CHAPTER 34HUGH
CHAPTER 34
HUGH
Denise was uneasy. I could tell that there were a lot of thoughts running through her head. Her hands were fidgeting with her security badges. When I turned my attention to her hands, she stopped.
“What did I tell you?”
She looked confused as the elevator doors closed. I continued, whispering.
“You have me.” I paused and watched her throat move.
“Exactly. Now cut that shit out before I take you to the roof and spank that ass raw.”
I chuckled as she smirked and opened her mouth to say some sassy ass shit. My finger tapped my watch and the smirk disappeared from her face. She really made it way too easy.
“We got this. You and me,” I said, watching her. She gave me a smile, but I could tell she was still lost in her thoughts, and I knew just how to distract her.
“I got your report on the final seven. Who do you like?” I asked.
“Ideal top three: VacYay, Cero, PTech. Realistic top three: VacYay, Bulton, PE Tech,” she said with a nod.
“Good,” I replied as the elevator door opened.
She started to walk towards her office when I gently guided her toward Lucian’s and knocked twice before entering.
“Great. I’ve got five minutes,” Lucian said without looking up from his computer.
Her eyes went wide as she glanced between Lucian and me.
“Denny’s narrowed it down to seven. She has some opinions on the top three.” I nudged her forward towards his desk as I spoke. Denny’s jaw dropped and she sputtered, looking between us.
After a few seconds he said, “If this is about how big it is, you may want your boyfriend to wait outside.”
I glowered at him over her head, and I knew he could see my lack of amusement. She let out the most embarrassing and adorable laugh I’d ever heard. Lucian winked as she doubled over. I knew what he was doing, and it worked.
“That’s better. Now I have three minutes,” he said.
She righted herself and spoke fast. “VacYay is my top pick. Travel is a place where innovation can really take off. Bulton is interesting, they’re trying to prevent strip mining of lithium. But PTech is exploring desalination which I think is the future.” Lucian started to talk but she kept going. “I know Hugh said top three, but Cero is also doing amazing work with nonprofits and improving access to healthcare in rural areas. It’s not a money-maker, but I’d like to add it to our list of organizations to watch, maybe use some of our volunteer hours for them?”
Lucian watched her for a moment.
“Okay. Keep running it. If you’re happy with your top three, invite them in to pitch. Let me think about volunteering, I’ll get back to you.”
She nodded and turned to walk out.
“Secret’s out, by the way,” I said, grabbing her hand.
“Yep, got it. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll see you at four.” Lucian’s attention was already back on his monitor.
We were halfway down the hall when she whispered, “What the hell?”
Shrugging, I squeezed her hand before letting it go. “You need to advocate for yourself more,” I said.
“Give me a warning next time,” she murmured.
“No,” I said, pushing her into her office and walking toward mine. I could feel her eyes on my back, and I turned to give her a wink.
She worked too hard not to speak up and take credit.