Page 7 of In His Office

“It’s not exactly the professional image I’m going for, Zara,” I laughed lightly, shaking my head.

“It’s not just about looking professional, Morgan. It’s about feeling powerful and confident, like you can slay the world with nothing but the heels on your feet. This outfit does that,” she said, her tone shifting to a more serious one. “And who knows, a bit of sexy never hurt in the business world, and you know that…”

“Maybe you’re right,” I said, a smile playing on my lips as I looked at myself in the mirror. The clothing did make me feel different—more daring, more assertive. Maybe she was onto something…

“Maybe? Honey, of course I’m right,” Zara replied with a confident nod. “You’re going to walk into that meeting and own it. And this client? They won’t know what hit them.”

Her words bolstered my confidence. I needed this win, not just for my company, but for myself. After a recent string of PR nightmares that my company had to deal with, I couldn’t help but feel a bit steamrolled by circumstances beyond my control.

First, there had been the high-profile tech startup that imploded spectacularly due to the founder’s scandalous, and very adulterous, personal life—something I couldn’t have predicted or even remotely begun to manage, even if I hadn’t been blindsided by it.

Then came the environmental non-profit organization, Earth Guardians Alliance, honestly a dream client, that got caught in a fraudulent funding scheme, tainting everyone associated with them, including my firm, which really fucking sucked.

And who could forget the fiasco with Wendy Newton, the celebrity chef whose wild drug fueled sex tape from a few years ago had come out of the woodwork right when she was supposed to start a new show centered around family cooking?

Each of these completely separate circumstances had damaged my firm’s reputation, despite my team’s best efforts and our proven track record of serving only the best.

I needed a win, and I needed it badly.

“Alright, let’s do this. I’ll take on Mr. Potential Client and this meeting with everything I’ve got.”

Zara beamed, clearly pleased. “That’s the spirit! Now go out there and knock ‘em dead. And remember, no matter what happens, I’m here, always in your corner, especially if you get laid while you’re at it.”

I chuckled at Zara’s incorrigible attitude. “Thanks, Zara. And I’ll keep the getting laid part under advisement,” I said with a playful roll of my eyes.

Zara gave me a sly grin. “Just saying, if this Mr. Potential Client turns out to be your Christian Grey, I expect full details. You know, for… research purposes.”

I laughed, feeling a bit more relaxed. “I’ll be sure to take notes, then. But I think I’ll focus on the business aspect first. As intriguing as a whirlwind romance may sound, I’m pretty sure this is going to be more about balance sheets than red rooms.”

“Oh, come on, where’s the fun in that?” Zara teased. “Remember how Ana first met Christian? A simple interview, and bam! Life changed. You’re walking into an interview with the wealthy, mysterious Hunter Blackwater. The parallels are uncanny.”

I adjusted the skirt one last time, trying to mirror Ana’s unassuming confidence. “Well, if he starts asking me about my reading habits or helicopter rides, I’ll know we’ve veered off script.”

Zara’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she followed me to the door. “Just remember, if he starts offering you a tour of his very own ‘playroom’, don’t be too shocked, Little Miss Prude.”

I burst out laughing, a mix of amusement and disbelief coloring my voice. “Zara! I’m pretty sure that’s not on the agenda for a PR business meeting.”

“You never know, Morgan,” she winked playfully. “Life can be surprisingly kinky. Just be sure to negotiate your terms like a boss, Ana Steele style.”

“You’re awful,” I moaned.

“I know. You love it.”

“You know, he has a reputation,” I began.

Hunter Blackwater was a playboy. I’d done my research on him. Not only did he have a reputation for being a ladies’ man, but there were suggestions of affairs at the office, that he tangled business with pleasure on a regular basis.

So, Zara wasn’t exactly wrong…

“You neglected to tell me that little detail before,” she said with a huff, throwing her hair over her shoulder in mock anger.

I sighed. “Apparently, he’s known for… well, getting involved with people he works with. Romantically involved.”

Zara raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Oh? Mr. Potential Client is a bit of a playboy then? This plot just keeps thickening.”

I shook my head, determined. “This is not a romance novel, Zara. I’m not going to walk in there, be instantly attracted to him, and jeopardize this whole opportunity. I need him as a client.”

“Who said anything about instant attraction?” Zara teased. “Maybe he’ll be the one unable to resist your charm.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com