Page 8 of Carnal Risk

“We were just discussing the terms.” Garrett approached Selby, closing the space between them. “But before we continue, perhaps it’s best that we get off on the right foot. You can hardly expect me to engage with a stranger.”

At his statement, Selby resisted the urge to give a nervous laugh. He knew damn well that they’d met. But in the interest of client relations, she stepped forward, extending her hand to him as if it was the very first time they’d met.

“Selby Reynolds. Executive recruiter and information systems expert. I work for Lars.” As he took her palm in his, her skin sizzled with sexual awareness.

“Garrett Emerson. CEO and owner of Emerson Industries.”

“Nice to meet you…I, um…Lars said,” she stammered. Flustered, she lost her words as he stared deep into her eyes as if he was trying to read her thoughts. She unsuccessfully fought the heat that rose in her cheeks as the memory from the club flashed in her mind.

“A pleasure,” he replied, releasing her. As if a switch had gone off, his demeanor changed as he turned to the window.

“I understand you’re in need of my services. Lars explained that you have a critical position that is currently unoccupied,” she continued, attempting to regain her composure.

“I’m well aware of the impact the recent loss of personnel has had on my business.” Garrett gestured to the chair and walked behind his desk. “Please. Take a seat.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Selby did as he asked, but inwardly cringed as hardness washed over his face, his eyes darting from Lars back to her.

“As I was saying…a loss of staff.” Garrett fell back into his chair, ignoring her comment, and held up several pieces of paper. “This contract…I’m not sure the terms are clear.”

“The terms are both standard and non-negotiable. This is what I can promise you. Whatever sensitive projects your staff member was responsible for, I can handle as long as they are technology related. I’m not an accountant. I’m not a lawyer. Nor am I a scientist. So if your CTO was involved in these matters, I do need to be aware when I recruit; however I cannot provide those services. I do, however, have a proven track record of inserting myself within organizations as interim CIO or CTO, depending on the situation, and managing current work flow within the organization. I can help with your outsourcing discussions, and present to your board. I will also recruit and help you acquire talent who can permanently fill the position.” Selby’s back straightened as she fell into her comfort zone, discussing what she could easily provide to not just Garrett but any client who required her services. “As I’ve explained to Lars, the contract must be in place for me to begin. Please don’t take offense. I have utilized it for other clients as well. I understand he’s doing this as a personal favor to you, but I prefer to treat this as any other transaction. I assume you’ve checked my clearances, but I want to personally assure you of my confidentiality with regards to all aspects of Emerson Industries’ business matters. If there’s anything you need to ask me in order to proceed, please feel free.”

Every word of what she’d said was true, but she’d never worked for anyone as powerful and influential as Garrett Emerson. Despite the risk, working for Emerson Industries was a huge opportunity, and as she sat before the mogul, she hoped she’d successfully presented her case.

As silence filled the room, Selby flattened her hands along her skirt, willing them not to tremble. Unable to read Garrett’s expression, she waited on the momentous verdict.

Chapter Four

Garrett fought the urge to throttle Lars. Why did I ever entertain the idea of listening to him? Goddamn it, he’d brought a fucking contract to his office. Contracts were par for the course, but a nondisclosure? Garrett swore that he must have been out of his damn mind, because he’d already signed it. Selby Reynolds. She’d switched roles as if she’d been an actress in a play. Gone was the burlesque performer. She’d been replaced by an educated business persona, one who clearly had no intention of acknowledging their previous encounter. As if they’d never met, she’d met him with a cool smile, her palm soft as he took her hand in his.

Garrett eyed Selby, concealing his feelings. She’d stormed into his office and challenged him in a spirited banter, one that’d turned his dick to steel. Despite her fiery words, she’d eventually submitted quite nicely. A coil of regret tightened in his belly as he realized he’d have to keep his hands off the lovely Miss Reynolds. He knew it was wrong but he couldn’t help wondering what she smelled like today, her perfume she’d worn at the club ingrained in his memory. He recalled how she’d sat on his lap, whispering for him to unlace her. It had only lasted seconds, but that brief interaction had been enough to intrigue him. He’d tucked away that little tidbit of her personality, guessing that Lars had been correct. With the way she sat prim and proper before him, the knowledge that she had the capability to push herself outside her comfort zone was an unexpected delight.

He found it curious that she could stand up to him, acting as if she could have cared less about the position. Despite her apparent indifference, all positions at Emerson, temporary or not, were highly coveted. Yet as he studied her, he came to the conclusion that perhaps she didn’t really want to work for him. Lars. This is all his doing.

In truth, he’d been tempted to hire her from the second Lars had thrown him the lifeline. But he knew damn well from the background check that Selby Reynolds wasn’t capable of assuming all of Evan’s projects. No one could. From technology to secret projects, his knowledge had been ubiquitous across the business. Garrett noted that despite her confident speech, her eyes darted over to Lars for support.

He understood why she’d be nervous, but when it came to her technical expertise, there was no question about her qualifications. Garrett noticed that her breathing was unusually quiet, as if she was purposely controlling her reaction to him. A small smile broke across his face as the realization hit. Perhaps his little singer was attracted to him as well.

Garrett blew out a breath. Well, fuck. That would make it all the more difficult for him to resist her. Her eyes caught his and his small grin widened.

“You start today. You’ll have to go down to HR to get your ID and biometrics processed for security.”

“I’ll need access to Evan’s files,” she began.

“I’ve arranged an office for you on this floor. My secretary will show you.” Not Evan’s. Garrett had had one cleared for her at the end of the hallway. If he was going to survive working with her, he’d keep her far enough away that she wouldn’t distract him but close enough that he could make sure she wasn’t causing trouble.

“I’ll need the files. Do you have his laptop? Or if he used shared files here on the network, I could use that. But it’s probably best if I can see his laptop too, just to make sure I don’t miss anything,” she persisted. Her eyes twinkled in irritation.

“About the contract.” Garrett picked it up off his desk and leaned back in his chair. “I’ve signed it, but I plan to insert one of my own terms.”

“Excuse me?” Selby asked.

“My business isn’t nine to five. We work twenty-four-seven.”

“That shouldn’t be an issue.”

“That means when I need you, you’re there. If we don’t need you on weekends or nights, you’re on your own, but my orders come first. Am I clear, Miss Reynolds?”

“I completely understand your concerns. It’s not unusual for corporations to need my services on weekends, but I hardly think it’s necessary to put that in the contract. It’s implied.”