Page 18 of The Bachelor Auction

9

“Red Eagle Publicityis an up-and-coming new company that will take your publicity needs to a whole new level.” Staring at some point behind Tyler, I rattle off the catchphrase on our website. My hands are fretting in my lap while my mind can’t seem to focus on the task at hand.

Usually, I’m better than this. But there’s something about this guy that makes me discombobulated, as though I’ve lost my wits around him.

He’s sexy as hell, and that’s exactly why I won’t be able to work for him.

“I’m sure you’ll do just that,” Tyler says with a hint of amusement in his tone.

I take a deep breath and force my gaze back on him. His eyes are still sparkling with humor, but there’s a layer of ice about him that I hadn’t noticed before.

Is it just me, or is he making fun of me?

I narrow my eyes as I try to read him.

Maybe it’s not so much ice but cold curiosity, as if he’s trying to figure me out. Under different circumstances I would ask what his problem is.

But the thing is, I can’t start a fight. It would be unprofessional.

I shift in my seat uncomfortably, suddenly unsure whether to go on about our company or shift the focus on him.

“As far as I’m aware, you’re the CEO of a conglomerate, which comprises various businesses and Travel Sun is one of them,” I start. “Your brief says that you intend to build a public platform.”

“It took you fifteen minutes to come up with that?” Tyler asks, and I realize he’s talking about my bathroom break.

“No.” I shake my head and ball my hands into fists to stifle the anger rising inside me. “Of course not.”

“Hmm.” He regards me intently. There’s something he wants to say, I can tell from the various facial expressions passing over his beautiful face. Eventually, he remains quiet with a frown lining his forehead as a waiter brings our food.

“Just to make sure we’re on the same page, what am I supposed to do exactly?” I dive into my entrée, something with seafood, and marvel at the delicious taste. The portion’s so tiny, you’re probably paying a fortune per bite. But every bite’s undoubtedly worth whatever price tag Tyler Becks is paying.

“I have this new website that attracts the wrong target audience. You’ll need to take it to a whole new level.”

“Are we talking about Travel Sun?” I put my fork down and look up to search his face, wondering whether he’s making fun of me by using my catchphrase. And sure enough, I find a sexy smile on his lips.

His lips are stunning, I can’t help but notice. I want to trace my fingertips over them, to feel their heat under my skin.

When he doesn’t reply, I nudge, “Is the website about travel?” I throw in the only piece of information I have in the hope that he won’t notice the tremor in my voice or the blush scorching my face.

“Not just travel. It’s a lifestyle. A whole new experience.” He puts his fork down, his intense gaze taking my breath away. His stony expression changes, and I can sense whatever his new business venture entails, it’s his passion. He’s probably put long hours into making it work. He probably wants it as much as I want me and Brenda to succeed. “I’ll send you the details after dinner. You can ask as many questions as you want tomorrow over breakfast.”

Breakfast with him.

The way he words it, it’s a request and not up for negotiation.

I try to read his facial expressions for any signs of a double meaning, but there’s none. Everything about him screams business meeting, as though he’s changed his mind about me. Or maybe I misinterpreted his demeanor for something that it never was.

“Sounds good.” I take another bite of my entrée and then pick up my glass of wine, suddenly no longer hungry as I try to mentally prepare to ask the obvious. “Out of all the publicity companies you could have chosen, why me—Red Eagle?” I correct myself. “I’m sorry. I just have to ask.”

“No apology needed. Who said I haven’t tried most of the others?”

There are probably thousands of people just like us out there. He can’tpossiblyhave tried them all. “That’s hard to believe.”

Tyler takes a deep breath. “Obviously, I haven’t tried them all, but I’ve considered them, looked through their portfolios, talked to some in person. They’re all the same, offer the same services. I wantdifferentbecause what I’m doing isn’t your run-of-the-mill travel website.” He pauses to take in my confused expression.

“Contrary to what others might think, I believe in new businesses, especially when they’re run by young entrepreneurs and graduates fresh out of college. Those are the years when they’re still optimistic, motivated, on a roll, and conditioned to work hard. They’re invested and more than eager to take their business ideas to a new level, and they’re prepared to do whatever it takes to reach their goals. Established companies tend to use their old, tried and tested approaches. I want flexibility and innovation.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but why me?”

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