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We speak at the same time, both stopping to allow the other to go first.
“Please, you go first,” I direct.
“No, after you. Ladies first and all that.”
Damn him and hisHenry Cavillsounding British accent.
“With all due respect, Cooper, I don’t think I’m the best person for this assignment. Given our history...” My gaze darts to Sebastian, only to find his own intent on me. Shuffling in my seat, I turn back to Cooper, pressing on. “I can’t guarantee that I will give my best for the client.”
“I disagree with you. I know you both professionally and personally. You have exactly what it takes to put anything personal aside and focus on the job at hand.”
We stare at each other for a moment until Sebastian breaks the silence.
“I was just going to say, it’s okay, I’ll find another firm. I don’t want Alex to do anything that makes her feel uncomfortable.”
Folding my arms over my chest and crossing my legs, I lean back in my chair as I look at him. What’s his game here? He doesn’t get a say in what I do or don’t do when it comes to my career.
Maybe that’s his game plan.
Stop being so paranoid, Alex.
Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “I’ll do it.”
They both turn to look at me, shock clear on their faces, causing me to lift my chin in defiance. Cooper recovers first, smoothing his hand down his tie as he smiles at me.
“Excellent. You’ll leave for Chicago on Sunday and be gone until at least Wednesday, possibly longer.”
Shit.
What have I gotten myself into?
Okay, it won’t be that bad. I’ll just keep it professional and only talk to him when absolutely necessary. I’ll have my own room and only need to see him during working hours. It should be easy. Yes, I can do this. It’s going to be fine.
“Thank you.” I turn to Sebastian and wipe my face of any emotion. “Do you have a property in mind?”
Pulling my phone from my jacket pocket, I pull up the notes app, looking anywhere but at him.
“Yes, it’s currently owned by George Bennett. He’s looking to sell, or so he says. The property has been on the market for nearly eighteen months. His real estate agent has said he’s being very particular with who he sells to.”
“Okay, I will do some research on him. What is in the building at the moment?”
“It’s not being used, but he ran a successful club out of it about ten years ago. It was called Sanctuary. It’s in the Loop neighborhood, so prime real estate. He closed it when he retired as none of his kids wanted to take over, so it’s just been sitting there.”
With enough detail to get started on my research, I give a nod to Cooper as I stand and walk out of his office. I’m waiting for the elevator when Sebastian catches up to me. I know it’s him before he even calls out to me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.
“Alex, can I have a word?”
I close my eyes, allowing myself a moment of calm, then when I’m ready, I turn to face him.Get used to it, Alex. My eyes land on his chest, counting down from three, I lift them to his face. Sometimes I forget just how tall he is. At five foot eight, I’m not short at all, but he towers over me at around six foot five.
“How can I help you, Mr. Worthington?” I ask, pasting on my most professional smile.
He chuckles and a dimple I’ve never noticed before appears on his left cheek. “Okay, I see how it is. For the record, I’d prefer for you to call me Sebastian or Seb. I just wanted to say thank you. I appreciate you agreeing to take me on.”
“I’m only taking on your assignment,Mr. Worthington, because it’s my job and I think it will be an excellent opportunity. If it were up to me, I’d never see you again.” With that, I turn on my heel and walk through the door that leads to the stairwell.
When I return to my desk, I research all I can about Sebastian, his other clubs, and George Bennett. It doesn’t come as any surprise to me that Sebastian is a hot topic in gossip magazines—I guess when you’re an eligible billionaire bachelor it’s bound to happen.
From my research on Mr. Bennett, he seems like a family man through and through, and if an article from five years ago is to be believed, he’s not going to sell his club to a man like Sebastian.
