CHAPTER 1

PENELOPE

I am in my office and looking over the massive city of Chicago when my phone rings at my desk. I groan, knowing that it is more than likely my boss with some new campaign idea for me to toss around my head despite the fact that I’m already working on three at this moment. I suppose that is the blessing and the curse of being the best at Vincent and Price Advertising, a company that has been the best in the city for forty years. I’m lucky that I got the job right after graduation from the University of Chicago.

I turn to grab my phone as I sit down.

“Penelope James,” I say.

“Hey, Pen. Are you free? I have a new exciting campaign that I want to run by you before the clients arrive,” Marshall’s voice is as positive as always and I grin.

“I’ll be right there.”

I grab the coffee that I bought on the way in, much needed after spending most of the night on another campaign, and head across the seventh floor to Marshall’s office.

I can do this. I’m looking to rise quickly to the top here and hard work is a definite part of that plan. My heels click on the marble floor, black and high to match the gray-and-black wrap dress that I’m wearing today with my newly bobbed blonde hair in a sharp angle. I feel good dressed in my best and the new haircut is a boost to my otherwise low self-esteem after a nasty breakup last month.

I call hello to the people I know and tap on Marshall’s door, pushing the ajar door open after only a second.

“Marshall, what’s up?”

“Penelope, my advertising goddess. Sit down.” I know my face is pink from the praise as I shake my head and do just that, setting my coffee down on his desk.

“I don’t know about all that,” I murmur, looking across the desk. Marshall is only about forty-five-years old. He is the head of Vincent and Price, and my mentor. That is what I want for my future and I’m taking advantage of being just twenty-four with my high energy and little need for sleep while I can.

“I do. So, Lincoln Tires. You know them?” Marshall asks me.

I think for a moment. Big store on the corner that runs a lot of commercial ads both on television and radio though nothing ever stands out about them. I don’t know a lot about the company but guess that they’re successful enough. I nod.

“They want to up their ads.” Marshall continues. “Draw in more than just the man looking for a new set of tires. The owner, Norm Lincoln, has a son who he wants to use for an ad campaign. He thinks that it will call to moms and daughters, boosting sales.”

“Why will that make women come into the store?” I ask as I frown at him a bit, generally curious.

“That’s why you’re here. They’re coming in soon and I wanted to meet with you before they arrive. Actually, if you’re not busy, you could help with the brainstorming” Marshall looks at his clock and straightens his tie. “It should be anytime.”

As if on cue, there is a knock at the door and Marshall asks the person to come in. I give a smile to the man who walks inside. Marshall shakes his hand and introduces me to Norm Lincoln, the owner of the tire shop. Norm shakes my hand and apologizes for his son being late due to an issue at his own business in town. Norm tells us that while he does very well with his business, he wants to add something to the ads to make them stand out. He says he wants it to be more family friendly and open to women who might otherwise be disinterested in going inside a tire store.

“This is a big city, Marshall. I want to stand out and I’m going to offer more sales and competitive pricing to everyone, but I need more customers for that. My son Tanner has a look that the girls have always loved and I got the idea that an ad with him as the image for the company might help that along.”

I nod and glance at Marshall. Norm is right that sex sells.

I look back at the open door while I sip my coffee as the sound of a giggle filters through. Clara doesn’t normally sound like that at the office and I frown as I start to swallow the large sip before a man steps into the doorway.

Marshall stands up and says, “You must be Tanner. Please have a seat.”

The hot liquid freezes in my mouth as I take in him. Tanner’s hair is that perfect tousled mess that will never go out of style and hangs down to his shoulders in careless waves that scream for my hands to be in it. He has several inches on his dad, at well over six feet tall. Big smoldering blue eyes that lock with my wide ones, further weakening my knees. His muscles are obvious in the tight-fitting T-shirt, but aren’t obscene. They just show he is a man who takes care of himself.

I choke down the liquid, unnerved by my reaction. He half smiles, half smirks at me and my panties start to melt. Perhaps it is due to the breakup and lack of sex in my life, but I never react this way about anyone.

Tanner oozes sensuality just in his pose, and the tanned skin that displays his inked arms only adds to his appeal. I press my legs together and will all the lust and need inside of me to calm down.

Marshall and Tanner shake hands, and he nods and smiles at his dad, and then it is my turn.

“This is Penelope James who will be working on the campaign.”

I reach out with my business smile gracing my full pink lips. Tanner clasps my hand tightly and heat flows easily between us. Every nerve ending in my body is on edge as he gives me another knowing smile and lets his eyes run down my body. His look burns my skin and I fight the shiver that threatens to take me over as I pull away and take my seat.

Tanner takes the one beside me and Clara comes in to offer us drinks with a sensual smile on her face. I hold my cup up but the others tell her that coffee sounds great, and she turns to get a tray with an embellished sway of her hips. I never hated her before today. I’ve never felt jealousy like this in my life.

“I can see why you think this campaign might work, Mr. Lincoln. Don’t you agree, Penelope?” Marshall asks me as I look at Tanner and his stunning face.

“He has the look that everyone is using right now. Absolutely.” I agree as I look at Norm to try to avoid the blush that I feel coming on. I can’t let this happen to me. I am a professional who can handle an attractive man, aren’t I? Marshall is going to fire me if I keep this up.