Four
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“How are you?” Logan asked the woman staring back from his screen. As many times as he had to do one of these video conferences, he always found them to be a little too intimate. It certainly wasn’t much different than sitting face to face with someone, but for some reason, he felt as though he was on display.
Sitting in his office, the door closed so he could have some privacy, Logan found himself taking in Samantha’s appearance. Maybe Alex had gotten to him. He wasn’t interviewing her for a date, so he wasn’t quite sure what it was about her that had him captivated. Despite Alex’s repeated attempts to build her up, Logan hadn’t quite expected her to be so… so… pretty.
The photo on file, the same one they used for her access badge, didn’t do her any justice. Those pictures were just a step above a driver’s license photo anyway. And yes, maybe he expected her to be a little attractive, especially with the way Alex had gone on and on about her, but this woman, she wasn’t just pretty. He’d say she was more exotically stunning.
“Very well, thank you. And you?”
For a second, Logan didn’t know what she was saying, but then he realized where he was and what he was supposed to be doing. This was a job interview. Sort of.
“I’ll be doing much better after this conversation as long as it goes as well as I hope it will.” Logan engaged her in conversation, hoping to try and ease some of his own anxiety.
It was strange this reaction he was having to her.
Leaning back in his chair so as not to be sitting right in front of the web cam, Logan tried to appear nonchalant. He knew he was failing miserably.
Obviously, she had a difficult time trying to appear poised and unaffected, if her blush was anything to go by. When she sat up a little straighter in her chair, Logan realized she was trying to get comfortable, as well. He wondered if she was having the same reaction to him as he was to her. Hell, he hoped not because this was entirely unprofessional.
“I’m not sure what your definition of well is, but why don’t we just get down to business?” She stated and then all pretenses were gone.
The woman looking back suddenly went into complete, professional mode. Logan hoped to take some notes from her. Instead of saying anything more, he waited for her to continue.
“I spoke with James earlier this morning, and he filled me in. Albeit briefly.”
“Why don’t I shed some more light on it then?” Logan said and leaned forward again in his chair. “As he might have told you, we have an opening for a Vice President of Project Operations position here in our Dallas office, and I’m hoping to persuade you to join my team.”
“James wasn’t very forthcoming with the details, but he shared your interest in talking to me.” Samantha stated with more confidence than Logan anticipated. “I will let you know as I did him, it’ll require a little bit of a sell to get me to make my final decision.”
Logan couldn’t hold back the laugh. He liked her immediately. Straight forward, honest. This woman was exactly what his team needed.
“Is that right? Well, good thing, that’s what they pay me for. I’m sure I have some information that will interest you. Before we get into the heart of this call, do you have any questions for me?”
“I actually have plenty, but before I ask, I’d really like to hear more about the position and what it entails.”
Spunky. That’s the word he’d use to describe her personality. And he liked the fact she didn’t seem intimidated by him. With the position he held within the company, not to mention his tenure, Logan often found most of the people he encountered seemed to have difficulty in carrying on a conversation with him. He leaned back in his chair once more and contemplated his next move.
He never had the opportunity to meet the woman in person; however, her reputation preceded her. Like Alex reminded him, Xavier Thomas did seem to be enthralled with Samantha Kielty, and if their encounter was anything compared to this one, Logan fully understood why.
It seemed that almost the moment he received the resignation from his current Vice President of Project Operations, Xavier had been at his door asking who he planned to hire as his replacement. Samantha’s name had come up in that conversation, so here he was.
As impressed as he was by her to this point, Logan still had concerns over how she would be accepted within the Dallas office. Not to mention, he was a bit put off by his own overwhelming attraction to her. And the fact that he wouldn’t be the only male in the office who would have this reaction to her.
She wasn’t just pretty, and she couldn’t be classified as beautiful. No, those words were not powerful enough for what he saw. She was breathtaking. Her light green, almond shaped eyes and long, dark blond hair captivated him. And it had been a very long time since he’d been captivated by anyone. Realizing they only had thirty minutes scheduled, Logan decided to get right to the point.
“I’ll start by telling you why I chose you for this opportunity.” He began, watching intently for any sort of question in her expression. “Jeff Henson has chosen to leave the company, and although he has made some impressive contributions to this position, I’m looking for the person who can take this role to the next level. Based on my research, all signs are pointing to you as being that person.
“And by research, I can tell you we looked long and hard at the potential candidates. I’ve had conversations with the managers and support personnel who report into you, and they sing your praises quite loudly.”
“I appreciate the kind words,” Sam began, “and it humbles me to know my employees keep me in high regards, but that also has me questioning why I should take this position. Don’t get me wrong, I’m interested. If I wasn’t, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around what this job entails and how it fits into my career path.” Samantha’s clearly articulated voice rang through the speaker on his desk.
At this point, Samantha had only said a few sentences, but Logan couldn’t help but like her even more for the position. And Banten was right; she was going to be a tough sell.
“I know the title may sound a little inflated, but I assure you, this is a key role in moving the company to the next level.
“As you know already, our sales teams are driving some of the highest revenue this company has ever seen. With that being said, we’re in need of some upgrades to our current systems, both our order management and our compensation systems the sales teams utilize on a daily basis. This includes our software programs that supply our sales representatives with the most up to date product information, capture our sales as well as pay out our sales teams.
“The projects have been lined out, the budgets have been established, and now we need to work to get them underway. I have an extremely strict timeline in mind and need someone who can drive them to completion.”
“How many other prospects have you interviewed?”
Logan was surprised by her direct question, but he was skilled at what he did and managed to answer her without hesitation.
