AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Marc just shakes his head with an amused grin as I stride out.
This could work. I just need to convince Maddie that an engagement of convenience might be her best bet too.
6
BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN
My nerves jangle as I ride up to the executive offices. Echoes of Marc's “nice girl” advice war with images of Maddie's hazel eyes glowing amber in the firelight. I shake away the memories. This is strictly business.
I burst back onto the twenty-fifth floor, snapping at my assistant, Jessica. “Get me Maddie Emerson from PR.”
Once in my office, I pace behind the mahogany desk, rehearsing different variations from casually professional to icy intimidation. Somehow neither extreme seems likely to convince her that this arrangement would be a win-win.
A soft rap at the door stalls my spinning thoughts, and Jessica peeks in. “I’ve got Maddie here.”
She steps aside, and Maddie slips in hesitantly, discomfort radiating from her stiff posture. Can't say I blame her after the verbal lashing I handed out this morning.
I smooth my features into polite interest, tamping down memories of her creamy skin glowing in the flickering firelight. “Ms. Emerson, please sit. Settling in alright on your first day?”
Her brows lift slightly in surprise. “Oh. Yes, sir, well enough, I suppose.”
Hearing her call me sir snaps a cord in me, sending a wave of heat to my skin. If this room was any cooler, I’d probably be radiating dampness.
“Good, good,” I plow forward before losing the nerve. “And you have ideas to increase our social media traction with our key demographic?”
Maddie clears her throat, straightening in the plush guest seat across from me. “So, I just have a few clarification questions if you have a moment.” She halts, then looks at me inquisitively and adds, “Sir.”
Again, that word. My groin is starting to pulse painfully.
It’s obvious that she noticed its effect on me, a trace of a smirk playing in the corners of her mouth.
The same mouth I would like to put to a different use right now.
“Ask away,” I manage to grind.
“I was impressed touring the VR department today and seeing some of their simulation technology. I’m wondering about its application, who it is meant for. Then I’ll be able to tailor the campaigns more effectively.”
She continues on while I stare at her soft lips, mesmerized. I remember how they felt marking my skin with their wet heat. “I'd love to understand more about that initiative as well as some other of your more established product lines. That way I can better inform social strategy to amplify what makes Whitmore Tech unique.”
“I'll have the innovation group send you background materials for a full context.”
Maddie nods slowly, a tight, polite smile on her lips. “Of course, that will be helpful to inform my proposal. I told Amanda earlier that I plan to do a full audit of the existing social media footprint right away.”
Maddie continues detailing thoughts on branded hashtag campaigns and influencer partnerships. But despite my businesslike facade, I notice tension creeping in, her shoulders slightly raised. Once she wraps up the notes I can scarcely focus on, I give a cursory nod. “Well, this sounds like a solid start.” Not that I could tell what approach exactly I have just given the green light to.
“Right. Was there anything else you needed . . . sir?” The emphasis she puts on the honorific pierces me again, sounding oddly appealing in her nervous lilt. But at the expectant look on her face, all carefully prepared arguments fly right out of my fool brain.
As I remain silent, cursing myself for my physical reaction to her, Maddie stands to leave, and I blurt out “Actually, there is one other thing . . . Little Bird.”
At my words, she freezes, then turns back slowly.
“So, you do remember me? Could have fooled me there for a minute.”
I fold my hands on the desk, willing myself to press on.
Just propose it to her logically. It’s a win-win.
“I have a position to fill. It’s a unique role, rather time sensitive. But it comes with great benefits and pay.”
