He wiggled his eyebrows. “Mmm, well when you’re outside sales, you travel a lot and build up the points. Perk of the job.”
“Well, thank you. Did you have to use a lot of points for my upgrade?”
He gave me a twisted smirk, but I noticed he avoided my eyes. “Nah, not much at all.” My smile dropped.
“You promised her a date, didn’t you?” His smile confirmed it. “Well, who did you tell her I was?” I huffed, exasperated that he can just get a date barely even trying. Is there anything that doesn’t come easy to this guy?
He chuckled, “Umm, my coworker, of course. I didn’t want to lie,” he pointed out, as if it should be obvious he wouldn’t lie to get a date.
I rolled my eyes as the flight attendant brought our drinks. Luckily, the perk of first class calmed me down a little and brought a smile back to my face.
I wanted to make small conversation since I wanted to keep it comfortable between us. “So, is Kara excited about her new sales position?” I asked, since Monday she was going to start her new sales job and Matt was going to get his new admin then too. I couldn’t wait for that to happen. I smiled just thinking about my own personal joke.
“Yeah, actually she’s very excited. She wasn’t too keen on the idea at first, but the more I discussed it with her, the more she wanted to do it.”
“So you sold her on it?” I asked teasingly, hoping to try to keep it light between us.
His eyes sparkled as he smiled in response. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
After landing and arriving at our hotel, we started heading towards our rooms. At the elevator I was stopped by Robert Laurent and became immediately nervous. Robert, or Bob as he had insisted I call him, was my mentor from when I first graduated. Bob is a Chief Operations Officer at a company that I hoped to be hired by at some point and was also a keynote speaker at this seminar. He is also a huge influence in the HR field and could really help further my career. I introduced Matt quickly and then turned back to Bob.
Bob, who was probably about ten years older than me, was dressed in jeans instead of a suit I usually see him in. His brown eyes were bright as he smiled at me and touched my arm. He’s always been a “toucher” and I couldn’t help but note the extra squeeze he gave my arm.
“Vanessa, I’ll see you at the welcome reception. I’d really like to discuss some things with you,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.
“Of course Bob, I look forward to it,” I said with a smile. I really was interested in what he might wish to discuss with me. I began to wonder if he had any advice for me since I had confided in him on the phone that I constantly felt like I was butting heads with Mr. Buchanan. Or maybe Bob knew of a possible new job opening.
After Bob walked away Matt leaned in to me and lowered his voice, “You doing alright? You seem kind of nervous.”
“Well, this conference is kind of a big deal to me. Two of my mentors are here, as well as several other key people that could help further my career if I decide to leave for a larger company.”
Matt looked at me thoughtfully. “Huh, I had no idea you would want to leave the company.”
I swallowed, not sure if Matt was the type to run and tell Mr. Buchanan this tidbit of information. Nervously I explained, “Umm, well, I don’t, but you never know when an opportunity might arise to further your career.” I glanced around and then started to blab, “Bob helped me obtain interviews at several huge companies. This one I was able to acquire on my own, but I’m hoping if I show how well I do at this company, I can be hired by one of the larger firms, higher up.” And just like that I was mad at myself for providing so much information to Matt. “I mean, you know, later on down the road,” I tried to back track. “Not soon or anything,” I quickly added, hoping that might smooth over how I ran my mouth just now.
Matt nodded as we stepped into the elevator, not commenting to what I just said. Hopefully, I convinced him I wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. We arrived at our floor and began to walk to our rooms.
As luck would have it, our rooms were located across from each other. Matt teased, “Just like home.” Of course, why wouldn’t it be since everywhere I turn, Matt is right there?
I sighed as I put my key card in the door and quipped, “Yep.”
An hour later we were headed down to the welcome banquet in business casual attire. Wearing pants and a nice top, I made sure to wear heels that were high enough so Matt didn’t tower over me like usual. I was trying to squelch the inferior feeling I was having, but being with Matt at a business function, seemed to make me nervous. Not that he would get my job or something. Just that…I don’t know, he garners so much attention and I was slightly nervous I wouldn’t be able to speak with the people I wanted to without Matt being their focus.
We both stood at the entrance as I tried to stifle those silly feelings and at the same time searched a sea of people, looking for a familiar face.
“Do you know anyone here?” Matt asked out of the corner of his mouth.
“I know a lot, but I just don’t see anyone yet,” I responded as I continued to search the crowd. I started walking in a little further in an attempt to see anyone I knew. Matt stuck by my side, which seemed odd. I thought with his charisma and charm, he would take off wanting to meet and chat with new business contacts, especially with the female attendees.
A warm familiar person walked towards us. I smiled as Bob approached us, dressed in nicer clothes than he wore earlier. I noted that he was always such a handsome man. I loved how he always spoke of his wife and children so lovingly.
“Bob, long time, no see,” I joked nervously. Bob was such a large influence in the direction I’ve taken with my career. I had a huge admiration for him.
A warm smile lit up his face. “You too, Vanessa,” Bob told me as he clasped my shoulder.
