The Best Is Yet to Come: Novella Bonus for Her Best Match (The Best Girls Book 0) (3 page)

“Perhaps… I would be safer from other women, but not from you.”

“But you don’t need protection from me.”

“Au contraire. You’ve already expressed an interest in marriage.”

“Only as one of many acceptable options. Yes, I will need to settle down and get married to advance my career. But, it doesn’t have to happen with you.” She chewed on her lower lip, “My initial need is simply five weeks. I only mentioned the long-term option in case it was more to your liking.”

“So you aren’t interested in marrying me?”

“I didn’t say that.” She stifled a laugh. “I’d be a fool not to be interested. I had to at least make the offer. But, my main concern is my career, and I think this is a trait we have in common. Through the election, a short-term relationship would serve just as well as long-term.”

“I think I know the answer to this... But, why me?”

“Are you fishing for compliments?” she teased. “Seriously, though. It’s probably not for the reason you think. There are other handsome single men with money and status, but all of them have either been embroiled in messy divorces or break-ups or caught in embarrassing situations with drugs, alcohol, or some other type of scandal. Your reputation is unblemished. The only thing you’re guilty of is dating hundreds of different women, none of whom seem to be able to claim your behavior was unseemly.”

“Interesting point,” he admitted. “So my reputation as a hermit has earned me this unforeseen offer.”

“I wouldn’t call you a hermit,” she soothed. “I would say you’re... discriminating.”

His hearty laugh drew a few curious stares. “So the question is, ‘why would I want to change now?’”

The music changed, and Alicia used the opportunity to wriggle her body closer to his, moving her arms to link around his neck as they swayed in time to the music. Her perfume wafted upward, sweet and appealing. He could feel her heart pounding against him.”

“Of course you told me you don’t need what I have to offer,” her breathy voice entreated. “But then again, you don’t know what you’re missing. Perhaps you might find I’m worth the small, temporary sacrifice of your freedom.”

He was disappointed when he experienced only mild curiosity in response to her advances. He’d hoped he might find her irresistible and exciting. Perhaps it was because, like all the others, she was offering herself so freely. He longed for the thrill of the chase, the challenge of the fight, the exultation of winning.

“You also don’t know what you’d be gaining. You might be disappointed.”

She gazed at him with hooded eyes. “I highly doubt it. And I’m willing to risk it.”

He heaved a heavy breath. “Listen, Alicia...”

“Wait. I know when I haven’t made a good enough closing argument to win my case. Don’t make a decision yet. Okay, Judge Gherring?” Her eyes twinkled. “You’re being entirely too serious about this. Let’s just agree to one more date. I have a fundraiser event next Friday night. Are you available?”

“I have to check my calendar. But, I don’t know—”

“Steven, please! I’m not even upset you’re rejecting my not-so-subtle offer, although I think we’d have had a really good time. I’m not some innocent, insecure girl. Just don’t say no yet.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to continue to pursue me if you need someone who’ll commit to you through the election. I just can’t guarantee that.”

“What if I promise to look at other options? My campaign chairman believes this last week of speculating about our possible
affiliation
has helped me rise in the polls already. You could give me one more week. And who knows? You might even change your mind.”

Steven didn’t really think he would change his mind. But on the other hand, maybe he needed to be realistic about his options. As a potential wife, Alicia was ideal. Intelligent. Attractive. Poised. Charismatic. And she had a very practical approach to their relationship—mutual benefit. With Alicia Esparza, he wouldn’t have to deal with a woman sobbing and crying about how he’d ruined her life and broken her heart. He chuckled to himself. In fact, if he ever actually fell for her, she would probably break
his
heart.

“Okay,” he said. “I’ll give you one more date, and I won’t say no yet.”

She squeezed her arms around his neck, nuzzling against his chest. “Judge Gherring, I think you’ve made a wise decision. Can we seal the agreement with a kiss?”

“For the benefit of the photographers?” he asked.

