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“You told me you needed something for your budget shoe line. I’m going to admit, it wasn’t an easy task, but in the end, I think we pulled it off.”
I open the design and am relieved when they start clapping.
“Branson, this is truly inspired. You’ve captured the essence of our brand while intriguing our target market.”
Relief floods me as the executives stare at the design with awe. Feeling confident I stand up and explain the concept: “We believe this will appeal to the younger demographic and since we’re not using a marathon or a sporting event like with your other campaigns, it relates that this product isn’t meant for those activities.”
“How did you come up with this?” An executive asks. Apparently, he’s the new brand manager for the company.
“Actually Riley Harper played a large part in the design.” I smile at Riley before I turn back to him.
“And how is that?” He tilts his head slightly and glances curiously at Riley. “Don’t you usually work alone?”
“I do,” I confirm, retaking my seat. “But in this case, I asked Riley to help me after she created a satisfactory campaign for another client. She’s very inspiring and in touch with what the younger generation wants and likes.”
My eyes meet Riley’s across the table, and I know she’s thinking of what happened last night by the way she licks her lips.
Riley’s eyes leave mine as she turns to the new brand manager. “Actually, it was all him. I’ve never met anyone more dedicated to achieving the right design. I swear Branson would go to any length.”
She’s damn right. Next time
I wouldn’t stop at kissing, especially if boardroom banter is going to become a frequent occurrence.
“We both enjoyed designing it,” I say with a proud smile to the executives.
“Tell me, Branson, I know you specialize in sports and shoes, but have you ever considered balls?” The brand manager frowns in question.
I glance at Riley, and she glances down at my crotch. I’m halfway wondering if my dick is hard by the way she’s staring.
“I’m sorry what?” She’s distracting me with her sexy smile, and now I’m sure I heard someone ask about balls.
“Yes, balls. We bought a company that manufactures footballs, tennis balls, soccer balls, volleyballs… basically, if it’s a ball, they manufacture it. Would you be interested in doing the branding and ad campaigns for that division as well?”
I’m still fumbling, trying to focus on the brand manager and not Riley dampening her lips across from me when she answers.
“My friends always say I have great ball-sense. I can think of a thousand ways right now that will have customers begging to buy your balls. What do you think Branson, I’m sure we can do some research and come up with something fun?”
That little minx, I’m going to kill her the minute the meeting is over. She knows she’s throwing me off balance, a thousand ways, balls, research, there was so much right with that sentence it had my juices pumping.
“Sure, we’ll be honored. I’ll have Riley start on some research as soon as possible.” I glance at her wickedly, knowing she’ll catch the innuendo. She coughs on a sip of water at my words.
“Great, we’ll be in touch.” The executives file out of the room leaving Riley and me alone.
I glance across the table and notice she’s shifting in her seat. I can see she is just as turned on as I am. But since we’re playing games, I don’t consider bringing up last night.
“That went great, don’t you think?”
Riley nods. “Yes, it did. They respect you so much. I can see why you’ll go to extra trouble to impress them.”
“The only trouble in this building is you.” I pause watching her eyes cloud over with the memory of last night before I continue. “But you just successfully landed us another contract. Careful, you might have Lisa hissing at you again.” I tease her.
Riley laughs and shakes her head before she tucks her hair behind her ear. “I think we should just keep that between us for now. I’m already hated enough.”
“She doesn’t hate you; she’s just not used to people standing up to her and sticking to their gut. And I have a feeling if she were in this meeting, she would’ve fallen off her chair at your word choice. Because I practically did.” I snicker and shake my head. I haven’t had so much fun since I had hustled on my own all those years ago.
“My word choice was completely appropriate given the topic.” She purses her lips and gives me a prim look.
My blood heats at the sight of her. I want to throw her off balance, get her to feel the way I do every time she’s in close proximity. I lean my arms on the table and fold my one hand over the other. “Great ball-sense? Well, there’s no better time like the present to prove it…”
