Page 16 of In Love and War
Wait, what?
“We tried to convince him against it, setting up a private call after the meet and greet, but he’s insisting on you. He says that he already knows how you work and he trusts you.”
I didn’t say anything for a few seconds. David and I had gotten along and worked extremely well together during my time at Yuval; he’d become a friend. Leaving that had been the hardest part about quitting, and I’d hoped we would get to work together again one day.
ButthisI had not been expecting.
“Okay… so then what’s the plan?” I knew one thing for sure, Zac was never going to actually let me work on this account. I just didn’t know what they wanted me to do about any of this yet.
“There isn’t one. We’re assigning you as secondary per their request. Margaret was informed of all this a few minutes before you got here, and she’ll make sure any of your current open accounts are taken off your plate so you can concentrate on this,” my father said.
There was no way. I looked at Zac to confirm he wasn’t going to allow this to happen, but he was avoiding my gaze, his jaw clenched.
Why the hell wasn’t he saying anything?
“And of course, for the time being while you work on the account, you’ll report directly to Zac, and he’ll provide me with feedback,” Margaret noted. “This is a really great opportunity, Milly. You lucked out. Don’t let me down.”
If I declined, just because I didn’t want to work with Zac, it would come off as unprofessional and probably leave a bad taste in Margaret’s mouth. If I accepted…
“Of course, I’ll do my best.” The choice was easy. This was exactly the kind of opportunity I’d been hoping for. I just couldn’t believe they were handing it over to me so easily. Or so soon.
Zac being involved was an inconvenience, but I’d take what I could get.
My father hesitated before giving me an apprehensive smile, then exchanged a quick look with Zac. They thought I was going to be a disaster.
Margaret wasthe only one who talked on the elevator ride down to the eighteenth floor, blissfully unaware of the tension that had sucked all of the oxygen out of the metal box. I got out after her, and Zac followed last.
“My office,” he said as he walked past me and into the room. I followed him inside, closing the door behind me.
“Listen,” I started, “I get that this isn’t ideal for either…”
“Cut the bullshit, Amelia,” he cut me off, his voice strangely calm. “I don’t believe for a second that you didn’t actually know about any of this.”
I honestly should have seen this one coming.
“I’m not really sure what your motive is yet though, so you’ll have to help me out.” He picked up the black stress ball on his desk and started to toss it as he continued. “Whether you’re trying to get back at me for firing you—”Toss.“—or you feel like I’m a threat to your career so you just want me out.”Toss.“Maybe you’re jealous of my relationship with your old man?”
He caught the ball and looked at me, waiting.
“I don’t consider you a big enough threat to try and sabotage you, Zac. You’re giving yourself too much credit if you think you’re worth all that effort.” I tilted my head and gave him a mocking, gentle smile.
It worked. His expression remained neutral, but his ears turned pink.
Hah.
“It won’t work, Amelia.” He took a few steps toward me.
“Whatever you say, Zackary.” Fucking with him might be my new favorite pastime.
“It won’t take me very long to come up with another excuse to have you fired.” He was onto me now, a smile threatening the corners of his mouth as he continued to walk closer.
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“How long do you think you’ll last this time? A week? A month, maybe, tops?” He stopped a foot away, looking down at me.
God, he smelled good.
“Oooh, a whole month? Now you’re givingmetoo much credit, Mr. Evans.” I had to crane my neck to maintain eye contact. Even though I was in heels, he was still a few inches taller than me.
