Not that I’m looking to get involved with anyone at the moment, especially not a client. The night I spent with Rex is still fresh on my mind, and I’ve failed to shake how it made me feel.
Alive. Connected. Home.
Shaking my head, I try to focus on the task before me. On who I am told is the largest client our firm has ever landed.
“Our company gave us limited information to go off of before this meeting,” I begin. “Now, meeting both of you, I understand why the information was kept so secret. Tell me, Eric, what is your background in the nightlife scene?”
He grins and licks his lips. Something about how his tongue circles his mouth, how his teeth lightly bite into his bottom lip forces a shiver to rush down my spine. Leaning closer, he shrugs innocently.
“Not much, but I’m a quick learner and love trying new things. Besides, I'm sure I will make out just fine with a woman like you in charge.”
His father clears his throat across the table.
Nice one, Casanova, but I don’t think so.
Sighing, I carry on as if his comment didn’t just rock everyone in the room.
“Lucky for you, Eric, we specialize in your particular type of marketing.”
“I bet you do,” he taunts.
Leveling him with a serious look, I say, “Over the next few weeks, we will work closely together to make sure that your vision is coming along and that we are representing you correctly to not just the local atmosphere in New Orleans, but the neighboring towns and communities so that when you open your doors, the club is sure to be an instant success.”
“Hopefully,” Lucien says.
I glance his way and try not to sound too condescending. “We have a proven track record in successful marketing for businesses like this one. I assure you, you are in good hands. You and your son have nothing to fear.”
“I’m not interested in the nightlife,” Lucien smiles. “But it is his money. He just wanted me along for business advice. Seeing his claim to fame comes from a different ballpark altogether. No pun intended.”
Aaliyah giggles under her breath.
“I understand. I have prepared some papers for you to look over and sign. You can take them with you. Seeing it is Friday, I would need them back by noon on Monday to get the ball rolling.”
Pushing the papers towards Eric, he picks them up and holds my gaze momentarily before glancing over them.
“Everything is there,” I assert. “If you have any questions, you know where to call. I also included my cell number, just in case it is after hours.”
Eric’s smile widens. His brows raise in amusement, and I silently curse myself for having done so. If I had only known what I know now, I never would have written that number down. One womanizer is enough for me. I expensed all the time and effort I could afford on notorious playboys ten years ago.
Standing from the table, everyone else in the room follows suit, except Eric. Making our way towards the door, Aaliyah and James shake hands with Lucien as I bring up the rear. Once I reach the exit, Lucien extends his hand to me, and I take it firmly.
“I trust you know what you are doing. Otherwise, they would not have put you in charge of such a big assignment,” Lucien says.
I smile at him. “Like I said Mr. Maxwell, you have nothing to fear.”
“I’m counting on it,” he grins as he exits the room.
I feel Eric’s stare on my ass as we’re suddenly left alone in the room. As tempting as the attention is, I won’t get involved with a client. I can’t. Not with a job this big and the promise of what I might land after it.
Turning around, I meet Eric’s stare. He scrubs one of his hands across the stubble on his chin, bites his lips, and lets his gaze roam dangerously around my curves. Rising from his seat, he stalks towards me, stopping only when he has come so close, I can smell his cologne and feel the heat of his body.
“Where did you learn how to do that?” he whispers.
“Do what?”
“Seduce a man with just one look in your breathtaking eyes.”
Smiling, I try not to act phased by his comment. “Where did you learn all the smooth lines, Romeo? Didn’t think they taught you that shit running bases at the ballpark.”
