“So, what made you decide to move back to the UK from the States?” I ask as Alastair steers me expertly around the dance floor.
“I missed home, I suppose. Victoria was especially keen to call time and repatriate back across the pond.”
“I hope you’re both settling in okay so far.”
“Quite well, thanks.” That dimpled smile flashes briefly, but it’s forced. “Vertex have just moved into Tower 79 in the city, opposite your Ashbury Thornton offices. You’ll have to pop over for drinks on our rooftop terrace sometime. We’ve got the top two floors.”
My brain does some quick calculations. Their office has a view down onto the Ashbury Thornton floors. Liam must be furious. Alastair has him outmatched when it comes to real estate supremacy.
I can’t resist digging. “So does your invitation to drinks extend to Liam as well? You two have known each other for a long time, right?”
Something inscrutable flashes across Alastair’s chiseled features before being efficiently smothered. “We attended the same boarding school, yes.”
“You were friends?”
“We’ve had our differences. But I’d like to think we’ve matured enough to put any lingering animosities aside. I don’t subscribe to the notion that one simply cannot maintain personal friendships between professional rivals.”
I squirm inwardly, remembering Liam’s pep talk about ruthlessly crushing Alastair’s firm.
“Of course,” I reply. “That’s the only way you should do business.”
“And I pride myself on conducting business in a manner befitting a gentleman, Gemma.” Alastair’s dimpled smile doesn’t quite reach his pale eyes. “Not everyone can say the same.”
The veiled barb aimed at Liam hangs unspoken between us.
I decide to move the subject to safer topics. “How long have you and Victoria been together?”
Alastair’s features instantly soften into a fond expression. “I’ve known Victoria since we were at school together. It was a case of first love that blossomed into something lasting.”
“That’s lovely,” I reply. An image of Liam flirting with Victoria flashes through my head.
“What about you? Do you have a boyfriend?” Alastair asks smoothly as he executes a gentle twirl, pulling me back into his arms.
I shake my head. “Not at the moment.”
“Hmm.” His eyes sparkle with amusement. “I’m sure any chap wouldn’t be too chuffed about you attending events with McLaren.”
I instantly stiffen at the implication in his mild tone. “Liam is very professional.”
Even as I say the words, my gaze drifts back to the corner where he’s probably still shamelessly flirting with Victoria . . . the picture of professionalism.
“You know, we’ve been looking to bring someone on to head up our HR and Workforce Planning teams. You should come in and interview.”
My heart skips a beat at the casual job offer. “But you already have an HR lead.” I even know the guy, Colin.
“We do.” He nods. “And he’ll be remaining in his role. I’m creating an entirely new senior position overseeing multiple departments—human resources, workforce planning, training. And you would be perfect.”
The gleam in his eye reveals the truth.
As much as I’d love to believe I’m just that damn good, I know there’s more to this poaching attempt than meets the eye. Alastair’s trying to get under Liam’s skin. He doesn’t know nearly enough about my capabilities for this offer to be genuine.
There’s something deeper going on here, beyond CEOs going up against each other. Liam went out of his way to outbid Alastair on that boat, and now Alastair’s retaliating by trying to steal me away. And it’s making me more and more curious.
“Gemma.” His voice dips into a warm, seductive timbre. “Anyone who can survive working under McLaren for as long as you have, without resigning or getting themselves fired, is a rare talent. Arrange a meeting with my PA. I’d like you to interview directly with me for this opportunity.”
“I will,” I say smoothly. I’m not naive enough to think this offer is legit, or that Alastair’s company is some magical wonderland where everyone sings “Kumbaya.” Beneath that charming exterior, Alastair is likely just as cut-throat as Liam.
Alastair’s lips curve into a satisfied smile. “I take it Liam splashed out and bought himself a fancy new yacht for the upcoming regatta?”
