Why exactly is the thrill of the chase so, well, thrilling?
She’ll cave. I’d put money on it.
And even if I regret it later, I’m going to make sureshedoesn’t.
Half an hour later, we’re in her office, which is even more impressive than the brief glance of it I caught on Zoom. Open plan in its design, Liberty Events Management & Marketing occupies the entire thirty-sixth floor of a sleek modern skyscraper overlooking Dubai Creek below. Skyscrapers crest the horizon. It makes my office look like a dump.
‘This is Izzy, my PA.’ Chloe introduces some of her employees, drawing my attention away from row upon row of awards lining the white (surprise surprise) walls. ‘Jack, Sarah, Mohammed, Jordan, Michelle, Paul, Sebastian and you sort of met Ruby last night.’
Ruby, a mass of dark hair and red nails, shoots me a knowing wink and a wave. The others barely lift their gaze.
My reputation must be worse than I thought. It’s almost as if they’re intimidated.
‘The others are out pitching various projects. You’ll meet them later.’ Chloe’s tone is curt, cold and commanding.
Shit, it’sherthey’re intimidated of, not me. Holy fuck. CEO Chloe is seriously fucking hot.
‘Grab your iPads and we’ll convene in the boardroom,’ she barks and the staff scurry to their respective desks to gather their things.
While she collects her own personal effects, I rest my backside on the edge of her desk, deliberately invading her personal space.
‘Boundaries? Much?’ She shoves past me, and I follow closely on her tail, admiring the swaying of her backside as she struts in four-inch heels.
The smile stretching my lips isn’t just to annoy her. It seems to be a natural fixture in her presence. ‘Princess, you’re sexually frustrated. Don’t take it out on me.’
She whirls round, colliding full frontally with my chest, a tremulous finger pressing firmly against my sternum. ‘Don’t you dare undermine me by calling me “Princess” within these four walls. Do you hear me?’
‘So it’s okay outside of these four walls?’ Oh, it’s too much fun. How will I ever bring myself to leave in three days when I could happily spend a lifetime winding up my super sexy, almost sister-in-law? ‘What’s it worth, Princess?’
‘It’s worth me not ramming my stiletto so far down your throat, you’ll never be able to utter that word again, to me or anyone else.’
‘Tut tut. Is that any way to speak to your brother-in-law’s brother? I’ve got a better idea. One that’s much more appealing.’ We continue through to a large boardroom housing an ornate oval oakwood table, flanked by high-backed chairs.
‘I doubt that. Unless it involves you signing off on all my ideas for the tour and hopping on the first flight back to the States.’
‘It involves swimming in your pool this evening.’
Bright eyes glare at me, silently searching for the catch. I don’t leave her wondering too long.
‘Naked.’
She scoffs, hand on hip. ‘In your dreams.’
‘What’s the matter? Can’t trust yourself, Prin…’ The rapid rise of her right hand signals me to stop before I finish my sentence.
‘Either I can give you free rein on this project or I can fight you every step of the way. Which is it going to be?’ she says.
‘You wouldn’t dare.’
Her hands rest on her hips in a silent challenge. ‘Try me.’ She takes the chair at the head of the table. ‘Sign off my suggestions for the tour and don’t call me that name for the duration of the day and I’ll think about it.’
‘Don’t make me bend you over the desk. I don’t care if it’s open plan and the whole damn world is watching. Yes or no, Pri-’
A flush inches up her delectable neck as her staff flock around the table, closing in on us. Inquisitive eyes dart between their boss and me. Flustered is clearly a new look for her.
She bites her lower lip and shakes her head. ‘Fine. I’ll swim with you. You win.’
‘I think you’ll find we’ll both finish on top.’
