Six days had crawled by since my disastrous interview at Silver Screen Studios. But I wasn't just waiting for their response - I had also applied to other jobs in the creative field, hoping one would come through. The lack of replies from any of them was really harshing my mellow. Not a single call, email, or even one of those old-timey carrier pigeons with a little note rolled up on its leg - and let me tell ya, I've been glued to the window hoping to catch sight of one from any of the places.

I mean, it's not like I expected to hear back an apology from Silver Screen after what happened with that Daniel Hunter guy. The guy was pretty much a jerk, if I'm being real. Zero respect for personal space and boundaries. Majorly bogus. But I was still hopeful someone else might see my potential.

I chomped the last stale Oreo and sighed, feeling my initial spark of hope from all my applications fizzling out. Slumped at the formica counter, I stared at my phone, mentally willing it to light up with a message from any of the jobs I had applied to. But the cracked screen stayed dark, taunting me like Mona Lisa with her sly smile. Just then, the garbage truck rumbled by, its gears grinding loud as my dreams of getting a new creative job were shattering. Maybe it was time to polish up the old resume and look for totally new paths, like jobs in business or marketing, I thought glumly.

"Forget about it," I mumbled under my breath, shoving my silent phone away. I hadn't just pinned all my hopes on Silver Screen - but the silence from everywhere was getting discouraging.

I needed a distraction, stat. I grabbed a cookbook and started flipping through recipes, hoping to soothe my bruised ego and a grumbling stomach. Maybe making something would take my mind off my lack of job replies.

Suddenly, my phone started buzzing its face off. It was Sarah. Thank God, a friendly voice!

"Hey girl, what up?" she said. "Just chillin' on set during a quick break. How goes the job hunt in general?"

"Meh," I admitted. "Nothing happening on any front, not just Silver Screen. No replies from anywhere I applied."

"Still no word?" Sarah asked. I could hear real concern in her voice. "That's so bogus."

"Right?" I sighed heavily. "At this point I'm thinking maybe I was my own dealbreaker."

"Um, no way!" Sarah rushed to reassure me. "They'd have to be morons not to snag your talent. If they can't see your value, fuhgeddaboudit." She let out an irritated huff. "It'll work out, just watch."

"Sure," I muttered, not believing her pep talk for a hot second. "Not like your career. You got the sweet gig."

Sarah laughed lightly. "Hey now, let's go out tonight and get your mind off things," she suggested. "We could hit up that new jazz club?"

"Eh, I dunno..." I hesitated. "What if we get there and can't even get seats? Doesn't look open now..."

"Pshaw!" Sarah scoffed. "We'll figure it out, babe. But really you should get your groove on! When's the last time you really cut loose on the dance floor?" Her voice softened. "You don't get down nearly enough anymore."

I laughed wryly. "Look who's talking."

Sarah sighed in agreement. "Yeah, fair point. We both need to shake our tail feathers."

"Maybe you're right," I conceded, brightening. "Plus I could really go for some hardcore comfort food right about now."

"Now you're speaking my language!" Sarah said excitedly. "Let's do this!"

~

We rolled up to the club and three white boys in busted tuxes tumbled out the door, swaggering like they owned the place. They were shirtless under those dusty old jackets, tats on full display, with cigarette butts dangling out the corner of their mouths. They belched loudly, blowing plumes of smoke into the cold night air. The muffled thump of music pulsated from inside as Sarah and I made our entrance.

Sarah grinned reassuringly. "See?" She waved her hand at the scene. "Plenty of open spots here." I followed her gaze to two blessedly empty seats by the front, and she made a beeline for them before anyone else snagged our primo view. "And hey - maybe we'll meet some hotties!" she added with a playful wink.

Honestly, I wasn't really in the market. With the exception of Sarah, my real-life friend roster was pretty slim. But I was down to clown if the opportunity arose. "Could happen," I agreed breezily.

Sarah hooked her arm through mine and steered us toward the action. "So - drinks, food, or dudes first?" She glanced sidelong at me, eyebrows raised, as we sidled up to the bar. "I got the first round, just say the word! Or let big sis order for ya, 'kay?"

I laughed, shrugging agreeably. "I'm easy! As long as it won't break the bank."

"Cocktails to start then," Sarah told the tattooed bartender decisively. He grabbed some glasses and went to work whipping up a batch.

After a while, once the initial rush died down, people started drifting over to the small dance floor in the corner. "Shall we?" I asked Sarah with an excited grin.

"Uh, duh!" She grabbed my hand and towed me into the fray as a thumping R&B groove kicked in. We bobbed and swayed, giving the song our best slightly tipsy dance moves. I sipped my ginger-infused cocktail, trying not to bust up laughing.

