FLIRTING

Erika is known to be competent and always reliable. She worked at Wiratama for a year, when the company changed ownership and was bought by Gumilar Enterprises. The company is also a small part of the large conglomerate business empire. She heard news that Gumilar Enterprises' businesses included real estate, contractors, computer, law firms, shopping malls, yacht chartering, airlines, as well as various other properties.

In fact, Erika had heard that there was a common joke around Wiratama that the Owner was not a real person, but just a common name given to a group of old men. Because no one had ever seen him and all his business transactions were carried out by a row of his subordinates. They speculate that the Owner never existed.

Erika was still standing where she was, staring at the exit door of her boss' room. No, that's now the room belongs to the real Boss. I don't know what Edo Gumilar will do to an employee who clearly rejects his existence and does not acknowledge his ownership of this company. In fact, she thought the man was a braggart. Erika cursed her own stupidity.

"What are you doing there? Come here."

Hearing the call, Erika lowered her head languidly. She turned her tense body and walked back to her seat where Edo was waiting for her.

"Trying to escape, Erika?"

She wanted to say a lot of swear words to the man, but she didn't do it. She wished she was biting her lip right now so that words like, "None of your business," or "Go to hell," wouldn't come out of her mouth right now."

"No, it's not like that."

"Okay. I will not discuss it further."

"As you heard earlier, I'm a bit busy today."

Edo smiled from his seat. "Looks like I started it wrong. I'll do it right this time." said Edo. The man leaned back in his chair, raised his legs to the table, and crossed his ankles while looking at Erika. "How was your day this morning, Erika?"

If the man had intended to confuse her, he had succeeded. Erika didn't expect that polite and dignified-looking behavior to turn into a relaxed one. "Even though it's tiring, but I'm fine."

"I think the using of formality words like, "sir", is needn't be too rigid to use." The man said smiling. "After all, we've known each other for quite a while."

Erika tried to return the smile and relax-----but only a little. "But still, we're in the office. Professionalism still has to be prioritized."

"Okay. It will accept it when we're with a lot of people. If it's just the two of us, use the words we used to say like before, how about it?"

"I will try."

Instead of continuing the conversation that will later lead to debate, Edo moved on to the next topic. The man then asked, "Do you like your work at Wiratama, Erika?"

"Yes,"

"You don't think you need to elaborate on that short answer in detail?"

"Not really, sir. I-----"

"Do not call me with 'sir'. Try it."

"I mean, sir-----" Immediately Erika looked at Edo who was looking at her with raised eyebrows. "I-I have been working for six years. I have been working here since the company changed ownership."

"And by any chance you don't know who owner is?"

"I had heard his name, but didn't expect it to be the same name as someone that I had ever known."

Erika tries to break eye contact with Edo. Erika hoped the man didn't hear her heart beating so fast. And, it turned out to be in vain. The man looked at her without blinking.

"What do you mean by 'ever'? Do you intend to forget me, Erika?"

"No. That is not what I mean." Erika said nervously at such an accusation. "I just thought, it's impossible to see you again." Her explanation is too weak. She tried to read the expression her saw on Edo's face right now. But she didn't read it at all.

"So?"

"Pardon me?"

Erika was confused about the meaning of Edo's question. The man continued to urge her without giving her a chance to avoid him.

"Continue what you started just now."

"Oh yes. My boss…Mrs. Nany, give me a decent salary. I've been getting periodic raises from her."

"From me, it is not from her."

"Oh…" Erika stammered, "I'm sorry, I thought-----"

"What did you think is not wrong at all, Erika. Most of my businesses are run by professionals who are experts in their fields."

Edo stood up from his chair and circled around the table to lean on the edge carelessly.

Physically, the man did not need to be in doubt it. He is incredibly attractive, strong and dominant. His handsome face looks timeless, exuding masculine male charm.

"Have you ever thought about leaving Wiratama?"

Erika shook her head before replying, "No. I like my job here."

"What if I offer you another job?"

Does Edo try to fire her? Erika looked up at the man. "What kind of work? If you don't mind I may know?" She asked curiously, though she doubted whether she would really be interested.

"I have several companies that are suitable for you. Some are engaged in the export-import sector. Like this. There are also those who are engaged in shipping. And lastly, there are those who are engaged in customs services and ship cargo."

"But…it's pretty much the same as my current job."

"As precisely are the same field, just different position and city."

Seeing no reaction or answer coming out of Erika's lips, Edo continued, "Or maybe you want to try something else?"

"Like what?"

"I have a computer company. And, there are also companies engaged in law firms. I need someone like you who can handle problems in a professional way. Do you want to try?"

"But I don't know anything about computers or the law at all."

"I saw you helping an employee who had trouble using computers."

"That just a little favor that anyone can do. After all, it doesn't involve any special skills."

"No need, that's the point. You don't have to be a computer genius. Or, you don't have to be a legal expert for that matter."

"So?"

"I need a person who knows well about public relation. Would you like to consider it?"

Erika looked straight at Edo for a moment, and then she lowered her head and looked at her cold, damp hands. "I guess I'll pass it up. I really enjoy working at Wiratama."

"So that's how it is, huh." Edo looked at his pair of polished shoes and frowned. The silence in the room was very gripping and rampant in the air-conditioned room. "In that case, okay."

"T-Thank you."

"I think you should continue to work at your current position." Edo said looking at Erika. "Actually, if you decide to stay here, things will be much more advantage."

"It's an advantage, but for who?"

"It's for me, of course."

"What will advantage on you?"

Edo half bent his body and brought his face close to Erika's with his piercing gray eyes, he said, "Seducing you."