If I Had You Page 3

  “Your pick.”

  She was pleasantly surprised by how informal he was—his easy conversation and suggestion to split dessert only increased her desire to work with him.

  Brent looked up at her. “How about the Cuban banana custard tart?”

  “Great. I was looking at that one, too.” Brent snapped close the menu. “I think Luisa may be seeing me a little more often than she thought.”

  “That would be good. I love converting folks into fans of her food. You should also spread the word.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be providing her with lots of business.”

  “Really?”

  Brent nodded. “I’ve made up my mind. I want you to work with the guys. New Vision sounds like the perfect match. And you’re someone I could work with.”

  Charisse rubbed her palms along her pant legs. Just like that, she had a job offer? Her pulse increased. Her excitement bubbled below the surface, aching for her to release it with a hoot and holler around the lounge. Luisa’s kindness had produced remarkable results. They would have to celebrate later.

  Once the Cuban banana custard tart was between them, Charisse waited for Brent to take the first bite. She knew what to expect from the creamy custard and the sweet banana. Besides, she did feel a bit shy about touching spoons with a man whom she barely knew.

  Conversation over the dessert stayed on safe ground about the city and its diverse population.

  “I’ve got to get back on the road. I’m glad that I went with my gut and met with you sooner than later. I’ll have my secretary follow up with you. Charisse Sanford, it’s been a pleasure.”

  Charisse shook his hand. There it was again. She’d dismissed it the first time, but now she was certain. Her body acted like a high school teen with an instant reaction. More than a tad embarrassed, she concentrated on hiding any overt feelings for his touch. The problem was that the tingling in her nervous system wasn’t unpleasant.

  “I look forward to working with you, Brent. I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed.”

  “Your clients have certainly validated that statement.”

  Charisse sipped on the green tea to hide her shock. He’d already done a reference check. He came prepared, more so than she’d expected.

  “I’ll be traveling between New York and Boston. But I’m available by a number of means.”

  “That’s not a problem.” She loved the fact that he wasn’t around to be a pain…or a distraction. Much about the man and his personality already proved to be murder on her thoughts.

  Chapter 3

  Since opening her own office, Charisse didn’t need an alarm clock to start her day. She usually went to bed at night with her company’s survival on her mind.

  The morning routine started with her at the gym, sifting through her appointments while jogging at a Level Five incline. But today, she skipped the gym and headed to her office, ready to prepare for the new contract with Thatcher Entertainment Agency.

  She switched on the lights throughout the small work area. The last song on the car radio still buzzed in her head. Before long, she was whistling the refrain while pulling out the coffee and filter to brew a fresh batch.

  “Okay, this is new. I’m the one who makes the coffee. And what’s with the whistling? Makes me wonder what you did last night.” Tracy entered the kitchenette and shooed Charisse away. “Go to your office, I’ll bring in the coffee when it’s ready.”

  “I’m capable of making coffee.”

  “Not from what I’ve tasted.” Tracy plucked the filter out of her hand and placed it in the coffee basket.

  “Fine.” Charisse headed to her office. She resumed her whistling even louder but broke into laughter when Tracy loudly protested.

  A few minutes later, Tracy entered her office with two steaming coffee mugs. She had to navigate the strewn files on the floor, and she moaned with displeasure.

  Charisse reached for her flowered mug and took a careful sip.

  “What’s happening here?” Tracy perched herself on the edge of the desk. Her frown deepened as she surveyed the room.

  “I need to be better organized.” Charisse looked up at her assistant. “You’re not helping me in that department.”

  “That’s because you’re a lost cause, and you have a tendency to forget what I’ve told you to do.”

  “Would you give me a second chance?”

  Tracy’s mouth opened but then closed. Her eyes narrowed with a suspicious glint.

  “I’m worth a second chance, if you ask my opinion. Plus I don’t fancy having to train someone else to work on my new project.”

  “Wait! Oh, my gosh, did you get the project? You aren’t kidding me?” Tracy waited for Charisse’s nod before setting down her mug to do a happy dance around the table.

  “Brent Thatcher is New Vision’s newest client. I was a busy bee last night being interviewed. My credentials coupled with Luisa’s delicious food provided the slam dunk to close the deal. The contract should be arriving today, unless Brent is just a smooth-talker. My gut says that he’s a straight-up kind of guy.”

  “I want to meet this Brent. You know I have to approve of him. I’ll be able to tell if he’s worth anything.”

  “Trust me, the man is worth this and a whole lot more. He looks like the real deal. Seems pretty cool headed, but you can tell he’s a shark. Something in those eyes.” She tried to erase her smile. Maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned his eyes, those grey-blue gorgeous eyes.

  “Uh-oh. I don’t like that look. That smile is scaring me.” Tracy leaned down toward her face. “Are you excited because of the man or the project?”

  “I know I’m acting silly, but I’ve got my head on straight.” Charisse hoped that her cheeks wouldn’t break into an idiotic smile. “Did you read the job spec? It’s the perfect size account for me to cut my teeth. And there are even more opportunities that can come from it.”

