CHAPTER 13
Victoria
We eat in silence, which is fine by me. I get to appreciate the meal without worrying about pointless chitchat. And it gives me a moment to rethink my strategy.
Jamie is most definitely in charge here.
That much was made clear when he laid down the law and Cal obeyed.
But now Jamie is leaving for a week. Any clarification I need will have to come from Cal.
I’ll be forced to read the room while Cal’s standing in it.
If I’m going to get this deal signed, I’ll have to find a way to smooth Cal’s rough edges.
I don’t need him to be my BFF, of course, but if he viciously opposes the sale, it’s possible he could throw a wrench in things.
If he hates me, he won’t be able to see the benefit of what I bring to the table.
I shoot a quick glance his way, then return my focus to my plate before he catches me looking. I know we share an attraction. That is painfully obvious. But I don’t do business that way. I don’t mix attraction and colleagues, and I will never again mix business with pleasure.
Once was enough. I learned my lesson. And my father has never let me forget my misstep.
Another thing I don’t do is use my feminine wiles to get what I want.
I don’t show up to negotiate a deal looking like I’m on my way to a night of clubbing.
But I’m not responsible if the men sitting across the conference table from me can’t see because their eyes are crossed and can’t speak because their tongues are hanging out because I’m an attractive female colleague.
That’s on them.
So I will not do anything to lead Mr. Alpha on. I’ll tamp down the attraction on my side. If I let something happen between us, it would be unfair. I have no interest in a relationship with anyone, let alone with someone who lives here.
Everything I want is in San Diego. My gorgeous modern penthouse condo overlooking the harbor. A glamorous job with unlimited potential for advancement. In fact, I’ll own the company outright one day.
I’m not going to give all that up for a hot cowboy in a worn plaid shirt.
And that’s what this cowboy wants—for me to give it all away, give it up and go home. Cal is the enemy here, and I’d be wise to remember that. Muscles, chef skills, and movie-star bedroom eyes will never change that.
Right?