About an hour of shaking my tailfeather later, between the club's heat, my sweaty dress clinging to me like saran wrap, and the alcohol buzz, I was starting to fade fast.

Suddenly this tall drink of water sidled up next to me on the dance floor, clutching an awkward drink in one hand. "Mind if I join you lovely ladies?" he asked smoothly.

I shook my head, beckoning him closer. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Sarah perk up excitedly.

"Heyyyy Em, meet Derek!" she trilled, giving me an exaggerated wink. Oh boy, she was on the hunt! But I had to admit, Derek was a cutie. Looked about our age, athletic build, warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners...plus he smelled delicious in a crisp white button-down and sharp black slacks.

"Ah, so you two are sisters?" Derek gestured between me and Sarah with his drink.

"Oh no no," I explained with an easy smile. "Just BFFs since high school."

"I gotcha," Derek nodded. He took a thoughtful sip of his cocktail. "So are you a local too?"

"Born n' raised!" I gave him a playful nudge.

He flashed me a charming grin. "Well in that case, since you're clearly a woman of good taste..." He pointed towards an elevator tucked away in the corner. "I happen to live upstairs in unit 318. Come on by if you ever want to continue this conversation somewhere more quiet." He held my gaze, eyes glinting suggestively.

Oh sweet baby Jesus, Sarah was gonna have a field day with this one. I opened my mouth uncertainly, at a loss how to respond...

When I felt Sarah aggressively jab me in the ribs. "Hey Em! Did ya hear? Derek's band is playing next weekend!" She waggled her eyebrows like a cartoon villain.

Band? My interest was piqued. I raised an eyebrow at Derek.

He exhaled a stream of smoke and laughed. "Yeah, my band The Vultures gigs here on Fridays usually. We get a little extra...raw...when the crowd's got some extra energy, ya know?" One corner of his mouth quirked up flirtatiously.

Huh, a musician. Not what I expected, but intriguing. "Can't say I've seen you guys perform yet..." I trailed off.

"We should go!" Sarah interjected forcefully. She turned her pleading baby doll eyes on me. "I just know you'll dig 'em, Em!"

I hesitated. Was getting my hopes up again really wise when I'd just been crushed by Silver Screen? But then I met Derek's warm brown eyes, still glinting with mischief, and I caved. What would be the harm in having some harmless fun for a night? "Yeah...alright, why not?" I finally conceded.

Derek's face lit up. "Radical!" He lifted his glass. "Next weekend then - bottoms up!"

I clinked my glass against his and took a bolstering gulp. No expectations, I reminded myself, just enjoying the moment.

~

I was exiting the club with Sarah after a long night of dancing and letting loose. My feet ached from hours in heels, and I was more than ready to kick back on the couch with some popcorn and binge my favorite shows.

As we walked through the parking lot towards my car, a sleek black sports car suddenly came screeching around the corner. Sarah and I both jumped back in alarm as the car fishtailed to a stop, blocking our path.

"What the hell?" I muttered. The tinted window rolled down, and none other than Daniel Hunter leaned out, regarding me with an infuriating smirk.

"Good evening, Miss Watson," he purred smoothly. "Fancy running into you again."

I gaped at him, momentarily struck speechless. The nerve of this guy, tracking me down after I walked out of his ridiculous "job interview"! Beside me, Sarah made a strangled sound somewhere between a gasp and a squeak.

"Um, excuse me, but were you following us?" I demanded, hands on my hips. Daniel let out an amused chuckle.

"My apologies for the dramatic entrance, but I wanted to catch you before you disappeared into the night." His crystalline eyes glinted as they traveled appreciatively over my form-fitting dress. "Although I must say, you look rather ravishing this evening, kitten."

I bristled, outrage mounting. "Don't call me that! And you can't just go around stalking women after dark, it's completely inappropriate!" Honestly, who even behaved this way? Daniel Hunter clearly fancied himself God's gift to women, with his flashy car and arrogant swagger.

Beside me, Sarah made another odd choking noise. I shot her a quelling look before focusing back on Daniel. To my annoyance, he looked utterly unrepentant about basically ambushing us outside a club.

"Again, you have my apologies. I merely wanted a chance to speak with you privately." He unfolded himself from the low-slung sports car with casual grace and came around to face me. Up close, his crisp scent teased my senses, stirring up traitorous memories I quickly tamped down.

Get a grip, Emily! Just because the man wears a suit unfairly well doesn't negate his atrocious behavior!

"About what?" I asked crisply, willing my voice not to waver. "In case you forgot, I already gave you my answer regarding any so-called 'job offer.'" I made finger quotes, not bothering to hide my derision.

