Page 9 of In His Office

Why?

Why was I like this?

This is a business meeting. Not a goddamn date.

“Please, have a seat,” he gestured to the chair in front of his desk. I lowered myself down into the grey armchair, the leather creaking as I settled into place. He remained standing. I wasn’t sure if it was a power play or not.

It certainly felt like it.

I cleared my throat, placed my phone face down on his desk, and nodded once as if that signified the start of a meeting. His eyebrows rose a bit, but he held his ground.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Blackwater. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss how Davis Media Relations can support your company’s PR needs,” I began, my voice strong and steady.

He nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, as if he sensed my effort to remain composed. His eyes roved down my body for a long moment, almost as if he was drinking me in, and then his gaze snapped back up to meet mine.

“I’ve heard about your firm, Ms. Davis. You’ve built quite a reputation for innovative strategies, even in the face of… challenging situations, or so my secretary tells me.”

“I believe in facing challenges head-on, Mr. Blackwater,” I responded, my voice steady. “Every situation, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity to learn and grow. My firm has not only the experience but also the resilience to manage complex PR scenarios effectively. My history speaks for itself.”

“Indeed,” he answered, his gaze speculative, and I found it a bit unnerving. I swallowed hard and pulled my shoulders back, banking on the confidence I felt in this outfit and from Zara’s pep talk to get me through the rest of this meeting.

I’m going to need it.

“So, Mr. Blackwater, let’s talk specifics. What are your primary concerns regarding your company’s public image right now?” I asked, leaning forward slightly, my tone professional yet assertive. He finally sat down in his chair and leaned back, folding his hands in his lap with a heavy sigh.

I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he regarded me with those piercing blue eyes. For a moment, we just stared at each other, and then he finally began to speak.

“The main issue is managing the fallout from the rumors about my family’s past, most specifically my uncle. It’s crucial that we redirect the focus to my company’s innovations and corporate responsibility.”

I nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. I’d done my research before walking into this interview. I already knew the charges surrounding his uncle and the black stain it was painting over Hunter’s nanotech company.

It needed work, but I was confident that I could get the job done.

“Of course. We specialize in crisis management and image rebranding. However, it’s essential to be transparent in these cases. The public appreciates honesty.”

He leaned back in his chair, a hint of a challenge in his eyes, and my clit throbbed hard. I tried my best to ignore it, but it was growing increasingly difficult.

“Transparency is important, but so is steering the narrative. We can’t let the past dictate our future.”

I couldn’t help but smirk at his response. “Steering the narrative, yes, but not at the expense of authenticity. People see right through that.” I cocked my head, leveling him with a steady glare of my own.

Hunter’s smile matched mine. “I appreciate your candor, Ms. Davis. But in this game, I think we both know that perception is reality. We need to shape the world’s perception carefully, especially around my uncle’s activities…”

“I’ll craft my approach with that in mind,” I said, my voice clipped.

It felt like he was challenging me, and my body was heating up by the second.

The tension between us thickened.

Hunter leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his gaze never leaving mine. “Ms. Davis, while I respect your approach, I believe in a more… direct form of action. We can’t afford to be too cautious in this situation.”

Matching his posture, I leaned in as well, my voice firm. “Direct action is fine, Mr. Blackwater, but without a carefully curated and crafted strategy, it’s just recklessness. My firm’s approach may be cautious, but it’s also calculated. I demand only the best for my clients.”

A smirk played on his lips. “Calculated risks, I assume? I’m all for that. But sometimes, you need to take the bull by the horns and direct it where to go yourself.”

I raised an eyebrow, feeling the heat of his challenge. “And other times, you need to lure the bull into a trap with a clever ruse. It’s not always about brute force, Mr. Blackwater. Sometimes finesse is key.”

“It certainly has its merits,” he replied.

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