Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 31081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
“This is going to work,” I assure her, all humor gone. “I’m going to help you find what you’re looking for.”
“What if I never find it?”
I kiss the top of her head. “We’ll have fun looking. Together.”
4
“You seem different,” Wayne announces, stopping next to me at the coffee pot.
Frowning, I add another sugar cube to my mug, ignoring Judy’s judgmental eyes—our office health nut, who’s busy putting protein powder in a shake she’s mixing.
“How so?” I bite my lip, a pink tint blooming over my cheeks. Ever since the meeting with Joshua a couple days ago, something has happened to me. My body doesn’t feel like my own. It feels like I’m a slave to fantasizing about him. Every thought makes my core clench and pussy ache. He owns my reactions, the pooling in my stomach every time he flickers through my thoughts, which is more often than I’d like to admit.
“You had sex!” he blurts, making Judy miss her container and dump a scoop on the counter.
“Wayne,” I hiss, picking up my mug and marching to my office. I know he’s following, so I don’t bother closing the door.
“Spill it,” he demands, entering my office behind me.
Rolling my eyes, I take my seat and cross my arms. “Can you be more careful with your outbursts? I don’t want to be the talk of the office. I’m the boss, remember?”
“You’re also my best friend, and, girl, you’re hiding something. I know the just-fucked face, and you’re wearing it like it’s Victoria’s Secret.”
“I did not have sex. I’m just feeling better after a couple days off.” I shake my head.
His probing gaze chips away at my armor, but I hold firm, occupying myself with some mail on my desk. “Hmmm, I’m going to drop it for now, but if I find out you’re holding out on me, I’m telling Luke.”
“Rat.” I smirk, waving him away.
Luke, will have my life if he thinks I’m seeing someone without telling him. But I’m not dating. Joshua is a business transaction, not someone I’m romantic with and can gossip about. I have to be more aware of my transparency from here on out.
I’m shown straight into Mr. Hayes’ office when I arrive for our marketing proposal meeting. My stomach flips, like it usually does when I’m about to present to a new client.
His office is more like an apartment. Shelves line the walls, showcasing various awards, records, and memorabilia. His desk expands over twice the size of my own. Plush rugs cocoon my feet, making me grateful for going with a flat shoe.
“Thank you for bumping our meeting up a day. I have some events I need to attend tomorrow that came up last minute,” Ronan Hayes tells me, gesturing for me to take the seat opposite his desk.
“Not a problem. I’m happy to be here. I worked on this plan myself and think you will be satisfied.”
He remains impassive as he reaches out and takes the folder from me. Typically, I’d have a whole presentation room and monitors to pitch my marketing plan, but Mr. Hayes changed our meeting to his office, and a day earlier than planned. I assumed we were being tested. Can our firm pull it together when necessary? Be flexible with the ever-changing tide of a musical artist? However, now I think it’s just that his schedule is unpredictable. I can’t help but admire his beautiful face while I watch him take the USB stick attached to the file and upload it to his computer. He has a similar vibe to Joshua—the same style and dominating presence.
“With Berlin Scandal bringing out more mature music, I think we should be marketing to a wider audience. Raise the age of the people we’re advertising to, get them to want to attend the concerts, and make it clear they’re not just for teenagers,” I tell him, squirming a little when he doesn’t say anything.
He spends a few minutes perusing through the files on his computer, nodding a few times. I can only hope he likes what he sees. I’m good at what I do—really good—but that doesn’t always mean I’m a perfect fit for everyone.
Leaning back into his chair, he stares at me for a silent beat, then smiles, and it’s breathtaking. The entire room brightens.
“I love it. Let’s move forward,” he says, slapping a hand on the file. Getting to his feet, he rounds the desk and sits his ass on the lip. “This is why I wanted an independent company. Passion and commitment are always paramount with a self-built business, small but with the resources of a big firm.” He grins, holding out a hand for me to shake. I let his palm engulf mine and mimic his grin.
“Thank you, Mr. Hayes. You won’t regret it.”
Dropping my hand, he nods. “I’ll have the contract drawn up and sent over this afternoon. Again, thank you for coming in today.”