Page 169 of Hard to Resist

This is random. Are their offices around here? I would’ve thought someone like Garrett would be constantly at showings or at least busy in front of the camera for the show.

I dart my eyes around for a hidden videographer or something. I’d realized quickly that the only reason why there were pictures of Cullen and me at the gala was because we’d stepped into theManhattan Millionsbubble. It should’ve occurred to us sooner that they are always in the public eye. It was a misstep on both our parts. A few people in the café arestaring at us, but it’s more so due to Garrett’s notoriety than anything else.

Garrett stifles a small laugh, and I self-consciously smooth down my hair, running a hand over my ponytail.

“What?”

“There’s an imprint on your cheek from the laptop.”

“Oh my God.”

I grab my phone, opening the camera app to see exactly what he is talking about.

Sure enough, there is a bright red line running down the center of my cheek. Just great. I press my fingers against the line, willing it to go away.

“So, what’s up?”

He crosses his forearms, resting them on the table, and leans forward. His full attention creates this undeniable aura, and I have no doubts as to why he is as successful as he is. I feel like this man could sell you a house on fire.

“You said you work in design branding, right?”

“Yeah.”

Although, I’m currently unemployed.

“We’ve been discussing a rebrand of the company. With the next season of the show beginning filming in a few months and the expansion to the Miami and Malibu branches, we want something fresh but cohesive across all three.”

“Miami and Malibu?”

He grins and leans in even closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. “This stays between us, but they’re going to be creating a spin-off forMalibu MillionsandMiami Millions.”

“Really?”

Oh my God, Hannah is going to absolutely die when I tell her!

“Yeah. Steven and I have been talking to Nick about it; he’s Harver Group’s CEO. When we met you at the gala the other week and saw the work you did for Jace, we made a note to showhim your profile. He was impressed. We know you’re at Delute, so we’d be happy to come in and chat about hiring your agency for the project, with the stipulation that you be the lead. Does that sound interesting to you at all?”

“Oh.”

Garrett must take my embarrassment as hesitation because he keeps trying to sell me on the project even though I would’ve agreed to it without half the details he already gave me.

“I know it’ll be a bit of a longer project than you’ve done before since we are looking at the brand across three separate subcompanies, but—”

“No, no that’s not it.” I curl my fingers in my lap, trying not to wince. “It’s just that I no longer work at Delute.”

“Did you move companies?”

“No, I…I quit.”

I give him the most awkward smile known to man, and it makes me want to jump into a hole and bury myself with dirt.

“Ah, I see.” He nods like he totally understands, which is most assuredly not the case. “So, you’ve gone freelance. Good on you. That takes a lot of guts, but it must be rewarding being your own boss.”

Okay, no.

“Do you have an hourly rate for your freelance work, or is there a flat fee depending on the project? We can send a formal proposal for you to look over, and you can let us know. Honestly, this will probably be a lot easier than having to go through Delute. Nick didn’t seem too pleased about having to hire them in order to work with you, so it’s a win-win situation. Don’t you agree, Verity?”

I have absolutely no idea what the hell is going on right now.

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