10

                                    

                                          
☆
T A T I A
10 | honey, I'm home
"It's been great having a chat with you, Tatia. You'd surely prove a valuable addition to our company," the young about-Reece's aged boss of Siege Tech tells me through the screen.
I am sitting in the hall of the penthouse, Reece's laptop perched on my lap where it shakes when my knees knock nervously against each other. The young guy, Hilton Ronaldo, may look friendly with his cute face and blonde hair swept neatly like it was ironed out, but I am accustomed to the rumors about his strict nature. Seeing him on the screen, sitting in his office at his desk, looking as professional as ever with the sunlight streaming through the glass floor-to-ceiling windows behind him giving him a majestic look, I cannot help quiver a little.
I force a smile on my lips. "Thank you, Mr. Ronaldo."
"You can call me Hilton. Ronaldo suits my Dad more."
I cannot imagine calling my boss by his first name ever. My last boss abhorred being called anything other than 'Sir' or 'Mr. Santiago'. One time I accidentally joked around him and he got so mad, he made me work overtime.
This boss though...
He talks a lot. I can feel my legs starting to cramp after the hour-long interview.
"Okay..." My speech fumbles, his name shaping on my tongue slowly. "Hilton."
"You will likely hear from us soon," Hilton continues in that serious tone without looking at the screen anymore. "Since Reece Pierce recommended you, I'm willing to take a chance even though you lack experience."
I hitch a breath at the mention of Reece. The cadence of my heart rises and reminders of his kindness storm through me like a rush of heat. He has done a lot for me these past two weeks. He never made me feel once that I was a burden. Although I imagine I am very much.
My sleep schedule has been better with the pills I am taking but I still am adjusting to the change in surroundings. I always hear the door of my suite opening late at night at least once. 
It took me a few days to realize that it was Reece checking up on me, thinking I was asleep.
"I assure you, Hilton, whatever I lack in experience, I'll try my best to make up with my dedication. I'm always willing to learn."
Confidence laces my voice and Hilton nods. "That's an incredible attitude to have. We'll be reaching out to you soon, Tatia."
With a bubble of excitement growing in my chest, my smile grows as I grin dumbly at the screen. "Thank you."
"Have a good day."
He cuts the Zoom call and I can breathe easier as I shut the laptop. Putting it over the coffee table before me, I stretch my arms and legs, closing my eyes and wondering if I should nap for a while.
My thoughts are obstructed when Shiver coos at my feet.
I look down at the pup, who is snoring lightly in his sleep. That dog can sleep a lot. Reece is making him spoiled with all the over-caring. Pursing my lips, I reach down and pick him up from the floor. He jerks awake at my touch and my skin starts to tingle with a rush of fear when he looks at me with those round teddy-bear-like eyes.
"You sleep a lot," I scold the pup, holding him midway in the air and he tilts his head as if he can understand me.
My womanly instincts don't let me keep a straight face for long. That pup might be scary but he fucking melts me.