Page 100 of Emergence and Ascendance

"We could explore partnerships with local artists or crafters who can offer unique experiences to guests. That generates income and brings the local connection to the property."

"Smart. I like that." James went back to typing out notes. "I'll reach out to the marketing department and send them something to play with based on your ideas."

"I think that's all for now. We can wrap this up for now."

James nodded and began stacking up his files. I did the same.

"Oh wait… Can you reach out to a few digital marketing firms? We should start thinking about targeted campaigns focusing specifically on luxury clientele heading toward both properties."

He grinned and began typing furiously once more as we wrapped up our discussion about next steps with both properties. I ended the video chat and the rest of my day was spent dealing with emails, financial projections, and strategy documents. By early afternoon I made my way through most of my check list and had even worked on my argument for the board meeting. Just after one I smiled when a member of Christian's staff came in with lunch because I knew that was all him. He had stayed away all morning, likely giving me time to process our night. I appreciated that he didn't make things feel awkward with the "how do you feel about last" night conversation. Shit, or was he just trying to find a way to tell mehe fucked up by crossing lines and it wouldn't happen again? It shouldn't happen again because me in his bed was too intimate and the kind of sex we had was very different than playing in a playroom. It was more like two people in a relationship.

I groaned at the thought and enjoyed my chicken salad sandwich instead of overthinking and got back to work. A few hours later I was on another call and caught movement by the door.

Christian leaned against the frame, dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt that hugged his chest in ways that made focusing on my call an act of congress. His arms were crossed and his eyes were narrowed and locked on me. I smiled at him while continuing my call with our contractor in LA.

"No, that timeline won't work." I was trying really hard to ignore how Christian's presence had my stomach in knots and my thighs tensing while reminding me of the soreness between them because of him. "We need the eastern pavilion completed before the end of the month. The structural supports need to be in place by…" I paused while the contractor interrupted with excuses.

"We took on more projects than we should have and that got us a little behind…"

"Listen, I understand labor shortages are an issue but you not having proper planning is not my concern. We signed a contract and that contract has a timeline. We even accounted for delays in the initial timeline. If you need additional resources, let me know now, so we can adjust the budget accordingly. Your expense, not ours."

Christian smirked as he listened to me handling the call and my stomach tightened again from the way he watched me, looking impressed. He was looking at me like he wanted to strip me naked and put his mouth on me and I was more than willing to let him...

"Understood, I'll get with my team and pull some things together."

"Perfect. Send me the revised schedule by tomorrow morning, and Sam, no more excuses. Time is money and my time is very valuable and expensive."

I ended the call and put my phone down, giving Christian my full attention. He had an amused expression on his face.

"Can I help you Mr. Devereaux?"

He pushed away from the doorframe and walked toward me. When he was close enough, he gripped my chin, tilted my face up and dropped a quick yet possessive kiss on my mouth that had my thighs clenching.

He sat on the ottoman in front of my chair. "Just enjoying watching you in your zone, threatening and terrifying contractors."

"I didn't threaten him; I was being direct."

"Call it whatever you want but I'm guessing you won't have any more delays?"

"I hope not because he's costing me money."

Christian chuckled. "Are you hiding from me? You've been tucked away in here all day."

I rolled my eyes. "No, I'm not hiding. I'm working, and thank you for lunch."

"You're welcome." Christian reached for my foot and pulled it into his lap. His fingers began working the arch and I almost moaned at how good it felt. "How is empire building going today?"

"Good, actually. I got a lot done considering I've been distracted with preparing for corporate warfare with my own father."

I watched his hands as they worked magic on my foot, which was surprisingly sexy.

"What about you? What have you been up to while I've been conquering the world?"

His thumbs pressed into my arch then moved down to the ball of my foot and I closed my eyes for a quick minute, enjoying the pressure.

"Making calls. I found something that might help with your board meeting."

I frowned. "With my father?"

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