Obviously, I got that job because of my connection to her. It was a boost to my career since there's a prominent quote from Falon's husband, Asher Foster, on my profile page on the Carvel website. Asher's a rock star. He's a literal, award-winning singer.
His endorsement resulted in three other musicians seeking me out so I could sell their places. Not one of those propertieslisted above the million dollar mark, but I sold each apartment quickly and in all three cases, I was able to negotiate a price that was close to list.
"I'm as qualified as anyone else in the office to sell those units," I say tightly.
Anne's gaze drops to the screen of her smartphone. "I'll hold off on sending Dax over to Bishop Headquarters until you hear from Julian. I want a word-for-word of what he says to you."
She'll get what she wants minus the harmless flirting that I already know will take place during the call. "You got it."
"Maya, I want you to know that I think you're as qualified as any of the senior sales staff." She picks up her coffee mug. "If you're given a shot at this, I'll back you up. You'll have full access to all my contacts, and I'll be at your beck and call twenty-four, seven."
That's why I love working with her. She'll do whatever she can to make certain I shine brighter than she does. "You're the best, Anne."
"You know it." She gestures toward my mug with a sly grin on her face. "Drink that coffee and get back to your desk. You need a solid sales approach in hand when you talk to Julian."
"I'm already on it." I tap my forehead. "I've got a million ideas in here that will translate to quick sales of those units."
That earns me a full-on smile and a wink.
I want the Bishop job because of what it will do for my career, but I'm also eager to land it for another reason. I know that Anne wants the firm's name front and center on the project. It will benefit us both. That's why I'm going to put my all into pursuing it.
CHAPTER FOUR
Julian
"There wasa surprise guest at the party last night," I say before I draw a pull from the bottle of beer I ordered when I arrived. I beat Sebastian to this pub by a solid twenty minutes, and I was running late. His work is unpredictable. His devotion to it isn't.
We were friends long before he did his time at the police academy. I offered him a job as the head of security for the hotels, but his sights have always been set on being a detective. He's living his dream now, even if it's taking its toll on every other aspect of his life.
"Obviously it wasn't me," he jokes.
I didn't offer up an invitation to him this time around. He would have turned me down. He always does. Sebastian's never worn a tuxedo. I doubt he ever will. The dark blue suit he's wearing tonight is one of only a few he owns.
"Was it a welcome surprise?" he asks as he stares at my face. "A man or a woman?"
"A woman."
His brows shoot up. "Tell me Maya crashed your party."
"She was there," I confirm with a nod.
Sebastian blinks. "Did you man up and talk to her this time?"
I look across the bar to where two women are glancing in our direction. It's not uncommon for Sebastian and me to be approached when we're out together. Neither of us has a wedding ring on.
"We spoke," I admit with a grin. "I can't tell you what it is about that woman, but my body reacted when I got within two feet of her."
He throws his head back and laughs. "Are we talking a Ms. Gordon worthy reaction or better than that?"
"Fuck you," I toss back with a chuckle.
Ms. Gordon was our eleventh-grade Algebra teacher. She was mid-twenties, beautiful and engaged to the principal of our high school. I didn't give a shit. My cock didn't either. I was hard through every second of every class I had with the woman.
Sebastian sat next to me. I gave up trying to hide the obvious erection in my jeans halfway through first semester.
"Was she alone?" He looks over at the two women I spotted earlier. Sebastian can take one, or both home if he chooses to, but he won't. He would have at one point, but he grew up around the time he was promoted to detective.
If he's interested in a woman, he'll ask her out to dinner. He'll get to know her intellectually before he beds her.