“Well, yes,” she admitted. “But for my personal benefit as well. Just one kiss?” She lifted her lips toward him, and he obligingly lowered his mouth to capture hers. Her kiss was warm, passionate, and full of unspoken promises. His body responded to her, despite his efforts to remain aloof. He pulled away before their embrace became more ardent.

“That wasn’t too awful, was it?” She maintained her composure, even as her breath came in little pants. “But, I suppose you like to always be in control, right?”

“Something tells me we have that in common.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I think it would be an interesting fight to determine the winner. Don’t you?”

Steven didn’t answer, instead regarding the cameras flashing in their direction. “I think you have your publicity in the bag. I hope you get the desired boost to your ranking. It might just backfire on you, you know.”

She chuckled. “I don’t think so. I know how to play the press. Now, if you dump me, I can always play the damsel in distress.”

“But if they really knew you, they’d never fall for that.”

She laughed, a melodic and happy tune. “Steven, I like you more and more. I sincerely hope our relationship extends beyond our next date.”

Gherring ignored the stack of resume
s
Katie placed on his desk when he arrived at the office Monday morning. He had bigger problems.

“What do you mean you don’t have time to travel to Germany, Henri? What pressing engagement is preventing you from attending to business?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

The handsome Frenchman regarded him with open disdain before answering in heavily accented English, “I will not listen while you talk down to me. I have the matter under control. There is no need to travel to Germany to close the deal. I have already talked extensively with their CEO. She will not back out, I assure you.”

The blood vessels were pulsing in Gherring’s forehead. He rubbed it, wishing for some ibuprofen.

“Henri, sleeping with the CEO does not count as having the matter under control. She called me yesterday. Extremely upset! It seems she thought you were interested in a long-term relationship.”

His face paled. “
Mais, non
! I never said such a thing.”

“And yet she believed it to be true. So now, the question is, what are you going to do about it?”

“Perhaps it would be better if you were to go,” Henri suggested. “I would not want to fuel such dreams.”

“Oh, no. You started this, and you’ll finish it. And you’d better not mess up this deal in the process. I think your father would agree with me on this.”

Henri looked irritated. “You do not need to involve my father in this. I will take care of it.” He started toward the door, but turned back to face Gherring. “Soon my father will pass the company to my control, and you will not be able to use him as a threat against me.”

Gherring glared at him. “Your father is an astute businessman, and Gherring Inc. has enjoyed a profitable association with his company, La Porte. But you’re forty-eight years old, and he hasn’t turned over the reigns to you yet. I think he’s still waiting for you to grow up, and I wonder if it will ever happen! Have you ever considered it might not be a good idea to sleep with every woman you meet?”

He had the audacity to laugh. “
Non
! No! I am only giving them what they ask for. It would be rude to say
no
. But you cannot criticize me for this. You are just like me.”

“No Henri, I’m not like you.” Steven sincerely hoped his words were true. But he knew he’d been less than discriminating in his younger days. Still, he reasoned, he’d never mixed sex with business. On the other hand, he knew he couldn’t claim innocence in such matters. The realization made him even angrier.

“Ms. Carson!” he spoke into the intercom. “Monsieur DuBois will be making a detour on his way back to Paris. Please make a reservation for him on the next flight to Frankfurt.”

“Yes, Mr. Gherring.”

Shortly after Henri departed, Katie knocked tentatively on Gherring’s door.

“Yes, Ms. Carson?” His head was pounding as he attempted to tamp down his still-revving temper.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Gherring. But Mr. Murphy is here about that matter we discussed earlier.”

Steven felt his blood pressure rising as he massaged his temples. “Send him in.”

Jeff Murphy entered the room, his expression arrogant and challenging. He strode casually to Gherring’s desk and stood looking down at him from his six-foot height, his arms crossed casually across his chest. Why did every meeting today have to be a confrontation?

“Have a seat, Mr. Murphy.”

“I prefer to stand.”

Gherring rose to his full height of six-foot-three and leaned over his desk. “I asked you to sit, Mr. Murphy. It seems you’re making a habit of flaunting my rules.”

