C2 The Boss

Later that morning, I enter the immaculate lobby of Lockwood Enterprises and approach the front desk.

Hi, am here for the nanny interview with Mr.Lockwood.

Ah, yes. His ten o’clock is running late, but he said to send you in. Follow me.

I am cool, calm, and collected as the receptionist leads me through the halls of Lockwood Enterprises...

But as soon as I step inside Mr.Lockwood’s office, all rational thoughts disappears when I see him glance up from his desk.

(How is he even more gorgeous in person?)

“...still need to discuss the marketing for the Ilithyia project. I say we go all in on the healthcare side, put our money into doctor ads”. Said his colleague.

Mr.Lockwood gestures for me to come in and sit as he tries to wrap up his previous meeting.

Isn’t that the same strategy that almost sunk our last attempt to enter the women’s heath sector? I need you to think outside the box, David. You know how important this is to me.

I suppose we could go straight to the source... but women don’t want all the science-talk thrown at them.

Hmm. What do you think?

With a start, I realize Mr. Lockwood is talking to me.

I asked; “Me?”

Yes you, Ms. Lawson. How would you approach marketing new tech designed to make C-sections safer and easier?

I think you should use a viral marketing strategy. A lot of your target demo gets their information about this sort of stuff from the internet now.

Traditional strategies like magazine ads or TV spots all but guarantee no one will see it. No one who’s about to have a C-section, at least.

...I couldn’t agree more. David, I want a new plan that takes her advice into account on my desk by end-of-day. Understood?

But- -

Or do I need to find someone else to take over the project?

Ms. Lawson is already here for an interview...

“...I’ll get it done”. Said David Angrily.

David huffs as he gathers his papers and hurried from the room.

Mr. Lockwood turns to give me his full attention, and my breath catches at the intensity of his gaze.

I’m sorry about that. I’ve got a packed schedule this morning, but I’m glad you were able to come in.

It’s nice to officially meet you Ms. Lawson.

Mr. Lockwood reaches to shake my hand, and I feel an illicit spark as my skin brushes against his.

Tell me,what made you apply for this nanny position?

Because I love kids. I have a natural affinity for childcare. I enjoy instilling important principles such as patience and self- discipline, but I like to have fun too. I’m very energetic and playful.

Hmm. My kids definitely require all those things.

Mr. Lockwood leans a hip against his desk. I’m excruciatingly aware that there’s nothing between the both of us... except maybe my fantasies from this morning.

I just received my masters in chemistry, and all my lab work has definitely prepared me for taking care of young children. After all chemist are used to handling high-stakes pills.

Mr. Lockwood chuckles, and his gaze lingers on me for just a moment too long... Finally, he looks away and clears his throat.

The kids are still feeling the loss of their mother. It was almost five years ago now, but...

Even though I’ve never met them, my heart aches for his kids.

“That’s not something you can just get over” I said in a very low tone.

Exactly. And I’m afraid they often take it out on their nanny. Can you handle that?

Of course Mr. Lockwood of course.

Then I have just one question for you, Ms. Lawson, and I want you to be completely honest.

Mr. Lockwood leans forward earnestly, and once again, I can feel the electricity, the anticipation, crackle in the air between us.

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I’d tell younger me to believe in myself because I’m proud of who I’ve become, but I could’ve gotten there a lot quicker with more confidence, you know?

Very impressive. You’re wise beyond your years-

“Sorry to interrupt Mr. Lockwood, but your car has arrived for the meeting over launch at La Tour d’Argent.” Said the receptionist.

Mr. Lockwood nods to her, then turns his attention back to me.

The next part of this interview will take place this evening at my home.

“It... will?” I asked.

Mr. Lockwood hands me his card with his home address written at the back.

See you at seven, Ms. Lawson.

That evening, I find myself gaping up at one of the most luxurious apartment buildings in the entire city...

I can’t help but wonder if they’ll even let me in as I approach the doorman.

Uh, hello. This is going to sound crazy, but Sam Lockwood invited me here for a job interview?

(God,damn it. I don’t even know why that came out like a question. Gosh am so nervous right now).

Yes, I’ve been expecting you. You can go right up to the penthouse suite. Goodluck.

I gulp as the elevator doors shut behind me. I can’t believe this place might actually be my home... if all goes well.

I can’t get ahead of myself. I’ve got to stay focused. I’ll just think about my interview answers. I think I did pretty well this morning...

But I don’t know what to expect now. Hopefully I’ll be able to come up with good answers on the fly.

The doors of the elevator coast open, letting me out into the palatial penthouse suite... and directly in the path of a twin boy and girl wielding foam swords!

“Intruder at the castle gates! Ready your horses, boys!” Said the girl.

“Aye, ready we be!” Charge! Said the boy.

Whoa! Thinking fast, I grab a spare sword off the couch. And said; “think again, soldiers!”

I parry with the foam toys, holding my own against the onslaught of attacks.

Aargh! You’ll never get the best of Captain Blair!

“Whoa! Admiral Mike, she can fight!” She said to her brother shocked.

That’s why you gotta stick to the battle plan, Admiral Mirabel ! He said to his sister while defending himself from my attacks.

I must say, am really enjoying this fight, Admiral Mike and Admiral Mirabel, can’t wait to see you both loss.

“Psst! Where is the fun in that?” Asked Mirabel.

“Ms. Lawson, I didn’t hear you come in!” Said Mr. Lockwood walking towards me and his kids while buttoning his shirt, before he buttoned it all, I got a glimpse of his fresh body, and lost myself in it. Which was the distraction the kids used to defeat me, and ouch. That hurt when I landed hard on the floor and hurt my arm but couldn’t feel a thing cause I was lost in the body of the The Boss, Mr. Lockwood. Kids give her some space. We don’t want to send her running already.

