Page 2 of The Forbidden Mountain Man Lumberjack
"You look like you just graduated college."
A flash of something—annoyance, maybe—crosses her face before she smiles tightly. "I'm twenty-four, Mr. Brennan. I graduated with my MBA last year and have been with Aspen since then, specializing in traditional industries transitioning to modern business models."
"Traditional industries." I lean back in my chair. "You mean businesses that know what the hell they're doing because they've been doing it successfully for years."
She doesn't take the bait. "I mean industries that could benefit from technological integration and updated management systems. Your investors have concerns about?—"
"My investors get their checks on time, every quarter."
"Yes, but they believe returns could be significantly higher with proper modernization. That's why I'm here."
I study her for a long moment. She doesn't fidget under my gaze, which is surprising. Most people do. There's something steady about her, despite her youth and the delicate curves of her face.
"And how long do you think you'll be here, Ms. Coleman?"
"Sophia, please." She tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "The initial assessment will take about two weeks. Implementation, if you choose to move forward with my recommendations, would be another month or two, depending on the scope."
I almost laugh. "If I choose to move forward?"
"Of course. While the investors have commissioned this consultation, you're still the majority owner and CEO. I can't force changes you don't approve."
Now I do laugh, a short, harsh sound. "Let me guess. If I don't 'approve' your changes, the investors have options? Like pulling their money?"
Her eyes—deep brown with flecks of amber—meet mine directly. "I wouldn't know about that, Mr. Brennan. My jobis to identify inefficiencies and suggest solutions. The financial arrangements between you and your investors aren't my concern."
But we both know that's exactly the leverage they're using. I've had enough meetings with suits to recognize when I'm being cornered.
"Two weeks for assessment," I say finally. "Then we'll talk."
Relief flickers across her face before she nods professionally. "Great. I'll need access to your systems, records from the past five years, and to observe operations both in the field and in your administrative offices."
"Tim can get you whatever paperwork you need. As for observing in the field..." I look her up and down deliberately, taking in the pressed clothes and delicate leather shoes. "Those won't work on the mountain."
She glances down at herself, then back at me, chin lifting slightly. "I've brought appropriate attire for fieldwork, Mr. Brennan. This isn't my first consultation with a logging company."
Something about that bothers me—the thought of her in other forests, with other logging crews. Which is ridiculous. I don't know this woman. Don't want to know her.
"Fine. We head up at six tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
"I'll be here at five-thirty," she counters, and there's a hint of challenge in her voice that stirs something in me. Something I haven't felt in a long time.
She starts gathering her things, sliding the laptop into a leather bag. "One more thing. The hotel in town is being renovated, and there aren't any rooms available. The investors suggested I stay at your cabin, since you have the extra space."
For a moment, I think I've misheard her. "Excuse me?"
"Your cabin. I understand you have a guest room that you've offered to consultants in the past."
Years ago, I did let the occasional business associate stay at my place. Before I realized I hated having people in my space.
"That's not happening," I say flatly.
She holds my gaze. "The next nearest accommodation is over an hour away. Given the early start times and late evenings reviewing data, it would be much more efficient if I stayed closer. The investors specifically mentioned?—"
"I don't give a damn what they mentioned. My cabin is off-limits."
A flash of frustration crosses her face—the first real emotion she's shown. "Mr. Brennan, I'm simply trying to do the job I was hired for as efficiently as possible."
"And I'm simply telling you that you're not staying at my cabin."
