The door closed behind me with a heavy thud, relief flooded my body to be out of his office. Simon, as he had insisted I call him, was charming, good-looking and arrogant. The fact that he was rich was usually enough to put me off by itself, but there was just something about him.

I still couldn’t believe I had said yes. After all, surely he didn’t take every new employee out for a drink, did he? That was always the problem with starting a new job; you didn’t know the rules and the etiquette. I also didn’t know if I should ask anyone; I didn’t want to rock the boat on my first day.

My mind was whirling, “A drink with the billionaire CEO straight after work today?” I could hear the question going round and round in my head. It was a struggle to focus on the task at hand, no matter how simple they were. I did catch myself smiling several times, the practical side of my brain had immediately realized that I didn’t have to panic about what to wear; there would be no time for me to change.

I have to confess I lost count of the number of people I met, all of them seemed nice although two in particular, Fiona and Sharon, were exceptionally friendly. Fiona had an impressive weave of red hair cascading down her back; it framed her face causing her green eyes to glow. Sharon had her blonde hair cut into a bob and wore a low cut top which emphasized her impressive assets. I had to admit, they looked tempting and I had never had feelings like that before.

I shook my head and glanced at my watch, twenty past four; less than a minute since I had last checked it. This might actually be the longest day of my life! But then, I couldn’t decide if I was desperate for it to be over in order to see Simon again or to get it over with.

Finally, it was five thirty and I headed for the door, exchanging pleasantries with several of my new colleagues. Simon was stood by the exit, bidding a good night to each member of his team. As my eyes moved across his body I idly wondered if he did that every night. He was wearing a medium gray suit that seemed to be designed to fit his body. The pale salmon shirt collars rising out of the top hinted at his playful nature. I didn’t know much about clothes but I knew these looked expensive.

A huge grin crossed his face as he saw me; “Ready?” He asked, his eyes glowing softly like two moons on a starry night. Stop it. I told myself quickly. I didn’t want to and couldn’t afford to have a relationship with this man. I sighed dramatically as I said, “Yes, let’s get it over with.”

I was hoping for a reaction but all I got was a raised eyebrow and an extra twinkle in his eyes. “After you.” He said, still smiling as he placed a hand in the middle of my back and guided me towards the left of his building. I could feel the heat of his hand as a warmth spread through my body, I suddenly wanted his hand to move lower. Quickly I glanced at the last of the staff leaving the building, none of them seemed surprised by my presence next to the boss; maybe it was normal after all.

Simon didn’t ask me what I wanted in the bar, he simply ordered a bottle of red and two glasses; he knew what he wanted because he never even looked at the menu.

“So, tell me about yourself.” He said pleasantly.

“What is this, an interview?” I could hear myself asking without really thinking about my response.

Simon smiled softly.

“No, you have already had them; I just want to know a little about you. I like to do it with all my team.” As he spoke I could feel myself being mesmerized by the whiteness of his teeth and the movements of his thick lips; I could imagine them against mine.

I shuddered, despite myself, he was everything I despised and yet, there was a magnetism about him that I felt drawn to. It was more than just his charm and good looks.

Taking a deep breath I started on my spiel; I had rehearsed it several times that day. “I have always been interested in communications, particularly developing new systems which will improve business contacts around the world.” I paused, catching my breath but not daring to look into his blue eyes; they would simply suck me in.

“I studied hard at school to make sure I got the grades and could get to MIT,” I stopped as I realized Simon was speaking.

“I know your resume, Kate,” he said softly. “What I want to know is who you are, what makes you tick.” His hand rested lightly on me as he spoke, his voice low and earnest. I met his eyes and immediately wished I hadn’t; I could feel my resolve disappearing.

“I lost my dad when I was six, my mum is supportive but not always present. She took my father’s leaving hard and turned to the drink.” I shook my head.

I couldn’t believe I was opening up to someone I had just met, I never shared these things with anyone. I found myself continuing, “My mum has never really got over it, I’ve had to work for everything I have and I know that men usually only give you something in exchange for what they want.”

I could see Simon raising his eyebrow again as he spoke softly, his hand still on mine, sending flashes of fire through my body.

“Not all men, Kate.” He said, “I believe in rewarding hard work and initiative, not just taking what I want.” For a moment I looked at him; I could see he was trying to be genuine, but I just couldn’t bring myself to fully believe it. There had just been too many men in the past who only really wanted one thing.

Simon cleared his throat; I knew he was unsure of what to say next, “What about you?” I asked; attempting to lighten the mood. Simon smiled but this time I could see the sadness in his eyes.

“My parents were very supportive, they gave me five grand to get started in business; it was their entire life savings. But I have built everything from there by myself.” I could hear the pride in his voice as he continued, “They have had their investment returned many times over.”

Simon looked at me again as if deciding whether to continue or not. “I have a son named Shaun.” His eyes never left mine as he spoke, “He is my world. His mother left three years ago; she was a gold digger.”

I could feel the chill go through my body, as Simon had said the last few words his eyes had become distant, angry. He might have money, but he still had issues.