Page 19 of Maverick

He drops back onto his ass and rubs the dog's cheeks, making her eyes roll back in her head. "It means, if I'm in a negotiation, and I'm after a certain outcome, I have to figure out what the block is. People always have a reason for their choices. Thosereasons might not be healthy, or logical, but to them, they're perfectly valid. So you want to lead someone to you? You have to eliminate the objections, gently. You can't just tell someone their thinking is wrong. You have to show them."

"Eliminate the objections," I repeat, staring blindly toward the women. "How the hell do I do that? Facts are facts."

"Facts. Like the fact that you're her boss, you mean?"

I glare at him again, but he just grins and winks at me. "Come on man. Why won't you just lean into it?"

"Because if it doesn't happen, I'll be really fucking disappointed."

"I think you'd be more than disappointed." He studies me, absently rubbing the tips of the dog's ears. "If she's working at the club, then she obviously needs the money. She takes her responsibilities seriously. I doubt she's going to be willing to jeopardize that by fucking around with the boss. That's the objection."

"So it's not really that I'm her boss that's the issue, it's that she doesn't want to risk losing her job."

"Right. She doesn't really have any way of knowing how you would handle it if things went south. For all she knows, you could be a vindictive ass and fire her. Then she's lost a killer income, and she has to start all over again."

"I would never do that."

One dark eyebrow wings up. "I know that. She doesn't."

"So how do I convince her?"

"Are you really sure you want to?"

Cadence, holding a small gray dog to her chest, throws back her head in laughter and like a magnet, my gaze is drawn to her. I swear there's a goddamn spotlight on her, making her shine. I know there isn't, but in my eyes, she glows. I turn back to Nick, and nod. "Yeah, I want to." I want her.

Nick leans back, considering. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. First, you're going to stop coming on so strong. No more flirting, no more innuendos. You're going to treat her like you would any other employee."

I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand. "I know it's going to be hard, but trust me. She needs to see that you respect her as a person and aren't just trying to get her into bed."

I nod, because that makes total sense. But also, I want her for more than a fuck. I just haven't figured out how much more. "Okay, what else?"

"Next, you're going to make it clear that her job is safe, no matter what. Maybe mention in passing that you don't believe in mixing business with pleasure, and that you would never fire someone for personal reasons."

"But I do want to mix business with pleasure. At least with her."

Nick rolls his eyes. "I know that, dipshit. But she doesn't need to. The point is to reassure her that her job isn't on the line."

If that sweet dog weren't right there, I'd punch him. Condescending fucker. "Right, got it. Anything else?"

"Yeah. Show her that you're a good guy. Volunteer here more often, help out with the dogs. Let her see that you're not just some rich playboy who only cares about himself."

I think about it, picturing myself walking dogs and scooping poop. It's not exactly how I imagined wooing Cadence, but if it helps her see me in a different light, I'm willing to do it.

"Okay, I'm in. Operation 'Make Cadence Fall for Me' is a go."

Nick snorts. "We're not calling it that."

"Operation 'Show Cadence I'm a Stand-Up Guy'?"

"Better. But let's just call it 'The Plan' for short."

"Boring. Fine, 'The Plan' it is." I glance over at Cadence, who's now cuddling a tiny puppy, cooing softly. My heart clenches at the sight. "I really like this girl, Nick."

"I know, man. And if she's the right one for you, it'll work out. Just be patient, and follow the plan."

I nod, determination filling me. I can do this. I can show Cadence that I'm more than just her boss, more than just a guy looking for a good time. I can show her that I'm someone she can trust, someone she can depend on.

Someone worthy of her love.

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