1: Outrageous
"He's ready for you now ma'am" says the platinum blonde receptionist. She is absolutely stunning and looks pristine yet professional in her fitted grey suit. I wonder idly if all his employees are like this.
"Just go in".
I take a deep breath and prepare to meet the most successful weapons manufacturer in the world: Tony Edward Stark; owner of Stark Industries, also known as playboy, philanthropist, billionaire genius. Yes, I have done my research but it was necessary. I am about to be interviewed by Mr Stark himself.
I want to make a good first impression. I admire myself at paying attention to the slightest detail. Some may call it OCD but I just call it good sense. I glance at the papers in my hand and the word playboy resonates round my head. This job will be like playing with fire.
I push open the door with an air of confidence.
"You didn't knock!"
"I was told to just come in"
"Do you always follow orders Miss Potts?"
"Yes Mr Stark, unless they are outrageous" I blurt out.
Why the hell did I say that?
I think he's going to tell me to get out there and then but he just smirks lazily. I can't help but admire his handsome face. His chocolate-brown eyes gaze into mine and his dark hair is tousled and slightly curled. It makes my heart stop and I tear my gaze away to hide the blush creeping up my neck.
"And what would you deem 'outrageous' Miss Potts?" he asks.
Automatically I gasp. Did he just air quote me? I think he is mocking me. I blush furiously and anger seeps through me. I have only been in a room with him for five minutes and already I want to strangle him.
"Being mocked and embarrassed by my boss!" I snap before I can stop myself.
I am mad at myself now. I can't believe I just said that. Surely he will kick me out now? Instead, he just raises his eyebrows with an amused look upon his face. I try to fight back another blush. What is this man doing to me? No wonder all his other assistants left. He is so patronising.
"That isn't an order though… I'm sorry I embarrassed you" he added softly.
Taken aback by his apology, I smile; maybe he isn't so bad after all. I realise I am still standing and sit down opposite Mr Stark. He grins at me and my heart melts a little. I curse myself. I cannot and will not fall for Tony Stark. I decide to make this my new mantra.
"So, Miss Potts, tell me about yourself".
"What do you want to know?"
I'm dicing with death here. God knows what uncomfortable question he could fire at me.
"Single…Married…Other".
"Other?"
I'm confused now. Is this some kind of mind trick?
"You're gay?"
"What? No!"
What is he playing at? I should have just said single and be done with it.
"Don't sound so 'outraged' Potts, there is nothing wrong with being gay" he smirks again.
I want to wipe that smirk off his face.
"I'm single" I growl.
"Well why didn't you just say so?!" he exclaims cheerfully.
"Why don't you ask proper questions? I shoot back.
"Are they too 'outrageous' for you Potts?" he grins and I can't help but smile back.
His grin is infectious and dare I say it; cute.
"Nothing I can't handle Sir" I smirk.
There, see how he likes it.
I study his face expectantly but he doesn't appear fazed. In fact, he's frowning. I gulp; I've definitely gone too far this time.
"Why Sir all of a sudden?"
"I…I don't know, I guess I wasn't thinking".
"Wow, that's a first, you strike me as the kind of person who overthinks things".
I blush. He's right of course but I can't let him know that. Your blush just proved him right though.
"I prefer thoughtful".
"…Or making mountains out of mole hills, typical woman trait".
"Are you being sexist Mr Stark?" I narrow my eyes.
"Of course not Miss Potts, I would never stoop that low".
I can't help it, a snort escapes my mouth before I can stop it and I bite my lip. Please don't be mad. He raises one eyebrow and tries to hold back a smile.
"Something funny Potts?"
"No, nothing ssi… Mr Stark".
"Well what's the matter then?"
God, he's so nosy. Why couldn't I just control myself? I'm going to have to explain now.
"You really want to know?" I say, buying for time.
"More than anything" he grins.
"Well, from my research your…"
"Wait… you've done research on me?" he grins and manages to look surprised all at once.
Crap. Why did I say that? He's going to think I fancy him now.
I take a deep breath and carry on.
"Yes, to prepare for this interview"
"Oh… you were saying?"
Hah! That will show him.
"Your reputation as a…uh…a playboy had me questioning whether this company was serious or not".
He looks at me and I stare straight back at him.
"Do you believe everything you read Miss Potts?"
"Not necessarily but in this case I know for a fact it's true".
"Fact and opinion are two different things you know".
I roll my eyes.
"I'm fully aware of that Mr Stark".
I go to say more but something tells me to keep my mouth shut.
There is an awkward silence and as if on cue there is a knock on the door. Mr Stark looks at me triumphantly as if to say: See, everyone else knocks!
"Mr Stark, Mr Taylor is here to see you" says the ridiculously perfect receptionist.
"Give me five minutes".
She nods and closes the door.
I stand up to leave, not quite sure what to do. His voice stops me.
"I have a question for you Miss Potts".
"Yes Mr Stark?"
"When can you start?"
I can't help but smile as I open the door.
"Monday at nine?"
I nod.
"Will that be all Mr Stark?"
"That will be all Miss Potts".