Page 8 of Richard

She would have preferred to outline her strategy in her own words and was not quite sure how to handle this.

Finally, he closed the folder and settled back against his chair. His expression had not changed, giving no indication if he was pleased or unimpressed by her ideas.

“You did your homework.”

His comment surprised her and had her blinking.

“Yes.”

“I like the ideas.”

She heaved out a breath and could have sworn that there was a look of amusement in his eyes.

“I have others–”

“I have specific ones myself. The other ad agency was not up to par.” He pinned her with his gaze again. Picking up the paperweight, he rolled it around in his palm as he outlined what he wanted.

What he was saying to her was most of what was listed in her report. She had done her research and was to be commended for doing a very good job for such a short time. He was impressed, but his expression did not reveal it.

He was watching her as he made his speech, and not for the first time, he noticed the way her sweater molded her bosom.

Her complexion was flawless, and she was much more attractive in person.

He knew her to be only three years younger than he was, but she looked like she was in her thirties. Her hair was in a tidy bun at the nape of her neck, and she wasn’t wearing much makeup.

He was attracted to her and it confused him. He was a man in his forties and could more or less have any woman he wanted to, but he was feeling a definite pull toward the one seated across from him. Pushing back his chair, he rose abruptly and went over to a cabinet hidden by pale gold wallpaper and touched a button.

“Are you sure I cannot change your mind about a drink?

He turned his head to look at her and caught the flick of her tongue against her bottom lip. Lust surged hot and heavy in his loins and staggered him.

“No.”

Turning back around and swearing silently, he splashed golden liquid into the snifter and excluded the ice. He was going to have to stay the night here if he continued like this, but he needed the drink.

And he had to wait a minute before walking back across the room. He had removed his jacket, so there was nothing to cover the evidence of his arousal.

Tossing back the drink, he relished the burning sensation sliding into his gut and poured another. As soon as he was certain he would not disgrace himself, he walked the distance to his desk and sat back down.

“Anything else?” his voice was unnaturally curt, but he wanted her out of his office.

“No.” She lifted her chin as if his tone had offended her. “I will leave the notes with you, of course. I just want to say that we would relish the opportunity to represent your company.”

His thick, dark brows lifted sardonically. “Do you know what you are letting yourself in for?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I am very demanding, Ms. Sutherland. I would have a brainstorm in the middle of the night and would act on it instantly. My assistant and those who work for me know about this particular habit of mine.

I am very generous when it comes to compensation, but I am also very exacting and like things done a certain way. I abhor complacency and lack of creativity.” His green eyes wandered over her face. “I started this company with just an idea, and ithas grown into something massive.”

He paused and picked up his drink. Taking a few sips, he set the glass down and hefted the paperweight. “I am not easy to work with and I happen to want to know exactly what is happening at any given time. Is that something you can handle?”

His expression challenged her, but she only recorded the last part of the speech. “We are hired?”

He did not respond right away but subjected her to one of those soul-searching stares that had her almost squirming in her seat.

“On a trial basis. Your ideas are good and appeal to me.” He reached for something on his desk and held it out to her. When she came forward and took it, he continued.

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