She pauses, and I realize that the next move is mine. What to do. She's nothing like what I had expected. Not exactly what I had hoped for, either. I'm weighing the pros and cons. I guess on paper, I could find someone much more experienced. A safer card. But there is something about this girl…
"Well, Ms. Brown, I'm not convinced. Let me lay out the project plan for you, and then I'd like to hear your input. You must understand that this project is both highly expensive and time-consuming. And during the entire project, I personally will be involved in every move you make."
She blushes. She doesn't say a word. She just nods to indicate that she hears what I'm saying.
Together, we go through the project plan, page by page. I tell her that the original idea for the project comes from my grandfather, how he never forgot where he came from, and how he worked his ass off to give back just a little bit of what he was lucky to achieve in life. Step by step, I go through the travel plans that are necessary if we’re to explore some of the wildlife preservation parks they already have in Africa. She doesn't say much, except when we're talking about animals and the standards she holds for protecting them.
"Animals are not here for our entertainment. They are beautiful, free spirits, and should remain that way. I love working with animals. I only have one condition: everything with you, we do to protect animals. Not to make money, and not to create PR value. If that's your plan, I'm not the right candidate for the job."
She looks me straight in the eyes, and little red spots on her neck tell me that she feels like she's putting it all on the line now. And the truth is, she is. I could disagree with her. But I don't.
"Ms. Brown, I think we might have something to work with after all. I suggest you go home and think about what we talked about today. Give it some thought. Taking this job means that you'll practically be away for the next 12 months. You'll have to be able to work closely together with me, too. And if you haven’t already figured it out, I should warn you that I’m not the easiest person to work together with. When you’re on my payroll, I expect 100% dedication from you. I don’t do 9-5 jobs. We work, when we work, no matter what time it is. I have zero tolerance for laziness or cutting corners. I do perfection. And so will you.”
Her eyes widen. I take a sip of water and continue. “When you're done thinking, give my secretary a call and let her know what you think. If you're still interested, I will draft a contract for you to consider. The salary might not be what you expect, but I might as well say now that is non-negotiable."
I close the report. "Any final questions?"
Emma looks down and plays with her nails. The assertive girl I saw about an hour ago is gone. She clears her throat and answers softly.
"No, I think we covered it all."
She gets up and shakes my hand. "Thank you once again for having me, Mr. Durst. It was very nice to meet you." She tosses her hair, probably unintentionally. But for some damn reason, it goes straight to my cock. In a flash, I imagine her standing in front of me, naked. Teasing me with that sexy long hair of hers. Inviting me to bite her nipples. Reaching out her hand to touch my rock hard shaft… Fucking hell, Blake, are you out of your freaking mind? Get a grip and give the girl a proper goodbye.
"It was nice to meet you too, Ms. Brown," I say.
Dammit, I'm blushing. "Let me know whatever you decide. And for everyone’s sake, don't take too long. I have other candidates on my hand waiting for a job interview."
She swallows hard and then turns around to leave.
Emma quietly closes the door behind her, but long after she has gone, I still feel her presence in my office. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe it's time I get laid. I haven't had any for some time. Apparently, it's starting to get to me.
I push the intercom button on my desk.
"Ms. Hanson? Could you set up a private call for me? There's an appointment I'd like to make."
My secretary answers immediately. "Absolutely, Sir. Who would you like me to call?"
Quickly, I run through my mental black book. There are so many I could choose…
"Amanda. Please connect me to Ms. Amanda."
6
EMMA
"Good God, girl, I’m so glad you’re spending your last evening in Boston with me. And I gotta tell you, it’s a good thing you have me. From what I can see, you’re packing all the wrong stuff. What’s all that boring, practical stuff doing in your suitcase?”
Marc picks up a pair of khaki shorts and holds them out to me in one finger like it’s dirty underwear.
“Put it back down,” I laugh and rip them out of his hand. I mean, we know each other very well, but I’d hate it if he starts going through the things I’ve packed. I don’t need him to see my lingerie or worse, my personal pleasure toys. I don’t go out a lot, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not without needs. Not even in Africa.
“Come on, I need to pack practical stuff. Africa may sound exotic, but where I’m going, it’ll be dusty and hot. I’m not going on vacation, you know.”
Marc sighs. “I still can't believe you're going to fucking Africa! Why is it that I, a beautiful, charming man in his prime, have to stay in the city to serve coffee and cake for whoever walks into the coffee shop, while you, on the other hand, get to go on a private jet with an incredibly handsome billionaire and travel to exotic Tanzania? I mean, obviously, the man upstairs is having some troubles with his priorities."
Marc plays with his hair, pretending to be offended. As much as he is an attractive, urban dude, I know better than anyone that he's comfortable in the city and wouldn't even consider traveling overseas if he could. But I get his point. I could be worse off than having to go on a plane and visit one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in the world with my new boss.
"I know. It's kind of crazy. I can't even believe it's real. Except for my home state South Dakota, I've never been out of Boston. And now I'm going to freaking Tanzania."
I throw a pile of T-shirts into the suitcase and cross them off my list of things to pack.
"Shorts, T-shirts, footies. Hiking boots, 2 caps, a light jacket. Now I just need my toiletries and some aspirins. That should be all. Mr. Durst’s secretary told me that we'd have everything else at the hotels we’re staying at."
I don’t expect Marc to care. Checking off my mental packing list out loud just helps me stay focused.
"Hold it, young lady," Marc says and throws something into the suitcase. "You are not leaving this country without a cute bikini. And a sexy dress," he says and throws yet another item into my suitcase. "I know you guys will be working, but I'll bet you $100 there will be some romance along the way. And if there isn't, I'll spank you when you got home."
Although I'd never heard about Blake Durst before the job interview, apparently he's a celeb. Marc for sure already knew who he is. He's been drooling over him ever since he heard about the job opening.
"Stop it, Marc," I say and take the bikini and the dress back out of the suitcase.
Mr. Blake Durst is a billionaire and the owner of a multimillion-dollar business. There's no way in hell he could be interested in me. And, I might add, I have no interest in him that way, either. My friends in school would dream about meeting Prince Charming and being swept off their feet by a handsome stranger. I never could afford the luxury of waiting for a handsome gentleman on a white horse to make me the happiest that I had ever been. I’ve had to work hard for everything I’ve achieved ever since I was a little kid. To be honest, relationships scare me. I’m scared to death of becoming dependent on another human being, only to see them leave. That’s what my father did. He left us and never looked back. I saw the devastation he left behind. My mother’s constant struggle to support her children. She would smile at us, but I saw the pain in her eyes. Nope. I’m better off without a man.