“She likes to be in the limelight, and she wants everyone to know who she is, so she’ll take this deal, but Diosa isn’t going to be a fit for her to be the ambassador of the whole brand. AlteredX? Perhaps, if we tie it into her yoga posts.”
“Interesting,” a gray-haired man sitting next to me says without any hint of sarcasm.
“I know the demographic interested in Summer Smith, and they’re not Diosa clientele on a daily or even yearly basis. She’s AlteredX.”
“What would you suggest?” Charles asks, his eyebrow lifting.
He’s looking at me with a renewed sense of interest, and it’s hard not to be distracted by his intense blue eyes and the dimples showcased by the barest of smiles.
I’m still annoyed with him for his attitude toward me, but I can’t help but melt a fraction when he gives me a chance to showcase my creativity. I only met him once, and he’s already quite possibly the most infuriating person I’ve ever met, and still, I find him incredibly handsome. That truth I hate above all.
“She’s been on the scene for several years, and her brand is still very immature. She’s ready to evolve and grow her fan base. Her recent album is more mature and soulful. Diosa can help her brand mature as well.”
“How?” Charles crosses his arms, giving me the stage.
“Start her with AlteredX to capitalize on her current fan base, then work with her new album to cross into the other brands. In the meantime, find other talents that already fit the mold for Diosa. Someone who needs to show their everyday side. Maybe a model or movie star?”
He pushes himself away from the desk, standing up straight and running his hands down his suit.
“Put together some ideas for me. Because, clearly, you know more about this pop singer than I do. And I don’t mind admitting that.”
“Yes, sir.”
My eyes meet his, and I offer a nod before collecting my things to head out and get started.
“And Rae,” he calls to me, making my shoulders stiffen at the mention of the name that ended our time in the closet. “Don’t disappoint me...”
He leaves that sentence hanging as though he wants to add words to it. If we weren’t in a room full of his employees, he would’ve said don’t disappoint meagain.
I hope his balls were blue for days.
9
Raven
I walk backto my desk on a cloud of happiness.
He listened to me. Charles Cavendish, the CEO of Cavendish Group, gave me the opportunity to put together a plan.
This is my shot to prove that I deserve to be taken seriously. Becausethe seven minutes in heavenwith him didn’t help my case.
Seeing him in that room was a shock. Of all the people in all of New York City to make out with in a closet, it had to be him.
Just my freaking luck.
His frosty demeanor toward me was a bit much, but I couldn’t let it get to me. He is the owner of this company and was surely just as taken aback as I was. I can understand that. He likely feared I’d tell the others in the office about our rendezvous, but I wouldn’t. Ever.
I care about what my colleagues think of me, and I’d never want them to accuse me of getting this job because I threw myself at the boss. Because I most certainly didn’t.
He was the one who practically ravaged me. At least that’s what I’m going to tell myself. It’s less humiliating that way.
Maybe he’ll take me aside and speak to me about it when we’re alone. Clear the air and start anew.
I shudder at the thought. I seriously hope he drops it and never brings it up again.
Mr. Keller storms in, looking like he’s about to rip my head off. I gulp, preparing for his wrath.
“Uh, hi, Mr. Keller. I was just about to type up these notes for you.”