3. Coffee with Cream & Sugar
3
Coffee with Cream however, they might work on aspects of the project as a team.” Janet’s smooth response was well practiced and far more eloquent than the words rolling around in my mind.
“I can appreciate that, but I’ve seen Rachel in action. Unfortunately, a nondisclosure agreement keeps me from going into the details, although I can say that she impressed not only me but my cousin Evan and our family attorney, Garrett Wilkinson.”
That statement had Jeff breaking his composure and lifting both eyebrows at me. “Which project was this?”
Oh, shit . . . Attorneys helped friends all the time, but seeing as Baker Brown paid my malpractice insurance, they would not appreciate knowing about it. Especially considering who had been on the other side of the table.
I cleared my throat. “It, uh, wasn’t a project, but a favor for a friend. I can’t go into the specifics because of the NDA, but I read through a few things on her behalf. Nothing company related, just a personal agreement.”
Jeff scratched the salt-and-pepper beard lining his jaw. The term silver fox suited him well. “That’s how you two met?” he asked.
“Yes.” No point in elaborating.
More massaging of his chin as he studied me. “Hmm, well, we typically frown upon our associates doing work outside of the firm, even as favors for friends, but considering it brought Will to us, I guess we can let this slide.”
I swallowed. The words “for now ” hung in the air. Which meant that if Will went with a different firm, we’d be having a more serious discussion, but if he chose Baker Brown, they’d ignore it.
No pressure.
Will and his fucking mouth were going to cost me my job.
“So what would it take to have her be my primary point of contact?” Will asked, lacing his fingers over his leather binder, completely at ease. “Or at the very least, be my on-site legal representation as needed?”
My jaw threatened to unhinge. This wasn’t the same as asking me to move to North Carolina, but it certainly came close to it. Except I wouldn’t have to live there. Nor would I be working directly for him. Clever bastard . He found a loophole around both of my reasons for turning him down, and he went over my head. If the firm assigned me this project, I would have to accept or commit career suicide.
His high-handedness made me sick to my stomach. This deal would force me into a corner with no way out and place him in a position of power over me. I should have expected this tactic. A man like Will got what he wanted, just like all the other rich men in this world.
You’re nothing but a puppet . . .
I shivered as Ryan’s voice slid through my mind. Not now .
“As I said, typically a partner is the primary contact, but if you prefer to work directly with Miss Dawson, we could assign her as the lead attorney on the project. She would need to work with one of us, at least in terms of advice and general management, but could serve as your lead counsel. And we could arrange for her to be on-site as needed, whether that be in North Carolina or internationally.” Janet looked at me. “We would need to clear your workload and meet off-line to review the details.”
My teeth were clenched too tightly to verbalize a response, so I simply nodded. I could not believe this was happening. Will Mershano was going to win. What a great way to start a business relationship, with me saying no and him forcing me to comply anyway.
This was why I hated wealthy men. They always won in the end and didn’t care who they hurt in the process.
“That sounds amenable to me,” Will murmured. “When your team draws up the formal proposal, I would like those terms included.”
“Of course,” Jeff replied as he switched presentations on his computer to a financial report screen. I tried to listen while he reviewed the proposed hourly rates and general project-resource needs, but a roaring sound had taken over in my head. I’d gotten so caught up in Will’s game of cat and mouse that I never considered he would take it to this level.
You were starting to trust him , my conscience accused. A stupid thing to do considering my history. I just never thought he’d go over my head and force my hand. Yet here we were, sitting in a conference room while my fate was decided for me. Ryan already dictated my personal life, and now Will would own my professional world. Where did that leave me?
By the time our meeting ended, my blood was boiling. I wanted to punch something, preferably the arrogant son of a bitch standing beside me, but my employers would frown upon that. When he reached out to shake my hand, I squeezed a little too hard and gave him a tight smile. I thought a hint of concern deepened his brown eyes, but it was gone in a flash as he focused on Jeff’s inquiry regarding lunch.
“Sure,” he replied.
As they started to discuss lunch location prospects, I politely excused myself. The meeting was only on my calendar until noon, and it was half past that already. I murmured something to Janet about needing to finish a contract by the end of the day—which wasn’t a lie—and she let me go with a pleased grin.
I didn’t bother saying goodbye to our “future client.” He could eat dirt as far as I was concerned. Besides, I’d be seeing more than enough of him over the coming months. If he thought I’d be thankful or cheery about that, then he had another thing coming.
Will Mershano was about to meet a whole new side of me. And he wouldn’t like her one bit.