Page 74 of The Director's Daughter

“No, tell me now.”

“Uh, Emma, who’s the Dominant in this room?”

“Sorry. Old habits. I guess I’ll have to learn to be a less demanding.”

“That depends. How often do you want to be sitting uncomfortably.”

“Let me try that again. Please, Zach, will you tell me why you asked me over?”

“That’s better. How would you like to join my team at Continental?”

“Is this a joke?” she said, abruptly sitting up and staring down at him. “That’s not something I’d joke about.”

“I don’t understand? You were adamant about me not working with you.”

“I know. I’ve reconsidered.”

“Why?”

“Are you saying you don’t want to?”

“My gosh, are you kidding? I’m absolutely thrilled, but please will you tell me what changed your mind?”

“This will make your father happy, right?”

“Extremely.”

“It will also make my boss happy.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t you know he and your father go way back?”

“My father goes way back with just about everyone in this town, but yeah, though they don’t socialize much.”

“Jerry Goldman is very eager for you to work at Continental. There has to be a connection, but don’t misunderstand. You’ll have to go through an interview with him, and that won’t be a walk in the park. The point is, the positives outweigh the negatives. Your father will be pleased, my boss will be pleased, and you’ll be in a great place to learn. But there’s a condition and it’s written in stone. Under no circumstances are you to tell anyone we’re dating. Our relationship must, and I meanmust, remain strictly confidential. No-one can know. I mean it, Emma. No furtive looks, no touching, absolutely no indication we have anything but a business relationship. That won’t be easy for either of us.”

“Uh, you’re right, but I’ll manage.”

“You’re smart and have great instincts. Use them, focus on the work, not on me, but this position will be temporary. We can’t work together and be together for very long. Do you understand?”

“I understand. You’re saying this is a great way to start out, but I should keep looking for another job.”

“Exactly. Though sometimes circumstances can change and you might not have to. I could move up the ladder. Then you’d be working for someone else. Are we on the same page?”

“Yes, boss, we’re on the same page.”

“Good. Come in tomorrow and we’ll get the ball rolling.”

“So soon? I can’t believe it. Tomorrow? Wow. I’m so excited. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but you’d better behave yourself. Ready for dinner?”

“Absolutely. This is so great!”

Watching her, he had to smile.

A whiz in the company’s public relations department had once saidpresentation is everything. Emma was coming into his department knowing her father’s connection to Sam was probably lurking in the background somewhere.

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