Page 15 of Tied Up in Riches

I want to say yes, but it’s not my money on the line. I also am curious about one other thing . . .

He reads my mind. “What’s your other question?”

“Why this?”

He just stares.

“You don’t have to tell me. But there is something, right?”

Again, no reaction.

“If there is, I think the risk to possible reward is worth the chance.”

Without another word, he motions through the glass for Charlotte and Emma to return to the room.

Chapter eight

Marcus

“I want to hire you,” I blurt as Brooke clicks her seatbelt into place. It was probably shitty of me to test her the way I did in the pitch meeting, but I had to know how her brain works. Forcing her into the deep end with my questions was a fast and easy solution. Her mindset was in total alignment with mine, and that makes her the perfect person to be my assistant.

Hiring a woman who I’m extremely attracted to, and one who is only here temporarily, seems like a bad business move, but it also makes sense. I could use an assistant. Troy is responsible for the front end of the bar, but my back-end work is piling up alongside everything else I have going on. I tend to find it easier and faster to do things myself–it ensures everything is done correctly. But the way Brooke handled herself in there . . . She didn’t just prove her mind is beautiful, she made it clear she’s capable of helping me.

This has nothing to do with me wanting to keep her here to get to know her more. Did I go out of my way to make her tea when she first arrived? Yes. But something told me she needed it, and a cup of it sounded good to me as well. Plus, I hate tears, especially when I don’t know how to fix them or understand the situation. Did I also give her my bed? That’s just good hosting etiquette. Every choice I make is simply the best option. Just like she’s possibly my best option for help with work right now.

Brooke’s attention shifts from her seatbelt to me. “What?”

“I’d like to hire you.”

“I mean, technically I just did a job for you?” she confirms as she weaves her fingers through her hair, lifting it into a ponytail and securing the elastic.

“You’re not ready to go home, right?”

“Right . . . but I also don’t want to overstay my welcome or bartend. Again, no offense.”

I’m flying by the seat of my pants. Something I never do. “None taken. I don’t need a bartender.”

“I also don’t want a handout.”

“Not a handout. Right place, right time.”

“Ohh, okay. Well, I’m also not sure how long I’ll be here.”

I can’t tell if she’s trying to avoid my offer or if it’s just pride standing in the way. “That’s fine. I can work with that.”

“What’s the job?”

“I need an assistant.” Troy has been nagging me about hiring someone for months. I’ve piled a tad too much on my plate this year, and I’m ready to accept it. Win-win. And besides the fact that I know Brooke marginally better now, I trust my instincts. And if she's working for me, I won’t allow myself to get distracted by her in an unprofessional way. Plus, I highly doubt she’d be interested in what little I can offer with my schedule. Although, I can’t help but wonder if she’d be interested in what I bring to the bedroom.

“For the bar?”

“Yes. Amongst other things.” I shift in my seat to face her more. “What are your strengths?”

“Is this an interview for the job you just offered me?” She giggles, and it’s damn cute.

“I am a businessman.” I smirk. “Still have to do my due diligence.”

There’s no hesitation. “I’m good with numbers and finding places to improve business.” She sits taller, and I’m impressed by the quick reply, already believing her without hard proof. “I helped the Thai restaurant I worked at increase profits significantly.”

---