Page 12 of Executive Privilege

“Very,” I say, steadier than I feel.

His mouth tilts, just slightly. “Good. I trust your judgment.”

And he doesn’t move away.

The comment sends warmth through my chest, but there's weight in the way he says it—like he's surprised to trust anyone's judgment—that makes me curious about why trust seems significant to him.

"Is there anything else about the Morrison timeline we need to discuss?" I ask, trying to ignore the way my heart speeds up when he looks at me like that.

"Actually, yes. There's a potential complication with the timeline."

"What kind of complication?"

"Morrison wants to include their executive team in the campaign rollout. Personal profiles, behind-the-scenes content, executive interviews."

I frown. "That's not necessarily a complication. It could actually strengthen the authenticity angle if we handle it right. Show that they don't just sell the products, they live the lifestyle too."

"The complication is that they want to fast-track the executive content with a time when all their execs will be in Dallas. Which means we'd need to coordinate photo shoots, interview sessions, and content creation within the next two weeks."

"Two weeks?" I pull up my project timeline, calculating how this new requirement would affect our carefully planned schedule. "That's... tight. By which I mean completely insane."

Nicholas runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I'm starting to recognize as his thinking tell. "It's impossible with our current resource allocation. Unless we bring in additional help or reallocate more team members from other projects."

"What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that you and I might need to handle the executive content personally. Direct client management, on-site coordination, hands-on content supervision."

I immediately like the idea of working that closely with Nicholas. We work really well together. Plus, he makes everything easierbecause he can literally make executive decisions without hesitation.

"What would that involve?"

"Probably a trip to Morrison's headquarters in Dallas. Three or four days on-site to manage the photo shoots and conduct the executive interviews."

"When would we leave?"

"Next week. Tuesday through Friday, possibly extending to Monday if the content creation takes longer than expected."

Four or five days in Dallas. With Nicholas. Working closely together, probably sharing meals, definitely spending more time alone than we ever have in the office.

"That works for me," I say, proud of how professional I sound despite the butterflies currently staging a revolt in my stomach.

"Good. I'll have Jennifer coordinate the travel arrangements." He starts to get up, then pauses. "Sadie, you should know that Morrison specifically requested that you lead the executive content strategy. They are really impressed with you."

"Really?"

"Really. And so am I."

"I do love to be praised," I say, jokingly. "Seriously though, thank you for saying that."

"You earned it." He stands up, putting distance between us. "Jennifer will email you the details for the Dallas trip."

After he walks away, I sit at my desk trying to process what just happened. A business trip with Nicholas Blackwood. Four days of working closely together, probably staying in the same hotel,and definitely spending more time alone than my concentration will be able to handle.

I pick up my phone and text Emma.

"Business trip to Dallas. Next week. Just the two of us."

Her response is immediate:"That's not business, honey. That's an opportunity."