But she was smiling the whole time! Well, mostly.

“Don’t worry Mr. Lockwood I would never ever run from you.” I said burying my face in his opened chest. He helped me up and i cleaned myself.

“Mike, Mira, apologize Now”. Said Mr. Lockwood.

“Sorry”, Ms.Lawson, said Mira.

Yeah, “sorry”,said Mike.

... close enough. Ms. Lockwood, let’s test your bedtime skills, shall we?

I nod, acutely aware of Sam’s gaze on me. I studiously turn my attention back to the twins.

First things first. Have you brushed your teeth since dinner?

Mirabel said; “I’m on it”

She bolts toward the bathroom, but mike hangs back and pouts.

Aw come on lady I hate brushing my teeth. Mint tastes gross.

I looked up to Mr. Lockwood to find him staring at me with curiosity. He held my gaze for some time and then I adverted my gaze from him to Mike.

And said; But mike, you don’t want Mirabel to win, do you? She’s already got a considerable jump on you. Unless... maybe your okay with her being the fastest?

No, no way! I’m going right now!

Mike turns and sprints down the hall. Sam and I followed close behind to supervise.

Nicely done Ms. Lawson.

Am just getting started Mr. Lockwood

10 minutes later, I’ve settled another argument over what bedtime story to read. Finally I finished tucking the kids in bed, then step back so Sam can say goodnight.

I like Ms. Lawson, dad. Said mike.

Yeah, can we keep her? Mira asked.

We’ll see, kids. Sweet dreams.

As sam and I returned to the den, Mr. Lockwood gives me an impressed smile.

No one has ever been able to put the kids down like that on the first try. I normally have to step in and negotiate a deal.

Well I have something those other nannies didn’t...

And what’s that? Asked Mr. Lockwood.

“Chemistry”. I said.

We lock eyes for a long moment, the tension simmering in the air between us.. i know he’s feeling the connection between us but I can’t stop myself from thinking, is he gonna say or do something about it? Finally, Mr. Lockwood chuckles.

That’s true. I haven’t interviewed anyone else with a chemistry degree. Follow me. I want to show you something.

I walked beside him past a home office, and my eyes linger on what I see inside... I saw a Framed photo of Sam and a woman sky diving on the wall and a bottle of expensive liquor. (I bet that bourbon costs more than my net worth!).

I glanced away and my gaze locks with Mr.Lockwood’s again. I smile sheepishly.

“Sorry”, I wasn’t trying to snoop. It just caught my eye. I said.

No need to apologize. Would you like to step inside and share a nightcap, Ms.Lawson? After all, if you’re going to be Mike and Mira’s nanny, I should get to know you... and you get to know me.

His eyes remained fixed with mine, and I feel myself shifting ever closer with his almost trancelike pull.

Yeah that’s okay with me.

Okay then come on in. Said Mr. Lockwood.

We went into his home office and he poured out two bottles of liquor, we spent few hours talking, we even talked about my love life but when it comes to his, there’s always “No I don’t want to talk about it” or he’ll change the topic.

So I had to stop asking and also didn’t want to answer any personal questions he asked me cause he’s heard enough and I became uncomfortable with that cause I no nothing about his personal life and he knows most of mine.

When he noticed my sudden mode, he said

Ah! There’s just this final thing...

Mr. Lockwood motions got me to to follow him further down the hall. He leads me into a... bedroom?

Images from my dream this morning flood my mind...(...Are you ready to work hard for me, Blair?)

Ms. Lawson, did you hear me? If you want the job, it’s yours. You can move into your room tomorrow.

Really? Oh my god, thank you!

I impulsively throw my arms around Mr. Lockwood in an elated hug... Then I realize I can feel his heart pounding so fast and I can also feel every inch of his body along mine. My face flushes... So I decided that I should indulge just this once.

I savor the brief opportunity to press my body against his, inhaling his scent...

I hope you’ll excuse me, Mr. Lockwood. It’s just... this opportunity means so much to me.

I finally step back, and Mr. Lockwood blinks at me, swallowing hard. He offers me his hand with a gentle smile, I accepted the hand by giving him a kiss on the cheek, He looked me in the eye studiously and then his gaze dropped to my lips.

He moved towards me and I swallowed I wondered what the fuck is going on in that beautiful head of his.

Think nothing of it. And, considering we’ll be sharing such close quarters, I think you should just start calling me ‘Sam’. Assuming, of course, that it’s okay if I call you ‘Blair’?

Of course! I can’t wait to move in and get to know you and your beautiful family... Sam.

The next morning, I’ve almost finished packing up my stuff when i lock eyes with my best friend, Clara.

Anyway, the money’s great, the kids are great, Sam is... great. It’s basically a great way to kill time while I figure out what to do post-grad.

Clara said; I get it, the biotech billionaire is ‘great’. But how hot is he? Like on a scale of ‘clothes’ fresh from the dryer’ to ‘l’m chugging Tabasco’, he’s...

Clara...it’s irrelevant. He’s my boss and our environment should foster a cool detached professionalism no matter how hot he may or may not be.

So you admit it. He’s hot. I have to see this for myself.

Clara grabs her phone and does a quick search...

Damn, he’s dreamy. Looking gorgeous shaking hands with our senator...

Oooh look star Gossip just added a news alert about him... ‘Billionaire Sam Lockwood is tying the knot’?!

Wait, what? I asked shocked.

Clara shows me her phone and there the undeniable black and white, I read the breaking news for myself.

...Sam’s ENGAGED?!