Cowed, Jeff sat down, although his entire demeanor remained in full scowl. “I’ve been falsely accused,” he said. “I told Human Resources, already. I’m the victim here.”

“Mr. Murphy,” said Gherring, carefully controlling his voice. “Are you aware of the No-Tolerance Policy for sexual harassment at Gherring Inc.?”

“I’m telling you, I didn’t do anything! That b—” He caught himself before the word left his lips. “That
woman
was lying.”

As expected, the pig showed no sign of remorse for his actions. Growing up with Gram, Gherring had learned to have no respect for a man who took advantage of a woman sexually. Why hadn’t he recognized these Neanderthal tendencies before he hired him?

“Mr. Murphy,” Gherring repeated. “Are you aware of the No-Tolerance Policy for sexual harassment at Gherring Inc.?”

“Yes, but I didn’t do anything! She’s trying to ruin my reputation. She’s just mad because we went out a few times, and now I’ve broken up with her.”

“Her story is much different, Mr. Murphy.”

“But there were no witnesses. It’s her word against mine.”

“That, Mr. Murphy, is the only reason you’re still sitting in my office at Gherring Inc. rather than being escorted from the building. Consider yourself on probation. If you so much as blink in Ms. Latham’s direction, you’ll be terminated.”

“But I’ll see her every day in the break room.” Gherring could see his anger in the flexing muscles of his jaw. He had no sympathy for the man after hearing Ms. Latham’s testimony. Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough evidence to fire him, but he would be watching him closely.

“Then you will need to take your break in your office. And further, you are not to be alone with any female employee at this office, at any time, for any reason.”

“You can’t control whom I see on my time off!” Gherring knew from his defiant attitude it would only be a matter of time before Jeff stepped across the line again.

“You’re right, I can’t control it. But if I find out you’re alone with another female employee, even if you’re sharing a cup of coffee, you’ll be terminated.”

“This isn’t fair! I didn’t do anything.”

“What you didn’t do is your job. You’ve made zero progress on the Bern merger, and I want that wrapped up before the holidays. Get your work done, Mr. Murphy.”

“But I’m still saying you can’t keep me from dating employees on my own time. There’s no company policy for that.”

“You’re incorrect, Mr. Murphy. Our No-Tolerance Policy clearly states that in the case of any accusation, founded or unfounded, a no-dating policy will be enforced for the duration of employment.”

Jeff sagged in his seat. “Fine. I’m not interested in anyone here anyway.”

“Additionally, I want a report on my desk Friday morning concerning your progress on the Bern merger.”

“Friday morning? I can’t make any progress by then. Our business hours don’t even coincide.”

“I suppose that means you’ll have some very early morning phone conferences. Perhaps you’ll need to go to sleep early as well. The change of schedule could be good for you.” He held his stare with the intensity born of a head-splitting migraine, until Jeff finally averted his eyes.

“Jared is supposed to be working on that deal, too,” he contended.

“But Jared is new. You have the lead on the Bern merger, and you’re responsible for the report. So don’t try to push this off on him. This is your assignment.” He turned his attention to his computer. “That will be all, Mr. Murphy,” he said, without looking up.

Jeff made a comment under his breath, and left the room. A moment later, Katie entered with a glass of water and four ibuprofens.

He shook his head as he accepted her offering with gratitude. “Ms. Carson, how am I ever going to replace you? How did you know I had a headache?”

She chuckled. “Perhaps the fact you were holding your head with both hands when I glanced in the room a minute ago clued me in.”

“Still… No one else would notice. And Gary doesn’t need you like I need you.” He tried to bat his eyes and look like a sad puppy.

Her eyes rolled around in her head. “Mr. Gherring, it won’t work. I’ve enjoyed working for you… well, most of the time… but I’m leaving in January when Gary and I get married. But don’t worry—I promise to train your new executive assistant to watch for signs of a headache.”

When she left him alone, he laid his head on his arms and closed his eyes. He refused to think about losing her. He hated breaking in a new assistant. Why had he introduced her to Gary? He was losing his best buddy and his secretary at the same time.