Daniel sighed, raking a hand through his artfully tousled hair. The gesture drew my eye to the play of lean muscle under the smooth fabric of his shirt. Annoyed with myself, I wrenched my gaze upward only to meet his knowing look. Damn him! Daniel's lip quirked.

"Yes, your dramatic exit was rather hard to forget. As was the tongue-lashing you delivered along with it." He grimaced ruefully. "I must admit, no one besides my dear old nanny has ever dared dress me down in such spectacular fashion."

Despite myself I huffed out a reluctant laugh. "Somehow I find that hard to believe! You must inspire tirades on the regular with that abrasive attitude."

The corner of Daniel's mouth lifted slightly. "Perhaps I'm not always the...easiest character to contend with," he allowed. "Which is why I wanted to speak with you tonight." He shifted his weight almost awkwardly, crystal eyes intent on my face. "To offer you a sincere apology for my earlier behavior."

I rocked back on my heels, floored. "Wait...you actually came to apologize??" I couldn't keep the incredulous note from my voice. Daniel Hunter didn't seem the type to ever humble himself before anyone. Yet here he stood, supremely uncomfortable under the harsh parking lot lights as he sought forgiveness from lowly me. Maybe the man actually had a soul buried somewhere deep beneath all that swagger.

Daniel raked another agitated hand through his hair. "Yes, although I fear I may bollocks this up as well. You see, I'm rather rubbish at personal conversations." He flushed slightly. "As I'm sure our disastrous interview more than proved."

Despite my lingering outrage, I couldn't help softening a bit in the face of his obvious discomfort. Daniel Hunter was clearly a man unaccustomed to asking - or receiving - forgiveness. Standing before me now seeking absolution, he almost looked...vulnerable. I bit my lip uncertainly. Could I really trust the earnestness of those stormy blue eyes? Or was this just another game to manipulate my emotions? I glanced to Sarah for guidance but she appeared frozen in place, mouth agape as she gaped starry-eyed at Daniel. No help there.

I blew out a breath. "Why should I believe anything you say?" I asked bluntly. "How do I know this isn't just another twisted mind game?"

Daniel winced but nodded slowly as if expecting the question. "A fair accusation, given our history." He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. "The truth is I'm absolute pants at personal relationships. Always have been." He gave a self-deprecating shrug. "Growing up I had difficulty reading emotional cues. And manners or etiquette didn't always come naturally."

I raised a skeptical eyebrow. Daniel flushed again but forged ahead.

"The point is, I'm more fluent in business deals and corporate battles. Nuanced personal interactions, however..." He grimaced. "Rubbish, as I said."

He held my gaze earnestly. "But our interview - disaster though it was - helped open my eyes. I don't always comprehend how my words or actions impact people emotionally. You made me see that." Regret flashed in his eyes. "And for that boorish obliviousness, I truly am sorry."

I studied Daniel searchingly, trying to gauge his sincerity. His words rang with truth, hinting at hidden depths beneath that slick CEO facade. Still...

"That doesn't excuse harassing interview candidates," I said bluntly. "No matter your emotional issues."

Daniel sighed. "You're absolutely right, of course. My behavior was completely out of line." He ran an agitated hand through his hair. "Christ, I don't know what came over me! That combative verbal foreplay, the challenge of provoking your reactions..." His eyes turned wistful. "It was a thrill, I admit. But that's no justification for distressing you, however unintentionally."

He took a step closer, hands spread pleadingly. "Truly, Ms Watson, I meant no actual offense. As I said, reading situations...and people...has never been my forte." One corner of his mouth lifted ruefully. "Clearly, in this case, I buggered it up spectacularly. But I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive an emotionally stunted fool for his bumbling misconduct."

I worried my lower lip with my teeth, conflicted emotions warring within me. I was still hesitant to let down my guard after the way our "interview" went. Daniel had been pushy, arrogant, and sexually inappropriate on multiple occasions, refusing to respect my personal boundaries. I had a right to be wary of his motives.

And yet...the man standing earnestly before me now seemed genuine in his apologies and emotional revelations. His body language was open, almost vulnerable, as he awaited my judgement. Perhaps Daniel truly didn't comprehend the inappropriateness of his earlier behavior. Could I reasonably hold a social blind spot against someone trying in good faith to make amends?

I let out a slow breath. "Emotionally stunted fool, huh?" Daniel gave a rueful chuckle in response.

"With the self-awareness of a bloody goldfish, I'm afraid."

My lips twitched despite myself. I gave him a measuring look.

"Okay, Daniel. I appreciate you coming here tonight to clear the air." Daniel's shoulders loosened slightly in relief. "And I accept your apology over stepping boundaries at the interview."

"Thank you," Daniel said fervently. "Truly, your graciousness outshines my boorish actions."

