Page 18 of Watching Her

Xander rubbed his jaw. “He’s right. I just happen to be a publisher. I could certainly provide an impromptu pitch session at the conference.”

Penelope settled around a table full of women, leaning in to answer a question. I could almost gather a whiff of her perfume from where I was seated.

She’d gone to Michigan State University, excelling in the School of Hospitality Business minoring in marketing with a core curriculum being social media. Given she’d graduated as the salutatorian, she’d had several decent offers after graduation.

Where had she chosen to begin her career?

Covington Enterprises.

At first, she’d been assigned to the front desk of a major hotel to learn the ropes, quickly moving to the corporate headquarters where someone had discovered her social media skills, tasking her to work with the marketing department on various campaigns. She’d even dabbled in graphic design for a few of them, many of which had been used. She was very talented, too creative for someone to be sitting behind a desk or lost in a department full of people.

Which was why I found her choice in opening her own company as fascinating as the woman. I’d perused her social media accounts. She had a decent following, but by no means enough to be approached by any businesses to allow for monetarization.

There was a story behind her troubled eyes and one I was determined to discover. Everyone held secrets, dark desires, or troubling events better left out of the prying eye. Hers had something do with being all alone. I just didn’t know what or if that mattered.

In my mind, she was a rosebud who’d not yet reached her flowering potential, easily molded into an incredible work of art. And I could be the master sculpture, leading her to her full potential. She’d possibly make an excellent employee, although that would go against my company rules.

As if I followed them.

It certainly wasn’t a novel idea, yet this time and with the position I held, my creation would be something formidable and lasting. But only if she was capable of surrendering herself both personally and professionally.

Of course I was jumping the gun, given all that I knew about her was on paper.

Except that she was the kind of woman that when walking into any room captured the attention of everyone inside.

Men and women included.

My wheels were turning more than they should.

While I’d ordinarily consider her sudden appearance suspicious, especially with what I’d learned earlier from my assistant, the fact she’d been fired months before negated any concept of collusion. Even Covington wouldn’t go that far, especially since the Paris location had yet to cross the radar. Plus, good-natured George hung onto his people under the worst of circumstances. In my mind, a tremendous fault. Another reason I knew there was a backstory. Although ruling out the possibility also wasn’t acceptable given the security breach.

The timing was simply too suspicious.

However, her former employment did provide even more incentives to carry through with my idea. Of all the questionable acts of business I’d been involved in, I was well aware it was the people in my employ who would make or break the company. But loyalty was a requirement of my people and not necessarily of me.

What I couldn’t afford to do was to push aside the coincidences. Kingdoms were toppled for much less. I was also not immune to those both within my company and considered friends attempting to thwart my power.

They’d learned a horrible lesson in diplomacy, one that their relatives and friends would remember while they stood by their loved one’s grave.

Yes, I was a cruel, heartless son of a bitch.

I’d made a few phone calls yet to be returned regarding her performance in the industry. I was genuinely curious as to what I’d learn.

What intrigued me perhaps more than anything and could also be another red flag that I chose to ignore was where she was currently living. Louisville.

My hometown. What were the odds?

I held the glass just an inch from my lips, watching her every move. She’d changed into a black dress, the flowing material hugging every curve in a way that promised sinful delights. Her every move was fluid, far more relaxed than before. Yet I could sense she was still on duty, scanning the room and concentrating on the behavior of the various bar employees.

A consummate professional.

Sebastian followed my gaze, chuckling as soon as he found the source of my interest. “It would seem you’ve already discovered your perfect candidate. Why do I have the feeling there’s a story hiding in the shadows?”

As I continued studying her, I noticed her body tensed. Even her posture changed and within seconds, she searched the bar with her eyes. Within seconds, hers locked onto mine and even from across the room, there was definite recognition.

But only briefly and even so, she didn’t react whatsoever.

Talk about the cat and the mouse.