by Leslie North
Grab your copy of The Sheikh's Accidental Pregnancy from www.LeslieNorthBooks.com
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EXCERPT
Sara arrived for her interview at the Botros Oil Company a few minutes early. When she applied for the job as personal assistant, she never thought she'd get it. She was fresh out of university with not much work experience and the Botros Oil Company was one of the best in the Middle East. Sara nervously played with her fingers as she waited for her interview. This job was a big deal for a twenty-three-year-old fresh out of engineering school. She pulled out her phone and quickly went online to read about Sheik Amir one more time.
She had to know about the man she was going to work for. At twenty-eight, he was the youngest VP at the family-run business and one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.
“Miss Matthews,” the receptionist called out and smiled. As Sara looked up, she couldn’t help but notice that she wore her hair in a neat bob and dressed smartly. “Sheik Amir will see you now,” she added and held the door open for her.
Sara stood up, straightened her skirt and walked into the office. Amir was sitting at his desk and she immediately stretched out her hand for him to shake as she approached the table.
“Sara Matthews,” Sara introduced herself with a smile.
“Amir Botros. Please have a seat, Miss Matthews,” he said, as he shook her hand. His voice was calm and soft.
The office was cool from the air conditioner. It was very tidy and furnished with sophisticated leather furniture. No doubt, it was very expensive. It made Sara question their interest in her even more. Surely, a company of such high status would hire an older woman for the position of personal assistant, with maybe two degrees and tons of experience? What was she thinking moving so far from home? Up until a couple weeks ago, she’d never left the United Kingdom.
“Great that you could join us today,” Amir said.
“Thanks for the invitation,” Sara replied. She was sitting upright, even though it was not comfortable. She was too used to leaning back in the chair with her legs apart. Her mother always made a point to remind her of how unladylike it was.
“You’re welcome. What do you think of the country so far?”
Sara was surprised by such a casual question. She thought about her words before she replied. She always had a tendency to ramble.
“It's very hot, but beautiful.” She was not sure if she was meant to say more. She decided that it was safer to keep it to a short and simple answer.
“Being from London, I am sure that you are not used to the heat out here, but I must comment, your accent is not entirely a British one, no?”
Now Sara was officially confused. They were discussing her accent? What kind of an interview was this?
“Yes, I have a South African background,” Sara replied.
“That, I am aware off.” Amir took a sip from a glass of water. “I like the mix, it's rather exotic,” he added, leaning back in his chair.
“Thank you.” This is officially awkward, Sara thought to herself.
“Okay, I can see that I am making you feel uncomfortable.” Before Sara could respond, Amir put his hand up to stop her and smiled. “I liked you on paper. A background check on you was already completed. So I would like to hire you for a month to see if you can impress me in real life as well.”
Liked me? Background checks? Sara was wondering if this was a trick. She stared at him blankly and did not respond.
“I am too impulsive, according to my brother,” he smirked a little.
“But I have no experience...yet,” Sara ventured.
“That is the beauty of it. I can mould you into what I need exactly. You have the academic credentials and the rest will come with experience.”
Sara narrowed her eyes. “So, I'm hired?” Sara asked.
“Precisely,” Amir said and rose from his desk. “I have other matters to attend to, so please show yourself out. You start Monday morning at 8 AM sharp,” he added as he buttoned his suit jacket. Sara almost died when he said 8 AM. She couldn't function before 10 on a good day, but if she was going to take a position in a corporate environment, she was going to have to learn to function on their schedule. She raised her eyebrows when Amir handed her two thick files. “Some light reading for the week,” he said with a grin and then walked out.
Grab your copy of The Sheikh's Accidental Pregnancy from www.LeslieNorthBooks.com