“Up to this point, I’ve considered five in total, including you. I’ve interviewed two external candidates, but you’re the only internal candidate I’ve spoken with.” Logan gave her the information freely. He wasn’t sure where she was going with the question, but he was interested in finding out. “Is that enough?”
When she smiled back at him, Logan’s heart kicked into high gear. The woman was gorgeous, and when she smiled, she lit up the room. He wasn’t sure if she had expected him to evade her question, but she seemed to be satisfied with his response. For some reason, that made him feel good.
“I think that’s a decent start. From what you’re telling me, the others didn’t fare as well as I did in the consideration process? At least not the internal candidates?”
Brazen and bold. He’d add those two adjectives to his list of things he liked about this woman. “That is what I’m telling you.”
Logan had heard others describe her as honest and even ruthless. At this point, he’d have to agree with their feedback.
“How many projects are we talking about and when you refer to a strict timeline, what is your estimate? I ask that because I would have to be able to see the project outlines, full timelines and speak to some of the staff before I could fully commit to any amount of time. As you’ve probably heard, I’m extremely inflexible in my deadlines; however, I’m immensely thorough before outlining my expectations. It’s crucial to set my team up for success.”
“My timeline is aggressive, and I don’t mind telling you that up front. I’m looking for a full implementation within twelve months, and stabilization to take no more than one quarter after that. I expect the rollouts to be incremental, since we have multiple systems that must be integrated in order to accomplish the ultimate goal.”
If the expression on her face was anything to go by, Samantha was a little surprised by his timeline. He wasn’t sure if she thought it was too much time or too little.
“I admit I hadn’t expected quite that much time. And you’re stating that’s aggressive, so I’m curious as to the details of the project plan. I’m always up for a challenge, but again, before I can commit to any sort of timeline, I must have discussions with my team so I can better understand the requirements.”
Logan definitely liked her, and he was even more convinced she was the right person for the job. Either that or she just knew the right things to say.
“Jeff has had the opportunity to address some of the requirements, which he and the team have documented. I would expect you to take a look at the project plan, discuss with the programmers and your team and provide me with your final requirements.”
“Since you’re talking more than a year, do you have the details of the relocation package?”
Logan noticed the confused look on her face, and he suspected she was just as surprised by her own question as he was.
Logan bit back the smile that threatened.
Score.
“Under normal circumstances, we’d consider corporate housing, but that is generally for six months or so. Since you’ll be living in the Dallas area for an undisclosed amount of time, we’ll provide you with a substantial relo package that should get you settled. Assuming you own your own home, we’ll offer to purchase it from you or we’ll pay the mortgage payments while you’re here, if you prefer. That’s about all of the details I have, but the recruiter will be able to provide you with the specifics.” Logan paused to see if she would comment. When she didn’t, he continued. “I’m also prepared to offer you a permanent relocation package.”
“Permanent?”
“Samantha, I realize you may need to discuss this with your husband before you make a final decision.” Logan finished.
“Since I don’t have one of those, I’ll be making the final decision on my own.” She grinned sweetly. “I would like the opportunity to meet with my potential staff prior to making my final decision. Oh, and, please call me Sam. Only my mother still calls me Samantha, and that’s when she’s upset with me for something.”
Logan hadn’t expected the flood of relief that came with her answer. He hadn’t even realized he’d set her up for an answer until after the words had come out, but there it was. Rather than dwell on his personal interest, which couldn’t make it any further than his darkest fantasies anyway, Logan decided to seal the deal.
“I’d like for you to be in the position no later than June 1st. That gives you three weeks to tie up loose ends there, as well as come up here for a couple of days to speak with the team.”
“Three weeks? Are you always that aggressive with your deadlines?” This time she laughed and Logan liked the sound of it. “Mr. McCoy –”
Logan cut her off before she could go any further. “Please, call me Logan. There are no formalities here.” He responded, watching as she wrote something on a sheet of paper sitting in front of her. Whatever it was, she appeared intent on jotting down the information.
“Logan,” Samantha began a little reluctantly, “as you may know, I have a couple of very large projects in the works here, and I’d like the opportunity to transition them successfully to my replacement, should I choose to accept the position.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. The next step would be for you to come to Dallas, I would suggest you do this sooner rather than later and then you can hire your replacement and pass on your current responsibilities. I fully understand if you need a little extra time, but I will request that you do this as quickly as possible during the next few weeks.”
“Yes sir. If James is in agreement, I’ll plan to be in Dallas on Monday, then I’ll return later in the week to interview and hire my replacement.”
Logan couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the way she seemed to be accepting the position, even if she didn’t realize she was. “Samantha, I appreciate you taking the time to entertain this offer, and as I have informed James, I believe this is a mutually beneficial opportunity. I hope you’ll consider it.”
“Mr. McC—, I mean Logan, you have my word that I’ll do what it takes to ensure this is the right step for the company as well as for me. I’m flattered that you’ve considered me for the position, and I look forward to meeting you in person while I’m in Dallas next week.”
Logan looked forward to meeting her more than he probably should, but he couldn’t entertain that idea. “Have a great weekend, Sam and I look forward to meeting you as well.”
And that was probably a bigger problem than he ever anticipated.
Sam watched the screen turn black. She was momentarily dumbstruck. For the last thirty minutes, she’d put on the most noteworthy performance of her career thus far. And she had been totally out of her element, but somehow she’d put on a professional smile and muddled her way through the important details.
She was still taken aback by the attraction she felt for the man she had just spent half an hour staring at. Right or wrong – and it was oh, so definitely wrong – she was surprised at her reaction and she couldn’t push back the anxiety that overtook her. She was anxious to get to Dallas. And for the first time in years, it wasn’t just work related.