Once Upon a Dare (Risky Business)(44)
“And just what, exactly, did you hope to accomplish with this little stunt?” she demanded, doing her best to ignore the wicked glint in his gray eyes and the lock of dark hair that hung over his brow. Her fingertips burned with the need to push the stray hair back and explore the softer side of the hardened man who sat in front of her.
“No hidden agenda. We’re going to knock Vixen’s socks off. Consider them a pre-closing celebration gift.” He smirked at her and wiggled his eyebrows. “The post-closing could be even better.”
“Cut the crap, Cole.” She rolled her eyes, hoping he wouldn’t see her flush with excitement at the thought of them celebrating the deal together. Alone. Naked. “I can’t believe I have to reiterate this, but you can’t send me flowers. I thought I was clear on that when I agreed to our little bargain.” She straightened her back, placing a hand rebelliously on her hip. “Which, by the way, was clearly a total mistake. No gestures. No public anything. Just a little secret sex.” Why was that so hard for him to understand? And why did the words feel wrong when she said them?
“I told you the first time I met you—I get what I want.” He crossed his arms stubbornly. The soft cotton of his blue dress shirt emphasized the broad muscles of his chest and shoulders, sending her focus into a tailspin once again. It was impossible to concentrate when all she could think about was the mind-blowing orgasms the man had given her.
“You’re impossible!” she insisted, throwing her hands up in frustration. She turned her back on him, fully expecting to get the last word, but he wasn’t about to give up so easily.
“Olivia.”
She paused at the door, her hand on the metal knob.
“You need to break things off with Wall Street.”
She laughed and walked out, leaving the door open behind her. Go figure. They finally agreed on something.
…
Olivia checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time. She could still make it if she hurried. She walked a little faster, practically sprinting down the narrow hall in her four inch heels. The morning had been crazy busy and she had a million and one things to do, but she’d never forgive herself if she missed Jack’s first solo pitch.
The poor kid was probably a nervous wreck about presenting the Mama’s Muffins campaign, especially after the big deal Cole had made of it, and she didn’t want to abandon him. The least she could do was show up for moral support.
Turning the corner to the conference room, Olivia slowed her pace and buttoned her jacket. She paused to catch her breath and slipped into the room as quietly as possible, not wanting to create an unnecessary distraction. Taking a seat in the back, she watched as Jack dove into the campaign.
With the Vixen pitch taking up every minute of her time, she had yet to review the final proposal for Mama’s. She was anxious to see what the team had come up with, although she was certain they’d deliver. Despite Cole’s initial reservations, she knew her team would pull it off. They always did.
As she watched Jack, she could hardly believe her eyes. Was it her imagination or was he standing just a little bit taller today? Even his hair didn’t look as unruly as usual. He was cool and confident, putting on a better show than she’d have ever thought possible. What had happened to the meek, awkward kid who cracked at the first sign of pressure?
It was like watching Invasion of the Body Snatchers as he delivered the edgy ‘Not Your Mama’s Muffins’ campaign. Not only had Jack’s confidence gotten a boost, so had the pitch. The new proposal highlighted the delectable flavors and fillings that set Mama’s apart from its franchised competitors and created a sexy, sinful eating experience.
Heck, by the time he was done, she wanted to take one of those muffins to bed. She would never admit it to Cole, but he’d been right about taking a sexier approach with Mama’s. And if she had to bet, the clients loved it too. Mama’s sons were all smiles as Jack unveiled their new campaign. Of course, what hot-blooded man wouldn’t love seeing a beautiful woman lick muffin crumbs off her fingertips?
Jack wrapped the pitch up with surprising ease, getting approval to move the concept forward without any rework. She couldn’t have been prouder of him. He’d come a long way in the last year. He still had a lot to learn, but he was becoming a more valuable part of the team with each campaign. It wouldn’t be long until Jack had a team of his own to coach.
She waited for the clients to leave before pulling him aside.
“You did a great job today,” she told him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You should be very proud of yourself. It’s not often a client buys into the pitch on the first pass, let alone on the spot.”
Jack blushed at the praise, his face and neck turning beet red. “Thanks.”
“I also wanted to apologize for not being available to help more with this one,” she told him. “Not that you needed it, from what I saw today.”
“No worries. I know you’ve been under a lot of pressure lately. Besides, I can’t take all the credit,” he admitted. He shifted nervously, and just like that, the old Jack was back. “Mr. Bennett actually helped me out.”
“Cole? He helped you?” Olivia asked. She didn’t believe it. First of all, the man lived to torment Jack, so why would he offer to help him? Second, when could he have possibly found the time? They’d practically been attached at the hip lately and she hadn’t even seen the final proposal.