Chapter Seven

Isabella

“Well, the differences will be slight, I can assure you of that. While I’m eager to help bring forth a few fresh and exciting ventures, I’m very respectful of the work my uncle has done for this company and the community,” Adam continues, gesturing toward our server who quickly brings us another round, making my head spin.

I’ve never been much of a drinker. I enjoy wine, but rarely in excess. As my glass is filled a fourth time in the span of just over an hour, I can’t deny my eyes are growing slightly heavy, my belly warming.

I’d love to blame the alcohol for the latter, but that would be an obvious lie.

Over the course of our evening, I’ve learned that the contract Richard had been negotiating with Drake Mitchell extended far past a few new buildings going up. Drake was looking for investment opportunities as well and Avery Finance was at the top of his list.

I’ve seen Adam Avery move flawlessly throughout the office, sleeves rolled up as he got stuck in his head and barging through the executive floor barking orders, but tonight is the first time I’ve watched him performing in his element. The way he speaks, moves, his every action combined with the effects of the wine have me more than aroused.

If I’m being honest, I’m halfway to puddle status.

“And what are you projections?” Drake pulls at my attention.

“We’ve projected a fourteen percent increase over the next two quarters,” Adam replies confidently. “It’s hard to guess beyond that in the current market, but I think we’ve got more than enough resources to continue that momentum into the New Year. Based off of our reports, it’s the right direction to take this.”

“From a marketing standpoint, I’d have to agree wholeheartedly,” I offer, pulling their eyes to mine. After more than twenty minutes of me nursing my wine in silence, I don’t miss their surprise at my boldness. In fact, I’m feeling a little surprised myself, but I know my job and have had just enough wine to get courageous. “If you read over those reports, the numbers are there, black and white. However, I can attest personally that over the course of the last two years, our department has tested multiple marketing strategies and the method we’re proposing to you tonight has always delivered impeccable results. Not only is the overhead low, decreasing risk for everyone involved, but the return we’ve experienced in the past is undeniable. The design for this plan has been used successfully in a multitude of previous endeavors, all meticulously documented, and we’ve always found increases for our stockholders as well as the company itself. At least two of the last five expansions, both of which were located in harder-to-market areas, have seen vast improvements following this method.”

“Interesting,” Brad muses. “Those are some pretty impressive statistics.”

“They certainly are,” Drake nods. “But if you’re intent in taking this company in a new and fresh direction, should you really be reliant on policies and methods that have been used so heavily in the past? Why not teach this old dog a few new tricks?”

“Perhaps my favorite thing about marketing is that with the right advertising campaign, an old dog can manipulate any trick you like, Mr. Mitchell, making it seem like new,” I assure him, my own confidence shining through. “Besides, I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, ‘if it ain’t broke…?’”

“Good point,” he chuckles, smiling broadly at Adam whose eyes I can feel on me. “I see why you brought her. She must be your ace in the hole.”

“I’m sorry to come off forcefully,” I smile, the wine doing little to calm the blush on my cheeks. “I just know what our department and this company is capable of. I’ve seen it time and time again working under Richard’s lead and I have no doubt that Ad… Mr. Avery,” I stumble, catching myself. “Will help further our success.”

“Well, you’ve made one hell of a presentation. That’s for sure,” Brad smiles wide.

“You definitely have,” Adam says low, making my chest flurry.

I can’t tell if the feeling buzzing inside my chest is due to him or the win.

“Thank you,” I say graciously, placing my linen napkin to the side and slowly pushing away from the table. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”

“Of course,” they say in unison, each of them rising with me in true gentlemen’s fashion.

“I actually need to make a call,” Brad announces, pulling another nod from Drake and Adam as I move to stand.

The feel of Adam’s fingertips brushing my shoulders as he helps pull my chair out has my skin on fire almost instantly. As I turn to face him, he’s closer than I thought and his hot breath dances over my skin.

“I’ll be right back,” I manage, swallowing hard as his eyes bore into mine.

In them, I find the same animalistic quality smoldering within his gaze I’d noticed today in his office and then again later when he set me straight outside.

“Take your time,” he says quietly, giving me a discreet wink. “Nice work, Isabella.”

 

Adam

Drake and I settle as she goes, but I can’t keep my eyes from her until she’s disappeared around the corner.

When I asked-okay ordered-Isabella to come with me tonight, I’d admittedly not been sure what to expect. While I couldn’t say I ever expected a smile and nod type of girl, as she’d put it, I hate to admit I hadn’t expected her to be so at ease.

A situation like tonight’s, a business dinner negotiating multi-million dollar account with a potential investor that could transform the future of the company, is stressful even for someone like me and I’ve done it more times than I can count. She not only walked into a stressful situation looking immaculate, she’s holding true to her word of being much more than arm candy.

She’s the last thing I need, the last thing I should want, but the complications that come with the emotions coursing through me don’t matter.

I couldn’t want her more.

“That’s quite the secret weapon you’ve got there, Adam,” Drake pulls at my attention, his lips quirking up behind his glass as he meets my eyes. “I can see why you’ve put your trust in her. She’s smart and she knows her stuff. You’d do well to keep a woman like her close.”

“She’s definitely an asset to the company,” I say, leaning forward for my glass, my eyes moving back to his when I hear his deep chuckle.

“The company, huh?” he smirks. “Well, that answers my second question.”

“And what was that?”

“She has no idea, does she?” he asks, swirling the ice in his glass before gesturing for another round.

His eyes come back to mine and in them, I see the silent comradery I somehow recognized the moment I saw him.

In more ways than one, Drake and I, we’re one and the same.

“No,” I admit, pulling an amused nod from him.

“I recognized the fear,” he chuckles, leaning back in his seat. “Can I give you a little friendly advice?”

“Sure.”

“It’s a challenge, some days more than others,” he sighs, something hidden in his expression that says there’s so much more to his story than what I’m getting over drinks. “Men like us, although we may not shy from challenge, we also tend to prefer our packages come neatly wrapped,” he smirks, pulling a nod from me. “Don’t let a little feist scare you off,” he smiles, gesturing toward the platinum band on his ring finger. “Sometimes all it takes is the right challenge to make an honest man… one woman who isn’t afraid of a little topping to turn the whole world on its axis.”