Of course I wished at that moment that Matt would go mingle, but for some reason he seemed to want to stick by my side. Bob briefly shook Matt’s hand since they met earlier at the elevators and briefly exchanged pleasantries.
Bob turned to me and lowered his voice. “I’d actually like to discuss a few things before the seminar is finished, if you have some time.”
Eagerly, I responded, “of course that would be great. Please let me know when you’re available.”
“I’m actually available after this banquet, if you’d like. We could meet at the bar.”
“That sounds great. Thank you, I’d like that,” I told him sincerely. Thoughts of job propositions danced in my head. A corporation that would welcome my changes and wouldn’t argue with my new ideas would be really nice. Bob nodded his head and gave Matt a brief smile before turning to walk off.
Matt leaned in and whispered, “He wants to fuck you.” The smile dropped from my face and I was immediately agitated by his comment.
Defensively I argued, “He does not. He’s my mentor and hopefully has some leads on larger companies that are hiring.” I rolled my eyes at his comment, knowing that’s more likely all Matt wants to do with the women here.
Matt shrugged, “Okay, don’t believe me. Let me know what he says tonight.” His gaze became serious. “You have my cell number in case you need it, right?”
I pinched my brows together and threw him a disgusted look. “What on earth would I need your cell number for? We live across from each other, work together and now our hotel rooms are right across from each other. I can’t seem to get away from you,” I snapped, angry that he was making it seem that Bob was some skirt chaser, like him.
Matt chuckled and threw me a small smile. “Do you want me to go mingle?”
Frustrated, I blurted out, “Yes, that would be great.”
He shrugged and replied, “Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”
He started to walk off as I called out to him, “More like — I’ll see you in the morning.”
Matt stopped and turned around, walking back to me. He gave me a frustrated look and pressed his lips together.
“Look, if that Bob guy starts something with you and you need me, call me,” He directed me as he handed me his business card. I rolled my eyes again and huffed as I took it, stuffing it in my pocket.
“Fine. Thank you,” I blurted as sarcastic as possible knowing he was wrong about Bob. I had known Bob for a very long time and he has never come on to me, so Matt’s odd assessment just rubbed me the wrong way.
I watched Matt walk away and sure enough he started to mingle with some female attendees. I watched as the blonde woman smiled seductively and placed her hair behind her ear, then the other blonde woman touched his arm. Why that irked me like it did, I couldn’t explain. Not to mention, I had just sent him away so I could also mingle. I turned and ran right into Evelyn.
“Vanessa! How are you enjoying the event?” Evelyn asked excitedly. Her beautiful dark hair was pulled back into a chignon and her expensive suit made me feel horribly inadequate. I’ve always admired how she dressed so professional and constantly managed to look so beautiful.
I smiled at her, pushing down my insecurities and responded, “Very well, thank you. I just ran into Bob.”
“Oh good. He asked about you earlier and we discussed the new policies you had asked about. How are those going, by the way?”
“Well, actually the employees took very well to most of them. Well, except the no dating policy. I’ve had several inquiries, but I explained it was more about our concern about an officer dating a subordinate and using that against them. That usually helps them understand the reason for the policy,” I explained feeling much better about myself since we were discussing business.
“Good, I’m glad to hear that. I’m glad you’re attending this seminar. Leadership is always a valuable tool to use as you climb higher.”
“I meant to ask you about that. I’ve been at this company for two months. I enjoy it; however, Mr. Buchanan has told me that I won’t be eligible for officership for another four months. I understand that, but I am curious as to how I should approach the conversation with him.”
Evelyn and I continued to discuss my issue until Bob went up to the lectern to welcome everyone and thanked us for attending the seminar. Several people — several I wanted to meet, came up to Bob after his welcome speech. Evelyn nodded her head for me to follow her towards Bob. As we approached him, he smiled brightly and welcomed me into the group, introducing me to each of them.
One person, who would be speaking tomorrow, was the president of a company I was keeping a watch on. I knew his HR person and also knew she was pregnant. She had expressed her desire the last time we spoke of becoming a stay at home mom. I tried my best to make contact with him and keep in the loop of the conversation, adding my two cents in without sounding like a know-it-all. At least the comments I made to the conversation were taken very well. I felt extremely confident that I at least made a great impression.
After the reception was finished, Bob took me by the elbow, leading me out of the banquet hall and towards the bar area. I was annoyed that I had any trepidation because of what Matt said earlier to me. Bob had always been there for any question I had and I always valued his opinions and advice.
He showed me to a high top table towards the back of the room. The waitress came over just as Bob was taking his seat. I ordered my Merlot and he ordered a scotch on the rocks.
We began to discuss my future options and I let him know my plans and hopes for my future, both with this company and moving on to the next company. He advised me to stay at this company close to a year, if possible. I let him know I was concerned that I would miss the opportunity to move on to the company I really had my eye on.
“Actually, I think he already has someone in place. I’m sorry, Vanessa, but O’Sullivan has already been hired. It just hasn’t been announced yet.” My heart fell and it probably showed on my face. I started to twirl my ring around in my lap, more out of frustration than anything else.
