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“Not when she hasn’t responded to my offer,” I grumble.
“What did I just tell you?” he asks, shaking his head at me with a grin. “You’re a closer, Banks. So go get the deal done.”
* * *
I droveJenn home after the Hamptons event, so I know I’m right near her apartment. I try her buzzer, but there’s no reply. A delivery guy is heading into her building, so I step inside behind him, ready to give her the hard sell.
About why this job is the perfect fit for her. About how I need that sharp brain of hers to keep things clear for me.
About how much fun it’ll be, getting to know her more…
Nope. Focus, I tell myself, heading up the stairwell. I need Jenn for the launch, that’s all that matters right now.
I reach her apartment, and knock.
“Just a sec!” There’s the sound of movement inside, and then the door swings open. “That was fast—” Jenn is saying—then she sees me, and her voice drops. “Oh.” She blinks at me. “You’re not Pizza Pizza Pizza.”
“Or even just pizza, singular,” I offer lamely, trying to keep my eyes at face level. Because Jenn has clearly just stepped out of the shower, with wet hair, damp, glistening skin, and a towel wrapped hurriedly around her body.
A skimpy towel.
Around her naked body.
I gulp.Fuck,she’s pretty.Strands of hair are curling around her face, and her cheeks are flushed and natural.
Focus, dumbass.
“Umm, hey,” I start, feeling like I’m screwing this up all over again. “Sorry, I didn’t—”
“No, it’s fine!” Jenn blurts. “I just…” she laughs, flushing. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to apologize for my message,” I say, direct. “I didn’t realize, well, how it sounded.”
“What message?” Jenn replies. “I didn’t get one. I did, however, get a weird call from a local porn company…” Her lips twitch in a smile, and I exhale in relief.
“Communication isn’t my strong suit. Which is why I need an amazing marketing head,” I add.
Her smile grows. “Nice pivot.”
“I mean it. I keep thinking over the things you mentioned out in the Hamptons. Your ideas, your whole approach—that’s what I need.”
“I’m glad,” Jenn says, hesitant. “But there are plenty of other marketing pros who can—”
“I needyou.” I stop her. “So tell me, what’s your hesitation? Whatever it is, I can beat it.”
Her eyebrow shoots up. I groan.Double fuck. “Fix!” I blurt. “I can fix it!”
Christ. I don’t know whether it’s the way that towel is barely covering her smooth thighs, or her smile, but my brain is seriously scrambled right now.
Jenn exhales. “Look,
This is… Different work than what I’ve done in the past,” she says, sounding like she’s carefully picking out the right words. “I’d be in way over my head. I’m not the person you’re looking for.”
“You are,” I insist. “Everything you laid out for me: That’s what I need. I know I’m being aggressive here, but I’ve followed my gut feeling my whole career. It’s never been wrong.”
But she shakes her head. “You don’t want me,” she insists again, “I’m trying to be honest here. I’m not qualified for this, and I don’t want to pretend to be someone I’m not. I would only let you down.”
Unqualified… Is she kidding? Jenn is one of the most competent, capable people I’ve met. I can’t imagine anything getting the better of her.
