negotiations

I narrowed my eyes momentarily and regarded her with curiosity. As the well-known businessman she had described, I knew my reputation preceded me, so I knew she would have caught wind of some of my more public dealings... but how much could she really know?

"Then I'd like to offer you the job," I spoke matter-of-factly, "full benefits package and starting salary of $60K. Oh, and of course a standard allowance for your vehicle, home, and wardrobe."

Ginny nodded slowly as I spoke, her negotiating poker face perfectly impassive, until I mentioned the wardrobe stipend.

"Wardrobe?" She asked, masking as much curiosity as she could to maintain her poker face, but I could see her femininity flare at the thought.

"Yes, wardrobe. You represent me directly, as well as my partners, our businesses and the supervisory team. You'll be accompanying myself and my partners at various events and functions, and I expect you to look the part."

Ginny's eyebrows shot up, disappearing beneath the shaggy fringe of bangs that covered her forehead. After a moment of silence her lip curled and she gave me a dubious look.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Derek, but I'm afraid I will have to decline, after all," as she spoke she folded her napkin and lay it on the table next to her now empty wine glass. "I came to interview for a position as one businessman's personal assistant. Not for 4."

Impressed as I was at her balls, as her words sank in, panic began to build in my chest. Shit. I can't lose her, she's the perfect fit for this position. And even more decadent in person than her uptight linked in profile revealed.

In a desperate attempt at convincing her to stay, I blurted out the four words I had been determined not to say, just as Virginia rose to her feet slowly and gracefully next to the table.

"Name your price, then."

Unable to look up into her eyes, I stared into the face of her Michael Kors smart watch as her fingertips drummed the table for a moment. When she smoothed her skin tight dress and slowly returned to her seat across from me, I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

She began to speak with no hesitation once our eyes met again.

"$60K for a personal assistant is a fair price," she started, propping both elbows delicately on the table as she reached for the wine and helped herself to another glass. "With the stipend and promise of solidifying my reputation, I could even consider assisting one of your partners." She paused, sipping her drink slowly, never breaking eye contact with me. Damn it was hot. "But you have three partners who are all nearly equal in command in your.. businesses.. and for double the work, I expect double the pay."

I narrowed my eyes at the way she drew out the word "businesses" like that. This little minx definitely knows more about this philandering entrepreneur than she let on. Unfazed by her counter offer, I sat back in my chair once more and regarded her fully. She was the entire package, and I couldn't let her walk away from this opportunity. Especially not after the months of scouting I had done to find someone as perfect as her. Then again, I couldn't let her win.

"You will primarily be my personal assistant, Virginia; you will not be expected to put in half the work for my partners that I expect you to do for me so your doubled salary doesn't hold." I watch, calculating as her poker face lets my words sink in, revealing nothing. "However, I admit that my partners and I may have different needs in an assistant, different tastes, if you will, and that will undoubtedly cause you more work, and more effort in wardrobe and appearance, so I will increase the salary offer to $90K. The stipends and benefits package remain the same."

After regarding me for a moment, she snatched her wine glass off the table once more and used it to reiterate her words as she pointed one delicate finger towards me, her eyes dangerous slits between her heavy lashes.

"It's Ginny, for the last time, Mr. Galloway, and I'll accept the job—"

My shoulders relaxed minutely.

"—for $100K. And the stipends and benefits package stay the same."

Snapping my head up to regard her fully once again, I realized I had been bested. This woman did not disappoint in living up to her firecracker reputation.

"Perfect," I extended a hand across the table, which she shook firmly after only a fleeting look of shock flickered across her face. "Now you just have to meet the guys."

Leave me a comment and don't forget to hit that VOTE button!!!

I am SO excited for the next chapter. Ginny will be meeting some very important characters soon, so stay tuned!!! Thank you so much!