Page 37 of Perfect Scandal
A sweet giggle sounds across the line as she snuggles into her pillow. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed, sweetness.”
“For texting, I mean. And checking in on me.”
I smile, wishing she was here or I was there so my chest could replace that pillow and my arms the blanket she’ll cover up with soon. “Well, the state of Nevada says it’s my job, so…”
chapter 14
TESSA
“Iam in love with this entire concept.” Cali Nolan, the infamous social media influencer known for her rainbow-colored hair and daredevil antics, flips through the mock-ups I created for her February ski adventure in Aspen. “You’ve outdone yourself, Tessa. Truly.”
Thank god. I’d been nervous about this assignment from the start. My experience working with clients that are my age has either been amazing or a complete disaster. There’s never been an in between.
“I’m so glad. I really tried to showcase your vision while being true to the Aspen culture. The end result should capture the interest of your non-skiing followers and more seasoned skiers alike.”
“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for. And not just to gain more followers. I want to help market the places I’m visiting, too. Aspen doesn’t need much help with bringing in tourists, but I’d like this event to be the first of many, and if we can nail this campaign, we’ll have a strong foundation to build on.” She taps the iPad screen a few more times and shakes her head, excitement sparking in her eyes like fireworks. “My PR company wants to go live with the commercials before Christmas. Does that give you enough time to pull everything together?”
“It’ll be tight considering how widespread you want to go, but I think we can pull it off. I’ll meet with my team and get everything set on our end. Then we’ll be in touch with yours to make the magic happen.”
She claps eagerly and does a little shimmy in her chair. Usually there are a few people giving input and making decisions on the client’s team, but in this case, Cali insisted on handling it alone. She was worried her vision would be obscured, and I think she was right. We worked well together, and if all goes well, I’d like to think this is the first of many projects we’ll collaborate on.
“Thank yousomuch.” She pushes to her feet and rounds the conference room table with open arms.
“You’re welcome.” I reciprocate the hug and try to ignore Spencer lingering outside the door, watching us from the corner of his eye with a shit-eating grin on his face. He’d wanted the campaign, probably because he thought he’d end up in Cali’s bed, but she’d liked my preliminary work better.
“Have your people call my people or whatever that saying is,” she says with a giggle, already halfway to the door.
“I will. And don’t get lost in any of those underwater caves in Fiji or our campaign here will be pointless.”
She snorts. “I make no promises, girl. I live each day to the fullest, and I have no plans to stop.”
And that’s why we clicked. I don’t like to wait for things to happen, either. Hence my persistence with Dean. I came, I saw, and I knew what I wanted, no matter what anyone had to say about it, including the man himself.
“Looks like that went well.” Spencer’s voice, thick with its usual creepiness, sounds from behind me as I gather up my notes and iPad.
“It did,” I say coolly. “She’s a great client, and she knew what she wanted.”
“Is that what it was?” He strolls over, hands in the pockets of his khakis and one corner of his mouth hitched up.
“Yes. She described her vision in great detail, and when I didn’t understand, she had no problem finding other ways to convey her ideas.” I press my lips together in a tight smile and resist the urge to step back when I realize just how close we’re standing.
“Maybe that’s what I need to do.” His predatory gaze flicks to my mouth and then my chest. “Maybe I need to find other ways to get my point across.”
Bile rises in my throat. “That’s not necessary.” In fact, at this point, it’s beyond inappropriate.
“You’ve toyed with me for years, Tessa, and I’ll be damned if you’re gonna turn this around and make me out as the bad guy.”
“I did no such thing.” I’ve never flirted. I’ve never teased. I’ve never given him an indication that I’m interested in more than friendship. He made it clear from the start that he wanted more, and I’veneverreciprocated those feelings, therefore I have always avoided giving him signals he could perceive as interest.
“Yeah, well, that’s a bunch of he said-she said, isn’t it?” That crooked grin lifts. “And luckily, Jeff sees your accusations for exactly what they are.”
“That’s not how he explained it to me.” Though, in hindsight, he hadn’t really said much at all. Except, his body language and his reluctance to talk to HRdidmake me wonder…
“No? Huh.” He shuffles forward, and I do take that much-needed step back, which only makes him laugh. “We could make things a lot easier, you know, if you’d just quit with this little miss innocent act. But you’re too damn bullheaded. And now I’m going to have to embarrass you by beating you out for the assistant position.”
He’s applying, too? Dammit. I knew it was a possibility, but I’d hoped he wouldn’t. And what does he mean, we could make things easier? I’m not backing down. Even if he does get the job.
