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Malcolm takes a sip of his wine, his gaze warm across the table, and I feel a shiver dance across my skin. “You mean the Cool Haus project, right?”
I freeze for a second. He knows what accounts I worked on. What else does he know? I know Ligne belongs to Malcolm Neuwirth, but surely he doesn’t keep track of what the junior associates do?
But how can I ask these things? So I merely swallow and smile.
“Yes, the Cool Haus project,” I acknowledge. “That one was really fun because it’s a new upscale social club in New York, and we had to find a way to market it to the right demographic while still maintaining its exclusive feel. It wasn’t an easy balance.”
Malcolm nods.
“So how did you guys do it?” he asks. “I know management at Cool Haus was very impressed.”
I giggle a bit.
“It wasn’t easy, but we started by trying to think of who Cool Haus’s potential client is. They made clear they wanted the same well-heeled, fashionable crowd that parties at Soho House in London. So what we ended up doing was reaching out to a high-end dating agency, and we bought their client list from them. Then, with a few targeted promotions and some clever cross-over events, we were able to reach out to those folks to offer special VIP access. That set the ball in motion, and once we got them in, word of mouth helped do a lot of the rest.”
“Very clever,” Malcolm nods with approval. “You know, I never would have thought to do that. Reaching out to a dating agency was a really creative idea, and I can’t say I would have thought of that one. Which agency did you use, by the way?”
I smile shyly.
“It’s one called Nordic Matches. I know, I know, it sounds like they only have members from Scandinavia, but it’s not like that at all. In fact, they have clients from all over the world, which makes for a very worldly and sophisticated set.”
“And thus exactly the crowd that Cool Haus wants to attract,” Malcolm finishes for me.
I nod, pleased.
“Yes.”
The CEO nods, and I think Malcolm’s genuinely impressed. A happy flush runs over my cheeks.
“Well, you’ve done well, pretty girl, because I know that the management at Cool Haus has been very happy with Ligne. And now, I know who I have to thank for that.”
With that, he holds up his wine glass in a toast and I giggle before clinking my glass against his. As I take a sip of the alcohol, I can feel the heat in my cheeks and I know I’m blushing, but how could I not? I can’t believe this is going so well, and that doesn’t even take into account the fact that Malcolm Neuwirth is insanely hot, and looking at me with fire in that blue gaze. Am I really on a date with him? It feels like one definitely, but I’m still not one hundred percent certain.
Our food comes out and it smells amazing. “Chicken Scarpariello for the lady,” the waiter sings as he sets our plates in front of us. “And a steak for the gentleman.”
“This looks delicious,” I rhapsodize while inhaling with bliss.
Malcolm smiles. “It does, doesn’t it? Bon appetit, honey. Dig in.”
I do and it’s so good that I close my eyes and moan without thinking about the fact that I’m sitting across from a sexy CEO. Then, my cheeks go bright red as I open my eyes and look at him. “Uh, sorry for the sound effects. It’s just really tasty.”
Malcolm chuckles and holds up his own fork full of steak. “No, you’re right. The food’s delicious.”
We go silent for a moment, focusing on the meal. But even as I scarf down my main, I keep throwing shy glances at my date from beneath my lashes because what is Malcolm Neuwirth doing here with me? Surely, as the CEO of Ligne, he has more important things on his plate, like wining and dining clients, or meeting up with other captains of industry to discuss important topics.
“Is something wrong?” Malcolm asks, and I realize I’ve been staring at him like a silly school girl.
“No.” I shake my head slowly. “I mean, not really wrong per se. It’s just that … well, I was wondering what you’re doing, Mr. Neuwirth? I mean, I know you’re eating steak, but I guess I’m just curious why you’re here with me? Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, pitching something to investors or charming shareholders? I know you’re a busy man, so I guess I was just wondering.”
He grins, flashing even white teeth.
“Yeah, you’re right. I could do that because those are all CEO-level activities, but another great aspect of being the boss is that I have the power to choose how I spend my time and whom I spend it with.” He smiles again, those blue eyes glinting. “And I wanted to spend my time with you tonight, sweetheart.”
