Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 40867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
Mason looked back and forth between us before he stood. “Of course not. I’ll be right outside.”
I watched him as he made his way out the door. Once it shut, I focused back on Ava. She slowly shook her head. “You do know what Mason just did, don’t you?”
This could go either way. I’d been down this road before—put to the test to see if I would crack under pressure—but never with a woman CEO. Especially one who was younger than me. I could play dumb, which honestly didn’t do me or my career any good, or I could let her know I knew exactly what the asshole just did to me.
“If you mean my new boss walking me into a meeting I was totally unprepared for so he could see how I’d react under pressure, then yes, I completely know what he just did.”
She leaned forward. “I’ve heard amazing things about you, Saylor, and when Mason said he had the chance to snag you from Smith and Smith, I was almost giddy. Women at our level don’t come around very often, so to have you with Maxwell and Locke is a thrill. I won’t promise you that things will be easy. We still have a lot of old suits—as well as young ones—who don’t think a woman’s place is at the top, equal to men. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean.”
I nodded and grinned. “When I was little, I remember my mother telling me about Ginger Rogers. I was watching a movie with her and Fred Astaire and was entranced by her. My mother leaned down and told me how Ginger once said that she did everything the man did when it came to dancing—only she did it backward and in heels. That no matter what I wanted to do in life, I could do it, and no one, especially a man, would be able to tell me I couldn’t. And from the moment I took my first upper-level position, I’ve been working to prove that I can do exactly what they can do. But I can do it backward and in heels.”
Ava smiled. “I knew the moment I saw your face that Quinn had sprung this meeting on you. He’s a good guy, but I won’t make excuses for him. I wanted you to know that I knew what he did, and I’m very proud of the way you handled yourself.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Locke. I appreciate your support.”
She took in a deep breath and stood. “I’ve got work to do, so get that information to Quinn by Friday morning.”
Standing, I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Saylor. I’ll let you tell Quinn the meeting is over.”
I tried to hide my smirk, but I was sure I failed. “I’ll do that, Mrs. Locke.”
She turned and walked out the door that was behind her. I ripped my notes out of the pad and made my way out of the conference room. When I walked out, I saw Mason leaning up against a wall talking to a bleached-blonde. She laughed at something he said, and he winked at her.
Ugh. Pig.
I walked up to him and cleared my throat. “Mrs. Locke said the meeting is over. I’m supposed to deliver my research to you by Friday morning.”
Smiling at the young woman he was talking to, I excused myself and headed to the elevator. I didn’t want to admit to myself that I was a bit sad Mason hadn’t followed me.
When I stepped into the elevator, I glanced over to see him still talking to the woman. As the doors shut, I noticed him handing her his business card.
I dropped my head and closed my eyes, trying to figure out why I was so bothered by what I’d just seen between Mason and the blonde.
Men. They’re all the same. Each and every one of them.
Lifting my head, I drew in a deep breath and then pushed it out. It didn’t matter. I’d sworn off men after I’d left Ron. My only focus was on my new job and showing Maxwell and Locke that they hadn’t made a mistake in hiring me.
CHAPTER FOUR
* * *
Mason
I SAT AT my desk and stared at the folder Saylor had ready before I came in this morning.
Her notes were spot on, and I could tell she’d researched the shit out of Jameson Rum’s competitors. Her study on the market around rum and when she thought would be the best time to launch a new campaign was gutsy. I had to hand it to her; the girl should probably be sitting in my chair. Her ideas were solid, and I knew both Ava and Derrick would be on board with them. Not to mention, they were different and fun.
Clearing my throat, I closed the file and set it on top of another brief I’d received for a meeting later this afternoon.