Page 44 of Seductive Scoundrel

Right?

Fuck!

“I like a woman who processes, especially when she’s digging through my company,” Dex replies, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“If your father brokered the deal with Seneca, why did you meet with Dean McCormick?” The question just pops out of my mouth, but I can’t help it. The need to know everything about Mr. Big is overwhelming.

“Dexter Senior started the deal, but I’m closing it. Figuring out how to best utilize McCormick in Montague. The man is a technological genius in his own right, so I want to make sure we’re making proper use of his talents. Plus, I genuinely like him. He’s a no-bullshit kind of guy. That’s a rarity in the business world.”

“He’ll be working with you? Does that typically happen when you buy another company?”

Another Dean question. But I can’t help myself. It sounds like Dean would be workingforDex, which goes against everything I know about him. He’s definitely the boss, not the be bossed, type.

“Nothing is typical with this deal,” Dex answers with a chuckle. “But in some cases, the previous business owner remains accessible for a certain term to ensure a smooth transition.”

“Interesting. Well, I’m glad you like him. It’s hard working with someone you don’t particularly like.” I’m dying to ask more questions about Dean, but don’t want to seem pushy or weird.

He nods, a knowing look on his face. “Like GI Jane?”

“Perhaps,” I reply with a chuckle. This guy is growing on me – fast. “Now that you’ve piqued my interest, I’ll have to do some reading on the company you’re acquiring.”

Plus, I want to know more about Dean. After being in his penthouse, how could I not have realized he owns Seneca and the towers that house it? The man’s loaded.

Maybe I just didn’t want to realize it. An image of an ostrich sticking her head in the sand almost makes me smile out of context.

“I’ll have Nelly bring you some information on Seneca. Do you have any other questions I can answer right now?”

“Not right now.” I’d like nothing better than to spend the next hour talking about Dean, but I’m certain that isn’t what Dex is offering.

“Okay then. I’m going to leave you to it. Please help yourself to coffee. Nelly will be in shortly.”

“Sounds good and thank you.”

I watch Dex leave before taking out my phone. Knowing that Dean’s company is involved with this audit changes things – or does it? I honestly don’t know if my involvement constitutes a work conflict, however, I do know that it’s created a problem for me. The temptation to ask Dex a million questions about Dean is going to drive me insane.

I peck out a message to boss lady.

Mia: I just met with Dexter Pruitt. He’s very helpful. I think this audit will be smooth.

Jane: It better be! You and I both have a lot riding on it. I expect daily updates and for this project to be finished ASAP. Martin is already making headway at Seneca.

Mia: About this project…I might have a slight conflict of interest.

Jane: Are you knocking boots with the owner?

“Not the owner ofthiscorporation,” I say to myself, then type:

Mia: Of course not. I’m not involved with Dexter Pruitt, however, I know someone from Seneca.

Jane: I’m already down a man, Ford. If either of us wants another promotion, you need to stop with this conflict BS. You have nothing to do with the Seneca portion of the audit. Just keep everything confidential like company policy states.

Mia: But the person I know will be working for Montague if the deal goes through.

Jane: I’m not interested in IFs. Now stop wasting time and get to work. This project needs to be wrapped up ASAP! I expect an update by 22:00.

An update by 10 pm. Awesome. Good thing my social life is almost non-existent – or is it? Dean’s name flashes across the screen, making my insides tighten.

Dean: Mr. Big? Have we progressed from Mr. Big Dick?

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