4. Losing Altitude

LOSING ALTITUDE

I take one last look in the mirror, adjust the cuff on my sleeve under my jacket, then stroll out of my room, through the hotel, and into a waiting car. This is it. The interview I've waited my entire career for. What I've been working toward for the last twelve years. Today, it either pays off, or I go back to Los Angeles with my tail between my legs and keep on fighting the fight.

When the driver pulls up in front of the address, my eyes stare wide-eyed at the building towering over us. We have some tall buildings in Los Angeles, but none compare to the structures lining the streets of this city. I step onto the sidewalk, thanking the driver who's holding the door open for me. "Go in through those doors, miss, and tell the front desk who you're here to see. They'll take care of you from there."

I do as he instructs, taking a fortifying gulp of courage as I approach the man standing behind the large counter. "Good morning. Chloe Adams for an interview with Harrison, Harrison men come and go.

Sensing my internal struggle, he continues to argue, "Chloe, the only thing you need to worry about where I'm concerned, is to make sure I look good to the public and the clients. That's it." He steps into me then, pulling my body flush. His face just inches above mine as he looks down at me. "Anything else that happens is between you and me. No one else."

I lick my lips, wanting to kiss him, to wrap my arms around his waist, but know this isn't the time or the place. Instead, I back out of his hold and peer back at him. "Okay, I need some time to think and review the offer Ross presented." A wave of shyness sweeps over me as I continue. "And to think about you."

"Fair enough." He walks to the table to grab the folder Ross presented me with earlier and hands it to me. I retrieve my bag off the floor beside the table and start for the door.

"I'll ask Gina to call a car for you." He pulls the door open for me and allows me to walk ahead of him.

"Actually, I'd rather walk. It's not that far, and I could use the time to think." I turn, extending my hand to him. "Thank you for everything, Mr. Harrison."