Chapter 1 - Stacy Morgan
It was a busy Monday morning as usual in the Metro Magazine, New York. I rushed to my office with my coffee in one hand and my laptop and files in the other. Becky, my best friend slash assistant, greeted me, reached for my files, and followed me inside my small yet cozy office.
" You are late again! What did you do last night?" Becky barked and placed my things on my table. I slumped on my chair and opened my laptop right away.
" I was up all night, trying to finish my review on my last assignment. I guess I was dead tired, that's why I didn't hear my alarm went off.
" Well, you better hurry, or the dragon will spit fire on you again. They are all in the conference about to begin the meeting. The Dragon lady was not looking so friendly this morning." She warned me, so I got up abruptly and dashed out of the room with my coffee and laptop in tow.
As I neared the conference room, I slowed down and inhaled deeply. I put on the "don't shit with me" face before I opened the door. Everyone looked at me when I entered. My eyes focused on my lady boss and went to sit in an empty chair beside my other best friend, Natasha.
" It's nice for you to join us, Miss Morgan." My boss, Samantha Peers, aka the Dragon lady, greeted me in a very sarcastic tone. "I hope we didn't interrupt your hectic schedule."
" I am so sorry, Sam. I stayed up late last night, trying to perfect my article for this week. I forgot to turn on my alarm." I reasoned with her, but I didn't show any fear, or she will eat me alive.
" Oh, I'm sorry, it's my fault then that you are late?!" She glared at me, and again the sarcastic come back.
" I didn't mean it that way, Sam, and you know that. Please don't put words in my mouth." I retorted and rolled my eyes at her.
She glared at me one more time then faced the rest of the team. Everyone was so quiet, and seems like they are holding their breath. They know that Samantha Peers doesn't intimidate me, and only me dares to talk back at the dragon lady.
" Alright! You all know that Metro Magazine's Anniversary is fast approaching. I want all of you to submit your finest covers, and I will choose the best story and put it on the Anniversary cover. Aside from that, the chosen journalist will have the chance to compete for the Assistant editor post." Everyone erupted and was very excited by Sam's announcement.
My heart rate picked up. I have been waiting for this day to prove myself and get that Assistant post. I have worked my ass out for this Publishing company, and I'll be damned if I let someone snatch that opportunity from me.
" The company has decided for this year's feature cover story. Anyone who can get an exclusive interview with Luke Davies, the CEO, and chef of Luke's Kitchen, will have a big shot in the Assistant post. We want Luke Davies' face on the cover, and we want to know who this elusive bachelor is. The clock will start now." Samantha declares, then stood up and left all of us with mouths hanging open.
" What the hell?! Luke Davies?! This guy is the rudest, most elusive CEO there is. He has turned down every magazine or tv station that tries to pry his private life. He is the most sought TV personality and CEO, but he never gave anyone a chance. How are we going to approach that egotistical man?!" Natasha roared, and everyone agreed.
I gritted my teeth and fisted my hand. The crazy dragon lady knew that it is impossible, but it was evident that she just posted a dare indirectly at me. She knows that I am driven and persistent. I have practically begged for the Assistant post, but she turned a blind eye.
Now, she's daring me to do this cover and wants me to back down or retreat. Well, she's in for a surprise. I crave this post more than anyone, and I will do anything to get what I want by any means possible.
" Hey, are you okay? You've been quiet since the dragon left." Nat asked me and touched my arm.
" Yeah, I'm okay. I was thinking about this dare she gave us. Luke Davies is untouchable. I tried to corner him before when I just started in this company, but he is very elusive." I told her. Everybody was talking and discussing as well how impossible the assignment is.
" I know! No one has ever succeeded in interviewing this guy. He is so mysterious and a douche." Nat stated and stood up.
" I want this post, Nat. You know that. I will try to get an appointment with him. If he refuses, then I will think of other ways to catch his attention. I won't let him jeopardize my career. I will get Luke Davies, and he will give me that interview." I declared. Natasha laughed and raised her brows at me.
" What are you scheming in that dirty mind of yours, babe? You're not thinking of seducing the guy to get the information you want, do you?" She asked me and smirked.
" If that's what it takes, then so be it. I won't back down on this challenge, Nat. You know me, there's nothing I won't do to get what I want. And I need the Assistant post. It is one step closer to becoming the editor, which is my goal." I told her then stood up as well.
We gathered our things and exited the conference room. The rest of the team followed and still making a fuss about Samantha's dare. I know everyone wanted that position, and they will do everything to get that interview with Luke.
How can I get Luke Davies' attention and lure him to my lair? I have to dig in and know more about this guy. I will have to think about everything thoroughly and come up with a good plan.
It would be a challenge, but I will enjoy the chase. Luke is one dreamboat and every woman's fantasy. I have to admit; I am one of his fans.
I never skip an episode of his TV series. He looks so damn gorgeous on tv and so delectable when he cooks in his kitchen. I would fantasize about being there with him, and he would put me on the kitchen counter.
I will get him, and he better be ready because I won't stop until he gives me that interview. Time flew past, and before we knew it, it's almost one in the afternoon.
My stomach is producing a loud sound that didn't escape Becky's ears when she came in to ask me to lunch.
" God, woman! Feed that hungry soul in your stomach! I don't know about you, but I am starving. Should we go get Nat and head out for lunch?" She complained and sat on the chair in front of me.
" Yeah, sure. Where do you want to go for lunch?" I asked her while turning off my laptop and grabbed my purse.
" Do you want to try Chef's Delight? Maybe we'll get a glimpse of that very yummy yet elusive chef of yours. Who knows, you might get the chance of asking him for an interview." Becky suggested as we went out of my office and walked to Nat's office.
" Hmmm, why not? That's a good idea. The sooner I get a hold of him, the better." I agreed with her suggestion. We entered Natasha's office and found her fixing her table and was getting ready to go out.
All three of us went to the elevator down to the parking lot. We will take Nat's car today since we used mine last week. We told her we're going to Chef's Delight Restaurant, located two blocks away from our office.
She eyed me suspiciously, and I just gave her a deadpanned look. She raised her brows at me and shook her head.
" You are a fast worker, aren't you? You want to swoop in before the other vultures do. Should I retreat then? I believe you longed for that post more than I am." She teased me, and I grinned at her.
" Would you? I will owe you big time if you do that, Nat. Aside from craving that position, I also crave for the man. I have been watching his show every night and lusted for him for three years!" I told her, and they both burst out laughing.
They both know how much I love Luke Davies. The guy's mysterious aura, combined with his French look and accent, makes me feel hot and bothered every time.
We reached the Restaurant, and as usual, the line outside is quite long. I've only been here thrice. It's a good thing that one of the waiters is Becky's suitor.
We spotted a space to park and got out immediately. We were about to cut through the line when somebody bumped into me that made me fall back. I waited for the impact when I hit the ground, but an arm caught my waist, and I landed in a solid chest.
I looked up at my savior and was tongue-tied when I discovered who it was. Luke Davies! I am staring at the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.
