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The elevator doors opened and a massive seizure gripped my heart. I stepped out and walked down the hall, shoving open the door. I forgot to knock—
A man with black, styled hair and hollow cheeks dressed in a smart, coal-grey suit looked up at me from the table and grinned. It took a moment for me to recognize him as William. He was so stunning that he looked like one of those unapproachable men I sometimes saw walking down the street in the city; the men who made every female head they passed turn their way.
A lightning bolt shot up my arm. All the feelings I’d buried from the other night returned in full force.
“I have a meeting with a client.”
“I know. I’m the client,” he said baldly.
I looked down at his calm, satisfied face and did not understand what he wanted from me.“Is this a game to you?”
“No,” he said in a grim voice. “Please, sit down.”
My whole body was shaking so badly that I couldn'tstand. I couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy that he would screw around with my schedule like this just to—what? Didn’t I fail his ridiculous interview? Was it even real?
His face was shrewd as he looked at me. I glanced at the desk, saw my portfolio spread in front of him, and my stomach clenched.
“I wanted to offer you a position as a contractor. It’s a temporary position we need to fill for Luke’s Bed and Breakfast campaign. We will review the sites in person, and if they qualify they’ll join the Pardini hotel chain.”
My ears were ringing. “Why me?”
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “Because you’re a talented artist. I got in touch with your former employers and went through your designs. You’re perfect for this job.”
Perfect.
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re the only one I can see myself getting along with.” He scanned me, his eyes darting back and forth.
He’s joking, right?
I couldn’t help but laugh. “At dinner the other night, that was ‘getting along’ to you?”
“Compared to the others I interviewed, yeah.” He leaned across the table, his black tie dragging over it. “It’s a real job, Natalie. I looked at your portfolio and I was impressed. The job consists of you visiting these inns in the UK, France, and Italy. We need a graphic designer for the pamphlets and mailing lists. As the VP, I need to oversee the campaign and make sure it’s running smoothly.”
I burned all over. Was he suggesting what I thought he was? So, we’d travel together?
“How much?”
He leaned back and cocked his head, giving me a smile that made my whole body hum with excitement. “Ten thousand dollars for a few weeks seems more than fair. All of your travel arrangements and meals will be taken care of. The contract is short, but if the executives love your work,” he shrugged, “you may be offered a full-time position.”
The executives? You mean, yourself?
I always wanted to go to Italy. He smirked at me, knowing full well he was dangling a fat, juicy carrot in front of my face. I snapped back to myself.
“Why me?”
“I told you why.”
“There are millions of qualified graphic designers. You picked me. A woman you barely know.”
He suddenly reached over and grasped my wrist. An electrical shock traveled up my arm, right into my heart. I didn’t know why I didn’t throw him off. All I could think about was his thumb running up and down, tracing my veins.
“A woman I have the hots for.”
I snatched it away, the huskiness in his voice making my face warm. “What’s your problem?”
“Forgive me for being a red-blooded American who wants to spend three weeks with someone who’s nice to look at.”
