The Design Read Online Free PDF Page B

bit painful for him to admit.
    “I don’t feel like wasting time with the standard interview questions. I’ve known you for a few years and I think I have a good grasp on what your strengths are, and your weaknesses.”
    I had to bite my tongue to resist arguing with him. He didn’t know a thing about me, and he was delusional if he thought he did.
    When I didn’t offer a rebuttal, he leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers beneath his chin.
    “Out of all of your studies, which building has stood out as your favorite? And don’t limit yourself to just Los Angeles.”
    I was taken aback by his question, but I didn’t have to think long. I’d known the answer for years.
    “The Eiffel Tower,” I answered with a confident nod.
    He arched a dark brow. “Really, Ms. Heart? That answer is almost as trite as listing Frank Lloyd Wright as your favorite architect.”
    I sat up an inch higher in my chair and narrowed my eyes. “Are you finished, or did you even want to hear my justification?”
    The dimple was back and I fidgeted in my seat to keep from staring at it.
    “Go ahead,” he answered, genuinely curious. “As long as it has nothing to do with it being a symbol of love.”
    I adjusted my pad folio on my lap and smiled. I loved telling the story. I’d researched the Eiffel Tower endlessly, completely enamored by its rich history.
    “During its construction, the Eiffel Tower was considered a colossal waste of money, resources, and space. Most of the French creatives at the time—artists, writers, painters—they all protested its creation. They saw it as a disgusting eyesore of bolted sheet metal.”
    Grayson nodded, undoubtedly familiar with this part of the story.
    “It was never intended to stay past the 1889 Centennial celebrations. It was meant to be demolished shortly after, but when people had a chance to visit it once it was completed, they were taken aback by its immense beauty. Right away, they knew M. Eiffel had created one of the world’s greatest structures, and today, it’s the world’s most visited monument—I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”
    His brows rose in interest.
    “It’s my favorite monument because it serves as a reminder that sometimes it’s the architect’s job to see things before others can. We’re meant to be the visionaries for the communities around us.”
    Grayson stayed quiet, contemplating my answer for a minute or two before he nodded and leaned forward in his chair.
    “You should get this job, Cameron.” He stared down at his hands on his desk as he spoke. “You’re talented and driven. The only reason I wouldn’t give you the position is because it would be a conflict of interest.”
    I frowned. “A conflict of interest?”
    He sighed and adjusted his already perfect tie. It was almost as if he were nervous. Almost . “Despite my best efforts to rid myself of it, I’ve always felt an attraction to you, Cameron. I’ve ignored that desire mainly because you’re too young for me. Now, it’s more inappropriate than ever.”
    My mouth hung open. He couldn’t have possibly said those words. My brain must have been processing his speech wrong. Right? RIGHT?!
    “Excuse me. I’m sorry. What?”
    He shook his head. “I don’t intend on acting on those feelings .” He said the word like it was disgusting. “So there’s no point in discussing it. I don’t have relationships with employees and I won’t be having a relationship with you,” he said, leaning his elbows onto his desk and effectively cutting off any further discussion. “The job is yours if you want it.”
    Only Grayson Cole could confidently admit his attraction to someone one moment and then completely move on to work.
    I thought about asking him to clarify. How long had he felt an attraction for me? Was it in the past or present? Was he confusing me with someone else? It seemed unfathomable that a man like him had even noticed me. And for good reason: let’s not forget