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“After what I saw earlier at the diner, you may want to consider ditching that plan.”
The mug almost falls out of my hand. “What are you talking about?”
“Rook’s daughter kind of fell in love with you today.” He pushes on one of the lids of the ring boxes to snap it shut before he follows with the other. “I think her dad likes you, too.”
I shouldn’t ask, but I go for it because the curiosity he just awakened will burn a hole inside me until I know exactly what he meant by that comment. “What do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I mean.” He wags a finger at me. “That mini-speech he gave in honor of you was something else, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off you right through lunch.”
I don’t say a word because I’m at a loss to find the right ones.
He closes his eyes briefly before he levels his gaze on my face. “That man is not only in awe of your professional achievements, but he likes the woman under the lab coat.”
I can’t help but laugh softly.
“Laugh all you want, Carrie.” He rests an elbow on the table. “I know what I heard and saw today, and that’s a man interested in a woman. That woman just so happens to be my very best friend.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Rook
Backstabbing in business is part of everyday life in Manhattan. If I can use it to pad my bank account tonight, I’m here for it.
Posey is, too.
She’s sitting to my right, eating up every word falling out of the mouth of my potential new client. The man is rich with a capital R. The private jet he took to get to New York earlier today is proof of that.
Dalton Allard may live in Boston, but his business holdings are spread out over several eastern states. Since he’s hunting for new legal representation in the Empire State, I tossed my name in the mix.
Helena pulled some magic out of her hat when she spoke to him yesterday because he agreed to meet with me tonight.
I expected Helena to attend this dinner, but her rule of not socializing with her co-workers apparently extends to seeing any of us outside of regular office hours.
That suited me just fine because I’ve never had an issue selling myself.
My potential client motions for the server to approach. Once he’s within earshot, Dalton requests a bottle of stellar champagne. This dinner is on me, but I’m not about to balk. The retainer fee I expect to have in my hand before the night is over will fund not only my child’s entire college education but will cover the cost of a degree for every kid of every staff member currently on staff with the firm.
“Thorsen,” he refers to me by my surname, just as he has since we met thirty minutes ago. “Tell me why you’re the man for the job.”
I’d list my accolades, but I’ve dealt with enough men like this to know the correct response. “You already know why.”
That sends his brown eyes in my direction. Posey’s gaze tracks his movements. She’s been doing that since we sat down.
I have no idea about her relationship status, but from what I’ve witnessed, she’d be open to anything with him. I mentally berate myself for not dragging Eamon along to this instead of her. Eamon is in a committed relationship with Declan’s assistant.
“Touché,” he bites out with a smirk. “Your reputation precedes you. You’re not afraid to go for the jugular.”
That’s extreme, but on point. I do whatever it takes to ensure my clients come out on top, whether that’s within the scope of a dispute with a former employee or, in Dalton’s case, the acquisition of a billion dollar enterprise whose headquarters are located in a prime spot on Park Avenue.
He wants control of the company, and all of their real estate holdings, too. I thought I was greedy.
“He’s not afraid at all,” Posey backs me even though I never asked for it.
“Right,” Dalton brushes off her words and her with one single nod.
If her heart feels that, she sure as hell isn’t showing it. Instead, she’s stealing glances at our server.
“I expect you to shoot straight from the hip and get me what I want at bottom dollar.” He taps his fingertip on the top of the table to accentuate his point.
