Page 43 of Seductive Scoundrel

I shrug. No point denying it. He isn’t the type of guy you play games with.

“I’m guessing she’s a bit militant. Glad we got you instead.”

“Thanks. Let’s just say that GI Jane will bust my balls if I make any mistakes – and I don’t even have balls.”

A chuckle rumbles in his throat. “You have a great sense of humor. Between the two of us, I’m positive this audit will be a piece of cake.”

I sure hope so.

“Why don’t we sit down and go over the preliminaries, and then I’ll leave you to it. This space is allocated to you for as long as you need it. Our staff room, complete with coffee and pastries, is down the hall beside the washrooms. Nelly will check in regularly to see if you need anything.”

“Thank you so much,” I return, taking a seat and then pulling out my notepad.

Most CEOs don’t acknowledge my existence, let alone spend time going over preliminaries with me. Usually, audits are like pulling impacted teeth – slow, difficult, and painful.

“I’m going to be honest with you. Jane just pulled me off another project to handle this one, so I haven’t had time to look over everything.”

Or anything really.

The auditor who was supposed to handle this portion of the project fell down the stairs to the subway. Poor guy is out of commission for at least a month, leaving our commander a soldier short. Of course, I’m the one she bestowed this lovely gift upon.

I watch concern grow on Dex’s face. “Don’t worry, it won’t take me long to get up to speed. I’m pretty good at this whole auditing thing,” I assure him.

He shoots me a grin and I hope he’s not hiding anything because I’m actuallyverygood at my job. “Can you start by telling me why this deal is so important to your company? We don’t get a lot of rush jobs in my line of business. Usually, people aren’t in a hurry to have their company riffled through.”

“Excellent question and one you’d have to ask Dexter Senior.”

“Your dad? I was under the impression that you’re the head of Montague.”

Humor plays across his features. “So was I. He’s retired – mostly. Brokered this deal himself, though.”

I nod while my mind processes this interesting piece of information. “And you don’t feel that it’s a good deal?”

His expression smooths and I can tell he’s switched back into business mode. “I wouldn’t say that. The company we’re acquiring has merit.”

I nod again. “I’m sure it does. You and Dexter Senior are smart businessmen. Diversifying keeps a business viable.”

“That it does,” he agrees, studying my face. “For a woman who hasn’t gone over everything, you’re pretty sharp.”

“I’ve gone over enough to notice that Seneca doesn’t line up with your current portfolio.”

I’m used to being underestimated. It’s an advantage, especially with this job. I’ve learned to be unassuming and stay under the radar. Most people think I’m nothing more than a robot making calculations, but I don’t get that feeling from Dex. He’s observant and intuitive.

“Seneca is a lucrative company, cutting-edge in the industry, and the owner is very savvy. But, you’re correct, it doesn’t line up with Montague’s current portfolio. That said, after meeting with Dean McCormick a few times, I’m excited to acquire his latest brainchild. It will add a lot of value to our corporation, and open us up to other opportunities in the future.”

The world suddenly stops turning when Dean’s name rings in my ears. I knew Dean worked in the Seneca Towers, but there are at least thirty companies who rent space there. The chance of him actually working for Seneca had to be slim to none.

But, of course, he owns it.

Dex’s eyes lock on mine and there’s uncertainty in his expression. “Is everything all right?”

I do my best to mask the shock and, well, horror on my face. “It’s fine. I’m just processing.”And trying to not freak out.

It’s against TBA policy to audit a company we have personal ties to, but – technically – I only have ties to Dean and I’m not reviewing his company. My colleague, Martin, is handling the Seneca portion of the audit.

Plus, Dean isn’t my boyfriend or anything even remotely close. For all intents and purposes, our relationship – if you could even call it a relationship – is like a short-term agreement. He isn’t involved in my actual life, and I’m not involved in his. Plus, I’m perfectly capable of remaining professional.

That makes this situation okay.

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