A Six-Pack & a Shot at Love (Love on the Rocks #1)(9)
“A trial run?” she asked Apollo.
Garvan wondered what his brother was up to.
“Yes, there’s this hotel we remodeled recently, and we’re trying to put together a video, create a brochure, and truly capture the exceptional amenities this place has to offer. It’s similar to the senior living facility you did and showed in the PowerPoint. However, this hotel is twice the size, and the amenities are grand.”
“I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Corbias.”
“Apollo.”
“Mr. Corbias will be just fine. I appreciate the opportunity and understand your concerns considering what the other company did to you. If I could see what they came up with and perhaps get an understanding of what you disliked about it, I would be happy to come up with some ideas. I’ll need access to the facility and all amenities you referred to so I can begin to pull together a sample video and slide show.”
“Their video is trash. Let’s see what you can come up with on your own,” Apollo stated firmly.
“As you wish. When would you like for me to get started, and what is the deadline you’re allowing me?”
“Aren’t you interested in the pay?” Garvan asked her.
She looked at him and then his brothers.
“You’ve explained your displeasure with the previous photography company. You’re obviously good for the money to pay and seem like you would pay me what you think I deserve for the quality of work I provide. Considering this started off a little awkward, I appreciate the opportunity and can assure you that you’ll be very happy with the end result. Therefore, you can pay me what you feel I’ve earned when all is said and done. It’s the least I can do for insulting you, Mr. Corbias.”
Garvan was shocked but also suspicious. One look at Apollo and Roman’s eyes as they narrowed and looked Venetia over, and his brothers seemed to feel the same. They had never met a person, never mind a woman, who wasn’t after something from them. What was Venetia’s game, and was Apollo willing to play to find out?
“Sounds like a reasonable deal. I can assure you, Venetia, we will pay you for your time and the quality of your work. Let me gather everything you need to get started.”
Roman sat beside Venetia as he went over the things they wanted to showcase in the video and in the pictures she would be taking. They organized a schedule, and he listed the contacts and phone numbers of the individuals she could use to set up scheduling and anything she needed. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty and the very professional way she approached each aspect of this job. She was also very enthusiastic about photographing certain aspects of the hotel they hadn’t thought of. He actually looked forward to what she came up with.
Two hours later, when Lisa entered the room, she asked if they were ordering lunch out today or if they would be going some place.
“Oh, wow, didn’t realize what time it was. Venetia, what would you like to eat?” Apollo asked her.
“Oh, I’m good. Thank you.” She then jotted down more notes in her notepad. Roman saw Apollo squint at her.
“You need to eat,” Apollo said firmly.
“I’m okay, Mr. Corbias, really.” His brother squinted and seemed pissed off. He looked at Lisa.
“Order the usual from Carlotto’s and add a grilled chicken salad for Venetia,” he stated, and Lisa nodded then exited the room.
Venetia looked at Apollo. “You eat it when it comes. Now where were we?” he asked and then took position behind her chair and placed a hand on her shoulder. She moved, causing his hand to move.
“Focus, Venetia, do you think you have everything you need to check this out today?”
“Today?” she asked, sounding surprised. His brother was being awfully bossy and controlling. It was obvious that Venetia didn’t like that. She stood up.
“I didn’t make plans for this to start today. I need to gather a few people to do the video as I photograph and see what specifically I would like to showcase.”
“Nonsense. We will provide the videographer and whatever or whomever you need. Plus, we discussed what aspects I would like showcased.”
“If you don’t mind, sir, you’re hiring me to do this job to make an impact on sales and to promote this fine hotel you and your brothers have taken over. I would appreciate the discretion as to what may and may not be in the video and the photos.”
Roman saw his brother widen his eyes and his nostrils flared He and Venetia were bashing heads on numerous things because his brother was being controlling and Venetia seemed to not appreciate that. He had to give her credit for standing up for herself. Her attitude was a total turn-on. As she and Apollo began to banter back and forth, Garvan showed Roman his phone and an e-mail with information about Venetia. One look at him and he realized that Garvan was attracted to the woman, too, and already began an investigation. He smirked as Venetia threw her hands up in the air.
She walked over to her things. “I don’t think this is going to work out after all.” She bent over to grab her portfolio that fell onto the floor. The pictures scattered all over, and Roman bent down to help her.
“Apollo, remember that Vin is an artist. In order to get the high-quality work she showed in the PowerPoint presentation, we must allow her the freedom to create. Let her have free range here. If she screws it up, then we throw her some money for her time and she’ll be on her way.” Roman looked at Venetia, who widened her eyes and then looked down at the photos she dropped and pursed her lips.