Page 64 of Savage Suit

“You are an up-and-coming young executive, and I look forward to our collaboration.” Noah’s inscrutable gaze switched to Megan. “You’ve already proven your worth as head of HR, Miss Buford.”

“Thank you, Mr. Keegan,” Megan cooed, her accent giving her a sophisticated, continental vibe. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to work under you.”

Excuse me?

‘Mr. Keegan’ lifted a brow, her innuendo not lost on him.

She flushed prettily and batted her lashes, then smiled at me. “I’ve looked at your portfolio, Ms. Hagen. You’ll be an asset not only to Keegan Media Group, but to the entire corporation.”

“Thank you, Miss Buford.” I thought of the exposé. To counter the explosive accusations, I’d be the company’s sacrificial lamb, shoved in front of the world without a chance to grasp the work environment. I forced myself to smile. “Mr. Keegan, thank you so much for giving me this unlikely opportunity.”

He picked up on my wryness and amusement lightened his features. His face had perfect symmetry, an aquiline nose, a masculine jaw, and a stubborn mouth. Each time we locked gazes, his blue eyes burned into me, searching my soul, seeking answers, demanding acquiescence.

“Well, Ms. Hagen.” Displeasure reeked in Megan’s tone. “I’m sure Mr. Keegan appreciates the kind words.”

“Megan’s right.” Noah didn’t spare her a glance. “You’re very welcome, Ms. Hagen. Any questions?”

My pulse beat a rapid tattoo. His singular focus—me—gave me a rush. Whatever my parents might have thought of me didn’t matter. Apart from that one incident, I’d conducted my life above reproach. I’d never act on my attraction to Noah.

His eyes smoldered, and I realized I hadn’t answered him. “No questions at this time.”

“Excellent. Megan, call me when you’re ready to prep her.”

“Not for a couple of hours yet. But I’ll need to borrow her to sign paperwork when Reid arrives.”

I lifted an inquiring brow.

“The contract,” Noah clarified. “Remember?”

“Yes. Of course.”

Megan gave me a tight smile. “I’ll be in my office.”

Alone with Noah, my uncertainty returned.

“Ms. Hagen? Are you ready to start your day?”

I nodded.

“Then by all means let’s begin.”

Gathering my bag, I followed him out of the office. Trekking down the long, maze-like hallway, I admired the width of his shoulders and the trimness of his waist. The pumps I wore gave me a height of about 5’9, tall for a woman by most standards. Yet, Noah’s six plus feet dwarfed me.

He stopped at one archway and placed his hand at the small of my back to guide me through. In turns, I applauded my layers of clothing and fought away a tremble at his touch. Rows of desks and four closed doors caught my attention. Several workers, all men but for two, gaped. Besides disbelief, their expressions didn’t inspire confidence.

Instead of a modern media department, it disappointed me to find a veritable scene fromMad Men. Swallowing, I gazed at Noah, hoping he allowed me to select my desk from the two vacant ones.

“KMG?”

“No,” Noah responded, offering no further explanation as he turned us toward everyone. “This is Ryan Hagen. She will be the account manager for my mother’s perfume and the Amage account.”

Some flung ‘welcomes’ my way, but the majority regarded me with displeasure.

“Thank you for such a warm reception,” I said sardonically. “I endeavor to exceed such overwhelming expectations.”

Noah’s surprised laughter at my words garnered closer scrutiny, even a few smiles.

“This way, Ms. Hagen,” he ordered, oh-so dashing in his tailored suit.