Page 5 of The Charmer's Gambit
“What I did for Sarah and Evan is nothing like an international acquisition, Will. That was a simple contract.”
“Right, one written by Garrett Wilkinson that you shredded.”
The famous name made my heart skip a beat, as it always did. He was the prime example of what an expensive education and inherited contacts could do for a lawyer. It helped that he was brilliant and also good-looking. I’d never actually met the man, but I knew I stood absolutely no chance against a man of his reputation.
“I didn’t shred anything. I just rewrote part of it,” I muttered.
“And impressed the hell out of him in the process.”
I almost laughed. “Doubtful. You should hire him instead.”
“He’s an estate attorney, not a corporate lawyer. Besides, I want you.” Those last three words warmed me in a way they shouldn’t. He said them to me every time we debated his proposal. I should be used to them by now, but I couldn’t shake the giddy sensation that blossomed deep within. Which was precisely why I kept saying no. I refused to allow this attraction to grow between us. Whether he intended to act on it or not remained a moot point. I’d sworn off men like him a long time ago, and I wasn’t about to break my rule now.
“I’m flattered, but I’m not interested.”In working for you, or otherwise. “I like working for Baker Brown. They’re one of the top firms in Chicago, and I have no intention of leaving them anytime soon.”
The waiter chose that moment to return with our wine. Excellent timing. I needed a drink, or twelve, to calm my nerves. Will always did this to me, even in the beginning. Men rarely flustered me, but he found a way each time. And he kept sweetening the offer, making it nearly impossible to refuse.
The opportunity itself was a dream job. Mershano Vineyards needed an attorney who specialized in corporate law to lead an international acquisition project. My education and experiencetied nicely to the requirements, and managing a team of lawyers would look great on my resume. But there were other, more qualified candidates out there, and Will had to know that. Which was why I suspected he wanted me for the wrong reasons.
Will was the type of man who enjoyed a good game of cat and mouse, and I refused to sleep my way up the corporate ladder. When he finally realized that, he’d lose interest, and I’d be without a job. A harsh train of thought, sure, but realistic.
Maybe there was more to his offer, but I refused to let myself read into it. Because I knew if I found any truth in it, then I’d be more likely to accept, and I couldn’t risk it.
“Tell me about your firm,” Will said after the waiter finished pouring our drinks.
I finished half my glass before I gave the usual spiel reserved for potential clients. Not that he was one, but because it was easier. He listened patiently, asked all the right questions, and continued the discussion while we indulged in way too much food. He didn’t make me another offer, for which I was thankful, but I knew he hadn’t given up. Not by a long shot.
Evan and Sarah busied themselves with talking about a work-related trip and the nuances of the move for tomorrow. He had hired a company to pick up the boxes in the morning, and they planned to meet their belongings in New Orleans. I offered to oversee the move from my apartment so they could head home early, which meant I would be going home alone tonight.
“I’m going to miss you,” Sarah whispered as she hugged me tight.
“Me too.” And I would. Maybe not as a roommate, because I liked my space, but she was my best friend. I loved her like a sister.
“I’ll call you every day.”
“You better. And you better visit too.” Because I wouldn’t be able to visit her very easily. She would assume work was thereason, but it had nothing to do with my job and everything to do with my past. My former fiancé didn’t like me to travel, and he had abnormal resources at his disposal to keep me in Chicago.
“Definitely,” she promised. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Evan opened the door of a waiting car for her, and she slid inside. “You two behave,” he said, his gaze on Will.
“I always behave,” he replied, smirking.
“Right.” With a shake of his head, Evan joined Sarah in the back seat.
I smiled as they pulled away. My best friend had finally found a man worthy of her. His wealth and stature concerned me a bit, but if anyone could handle an influential man, it was Sarah.
“Let’s go, darlin’.” Will, the forever gentleman, insisted on escorting me home since I’d finished half my bottle of wine by the end of dinner. He didn’t touch me but walked close enough for me to catch his spicy scent. I hated that it made my nostrils flare.
He was potent and he knew it. Every flash of a dimple, the confident way he moved, and the constant taunt in his gaze made for a toxic combination.
That, coupled with the alcohol, and I could admit he was downright attractive. And so not coming into my apartment tonight.
“Still no?” he asked as we paused at my door.
“I’m slightly buzzed, not drunk, so yep. Still no.”
