I slipped the scarf over my shoulders, then turned to Toby and smiled. Had I actually simply had a pleasant evening with him? Positive, there’d been just a few thorns however all in all, it was ending on a stunning word, and I had been welcomed as a buddy moderately than seen as an outcast. Possibly issues had been lastly trying up.

“I feel we are able to come to an settlement about your house,” Toby stated as he opened the door. “I’ll discuss to Matt, however actually, it must be as straightforward as drawing up the papers and ensuring you’re all set.”

“Actually?” Regardless of the pleasantries, there was nonetheless a single word of doubt in my thoughts. It will probably stay till I’d signed on the dotted line.

“Sure. And I might like to have you ever again. Possibly much less of a proper dinner and extra of a method to simply hang around and trade some tales?”

I beamed earlier than I may cease myself. “I’d actually like that. Thanks.”

I dared to hope, however issues had been lastly slotting into place.

25

SCARLETT

Espresso in hand, I pressed the button on the elevator and watched the foyer of Pence Industries vanish behind the doorways.

Two days in the past, Sebastian had known as about his work opening and after knuckling down on some concepts, I had despatched him just a few samples geared towards the meals business to steer him I used to be proper for the job. Sebastian had been clear that he had little question of my capabilities, however he nonetheless wanted one thing on file.

Greater than used to offering samples for shoppers, I had no drawback doing simply that, and now I used to be right here to see how effectively these samples had gone down. Confidence in my work solely existed post-project. In the course of the challenge, there have been at all times nerves I couldn’t shake, and people plagued me even now.

What if Sebastian had solely requested me to be well mannered? What if it was only a dialog opener and, in reality, he had no want to work with me? Would he go so far as inviting me right here simply to show me down in individual? Sebastian was a really calm and in-control man – it will undoubtedly be his model to let me down in individual.

So, when the doorways opened onto the highest flooring, and I stepped out into Sebastian’s large workplace, my coronary heart was in my throat whereas my abdomen twisted itself into knots to the purpose that I struggled to swallow my final mouthful of espresso.

Deep breaths, Scarlett.

“Scarlett!” Sebastian appeared from a black door to the left and smiled. “Discover the place okay?”

“Surprisingly, sure,” I managed to say after forcing the espresso down. I tightened my grip on my bag that contained my laptop computer and drawing pill; all of the issues I used to be sure I would want when it got here to offering for Sebastian. His go well with jacket was off, discarded over the again of a leather-based chair tucked behind a glass desk. Every part within the workplace was extremely crisp and pristine, together with the ground to ceiling home windows that make up the outer partitions of the workplace and displayed town under.

“What a view,” I stated softly, shifting nearer to one of many home windows. Then Sebastian’s reflection caught my eye. His shirt, open on the prime two buttons, gave a tantalizing peek on the pores and skin beneath, and I let my thoughts wander till he perched on the desk and cleared his throat, requesting my consideration.

“So,” Sebastian started as I turned to him. “The samples you despatched over had been successful. I knew they’d be, however frankly, with how the division has been performing, I had just a few different individuals I wanted to steer.”

“Folks can say no to you?” I requested, my coronary heart thumping. I moved towards the modern, black leather-based sofa and set my bag down. The reduction that others preferred my work wasn’t sufficient to calm the torrent of nerves in my intestine. Not but.

“Just a few.” Sebastian’s smile was mild. “I do know once we spoke on the telephone, I discussed that we needed to rent you on a contract foundation, however after dialogue with just a few shareholders and a research into what you could have completed for different corporations, I wish to give you a extra everlasting place. One which does respect your freelance work, in fact.”

The espresso cup slipped barely in my fingers. “What? Are—are you certain? I imply, every thing in my portfolio was for corporations lots smaller than this one…”

“And that’s precisely why.” Sebastian folded his thick arms throughout his chest. “You boosted a lot smaller corporations which exhibits me you could have unimaginable expertise, and I would like that. You’ll keep your freelancing facet by way of work. I simply need a contract between us as a result of you could have actual expertise, and I wish to provide some job safety in addition to work.”

It was virtually too good to be true, and my pounding coronary heart flew beneath my ribs just like the beat of wings. Ignoring every thing else, it was an unimaginable alternative. Freelancing was typically painful, by no means figuring out the place the following verify was coming from or the best way to make the payments on the finish of a sluggish month. Then there was Sebastian, providing the style of one thing extra everlasting.

“I don’t know what to say,” I replied actually with a comfortable snigger.

“Nicely.” Sebastian smiled and slid from his desk. “Why don’t you present me what you introduced right now, and we’ll go from there?”

The following few hours handed extremely shortly. Sebastian painted his concept of what he needed to showcase about his eating places, how he needed to focus on every chef individually with a deal with their specialties, and the way he thought I may incorporate that. I met him midway, offering concepts from movies to social media campaigns that might do what he requested for however with a bit additional spice. Every part was eye-catching and would characteristic photos and phrases straight from the chef. In my humble opinion, individuals cherished to learn about who was making their meals and why it was made a sure means. Somewhat than promoting the expertise, we had been going to promote the creator.

By the point the clock hit 5pm, Sebastian was greater than happy. Two extra buttons had come undone on his shirt, and when he stood, my eyes wandered eagerly over the expanse of his again as he stretched.

“We have to have a good time.”

“I haven’t signed something but,” I reminded him gently. Sebastian chuckled as he crossed over to the oak wall cupboard and poured two glasses of Scotch.

“But being the phrase, I like,” Sebastian identified with a heat smile. He headed again over and handed one glass to me. I took it, locking eyes with him as he sat down.

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