Page 28 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

Her hand flies to her ear, then drops when she catches my expression. “They match my outfit."

"Of course they do.”

"Are you always this difficult?”

"Only with PR executives I've accidentally acquired in Vegas."

"Acquired?" One eyebrow arches. "Interesting word choice."

"Would you prefer 'temporarily aligned with'?"

"I'd prefer we discuss exactly how you plan to handle the Elvis chapel situation."

"Simple." I accept the wine list from the sommelier, grateful for familiar territory. "We buy their silence."

"That's your solution to everything, isn't it?" But there's an edge to her smile now. "Throw money at it until it goes away?"

“Says the woman who just accepted double her previous salary."

"Triple, actually." She sips her water, and I definitely don't notice how her throat moves when she swallows. "I checked market rates."

"Ambitious."

"Realistic." Her eyes meet mine over the rim of her glass. "I know what I'm worth."

Something shifts in my chest – recognition maybe. Because she does know, her worth probably better than anyone I've met. It's there in the way she carries herself, the sharp intelligence behind every word. The complete lack of need for anyone's approval.

"Fair enough." I study her, noting the subtle tells of someone else who's built their walls brick by brick. "Though I'm curious why you're not demanding more."

"More than triple?"

"More than freelance work." I lean forward. "You could start your own firm. Build something permanent."

Something flickers across her face. “I’ve thought about it…But maybe I don't want permanent."

"Everyone wants permanent."

"Says the man who's never kept a relationship longer than a business quarter."

“Huh. You researched me."

"Know your opponent." She shrugs, but there's nothing casual about it. "Isn't that what they teach at Stanford Business School?"

"Opponent?"

"Partner then."

"Better." I signal for more wine. "Though that brings up another point – Alex's wedding."

"What about it?"

"I need a date."

She goes very still. "No."

"It's perfect PR. Shows we're both mature adults who can handle complicated situations."

"It's insane."

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