Page 44 of Open for Negotiation
Chapter 8
Scarlett
When I return from the restroom, the icon for our instant messenger is blinking, telling me I have a message waiting for me. It’s been nearly two weeks since our very hot phone call and I haven’t been able to see him alone much since, so even his messages make me feel all hot and bothered.
Maxwell Duke: Scarlett, come see me as soon as you have a moment.
My heart instantly begins to race because old habits die hard. He is my boss and being called into the boss’s office is a very anxiety-inducing idea for me, but I know that I’m going to be alone with him. That has very delicious possibilities.
I rummage through my purse and find breath mints, popping one into my mouth, and then give myself a quick check in my compact mirror.
When I step into his office a few minutes later, he rises to greet me with a smile on his face.
“Scarlett, come on in. Have a seat.” He waves his hand to the chair across from him.
“Sorry it took me a minute to get here. I wasn’t at my desk when you sent the message.” I smooth my skirt and sink into the leather chair.
“That’s all right,” he says and I watch him closely as he removes his glasses and cleans them with a small, microfiber cloth. “How are you today, Scarlett?”
His eyes are like daggers on me. I can feel each movement they make like hot iron on my skin.
“I’m good. I just finished the mock-ups for the Houston apartments. I think they are going to be really happy.”
“That’s excellent.” He folds his hands together on his desk. “I wanted to touch base with you about something that we’ve decided with the resort project.”
Ah, it’s a work meeting, not a personal one. I can tuck those nerves away… for now.
“All right, I’m all ears.”
Maxwell Duke can shift into business mode like I’ve never seen anyone do before. His entire aura changes and he wraps his grip around everyone in the room and holds their attention.
And right now, he only has his grip around me.
“I was speaking with our contacts with the city about this, and they want to make a formal announcement about the resort on the local news here in the city.”
“Okay…” I say, extending the last syllable. “What do they need from us for that?”
“They’ve asked that we send someone from the firm with them to the studio to be on air and explain the project and what all it’s going to entail, and I’d like that person to be you.”
If my jaw could physically hit the floor, it would be firmly there right now.
“Wait. What?” I shake my head in confusion then sit up straighter, and closer to him to make sure I can hear him correctly.
“You delivered the pitch that got us the deal. You know the ins and outs; you are comfortable talking about it and you have the energy and personality needed to make people excited for this.”
“Max… I… this is huge and I’d be representing Fortress as a whole. I don’t know if I’m the right person.”
“Scarlett, I need you to listen to my words, all right?”
I nod and fight down the nerves bubbling up in my chest. I always struggled with speaking in front of others, but obviously, that’s gotten better as time has gone on. Giving presentations in college and for meetings will do that, but the idea of speaking on television for thousands and thousands of eyes makes me want to vomit right here and now.
“I am first and foremost a businessman and the owner of this company. I don’t make decisions that involve it in haste or take things lightly. This company is my life and I’m proud of it. Do you think I’d even ask you or consider you for this if I wasn’t absolutely confident you could handle it?”
I slide my hands down the fabric of my skirt, hyperfocused on the coarseness of the fabric on my sweaty palms.
“No, but, Max, I—”
“You have to stop second-guessing yourself in my presence. I won’t let you, for a minute, think you aren’t good enough to do whatever you set your mind to. I won’t allow you to think negatively of yourself ever. Understood?”