I held up a hand. "But!" Daniel tensed again. "That doesn't mean I've forgiven your harassment or the power games. You put me through an emotional wringer purely for your own entertainment." I pinned him with a stern look. "There have to be consequences for that or nothing changes."

Daniel nodded slowly, resignation flooding his striking features.

"You're absolutely right, of course. I overstepped in a dozen different ways. I certainly don't deserve your forgiveness." He paused, appearing to wrestle with some inner demon.

"Nevertheless I...find myself reluctant to lose whatever tenuous connection exists between us." He risked a glance at me through dark lashes. "Might we possibly start fresh? Perhaps in some small way?"

Warmth sparked unexpectedly in my core at the vulnerability underlying his words. I studied Daniel searchingly. Could this polished CEO and I find common ground beyond inappropriate banter? Did I want to?

"Okay," I began slowly. "I'm still incredibly angry about how things went down..." Daniel winced. "But I'm willing to consider a fresh start."

Hopeful surprise bloomed on Daniel's face. "Truly?" At my cautious nod he broke into a dazzling grin that made my traitorous heart skip a beat. Get it together! I berated myself.

"Excellent!" Daniel exclaimed. "Then shall we pick up where things first went pear-shaped? Hi, I'm Daniel Hunter of Silver Screen Studios," he introduced smoothly, extending a hand.

I eyed it a moment before placing my own in his warm grasp. An odd tingle zinged up my arm from the contact.

"Emily Watson," I returned politely. "We clearly didn't get off on the right foot before."

Daniel's lips twitched. "No indeed. But I look forward to remedying that situation and convincing you I'm not, in fact, the complete prat I know I appeared."

I laughed despite myself. "Well... you definitely have your work cut out dispelling that impression." I gently extracted my hand from his lingering grip. "But I'm open to witnessing this miraculous reform you speak of."

Daniel's smile turned wolfish. "Excellent. I shall endeavor not to disappoint." His eyes glinted dangerously. "I do so enjoy exceeding expectations."

I flushed under that intense cerulean gaze but rallied my composure. "Down boy," I chided gently. "Let's just start with basic human decency, shall we?"

Daniel blinked, then flushed slightly. "Er, right you are. My apologies." He cleared his throat before continuing earnestly.

"Truly Ms Watson, thank you for this second chance. I give you my word I shall behave as the utmost gentleman from now on."

He flashed me a crooked, devastating grin. "With your help, perhaps this old dog can learn some new tricks after all."

I smiled back cautiously. Only time would tell if Daniel's reform was genuine or another passing whim. But looking into his handsome, earnest face now, I found myself hoping...

Just then Sarah - who I'd completely forgotten about - gave an ear-piercing shriek that made us both jump violently.

"Oh my god!! It's really you!!"

Daniel and I turned to see Sarah hyperventilating as she gaped at him with the crazed look of a fangirl who'd just stumbled upon a young Elvis. Which...wasn't far off actually.

"Er, yes hello," Daniel greeted bemusedly.

Sarah just kept gaping, seemingly rendered mute in the presence of Hollywood royalty. I quickly intervened before she could embarrass herself further.

"So! It's getting late," I said breezily, shooting Daniel a meaningful look. Thankfully he seemed to catch my gist.

"Ah, of course! I've taken up far too much of your evening already." He turned back to me, eyes glinting warmly. "I look forward to our next meeting...Ms Watson."

My pulse gave a traitorous leap as Daniel took my hand in his, brushing a feather-light kiss to my knuckles while holding my gaze. Heat flooded my cheeks.

Get a grip! I berated myself. Just because the man wears a suit unfairly well doesn't mean you swoon at basic manners!

I gently extracted my captive hand from Daniel's warm grasp. "Likewise," I returned politely, willing my riotous emotions into submission. "Have a good night, Daniel."

"And you...kitten." Daniel's voice was a silken caress that raised goosebumps along my arms because he was no doubt hot. Then with a jaunty salute, he slid back into his sleek sports car and peeled out in a squeal of expensive tires.

I blew out a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Beside me, Sarah remained frozen, mouth opening and closing wordlessly like a beached fish. I laughed a little hysterically.

"So that just happened..."

Sarah finally found her voice. "Oh. My. God!!!" she shrieked. "Do you know who that was?? Daniel Hunter just kissed your hand!!"

She fanned herself dramatically.

"I think I need to sit down or I might legit pass out..."

I quickly steered Sarah's wavering form toward my Camry. "Let's get you home first, then you can freak out all you want about brushing shoulders with fame, 'kay?"

Sarah nodded, still looking dazed. As I bundled her inside, I caught sight of the sleek tail lights disappearing around the corner, and wondered what exactly I had gotten myself into...

~