Read The Billionaire's Lover: Curves To Keep (Part One) (A BBW Erotic Romance) for Free Online Page B

smiled,
thinking to herself that she was not going to let Tyler Edwards
ruffle her.
     
    “I’ve done a lot of research into the
company, and the culture you have—diversity and an emphasis on
innovation—are exactly what I’m looking for in an employer. I
applied to the internship because it was my understanding that
securing an actual job within the company—much less the design
department—was difficult, and I thought the internship would be a
way to get my foot in the door.” Edwards nodded slowly.
     
    “There are at least half a dozen firms like
mine that put an emphasis on diversity and innovation. What do you
think sets us apart—since you’ve done your research?” Gabrielle
felt her smile deepening.
     
    “Edwards Industrials has a unique reputation
in the industry for quality design work. One of my favorite
designers, whose career I’ve followed since I was in high school,
worked at Edwards Industrials as an intern before going on to
establish her own design startup.” Edwards raised an eyebrow.
     
    “Why didn’t you apply to work for her startup
then?” Gabrielle shrugged slightly.
     
    “While I appreciate the work she’s doing, and
would certainly love to meet her, I would prefer to work for a
large company—a Fortune 500 company, with the kind of reputation
that Edwards Industrials has—rather than take my chances with a
startup that might fold for no good reason in a few years.” Edwards
smiled slightly, and Gabrielle could tell he was enjoying the power
he had over her in that moment. She fought against the instinctive
urge to expand on her answer, swallowing against the nervousness
she still felt.
     
    “Are you a naturally risk averse person?” he
asked her, steepling his fingers together in front of his face.
Gabrielle considered the question.
     
    “I wouldn’t say that I’m risk averse; I
prefer to calculate the rewards versus the risk that I’m taking. If
the risk is worth the reward, I’m happy to take it—which is why I
took the chance of barging in on you last week.” Edwards chuckled
slightly, and Gabrielle felt her cheeks burning, remembering the
event with sudden sharp clarity.
     
    “That’s right—that was a risky move on your
part.” His gaze was making Gabrielle uncomfortably aware of her
body; he wasn’t staring at her lewdly—in fact, he was watching her
facial expressions the entire time—but Gabrielle still had the
suspicion that she was somehow fidgeting without knowing it. She
licked her lips and took a deep breath as quietly and as
unobtrusively as possible, telling herself to stay calm. Edwards
began firing questions at her more rapidly, asking about her
education and her previous jobs, her freelance work. He inquired
minutely into her resume, and Gabrielle was amazed that he had
taken so much from it in so short a time. She answered frankly,
gradually becoming more comfortable with the interview as it wore
on, telling herself not to be ruffled—that a man as powerful as
Tyler Edwards would respect her more if she didn’t let him see her
sweat.
     
    “I would be more than happy to have you
contact my references, if you’re in any doubt as to my experience
and qualifications,” she said, as she sensed the interview
beginning to wind down. Edwards grinned slowly, sitting back and
watching her with his bright-eyed gaze.
     
    “I have no doubt at all that you would be an
excellent addition to the team,” he said, with the air of admitting
something he had been holding close. “I’m happy to be able to offer
you the internship position you applied for.” He paused, and
Gabrielle saw his eyes darken slightly. His smile changed, becoming
something other than polite, and Gabrielle felt her pulse begin to
quicken. “I hope you don’t mind if I ask you some personal
questions,” he said slowly. “Keeping in mind that these questions
have no bearing on you getting the position—that’s already
decided.” Gabrielle’s interest was piqued. She