Page 121 of Savage Suit

“Thanks for this, by the way.”

“No problem. I was hungry, and it would’ve been rude not to extend a lunch invitation to you.”

Disappointment flashed in her gray eyes.

Fuck. I wanted to kick myself for making it sound I’d only invited her out of courtesy.

She nodded again. We ate more food, staring at each other as we chewed. Her gorgeous face captivated me, and her bright eyes intrigued me.

I should tell her if I’d keep her as my project manager, except it was possible her position was now useless.

“Ms. Hagen.” My sanity required formality, so I’d make a sound business decision. Brains over cock.Heart?Whichever. Every part of me knew she loved her work. How could I take away her passion for my own selfishness?

“Mr. Keegan?” Her brow creasing, she shifted in her seat. “Yes, sir?”

“Our chances of working with Amage are slim-to-none.”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I know.”

She raised her liquid gaze to me. Goddamn, if I couldn’t have stared at her forever.

“I will set a goal to honor the 25thyear of my mother’s death.”

“Excellent idea. Breaking away from Amage will be good for Keegan Media Group in the long run. KMG has other accounts, but Amage is its biggest. I’ve investigated their background. They won’t be able to operate much longer. Claude isn’t right for the job he has. He’s a great fucking asshole, but a horrible businessman.” She drew in a deep breath. “The events of the day let you off the hook, Mr. Keegan. They decided my fate. Every argument I intended to make is moot since I am no longer needed.”

The escape she provided should’ve made me happy, but her disappointment bothered me.

“You’re wrong, Ms. Hagen. I need you very much.”

At my words, her gaze flew to mine, and she licked her lips.

My words required clarifying. My tone was not businesslike but filled with desire.

“You need me?” she asked, so quietly I almost missed the words.

It isn’t you. It’s me.

Yes, because I was a fucking jackass. My flip-flopping would seem I toyed with her emotions, when, in fact, protecting her was my goal. My workplace stance had been so fucking rigid and Ryan would suffer most if I played both ends to the middle.

We could only be secret lovers if she kept her job. We could only have a relationship if she gave up her job. The twain would never meet in such a situation.

“You’re an asset to Keegan Media Group, Ms. Hagen.” It was the truth, even if it was a fucking copout.

She glanced away, and I fisted my hands so I wouldn’t reach for her.

“I would like you to stay for the planned six months. You’ll oversee the preliminary work for the 25thyear honor. We will rewrite your contract to reflect the change.”

“I haven’t seen my current contract,” she said briskly.

“I know.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered what I said to you or even if everything had gone smoothly today. You intended to fire me.”

“I did,” I admitted. “Before I saw you in action, sweetheart. Your resumé captured my attention, though you were still inexperienced by any standard. Trent Smith’s recommendation swayed me, but it was what most bosses did for an outstanding employee. After today, you have my admiration and everlasting respect. I’m sorry you won’t get the chance to handle Amage’s launch campaign for their new pillar fragrance. Your future is bright, Ms. Hagen.”

“Thank you, Mr. Keegan. You don’t know what your words mean to me.”

We concentrated on our food. Luckily, our fajitas were served piping hot.