a glass sculpture as I turned a hallway corner.
That’s when I saw him.
Scott.
Only wearing a towel.
Dripping wet from what was clearly a very recent shower.
We both froze.
“Oh-” he stammered, eyes wide.
My jaw dropped.
And then…
Thud.
The towel fell.
My eyes went wide.
Chapter O
212 31.0%
7:17 pm G
His eyes went wider.
“Oh my gosh!” I squealed, spinning around. “That’s- That’s huge!”
“I–Uh- I didn’t know you were here yet!” Scott shouted, scrambling for the towel.
I covered my eyes. “I was told to walk around!”
“Clearly, the butler forgot to mention I was half–naked!”
We both stood there, me facing the wall, him frantically wrapping the towel back around his waist.
Awkward silence followed. A silence so thick, I could practically hear the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
“Well,” I finally muttered, still not turning around, “That’s definitely the most unforgettable job interview I’ve ever had.”
“I’ll, uh… get dressed,” Scott said, somewhere behind me. “Please–make yourself at home.”
17