Gherring heard Katie’s voice on the intercom. “Mr. Gherring? Alexander Klein on line one.”

“Thank you, Ms. Carson.” He let out a sigh. Back to work. And he needed to be on his toes for this client. Klein was an important business prospect. Steven was extremely interested in forming a cooperative agreement with Klein’s company in Germany. Although he could speak German, he knew Klein’s English was flawless, so there was no need to speak Klein’s language.

“Mr. Klein, it’s good to hear from you.”

“Please, call me Alexander.”

“Great, and you can call me Steven, as well. So, you’ve read the material I sent you? Are you interested in further discussion about doing business together?”

“Yes. Actually, I was calling to tell you that we are planning to come to New York for your International Business Conference. My wife, Johanna, will be accompanying me.”

“Yes, I remember Johanna. Your wife is a lovely woman. Please give her my regards. And you’ll stay and attend the gala?”

“That is the current plan. So, we can find a time to talk privately during that week? I realize you will be very busy...”

“I will absolutely make time for a private conference. I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to connect you to Ms. Carson to schedule a time right away. My calendar is pretty crowded.”

Satisfied prospects were good with Alexander, Gherring attacked his unanswered emails, determined to eliminate the task from his to-do list. He worked through lunch and was still engrossed when Katie came into the office with a determined expression.

“Mr. Gherring. It’s almost time to begin the interviews. Have you looked at any of the resumes?”

“No,” he replied, without glancing up from his computer. “I’ve been busy with more important things.”

“Mr. Gherring.” He glanced up to find Katie conjuring a stern expression. “There’s nothing more important right now than these interviews.”

He scowled back until she dropped her gaze. “Please, Mr. Gherring. Just give them a chance.”

He pressed on his temples. Was his headache coming back? He gave in to the inevitable. “Bring the first one in.”

Katie pushed open the heavy doors and called out a name. Gherring heard her heels tapping out a confident rhythm as the candidate approached the doorway, but he ignored her as he flipped through her resume and attached letters of recommendation. He didn’t bother to look up, even after he’d finished perusing her papers. Instead, he went back to his emails, ignoring her presence altogether.

Katie said, “Uhmm, you can have a seat, Ms. Whitley. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”

This was a part of Gherring’s routine. He liked to see how potential employees responded to uncomfortable situations, to test their poise and composure.

“No, thank you.” Her voice was confident. Unruffled. Well, he’d see how long that lasted.

“Ms. Hartley, why do you want this job?” He deliberately called her by a different name to test her reaction. His eyes rose from his desk to fix her with a stare. She was a thin, beautiful blond, with flawlessly applied makeup. Her suit-dress was the perfect choice for an interview at a prestigious company. She looked... too perfect, he decided. This one was too perfect. She wasn’t real. His gut told him if he hired her, she would surprise him with some nasty personality trait at a later time. He dismissed her without another thought, but he had to get through the interview.

She paused, flummoxed by his use of the wrong name. He saw her mind racing, trying to decide on the correct move. She decided to ignore the blunder, and answer his question.

“Mr. Gherring. I’ve studied Gherring Inc.’s prospectus thoroughly. I admire you and everything you’ve accomplished through this company. I would love to be a part of your work. I feel I’ll be up to any challenge you present. Essentially, it would be a chance to study at the feet of greatness.”

“I see.”

He stared for a full thirty seconds of silence before turning back to his computer to answer a few more emails. After more uncomfortable silence, he looked up again, as if surprised to see her still sitting there.

“And why do you want to leave the job you have already. You’re currently working for Barnes and Graves? Is there something wrong with your current job?”

“No sir, Mr. Gherring. I just feel this is an awesome opportunity. The kind of opportunity I can’t afford to miss.”

“And are you prepared to leave Barnes and Graves with a two week notice?”

“Yes sir. Absolutely sir.”

“But what if they haven’t found a replacement in two weeks? Will you leave them high and dry?”

“No sir. I mean, yes sir. I mean... I’m sure they can find someone to replace me.”

“So you think you’re easily replaced? Non-essential? Not very valuable?”