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Since my freshman year in college, I’d dreamed of working at BPC Advertising. It’s the best agency in the business and getting a job with them is harder than finding a needle in a haystack.
But I did it. And now I’m in the CEO’s office on my first day after offending the Creative Director.
I wait for him to tell me I’m dismissed or fired. Instead of intimidating me, his deep voice intrigues me. This was not what I had in mind when I stepped into Branson Carter's office. I imagined being fired by an old man, not debating with someone I’m instantly attracted to. I stand and look out the window. After a minute passes, I can sense he’s standing behind me.
“This is what we’ll do.” His voice is silky smooth. “You’ve got a choice. Either design something new for the meeting tomorrow in line with their current campaigns or present this design. But know this Riley, if they ditch this idea you will be searching for a new job.”
“Fine,” I mutter as butterflies flit about in my tummy. I had come this far, I wasn’t backing down now. “I’m not designing anything else.”
“You’re confident they’re going to like this?” he asks, acting as if he’s shocked I won’t consider an alternative.
I fling around, determined to show him he doesn’t intimidate me, but I didn’t realize how close he was until our bodies almost crash together. I lift my chin to meet his blue gaze.
“I’m confident they’re going to like it. If they don’t, I’ll be happy to search for a new job.” I keep my tone flat and confident.
Even though his tailored suit, I can see his build. Broad shoulders lead down to narrow hips. His ink-black hair is messy on his head, and I want to rub my fingers through it. As he steps closer, I refrain from audibly gasping. He has the clearest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
A ghost of a smile plays on his lips. “Your arrogance and determination might be admired by some, but it could cost you your job.”
For a moment I think I see admiration in his eyes before they harden once again. I smile confidently, ignoring my hammering heart. “In this case Mr. Carter, I guarantee my arrogance and determination is going to make you a lot of money.”
My gaze travels to his lips; I wonder what it would feel like to kiss such a powerful man. The scent of his cologne drifts to me, citrus with a musky undertone, and it causes my mouth to water. It isn’t too overpowering, just strong enough to entice me to take a deep breath and inhale more of him.
Our gazes meet and hold for what feels like an eternity. I can feel my nipples harden
against the confines of my lace bra as his eyes search mine. I find nothing in his gaze, although it feels like he’s looking deep into my soul.
My cheeks bloom a bright red and my pulse races at the sound of his deep voice. His face is strong with a chiseled jaw. Thick black eyebrows guard his blue eyes that are watching me from even blacker eyelashes. His lips are thin but perfectly sculpted. His chin as a slight cleft as if it was chiseled in as an afterthought. He’s the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I step back knowing if I don’t I might make a fool of myself and get fired for sexually harassing my boss. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep tight, Riley.” Mr. Carter says in a deep voice that sends shivers down my spine.
As I walk out of his office, I sigh audibly. How much worse could my first day have gone? My boss hates me, my boss’s boss just made it clear I’d probably be fired tomorrow, and on top of all of that, I can’t stop imagining what it would feel like to kiss Branson Carter.
I walk into the boardroom with the design printed on canvas and set in on the easel in the front of the room. Even though I believe in my work, it doesn’t minimize the nerves that have been twitching and snapping all night long, keeping sleep at bay. After I cover the easel with a blank sheet I head to my seat in the back of the room, I know I won’t be welcome at the grown-up table today.
If Martinez doesn't like my design, it will mean my dream job lasted an entire twenty-four hours before it crashed and burned. That will look horrible on my portfolio and I’m sure will raise more questions than what it’s worth. I take a deep breath, and notice Lisa and Mr. Carter are having a heated debate in the hallway. Remembering her disapproval of my outfit yesterday I glance down and hope my clothes meet her standards today.
I’m wearing black leggings with studded black high heeled boots. Underneath the charcoal blazer is a white cotton button-down blouse. An assortment of beads dangle from my neck, reaching just below my breasts, tying the outfit together. I even dabbed on some eyeshadow and styled my hair in loose curls.
Lisa glances at me through the glass wall, and I actually see her eyes widen. Was I still not dressed professional enough for her liking?
She turns back to Mr. Carter and continues arguing until the elevator doors open and the Martinez executives step out.
Once everyone has been ushered into the boardroom, introductions are made. Mr. Carter's receptionist serves tea and coffee before excusing herself, and I’m a nervous wreck. I sit in the back of the room not knowing if I would present today or someone else would. Maybe Mr. Carter wants me to watch as my idea is shot down.
Once everyone has settled, and the Martinez executives have been duly complimented by Lisa and Mr. Carter, he turns to me with those sky-blue eyes before standing up. For a moment everyone in the room disappears, and it’s just him and me.
“This morning, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to present you with something different from all your previous campaigns. I believe it to be innovative and daring, but in the end, the decision is yours. I would like to ask our newest employee, Miss. Riley Harper to show you what we’ve created.”
My heart does a somersault at the mention of my name. My hands grow clammy with sweat as Lisa gives me a lurid glance. No words were needed, I could read her thoughts through the thin slits of her eyes and the puckered pose of her mouth—good luck with falling on your face. Mr. Carter smiles at me encouragingly as I make my way to the front of the room.
I take a deep breath and take my position beside the covered easel. I glance nervously at the white sheet and know I have to explain my reasoning before uncovering it.
“Ladies and gentleman, before I start, I would like to express how honored I am to be working on your campaign. For years Martinez has been known for its style and innovation. Why not apply the same concept to your marketing campaigns? In the past your brand has played on the irresistibility of a woman wearing Martinez, why not rather play on your biggest selling point? Comfort.” I pause for a moment, knowing the effect a strategic pause can have. “With that in mind, I designed something that will not only entice women to buy Martinez heels but will have men recognize Martinez as well.”
I am met with frowns and confused expressions as I finish my speech. Lisa is wearing a smug grin, eager to watch me end my career before it even began. At the end of the table, Mr. Carter gives me a slight smile, heating my blood with a single look.
