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This was where she had to tread very carefully. “How a company does business is important to me. When I began thinking about leaving Murdoch, I did a spreadsheet of my values compared to how various financial groups were run. Barrett Investment Group came out at the top of that list.”
“Thank you. I consider that high praise.” Emersyn sat back, leaning on one chair arm. “But it doesn’t explain why you left or how you can come to work here right after.”
Rowan straightened. “I signed an NDA, so I won’t discuss anything about Murdoch beyond very mundane and public things. I want you to know that up front.” Rowan let out a long breath. This was where she trod on dubious ground. If something was a technical lie, but also the truth, did it count as deceit? “When I was hired, I drew a line at signing a non-compete.”
Emersyn grinned. “That’s why I want to hire you. You know how to get things done.”
“Thank you. I won’t let you down if you give me the chance.” Rowan sat back, feeling like she’d crossed the last hurdle in a mile long race. “Does that mean the job is mine?”
“I wish. And I’ll say that I’m a fan. You have one more gauntlet to run.”
“Gerard Barrett?”
“Yes. My brother. He can be a bit…overbearing. Just hold your own with him, and I’ll do the rest.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Good.” Emersyn stood, Rowan’s folder in her hand.
When Rowan went to stand, Emersyn waved her back down. “I’m going to go chat with the other CEO of Barrett Investments. I’ll come back for you in a few moments, if you’re all right waiting?”
“Certainly. Whatever it takes.”
“I like that attitude. Do you need anything? Water, coffee?”
Rowan waved. “I’m fine.”
“Great.” Emersyn pulled several pages from a folder Rowan presumed was about her and tucked them into her desk drawer.
Curious.
“Back in a bit.” Emersyn breezed out of the office, leaving Rowan alone with her thoughts for a few precious minutes. She’d made it through the first interview, though she had a feeling the toughest one was yet to come. Rowan glanced through the glass panels between the offices and saw Gerard Barrett slash his hand downward as his sister spoke.
Oh, yes. The toughest was yet to come.
Chapter Three
An interview was not what Gerard wanted to spend his Monday morning doing. Especially not with a whiskey hangover. He rubbed his temples as Emersyn walked down the hall to her office to get the woman—correction—young woman she said was the perfect fit for Director, Global MegaCorp Division. A young woman. Gerard wasn’t opposed to women in his line of work. They were as good at money management, if not better, than most men. His sister was a perfect example of that. It was the young that he objected to.
Companies with investors at the level of theirs had to remain profitable and grow in order to thrive. This was Barrett Investment Group’s flagship division, the signature they showcased every time they bid to become the financial manager of another company. Under Cranshaw’s direction, that division had stagnated. Without quick, decisive changes, a downturn they couldn’t afford might happen.
They needed knowledge, drive, and hard work in a director. An ability to lead, communicate, and think on the fly. They didn’t need some starry-eyed college graduate. He watched the woman stand when Emersyn entered her office. Together, they walked down the hall to his. For Gerard, life was business. But he was also a man, and the woman walking down the hallway grabbed his attention in every way she could. There was a confidence in her stride he admired, though not as much as the shapely legs and black high heels that had to be four inches. He squinted. Were those white bows on her shoes?
She was about the same height as his sister, though she wore a gray suit. His favorite color. And oh, did that suit fit her well.
He stood as Emersyn opened his door and let Rowan precede her inside.
“Gerard Barrett, meet Rowan McCarthy. Rowan, this is the other half of the CEO team here at Barrett Investments.”
Gerard took hold of the slender hand Rowan held out, surprised to find red painted nails. Her hand was also warm and dry. Shouldn’t she be nervously sweating? He looked for signs, finding none. In fact, there was nothing he could find fault with. Large expressive dark eyes centered in a heart-shaped face, full lips painted candy apple red to match her fingers, and a slightly upturned nose that added an air of mischief to her overall appeal. Perfection.
Emersyn cleared her throat, and Gerard realized he still held Rowan’s hand. He let go, trying hard not to show haste or give his sister the impression that he liked what he saw. Emersyn needed no additional fodder to tease him.
“Ms. McCarthy,” he said, indicating the chair in front of his desk.
“I’ll leave you to get to know each other,” Emersyn said. Giving her brother the stink-eye behind Rowan’s back, she told Rowan to stop in when she was done and waltzed out of the office.
Which left him alone with a woman he did not want to hire. And one he found himself very attracted to. This was not good. The pledge he’d made a mere three nights ago now burned a hole in his pocket.
