Page 18 of The Director's Daughter

“Excellent, and if Jackson makes a rude remark?”

“If it’s meant to be funny, I’ll pretend to laugh.”

“What will you do if he tries to stick his tongue down your throat when he’s kissing you?”

“If you hadn’t come over, I’d probably bite it off.”

“Just as well I’m here,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m glad you’re joking. It’s a good sign.”

“Who’s joking?” she retorted with wide eyes. “Hey, I just had a great idea. Can I have your permission to eat garlic bread for lunch?”

“Do I need to put you back over my knee?”

“I guess that answers the question,” she quipped, then giggling, she added, “Not even one piece?”

“You’re pushing your luck. Answer me. What will you do?”

“If he pushes his tongue in my mouth, or anything else like that, I’ll pretend he’s Angelo Frattiano. I’ve got such a crush on him.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“Zach, I feel so much calmer. You should start a business. You’d make a fortune.”

“My salary is just fine, thank you, and I’m particular about the bottoms I spank.”

“Are there many?”

“None like yours,” he said, sensing she was feeling a twinge of jealousy. “Actually, none at all at the moment, I haven’t been dating much recently.” “You should. You’re such a catch.”

“Thank you for saying so, and now, my sweet, professional princess, I must get back to the office.”

“Thank you again for coming all the way out here,” she said gratefully, circling her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek. “You’re the best friend a girl could ever have.”

“I know you’ll make me proud. Now get up. I have to go.”

As she slipped from his lap and rubbed her backside, he felt a surge of satisfaction, then relief. He’d been smart to take care of his rampant cock before spanking her. Giving her a last, quick hug, he headed out to his car, climbed behind the wheel, then checked his phone. No messages.

“Thank you,” he mumbled, and cautiously pulled out into traffic.

* * *

AS ZACH WAS HEADINGback to his office, Emma was walking into her condo in Venice carrying several garment bags. On her way back from lunch with her father, she’d stopped off at the Century City shopping center to splurge on new outfits for the upcoming interviews. Hanging the expensive clothes in her closet, she studied each of them carefully, and was pleased with every one of them. She was stepping back into the bedroom when her cellphone rang. It was David, her father’s assistant.

“Hey, what’s up?” she asked, perching on the edge of her bed.

“I have some appointment times for you. Do you have a pen?”

“Yep,” she replied grabbing her notebook from her bag. “Go ahead.”

He rattled off several names, times and dates, including a meeting with someone named Kurt Fielding at Continental Pictures.

“I don’t know who that is. Can you tell me about him?”

“He’s head of Cable and Television Development, but you have another meeting at Continental as well, with Zach Taylor.”

Her heart leapt.

“Though there’s a caveat with him. He doesn’t have any openings, but he’s willing to give you an interview in case something should come up.”

---