Having heard the receptionist call out my name, I was drawing a breath to answer when a woman’s voice surprisingly sang out, “Here.”

I’d risen halfway to my feet, all ready for my job interview, and froze in the awkward position. Was someone trying to steal my slot? I looked over at the woman who had answered and was stunned a second time.

Damn, she was beautiful! My gaze slid helplessly over her hair, face and body. She checked all my boxes on what a lovely woman should look like. I even liked the easy, gliding way she moved and the charming smile she presented to the receptionist.

But I’d been waiting a week for that interview and sitting in the reception area for half an hour.

I strode over just before the receptionist could lead the woman away.