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For a moment, I’m speechless. What in the hell? Is he joking? I’ve never heard of such a ludicrous plan in my entire li–
“I like it,” Enzo says, looking over at me. “I’m in. Gabriella?”
I’m going to kill him.
Clearing my throat, I turn my attention to Doug. “How will you determine who is more successful?”
“Well, I think that will be a combination of things. Who brings in more clients and increases sales is important, of course. But, I’m also going to speak to my employees here. I’ve always run a family-like company and I take their input very seriously. Treat them well and that goes a long way in my book.”
There are only a handful of employees working here—ten maybe—so that wouldn’t be hard. Besides, I’ve always treated employees well, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. It’s just common courtesy. Aside from that, I like to learn more about the people who I work with and take time to chat and get to know them better.
The truth is I can’t afford to offer more money. It would be great to toss out a huge number and get this over with right now. I’d enjoy throwing it in Enzo’s smug face and to walk out of here as the one and only winner. But that’s not something I can afford to do at this time. I can’t be reckless and I’m going to need to set my ego aside and play this smart.
The more I consider this, the more I realize it’s a win-win situation for me. Offering more money for this sinking ship is a no-go. I can’t let it fail. Going head-to-head with Enzo, though, gives me a safety net. If I fail, I just won’t tell my family about this little endeavor. However, if I succeed, then I’ll get bragging rights that I bested Enzo Rossi.
Even though I’m miffed with the man and don’t look forward to working next to him every single day, I know this is an opportunity that I can’t let slip away. “I accept,” I announce, my voice firm and steady.
“Excellent.” Doug pushes up from the table, grinning. “C’mon, I want to introduce you to everyone and give you the official tour.”
Enzo and I follow him around the office and meet the employees. It’s clear Doug values them and has formed friendships with them. So, of course, he doesn’t want the new owner to sweep in and clean shop, firing everyone. By making us get to know them better and work with them for the next two months is actually a pretty genius move. Relationships will inevitably form and I wouldn’t want to fire a friend.
The entire office takes up less than half of the floor and Doug eventually shows us to side by side offices. “These are perfect for you. You’ll be near each other, but still have your own private space to work.”
I try not to snort. The last thing I need or want is to be near Enzo.
“What about that fancy corner office?” Enzo jokes.
I struggle not to roll my eyes.
“I’m still cleaning it out,” Doug says. “Eventually, the corner office will go to one of you. But not until an official decision is made. Why don’t you check your space out and let me know if you have any questions. I’m going to check in with my assistant real quick.”
Ignoring Enzo, I walk into my new office and look around. It’s perfectly acceptable…except for the fact that it’s so close to Enzo. Before I can turn around, I feel his presence as he walks in behind me. A little thrill shoots through my entire body as I slowly turn to face him, crossing my arms.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” I tell him.
His mouth edges up. “Funny, I was just coming in here to say the same thing to you.”
I dig my fingernails into my arms. Cocky SOB. “I bet you thought you had this all in the bag, didn’t you?” My attention moves to the bruise on his cheek. For whatever reason, it bothers me.
“Actually, I did,” he says lightly.
“You’re so arrogant,” I exclaim and shake my head in disbelief.
“I’m confident. There’s a difference.”
All I want to do is knock his cocky ass down a few pegs. “Nice welt, by the way. Who kicked your ass?”
His smile evaporates and he glowers at me. “As if you don’t know,” he responds through gritted teeth.
“How the hell would I know?” My brows draw together in confusion.
For a long moment he doesn’t say anything, just studies me.
“Well,” I press, tapping a finger against my elbow, “don’t keep me in suspense. Did a couple of thieves try to pickpocket you?”
“Why don’t you ask Tommaso and Romeo?” he says darkly.
What, what? Shock fills me.