  “Yeah, I read it. Looks interesting. We haven’t worked with the entertainment field.”

  “We did work with that fashion designer.”

  “That is so not the same thing.”

  “You’re stomping on my joy.” Charisse didn’t need Tracy to remind her that she was about to enter uncharted waters. But when had taking a unique path ever stopped her?

  “Sorry.” Tracy raised her hands in surrender. “Old habits. I like being safe and staying between the lines.”

  “Sometimes you have to push against the norm.”

  “That’s why you’re the boss. And I need to get to work.” Tracy picked up files from the outbox on the desk.

  Charisse bit her lip to stop from asking the tough question. She swallowed the rise of her emotion that had the power to overpower logic.

  “I think that I should still go to that interview on Friday.” Tracy hung her head. “Look, I promise that I won’t make any hasty decisions.” She retreated toward the doorway.

  “They’ll love you on the spot. Even though the job market is tight, an employer knows when they have a good thing right in front of them. I can’t blame them when they do.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Charisse nodded, but the fact still remained that she needed not only Brent’s contract but a few more mid-size contracts to feel comfortable. Without Tracy to assist her, managing additional clients would be labor intensive, as well as overwhelming. No one had to know just how difficult it could be. Somehow, she’d get through each obstacle. When it came to replacing Tracy, the obstacle would be one of her toughest.

  No denying that they’d come through a lot together. Charisse relied on the young woman for almost everything. Working without her had never entered her mind.

  Charisse sighed. Unlike Tracy, no child depended on her. Actually
, no one waited at home. And she had deliberately taken that path as a way to reach her goal.

  “We’re cool?” Tracy’s face reflected her concern.

  “Of course.” Charisse gave a thumbs-up. “I’m a big girl. I may pout, but I’m not hating. You don’t need to add me to your list of people giving you grief.” She held no resentment against this recent development. Tracy had managed to sneak past the barrier and settle in the emotional space between her heart and mind.

  “That’s what I love about you. Now back to work or whatever you’re doing down there.” Tracy blinked away her tears and headed out of her office.

  “I’ll miss you,” Charisse whispered to the empty doorway.

  She stacked the files that needed to be relabeled. The sounds of the office coming to life comforted her. Right outside her office, Tracy could be heard turning on her computer and then pulling out her work for the morning.

  Jo, the receptionist, had arrived in a boisterous bustle as she bumped into every piece of furniture in her area. Her apologies and muttered curses flitted through the office. No matter how much she’d been talked to and how much she’d promised, Jo couldn’t get herself into the office on time. Yet she worked hard for the small pay.

  Lance, the fourth staff member, was hired to be Shelby’s assistant. He was on vacation for a week. Charisse wouldn’t be surprised if he came back to turn in his resignation. The workload was only sufficient for a part-timer. Lance looked bored most days.

  “What the heck am I doing?” Charisse set aside the last file and then lay back on the carpet. Even though her office didn’t have a fantastic view, she did appreciate the ceiling’s skylight.

  New York City sounds were nonstop, with sirens blaring, angry car horns sounding and the frequent assault of voices raising. With that colorful soundtrack, she gazed at the skylight, watching the pigeons perch and the clouds drift beyond her sight.

  Nine months ago, she’d signed a year lease for the building that had finally opened six months later. She had no illusions that her business was going to take off. However, she also hadn’t prepared for the administrative issues that had the power to bog down her business.

  She didn’t want to move from her spot on the carpeted floor. Instead, she crossed her legs, swinging her feet to the same tune she’d whistled earlier, which was now stuck firmly in her head.

  From her vantage point, she added two things to her wish list: for Tracy to appear in her office with Thatcher’s contract and to get the funds to paint her office. The institutional off-white color dragged on her mood. The first wish was a necessity. The second one was a nice option to pursue. Her thoughts drifted to delightful fantasies of what could be accomplished with some surplus money.

  “Is this like a morning ritual? Should I join you?” asked Brent Thatcher, as he entered her office.

  Charisse knew that if she was a cat, she’d have bounced straight up to the ceiling and hung on with her claws firmly implanted. Since she wasn’t a cat, she only managed the undignified response of rolling over to her knees and pushing herself up.

  “Didn’t mean to startle you. But I did call out to you.”

  “You’re here,” she croaked. Not exactly her first wish but she’d accept this offering. She tried to think and move at the same time. “Why are you here?”

  For Pete’s sake, he could see her bare feet. She adjusted her clothes. Why didn’t he quit grinning?

  Her face warmed as her doubts tumbled over what he may have seen, what he might think and why on earth she had decided to lie on the floor.

  She zeroed in on her office door. She’d kill Jo and Tracy.

  “By the way, Tracy told me you were in your office. I told her not to bother you,” Brent piped up.

  “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you.” She brushed her clothes. Good thing that she had picked pants instead of a skirt. Her hair felt like it had exploded around her head into a mussed Afro. She needed a comb and a mirror, fast.

  “My business kept me here overnight.” Brent looked around the office, his eyes straying over her disorganized desk, then down to the open file drawers. “I wanted to see you in your digs. Hope you don’t mind.” He took a seat.

