Page 38 of Savage Suit

“It isn’t my business,” I conceded, relieved she hadn’t been hired and fighting lust at her nearness.

I hadn’t gotten laid since the night of the masquerade ball to celebrate Tina’s birthday. I rarely engaged in one-night stands and never had I not known who was in my bed.

But my sister-in-law’s birthday was two months ago. Since I’d lost my virginity, this was the longest I’d gone without fucking. Of course! My celibacy explained my instant reaction to Ryan.

Relieved at the lies I fed myself, I’d remedy my abstinence as soon as possible. Many women would be happy to spend the night with me. I had fuck buddies, escorts, business acquaintances, socialites, committee partners, and old girlfriends.

It was just a matter of choosing someone. As faces and names ran through my head, I didn’t feel even a stirring of excitement.

Arranging a rendezvous with anyone, if it wasn’ther, didn’t interest me, however. And therein lay the issue. A major fucking problem because I wouldn’t lose her to Sauncier. I didn’t give a fuck what it took to get her to work for me. The intent to offer her a new interview out of fairness and regret turned into a determination to snatch her from my rivals. If I had to offer her a million dollars, I’d findanyposition for her at my company if she couldn’t work as my project manager for the Amage contract.

“I want to offer you another interview,” I announced, playing it cool in a futile attempt at control.

I was that asshole who wanted it both ways—her under me while our hierarchy remained in place. Ignoring the thought of herunder me, I continued. “I figured you’d prefer if the dates didn’t clash.”

She shook her head. “I just said I have another interview. I’m almost a shoo-in, so no, but thank you.”

Before she’d uttered that hated name, Sauncier, and revealed her interview there, I realized giving her another interview was more of a fifty-fifty chance than a sure thing. I wanted her, and if she worked for me, seducing her wouldn’t be an immediate possibility. Despite her qualifications, I still worried the stress of the position would be too much for her. The job might call for travel. Okay, as long as Claude Amage or Channing Powers weren’t involved. I’d send her on my private plane and go with her. If something went wrong on the plane, I might find a way to protect her.

Fuck, maybe I should stick to my original plan and hire a man to fill the role. Days were flying by. I had one week to meet the Amage brothers’ demands of introducing my project manager to stay in the running to win their contract. Also, other concerns in the company needed my attention. I needed to find a project manager as soon as possible.

“Ryan, if you take the position in my company, the world will be at your feet when it comes to an end. Doors will fly open to you.”

She lifted a brow. “Are you offering me the job or an interview?”

I didn’t want her at Sauncier. Offering her a seven-figure salary guaranteed she’d come to me. Money ruled the world, and Sauncier didn’t have the bank to compete with such an offer.

Ready and able to dangle the lure, I opened my mouth. She’d take the bait. Yet, the words refused to come. Her gray eyes, so silvery and expressive, ensnared me. Tempting her into a situation that might fill her with regret and dim the light in her eyes didn’t appeal to me. Her fucking talents and smarts deserved to shine. Creating a random position and sticking her in an unsuitable department would be a win for me, not her. Meeting with her and confirming she’d relish her duties as the Amage project manager was one thing. Throwing my wealth and power around because I hated those motherfuckers at Sauncier served only me, and such a savage move was unworthy of her brilliance.

“An interview.” I inhaled her coconut scent. Immediately, the ball came to mind, and I scrutinized her, searching for any signs she might be...Fuck.No.Absolutely fucking not. “I’m on a tight deadline and there’s a lot to do in a short time. I’ve evaluated your résumé, conducted a background check, and reviewed your portfolio. I’m sure you’ll impress me just as much as you already have.”

She raised her chin. “In case you’ve forgotten, you kept me waiting for almost five hours when I had an interview with your company.”

“Unfortunately, a matter I couldn’t ignore came up,” I lied. She’d never discover how deliberate my delay had been. “I’d like to redeem myself, Ryan.”

Incredibly, I saw her intent to decline before she opened her mouth.

“You’ll have two interviews if you accept mine,” I inserted. “You’ll have the upper hand and can weigh which company will be the best fit for you.”

That sparked her interest, and yet skepticism remained in her eyes.

“I’ll email you the time tomorrow, and I promise I’ll be there waiting for you,” I said, pulling out a business card from my jacket pocket. She didn’t take it, so I slid it next to her empty glass.

Turning halfway, she eyed the card for a moment. Conflicted emotions ran across her face. For several heart-stopping moments, I thought she’d refuse the card. Reluctantly, she grabbed it and pivoted back to me.

Several times, she gazed from me to the card before meeting my stare. “What if I don’t show up?”

If she hadn’t intended to come in for the interview, she wouldn’t have taken the card. Longing and vulnerability filled her liquid gaze. Whether she meant to, she’d dropped her guard and offered me a sweet, private glimpse of herself.

“If you don’t show, I’ll have free time. But, hopefully, that won’t be the case, and I’ll see you in my office soon, Ms. Hagen.”

Chapter Nine

Quinn:Paul and I broke up?

“Shit,” I muttered groggily, blinked, and reread my sister’s text message. The ding alerting me to an incoming message had awakened me.

Sitting up, I rubbed the sleep away from my eyes. Before I fired off a response, I wanted to feel more awake.