Page 48 of Thiago
Not to mention, every Friday they didn’t spend together, he explained why he couldn’t come see her. He had never canceled their Friday night hookups without an explanation.
India pulled into her executive space in the parking deck and cut the engine.
“Whatever the reason, you’re no longer a free woman. How did Simon react when you told him you couldn’t see him anymore?”
“Surprisingly well,” India said with a laugh. “Seriously, though, he expressed disappointment and wished me the best with my new man.”
“Very mature of him. Don’t tell Josh I told you this, but Leo was disappointed the two of you didn’t hit it off. He really liked you.”
“I liked him too, but…”
“Believe me, I understand. Sometimes the spark isn’t there. Did you feel a spark with Simon?”
“Honestly, no, but I enjoyed his company. I assumed those feelings would eventually come.”
“I think it’s hard when the competition is a man like Thiago Santana. He is one sexy, sexy man.”
Yes, he is, India thought.
She stepped out of her car. “I have to go. I’m about to walk into work. I’ll talk to you later?”
“Sure, we can catch up another time. Have a good day,” Kiara said before hanging up.
With Thiago’s words ever present in her mind, India considered her options and decided to put a plan in motion toprotect herself. She had accepted they were now exclusive, but she had to be smart. She searched online for the number for the company Spencer Boyden. She then called them and spent the next fifteen minutes on the phone, satisfied after she hung up.
Then she analyzed results from various marketing campaigns, including a digital rollout Beth Ann had worked on. She critiqued the plan, offering suggestions for improvement, and then spent the rest of the morning reviewing the marketing budget, checking that their ROIs remained within the strict range put in place by Thiago. He held them to a high standard, but she had to admit the added pressure had forced them to think outside the box and improve their reach and sales with minimal increase in dollars spent.
Satisfied with the results, she told her assistant to order lunch, which she ate at her desk. After lunch, she locked her door and rolled out a mat on the floor. Putting wireless earphones in her ears, she listened to soothing music as she sat cross-legged on the floor during her afternoon meditation.
She hadn’t been a natural at meditating, her mind constantly racing with tasks she had to check off her to-do lists and keeping up with the many objectives required in her role heading up the largest marketing department in the company. However, despite her skepticism, her teacher had been adamant mediation was not only achievable, it would be extremely beneficial in helping her control the effects of lupus that could be exacerbated by the demands of her job.
She had been in a constant battle of needing to rest but not wanting to succumb to the limitations of her body. It took time, but she learned to relax her mind, which helped tremendously, and meditated for fifteen minutes each afternoon.
By the end of the day, she felt drained but was satisfied with all she had accomplished and went down the hall for a bathroom break. She was washing her hands when Blanca Garcia walkedin, an executive visiting from the office in Argentina. She had arrived a week early for the executive coaching scheduled for next week, allegedly to spend time gathering information on the U.S. operations and to work on the Buenos Aires expansion with Thiago.
India sincerely doubted her explanation but smiled briefly at her in the mirror. She didn’t care for the woman but knew how to be polite.
Blanca briefly smiled back and pulled a tube of lipstick from her designer bag. She took her time applying the crimson color to her full lips.
“I’m about to go to dinner with Thiago,” she announced, talking to her reflection.
India stiffened. “Oh?”
“He insisted. He wants to go over the details of the Buenos Aires expansion. Just the two of us.” Her lips curved upward slightly as her eyes met India’s in the mirror.
This was why India was suspicious of her early arrival. She had noticed how Blanca fawned over Thiago.
She snatched a paper towel from the dispenser. “You’re very lucky to be able to spend time with him one-on-one. He’s a busy man.”
“Not too busy for me.”
India let out a short laugh.
Blanca placed a hand on her hip. “Why do you laugh?”
“Sounds like you think you’re special.”
“I am. Very special. Thiago and I understand each other. We are both hardworking and come from similar cultures. We are also both single.”
