Page 18 of Open To Negotiation

“So you’re going to hire her?” Asher asked, his eyes hardening. I never mixed business and pleasure. I never really went after women at all. One-night stands and no strings attached were my preference. I wasn’t changing my mind, I just hadn’t decided if I wanted business or pleasure from Quinn, that is, if she even gave me the time of day.

“I doubt she’ll take it,” Oli said thoughtfully.

“Her boss sounds like an asshat, we would be a way better company,” Noah added.

“Still think he needs a backup plan,” Will said like this was a big deal. “She’s already turned him down.”

Twice. Well… maybe four times, if you counted each question individually.

“I’ve got it covered. Can we focus now?” I didn’t give them a chance to continue on about Quinn and pulled up the figures on Locke. We’d done this so many times that we all fell into our roles quickly.

It took us about an hour to review the acquisition paperwork, to get Will’s input on proposed changes to the contract and for Oli to lay out the cost. Asher was spearheading this one and was planning on flying back to London tonight in the company jet to deliver the paperwork in person.

I could have done it when I was there, but that would have meant staying longer. And what’s the point of a private plane if not to use it?

When we all decided to move here, we knew that there would be some travel back and forth but it was worth it for all of us to stay together. The option of operating out of different cities wasn’t on the table.

After a quick vote on the deal, we all signed off, wrapped up the meeting and shuffled out to head back to our own offices. We all had offices on the top floor, all the same size, all with one wall of floor to ceiling windows.

I shrugged my jacket off and slid into my leather chair, letting out a breath trying to decide what of the thirty things needing my attention was the most pressing when Asher walked into my office and sat himself down in one of the chairs across from me. He crossed his arms over his chest with a serious look on his face, not that he had many other looks.

“What are you doing, Knight?” He had a slight scowl. I let out another sigh and pushed my hands through my hair.

“Trying to work, what are you doing?”

“Don’t be a smartass.”

“I’m always a smartass.” I copied his posture and crossed my arms over my chest.

“You’re going to hire a woman because you liked that she called her boss a dick? This isn’t like you. Your personal life never touches our business.” I rubbed a hand on my temple as Asher glared.

“I’m not… I’m just… Fuck, man.” I leaned forward, putting my elbows on my desk. “She’s just stuck in my head.” Since he was my most trusted friend, I gave him the highlights of coffee today, leaving out the sleepless night and the jerking off in the shower to a vision of her face. He didn’t need that much information.

“So you’re trying to prove a point that you can win?” He clearly didn’t understand. Which was fair, I was acting strange.

“I have nothing to prove, I swear, this isn’t about that. She’s beautiful but I liked to hear her talk and laugh. She joked around so easily with Noah and Oli, she was kind to the waitresses and her smile radiated warmth. I liked that she didn’t seem to care about my expensive watch and didn’t agree to a date with me. She… piqued my interest.” We both sat in silence for a moment, almost like we were both surprised by my admission.

“Don’t let it touch the business,” Asher huffed.

It was my turn to glare. “Don’t lecture me on the business, Ash. I would never risk this, not that anyone could tear this down.”

“It has more to do with being used for your money.”

“I trust my gut all the time, that isn’t changing now.” He looked at me for a few moments before he gave me a single nod. “You’ll be back Friday?”

He grunted. “I’m just getting the papers signed and then turning back around.” He stood from his chair and buttoned his jacket. “Thank fuck we purchased the jet.”

“Fly safe,” I said looking back at my computer as he walked out.

Once he was gone, I pulled my phone out and dialed Shelly. “Mr. Knight,” she answered after one ring.

“I need you to book me a meeting with Richard Walters at Elevate for Friday.”

7

Quinn

“You really said no to giving him your number?” Aubrey asked me later that night following my run-down of my lunch and coffee with Theo. We were in the break room at the children’s hospital where she worked as a nurse.