Just My Type(28)

“I’ll email you to see about your availability for the next interview,” he replies just as formally, wrapping his big hand around mine.

“I think we can both agree that anything I said about sex was said under duress. Motion to strike it from the record,” I add, lifting my chin to show him how professional I’m being.

“Motion approved.” Baker nods, our clasped hands moving slowly up and down.

When he doesn’t add any kind of sarcastic remark, I let out a sigh of relief and start to drop his hand. Before I can let go, he grips it tighter, tugging me toward him until I bump into his chest.

“Never mind. Motion denied.”

“You can’t do that,” I argue, trying to pretend like being pressed up against him isn’t affecting me in the least.

He dips his head down until his eyes are looking right into mine.

“Watching you lose your shit on that bag was the hottest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen,” he says in a low voice. “If you think for one minute I’m not going to think about you and sex in the same sentence after that, you’re sorely mistaken.”

Forget the boxing workout. My heart is beating so fast right now I think I’m getting lightheaded.

Baker’s cheek slides against mine until his lips are right by my ear.

“Let me know when I can turn the page,” he whispers.

All of a sudden, he drops my hand and moves away, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his joggers as he starts walking backward, away from me.

“All right then, so I’ll await that transcript, and I’ll email you about your schedule. The front door will lock on your way out. Have a pleasant evening, Miss Hastings,” he says with a smile as he turns away from me and continues walking.

“Eat a dick, Mister Matthews!” I shout across the room to him.

He responds with a laugh as he disappears into his office, and I stomp over to the table and grab my phone, pressing the stop button for the recording.

Any day now, a picture of me is going to be turned into a meme that says: Professional. I don’t think that means what you think it does.





CHAPTER 12





I’m So Sure Whatever


To: Ember Hastings

From: Baker Matthews

Subject: Re: Interview

Dear Miss Hastings:

As noted during the conclusion of our meeting last evening, I am emailing you to set up a time for us to convene again for a second interview. I have consulted my schedule, and I have Sunday evening at 7:00 open. Since it is now Thursday, I am optimistic you will have enough time to secure childcare. If not, I might have daycare options available to you.

Additionally, please forward a list of topics you’d like to discuss at our next meeting ASAP, so I will have time to prepare.

Upon receipt of this email, please confirm you are agreeable to the meeting time. Location to be determined.

Mr. Matthews

To: Baker Matthews

From: Ember Hastings

Subject: Re: Interview

Are you high right now? Blake sent me a text about some crying, Frisbee story.

Stop being weird. And Sunday is fine. My son is with his dad this weekend. We don’t need a location. We’re meeting at the gym.

Ember “Don’t Piss Me Off; I Can Throw a Punch Now” Hastings To: Ember Hastings

From: Baker Matthews

Subject: Re: Interview

Dear Miss Hastings:

I spend 24/7 at the gym. During these interviews, I would like to be relaxed and comfortable, which is not always achievable at my place of employment. Please forward your address to me, so I can secure a car service to pick you up and meet me.

In regards to my “weirdness” as you say, you have requested for this to remain professional. I am giving you my utmost professionalism. I do believe HEY, EMBER! It’s Blake! Baker made the mistake of walking away to take a phone call. You know, on the phone where he has that great ass shot of you saved. That he was drooling over while he typed up this email, before he got a call. Does that say professionalism to you? I think not. Sending this email now before he comes back. Text me. Let’s do lunch.

To: Ember Hastings

From: Baker Matthews

Subject: Re: Interview

I was hacked.

Baker “I Wasn’t Looking at That Picture I’m So Sure Whatever”

To: Baker Matthews

From: Ember Hastings

Subject: Re: Eat a Dick Interview

I took it upon myself to change the subject line of this email to better reflect my feelings right now.

Also, you are not sending a car to pick me up. This is not a date. That’s just ridiculous. I will meet you wherever you tell me to. As long as it’s in public and not a murder lair.

Ember “Stop Looking at My Ass” Hastings

To: Ember Hastings

From: Baker Matthews

Subject: Re: Eat a Dick Interview

You seem to have dick on the brain quite a lot. A year and a half you say? Makes total sense now.

Lastly, I’m sending a car for you. Where we’ll be going is close to The Barracks, and I can just walk there. You are not riding the goddamn train then transferring to a bus to get to me again. If I had known that’s how you did it the other times, I would have sent a car then. Don’t argue. Accept the nice, comfy ride in a clean car all by yourself, instead of being sandwiched between two people who ate raw onions for lunch, on a train that smells like pee.