“I’m not sure I completely understand what you expect me to do for HiTech Global. Maybe you could fill me in.” Abby sat in her chair and waited for a response.
Deacon leaned forward on his elbows. “I’d much rather get to know you. We can talk work tomorrow.”
“I think it’s a fair question.” Cole took a sip of wine. “We could use a talented artist. I’m hoping that’s you.”
Abby twisted her lips together. “I’d like to propose a deal of my own.”
Deacons eyebrows rose. “Really? Like what?”
“If you like my designs for HiTech Global, you’ll let me go early.”
The men looked at each other.
“I’m serious,” she broke the silence in the dining room. “If my logo is the one that is chosen for the series, you let me go. I think it’s fair.”
“I don’t see how something like that would work. By default, I’m not going to pick yours, sweetheart if it means we lose you.” Deacon winked. “Nice try though.”
Abby huffed. “We have to have someone else make the decision. Someone you trust. But you can’t tell them about the deal.”
Cole cleared his throat. “Those are high stakes.”
She stuck her chin out in defiance. “I think my design will win. And I believe I’ll have my freedom sooner than thirty days.”
Cole chuckled. “You are confident.”
“One more thing.” She caught their attention. “No sex.”
“We already went over this,” they groaned.
“It’s part of my negotiation. No sneaking in my room at night. Nothing. I’ll stay until I’m ready to present the design and then you have to let me go. Do we have a deal?”
The candlelight flickered on the table. Abby held her breath.
Cole held his hand forward first. “We have a deal.”
Deacon was obviously frustrated. “Fine. We have a deal.”
She smiled and for the first time took a full bite of steak. It wouldn’t be long before she was out of here.
8
Cole
He walked into Abby’s office without bothering to knock. Damn, she looked fucking edible in high heels and the tight pencil skirt that hugged her ass. He had to remind his cock to stay in check.
He cleared his throat, forcing her to look up from her desk.
“I supposed you’re here to tell me what the artwork entails for your new project?” Her eyebrows rose.
Cole folded his arms across his chest. He couldn’t blame her for being hostile all the time. The situation was out of control, but he knew there was no going back. Once he had supported Deacon, he was in a hundred percent.
“First I want to make sure you were given a proper orientation to the company from human resources.”
Abby nodded. “I was. It seems a little ridiculous though.”
“It’s not. I’ll tell you what happened. A couple years ago our payroll department was hacked.”
Abby’s eyes widened. “Wh-what?”