Page 10 of The Sweetmate
Lisa shakes her head with a look of pure panic.
“Perfect. I knew she wouldn’t be swayed by your charisma.”
“Oh, you stop it. My charisma.” I narrow my eyes. “Everyone loves me. Eventually.”
“Not this girl. She’s driven. She’s even tolerated one of my most annoying employees for years. If he weren’t so good at his job, I would’ve fired him long ago. Guy’s a real douchebag. So I knew she could handle you.”
“Harsh.” Surprisingly, I’m angered by Lisa’s co-worker. I walk out of hearing distance. “What kind of shit has this guy pulled on her?”
“He’s just a creep with an ego trip. But he gets the work done.”
“He kisses your ass, doesn’t he?”
“Up one cheek and down the other. Anyway, be professional and listen to Lisa. I think she’s got a good head on her shoulders.”
High praise coming from my uncle. His trusting her to be here was enough of an endorsement. “I’ll listen.”A little,I tack on in my head.
“And don’t try to sleep with her.”
“You put us in a room together. I thought that was a bonus? Work motivation. Keep the client happy.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely not. You have a suite. Two rooms connected by a living area. Don’t touch her. Don’t flirt with her. Just let her do her job. You need this PR campaign.”
“I’m kidding.”Kind of.“And I’m innocent of all those rumors.”
“Doesn’t matter. The public thinks you’re a wild whore. We need you wholesome if you’re going to get on bigger networks.”
“Wild whore?” I repeat with a laugh.
“Raging.”
“A raging wild whore? I wish. I’ve had a romp or two here and there, but not raging.” My relationships have always gotten complicated. Messy. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to have a go around with Lisa, though.
“And if anyone hears you’re messing with your publicist on top of that…” He lets the warning hang between us. However, all I’m hearing is: don’t let anyone find out if we do.
I end the call as I watch Jensen get my bags while Lisa stubbornly insists on getting her one suitcase. She confidently pulls her suitcase and holds her carry-on and backpack. I know it all has to be heavy and uncomfortable.
“Let me help you,” I offer.
“You’re not even carrying your own luggage.”
I take my carry-on from Jensen, then turn back to her. “May I take your suitcase?”
“No.” She charges past me toward the exit.
“Why are you being so stubborn?” I chase after her. “Let me help.”
“You’re the client. I’m here to helpyou.”
“That’s true, but I want your suitcase. As your client, it would make me happy to have your suitcase. I want to hold it.”
She stops and stares at me with an audiblehuff.“And why is that? Are you treating me differently because I’m a woman?”
Of course not. I’m not offering to help because of her sex, but because I want to have sex with her. Big difference.
“Your suitcase looks more fun than mine. I want to pull it. It would please me if you’d allow me to try out your suitcase. Imight want that style…brand… What size are those wheels? Are those little hubcaps?”
“You’ve got to be joking.”
