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“Have words with me? Who says stuff like that? I–”
I reacted without thinking, smacking him on the back of the head. It wasn’t hard enough to actually hurt him but I didn’t like him making fun of her. It was obvious English wasn’t her first language with her heavy accent and he shouldn’t be teasing her about it.
He yelped and ducked, rubbing his head and I rolled my eyes. The woman looked surprised for a minute before her gaze swung to mine and she grinned, thrusting her hand out to me.
“I’m Amari. I head the security for the building. You’re the lawyer, yes?”
I nodded, shaking her hand. “Rebecca Sloan. I apologize for Jaime’s lateness, I’ll make sure to leave with more time in the mornings so we won’t be delayed.”
She dipped her chin once. “I appreciate it. If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to call me. I can send someone more… proper to assist you.” She handed me her card, shooting Jaime a smug look before she walked away.
Straightening, he scowled at her back before turning to face me. He eyed me warily as he spoke. “What was that for?”
With an irritated growl, I stormed away, not bothering to answer him. Oblivious men made me want to hurt people. Women can’t afford to be that clueless and still have a career.
ChapterFifteen
I wasready for my first meeting with the company heading the construction of the O’Connor tower a few days later. I managed to get the contract ironed out with Liam and added in a few benefits for the company in hopes of making it easier for them to sign the upgraded contract. I’ve dealt with men like this before and I knew better than to show up unannounced so I called the number that Liam provided me.
“‘Lo?”
“Hello, is this Carl Norton?”
I could hear the frown in his voice. “Who’s askin’?”
“My name is Rebecca Sloane, I’m the lawyer representing Mr. O’Connor and his associates. I was hoping to schedule a time to meet with you.”
The man made a tck noise. “What for? We ain't doin’ nothin’ wrong.”
Keeping my voice pleasant, I reassured him. “Of course you aren’t. However, I noticed the paperwork done before you started was lacking and I’d like to discuss it with you. I believe there are things to be gained on both sides if you’d look at my proposal.”
He was quiet for a minute before he responded with a heavy dose of suspicion. “What kinda things?”
“I’d like to discuss that in person, if you don’t mind. I’m just upstairs, I can meet you where you are so I won’t interrupt your work, if you’d prefer.”
Since this change was more about protecting Liam than benefiting either side, I knew I had to go the extra step to make sure the construction company felt that they were being treated fairly. By giving them the impression that their time was the most important, I was showing them that they were a priority.
“...I guess. I’m on floor 42.”
“Excellent. Is now a good time?”
When he acknowledged me, I wasted no time, grabbing my things and marching toward the elevator. Jaime was sitting at one of the empty desks, playing with his phone again. He looked up with a frown.
“Going somewhere?”
“I’m meeting the head of construction. I don’t want him thinking I’m going to push him around though so I think you should wait here.”
He ignored me, pushing to his feet and coming to stand beside me as we waited for the elevator. When I scowled at him, he smirked.
“Trust me.”
Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen. He didn’t give me a chance to argue with him though and it’s not like I could manhandle him out of the elevator. I gritted my teeth as we headed down, clenching my fists as I readied myself for the drama that would unfold. I liked to present myself at a more equal ground with whoever I was dealing with. Superiority got me nowhere and people have said they appreciate that I don’t talk down to them like most lawyers might. Showing up with a bodyguard was ridiculous.
The doors slid open and I was immediately assaulted by cold air. Most of the outside construction was done from what I could tell but on this floor one of the walls was gaping open as they did some sort of construction. The sounds of the city, the whistling of the wind, it slammed into me and I almost screamed, backing away until my back hit the wall next to the elevator. One of the workers, a heavy set man with a long beard and a clipboard in his hand, shot me a wicked grin, obviously enjoying my discomfort. It was only when his gaze shifted toward the elevator that his demeanor changed.
“Jaime! Ain’t seen you in a bit! You owe me twenty bucks from the game last week!”
I felt Jaime’s warm presence at my side as he moved to stand next to me, trying to comfort me. It wasn’t working. I felt like a shift in the wind was going to suck me out of that opening and toss me onto the city street too many stories below us. My vision swam and my stomach turned over, my heart thrashing in my ears. I barely heard Jaime’s reply over the noise.
