Page 26 of Perfect Night
“Is the coast clear?” asked Candice. She glanced around before walking in.
“Hilarious. Like you didn’t just see him leave. What did his boss say?”
“I could only keep him talking for a while. He said to let Charlie know to join them back at the office. They left without him.”
“Of course they did.”
“I assume we’re on the same page, and it’s going to be a no?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Come on, it’s a no-brainer. Take Charlie out of the equation and what have they got?”
“I agree, but if they don’t get it, Charlie will take the fall for it.”
“I’ve got a solution for that.”
He nodded for her to continue.
“I want him,” Candice said.
“I don’t think he swings your way.”
“Hilarious. I mean, I want him to head up the social media team I’m going to build. The guy’s a born leader.”
“Seriously?”
“What, you don’t think he’d be good at it? I’ve looked up other stuff he’s done before today. Over seventy per cent of pitches he’s involved in are successful, which is double the average for the company. Not one iota of credit on any of them of course.”
“What would you pay him?”
“I’d need to look at his existing package because we’d want to be competitive, but something north of eighty.”
“Just offer him what you think he’s worth. Let’s not let them know our decision until next week. That’ll give you a chance tosound out Charlie, but he works for you. I need to stay neutral on this one.”
“I’ll get on it.”
“Don’t ask him about his current package.”
“Why not?”
He didn’t need to say anything, just gave her a look, and she got it. Her face said it all. They shared the same values, and she hated people being taken advantage of with a passion. She left without another word, leaving Sebastian with his thoughts. He glanced at his calendar. He had ten minutes until his next meeting, so popped out for some fresh air.
Going down in the lift, he sent Charlie a message.
Sebastian:Looking forward to dinner on Saturday!
Charlie:Haha! Your resourcefulness doesn’t disappoint. Until Saturday, Mr Steele x.
Sebastian laughed. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen with Charlie. He wanted everything he was willing to offer, but he also wanted him to have a better life. If he started working for Sebastian’s company, would he be making things even more difficult for Charlie? That was the last thing he wanted. It wouldn’t be the first time an interoffice relationship had happened, and Sebastian wouldn’t even be here every day. He was only here because they didn’t have a GM. What would happen when they found one? If things progressed with Charlie, would Sebastian really be willing to move here, or would Charlie be happy to live in New York with him? He was already getting ahead of himself. First, he had a date to plan.
CHAPTER 9
CHARLIE
Charlie was smiling when he walked back into the office. He had a date with Sebastian, not just another hookup. He’d been shocked to see him at the pitch meeting, but all those feelings came back immediately. They were intensified by how hot Sebastian had been, with the way he commanded that meeting without even having to raise his voice. The guy just oozed power and confidence, and Charlie was hooked. He could fight against it and say it wouldn’t work and all the other negative crap which came into his head, but it was like the universe wanted them to be together. What were the chances that the first pitch meeting he’d ever been taken to was with Sebastian’s company, which was worth billions? He’d sensed Sebastian was rich, but not to this level. It was intimidating, but he was just interested in the man, not his wallet. In fact, the money was more of a turn-off. Charlie would be happy just going out for a burger on Saturday night.
His cheerful mood deflated as soon as he walked back into the office.