  “Not at all.” Charisse didn’t like feeling as though she was in the passenger seat of her own car.

  “You should’ve received the contract. If you’ve any concerns, I’m right here. Not to put any pressure on you, but I think we should get to work as soon as possible.”

  As Brent talked, Charisse brought up her emails. Sure enough, she had an unread message from someone in Brent’s company. She opened the email and saved the contract in the Thatcher portfolio that she’d created for this moment.

  “I’ll need time to read this.” She didn’t know how many pages were in the contract, but it was sizable enough that she knew better than to sign it without an attorney reviewing it.

  Although Brent was the picture of a sharp businessman in a steel-gray suit, crisp white shirt and navy blue tie, she wouldn’t let his exterior be a distraction. She was determined to maintain a critical eye on everything.

  “Sure, sure. I’ll wait.” Brent leaned forward on the desk and grinned.

  That mouth did something to her senses. She followed his visual gaze around her office. His open survey of the area didn’t bother her, until he paused at the photos on the credenza behind her. She fought the urge to look over her shoulder.

  She had a photo with her parents at their last anniversary party. Another photo was of her college friends on their postgraduation trip to Cozumel. The third photo was still there out of habit. She’d broken up with Todd a while ago, but they were still friends. He’d moved south, back to his family’s business. He’d rather work on his legacy than wait in the wings as she strived to create hers.

  She couldn’t read Brent’s expression as he went from photo to photo.

  Were her personal photos more important to him than the awards on the walls?

  “Your daughter?”

  “Excuse me?” She followed his gesture to the photo on her desk. “No. She’s my niece.”

  “Ah. She’s a pretty girl. Kind of resembles you. But I noticed the guy, over there. I assumed…”

  “That’s a friend. My niece is a sweetheart. I went with my brother’s family to Florida and hung out at Universal Studios and Sea World last year.”

  “Do people mistake her for your daughter? It’s uncanny how your features resemble each other.”

  “Yes. I get that a lot. I guess my family has strong genes. How about you?” Her curiosity stood on heightened alert.

  “I have strong genes, too.” He laughed.

  She waited to see if he’d talk about his marital state, but he didn’t continue. Although sometimes she did push boundaries she wasn’t about to do so with that subject. His naked ring finger didn’t mean anything.

  One thing was clear; she didn’t know a lot about Brent. The conversation during her interview had been spent extracting information from her and not from him.

  “Brent, I appreciate your eagerness to begin. Gives me confidence.” She tried to think of a way to be diplomatic. “I will need time with the contract.”

  Tracy appeared in the doorway. Only after Charisse looked at her did she approach her desk.

  “I know how busy you are. I’ll give the contract a first read.” Tracy retrieved the papers from her hand.

  “Thank you.”

  Tracy walked out without another word. She didn’t even look over at Brent. What happened to the first impression test she was supposed to do to clients? They hadn’t discussed the signal for if Brent passed her first impression.

  “Is that your assistant? She’s quite efficient. Personally I think she’d be great as an investigator for captured terrorists. Getting pas
t her was like a stealth mission balanced with diplomatic negotiations.”

  “She’s a gem.”

  Tracy barely looked over her shoulder as she exited the office. Yet, Charisse didn’t miss the small lift of a smile. Brent may have thought he’d scored a coup in using his charm to get past Tracy. Little did he know that Tracy didn’t allow for anything accidental to happen.

  “While Tracy takes care of the contract, I say we share guidelines. Do you have anything else up for discussion?”

  “One client from your former agency said I’d be a fool if I didn’t work with you.”

  “That was very nice of them. And I agree.”

  “Loyalty always impresses me. She had only nice things to say about you. Truly wished that she wasn’t contractually tied up or she’d be on your roster.”

  “I never want or plan to raid my former employer’s clients. It’s a small world out there. And I do believe in karma.”

  “Commendable. But there may come a time when you both want the same client. What then?”

  “I’ll deal with that when it happens.” Charisse wasn’t close to competing with the big dogs. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t dream.

  Brent was still a stranger, and even though he looked good, smelled better and dressed well, she wasn’t about to roll over and share her inner thoughts.

  “Not pushing you to make your decision. I have a, sort of, unusual request.” Brent paused. “When I return in a few days, do you think that I can borrow a desk? I have an office downtown, but I’m willing to work in close quarters to brainstorm and ensure that things are starting off as planned.”

  Charisse hesitated. This man moved with an air to the unconventional, and she wanted to demonstrate her ability to adapt and be innovative. “That’s not a problem. I do have a small office down the hall. It’s available right now.”

  “You know, I like how you stay calm. Nothing seems to faze you. I just might make that my goal.” He grinned.

  “Um…Charisse, it looks like you have to meet with Takahashi in thirty minutes.” Tracy said, as she burst into the office. “You won’t make it across town. I’ll call and let them know you’ll be a few minutes late. Then this afternoon, you’ll be at the studio with the McGuire Brothers.” Tracy looked at Brent. Obviously the man lived to be offbeat. “Should I add anything else to your schedule?”