His hand moved on top of mine and he patted it. A simple gesture, but of course Matt put that silly notion in my head. I smiled briefly and made sure to keep my hand there because I wasn’t about to let Matt’s attempted sabotage lure me into thinking anything but what Bob really was, a nice guy. His hand didn’t stay on top of mine, so what was the problem?
“I’ll be fine,” I tried to reassure him. “I just had my heart set on that position.” I tried my best not to look too affected, but I really wanted that job.
“You’re still young, Vanessa. There is still so much more you need to learn and you really need to grow the HR in this company as much as possible. Buchanan isn’t known for liking HR departments and procedures. I advise you to grow the department and then you really have a nice résumé to present to larger companies.”
I nodded, knowing he was right as I took a small sip from my wine. I tried to conceal my pout, but I probably wasn’t able to accomplish it. I glanced around and noticed Matt was at the bar. He wasn’t facing me, but I caught his eyes in the mirror behind the wall of liquor bottles. He was flanked by the two women we saw earlier.
“Is that Mr. Williams from your company?” Bob asked as I nodded, slightly annoyed. I wasn’t sure if I was annoyed that he was surrounded by two women or that he was in the bar, probably checking up on me. “He seems to be making friends with Amanda and Sasha very quickly,” he added with a laughing smile.
“He makes friends very easily,” I told Bob as I felt an arm around the back of my chair, feeling him lean in towards me.
“I noticed you’re no longer wearing your engagement ring. May I ask why?” The small movement of his arm behind my back made me tense up. Again, something I probably wouldn’t have noticed before Matt’s comment.
“We broke up.” I told Bob trying to be matter of fact.
He nodded his head and sat back in his chair again. See, nothing to worry about. “Ah. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Reese and I split up. We’re in the process of a divorce.”
My eyes snapped to his, completely surprised by this. “Oh no. I hadn’t heard. I’m so sorry to hear that. When did this happen?” My voice was filled with remorse for him as I wondered how he felt about it.
“About a two months ago. It’s still pretty fresh; still hurts.” I nodded, understanding his hurt, but was shocked that they divorced. They had been married for several years, if my memory served me correctly. He always spoke so highly of his wife and adoringly of his children.
“Who initiated it?” I asked, but realized after I probably shouldn’t have. It seemed like I was prying now that I thought of it.
“She did, actually. I travel a lot and I guess she was tired of being home alone with the kids all the time. Our marriage hasn’t been the same for years.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I told him sincerely.
“Thank you,” he responded with a sad small smile.
We both became silent and I realized that our little conversation turned slightly awkward because we had discussed our broken relationships.
“Why did you and Charles part ways?” he asked after a long uncomfortable silence.
“We just realized we were both after different things.” I wasn’t about to admit it stemmed from me wanting more excitement from a relationship. It was definitely not something you discuss with a business contact.
Speaking about personal matters made me think of Matt and what he said what Bob wants from me. We both took a drink from our glasses and I decided to try to sway the conversation back to something work related.
“So, I noticed you’ll be speaking tomorrow. Are you leaving right after your seminar?”
“Yes, actually I have to. Oddly enough, I have an appointment with my attorney.”
“Ouch. That doesn’t sound like fun,” I offered a small smile trying to break the tension of the conversation.
He chuckled, “No, not very fun at all.” He took a deep breath and said, “I guess I’m not the best conversation this evening, am I?”
“I understand Bob,
really I do. Not to mention you’ve helped me so much with my career and I really appreciate it. I’m always here if you need an ear to listen to your problems.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that. The same goes for you if you ever need it.” I smiled as I stood up. Bob gave me a hug and told me he would see me tomorrow at the seminar in the afternoon.
I walked out of the bar with Bob close behind me. Awkward silence filled the elevator after we entered, as it brought us to our floors. His was first, getting off at the sixth floor. He gave me another brief hug and exited the elevator as I continued up to my floor.
The second I was in my room and the door closed, my hotel room phone rang. I grabbed it wondering who the heck would be calling me. I answered to Matt demanding an answer from me, “Is he in there with you?”
I huffed as I plopped onto the hotel bed, angry that he put that thought in my head and doubted my relationship with my good friend and mentor. I removed my heels as I replied, “Yes, he actually just stripped down and is holding his very hard dick in his hand. I was just bent over the lounge chair when you interrupted us.”
“Is he in there with you or not?” His voice was gruff and it ticked me off that he felt he had any say in what I would be doing.
“It’s none of your business, Matt. Go back to your blondes.”
There was a small pause before he teasingly asked, “Are you jealous?” I could hear him smiling through the phone, taunting me and thrilled that I might even entertain a jealous thought.
“Are you?” I spat back before hanging up the phone. Jerk.
******
I stood there waiting at the entrance after I called Matt’s cell, using the number on the card he gave me last night. Frustrated wasn’t even close to what I felt right now as I watched everyone being paired up for the exercise.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Matt, smiling at me with his gorgeous blue eyes shining bright.
Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) Page 20