Once Upon a Dare (Risky Business)(22)
“Anna, we’ve been through this,” he said, shaking his head, a wide grin on his face. “It’s not a big deal. The closing is next week.” He laughed. “You’re relentless, you know that, right?
Who the hell was Anna? Olivia had never seen Cole so relaxed. Whoever she was, they must be close. Not that she cared.
“Look, I’ve got to go. I have someone in my office. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
He hung up the phone and turned that panty-melting smile on her, causing her blood pressure to creep up. Olivia wiped her sweaty palms on her thighs.
“Sorry about that. My sister,” he explained. “Anyway, I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you into my office.”
Olivia nodded, still processing the idea that Cole had a sister. One he was apparently pretty close to. Who’d have guessed? She didn’t have long to dwell on it.
“I have a special project for you.” He folded his hands on the desk, dragging the moment out endlessly. Masochist. “We just received word that Vixen Enterprises is in the market for a new agency.”
“They fired McKenzie?” She didn’t believe it. The two companies had been in bed together for, well, forever. If it was true, every agency in town would be vying for the Vixen account. It was a multi-million dollar contract. “Are you sure?”
“We have it on good authority that it will be a sudden death scenario. Each agency will get one shot, and one shot only, at the account. Winner takes all. We have three weeks to prepare.”
“Three weeks?” Olivia scoffed. Impossible. Three weeks wasn’t nearly enough time to come up with a worthy campaign. It couldn’t be done.
“Three weeks, for three years,” he confirmed. “I don’t care what it takes, we are going to land that account. We need our best on this pitch, which is why I want you to lead the team with me. We’ll be working together closely on this one.”
She was too stunned to reply. Leading a team with Cole? No way. The very idea was ridiculous. It had all the makings of a disaster. Hell, they’d probably kill each other.
On the other hand, it was an opportunity. A big one. One she couldn’t turn down. And he knew it.
“Reassign everything you can to the junior associates. I don’t care what else you’re working on. Dump it,” Cole ordered, pounding the desk to drive his point home. “It’s time some of these people started pulling their weight around here. You can’t do everything.”
“Consider it done. I’ll send out the new assignments today.” Rising to her feet, Olivia retreated to the door. She might be a control freak, but she wasn’t stupid. If they could secure the Vixen account, it would give her tremendous leverage with Pritchard and maybe another shot at a partnership. For that, she’d offload her other clients, but it didn’t mean she was going to be led around by the nose while Cole pressed his advantage. “I just hope your idea of working together closely doesn’t include f*cking, because that’s still off the table as far as I’m concerned.”
She turned on her heel and left.
Chapter Ten
Cole followed Olivia back to her office. They didn’t speak, but he was okay with that. There was plenty to occupy his mind, and the view from behind wasn’t so bad. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of looking at her backside. She hurried down the hall, her tight ass wiggling all the way as she typed on her phone. It was no surprise when she crashed into the mail cart turning the corner, sending letters skittering to the floor. She stumbled back and Cole caught her by the elbow, preventing any serious damage.
“So sorry,” she apologized to the kid pushing the cart. Tucking her phone into the pocket of her blazer, she stooped to help pick up the mess. She shot Cole a dark look. Now it was his fault she couldn’t walk and type?
Standing, she deposited the mail on the cart. “Thanks,” she finally grumbled, stepping into her office and doing her best to dismiss him.
Yeah, that wasn’t happening. Not after that little gem she’d delivered on her way out the door.
“My pleasure.” He smiled and followed her into the tiny office, closing the door behind them. It was time to clear the air once and for all. The world was un—f*cking-fair, a fact he knew as well as anyone, but if she couldn’t put her anger aside, they’d never be able to work together, let alone secure the Vixen account. They needed to be in sync moving forward, which meant less attitude and more collaboration. “Do you have a few minutes? There are some things I’d like to discuss with you.”
“What did you want to discuss?” she asked, straightening her back and smoothing her hair. With only inches separating them, it was impossible to ignore the intoxicating scent of her perfume, or the unspoken arousal that filled the space between them. “Was it your three-step plan to ruin my career? Is Pritchard going to fire me if we can’t play nice? Is that what’s next, Cole? No doubt you have something really special planned for the grand finale.”
“I think you’re being a bit dramatic, don’t you?” He tucked his hands in his pockets. Did she really think her job was on the line? Pritchard was a total softy under that crotchety exterior. No one was getting fired. Mama’s would end up with a better campaign than they expected and even if PBA didn’t land the Vixen account, they’d make a hell of a bid for it with him and Olivia leading the team.