Page 69 of Ask Me Something

Brian cleared his voice. “Actually, we hired a company to do that for us.”

Josh handed us each a document. “This is an uncomfortable conversation, but I know that you’re a professional, and our goal is the same, which is to win the business.” His voice didn’t leave any room for argument.

As much as it absolutely pained me to do so, I had to ask, “If you’re that concerned about it and think that we may lose the account because I’m a woman, then why not pull me from it?”

Josh shook his head. “Because you’re the best pitch person, hands down, and there’s a board of directors who needs to be impressed, too. We hired a company that specializes in profiling and does the analysis regarding the best things to wear. It’s all there on that paper. You aren’t the only one, either. There are specifics on both Charlie and Logan, too. And the company confirmed it would be a good mix to have the all-male board more focused on you while Vanessa gets attention from Brian and the two other men on the team.”

I skimmed the document that had everything from tie color to the type of clothes I should wear. My pride was stuck in my throat, but I’d learn to swallow it. This was business. “I’ll look this over and ensure that Logan and Charlie have the specifics as well.”

“Good. I know Charlie. He’ll be good in the pitch. How’s Logan?” Josh queried.

Looking up from the document, I was candid. “He’s young, eager, and very attractive. He should do quite well with Vanessa.” I glanced at both men and was rewarded with the flash of irritation in Brian’s eyes before I turned my attention back to Josh.

“Will you be attending the mock pitch tomorrow?” I asked him.

“Yes, but via video conference as I’m heading up to Connecticut first thing in the morning. Haylee’s last test will be over, and we’re baby shopping this weekend.” Josh’s entire face lit up at the mention of his wife.

I wasn’t as smooth with slipping from business to personal, especially since I was currently irritated with the document I was holding, but I was happy for them. “Uh, tell her hello.”

“I will. I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll see you tomorrow via video.”

I nodded and rose to leave, surprised when Brian got up, too.

“I’ll see you out. Be back up, Josh,” he indicated and then walked quietly beside me to the elevator.

Once behind the closed elevator doors, he started the placating. “It’s only business, Sasha, and this is a large account.”

His tone reminded me of a kindergarten teacher who had endless patience and needed to explain that children couldn’t always get their own way. But instead of having a calming effect, it irritated the hell out of me. “I get it, and I’ll get over it.”

“I have dinner plans with Josh this evening, but afterwards I can come by.”

“I’m going to be working late on the mock.” I started digging in my purse.

His jaw clenched. “Am I to assume that’s a way of saying you don’t want my company tonight?”

Finally finding what I was after, I pulled out my keys and peeled one off the ring. “That’s not what I’m saying. Here, you can let yourself in.” I handed him the key and witnessed the priceless look of shock on his face.

“You’re giving me a key?” His tone was a mix of apprehension and astonishment.

“Don’t get weird about it. It’ll be late by the time I get there.”

We hit the ground floor, and the elevator doors opened.

He swallowed. “I had thought maybe—You know what? Never mind.”

He’d obviously assumed I’d be pissed off enough about the clothing specifications that I wouldn’t want to see him later. Maybe having terrific sex was softening me. “Hmm. Yeah, well, sometimes I even surprise myself. See you later.”

The sound of his chuckle followed me out the elevator doors.

* * *

I finally steppedinto my eighth-floor condo after ten o’clock that night. I’d sent my team home two hours before but had wanted to put the finishing touches on the presentation myself before calling it a night. Yes, it was only the dry-run tomorrow, but it didn’t matter. I would still be one hundred percent prepared. It was hard to explain to most people, but anything else stressed me out. Therefore, there was no point in settling. I’d learned a long time ago that I could lie in bed sleepless, obsessing about outstanding tasks, or I could stay at work until I was satisfied.

The sound of the television came from my bedroom. I hadn’t bothered to put one in my living room when I’d moved in because I only watched it on the weekends. My New York home was a one bedroom, one and one half bath that was all of eleven hundred square feet. The kitchen and living room were all one space. The bedroom and master bath were straight back.

I slipped off my heels and drew in a deep breath, taking stock of my feelings. Knowing that Brian was in my space as no other man had ever been and that he was waiting on me made me restless, but not in a bad way. When I walked into the bedroom, I saw him propped up against my queen-sized bed’s headboard.

He smiled at me, pausing the television. “How was your day, honey?”

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