Titan Inc. was firm on their rules. You followed them, or you were gone. They'd figuratively rip off your balls, leaving you floundering.
Fraternizing within the company was a stringent no-no. Julian believed romance in the office clouded your mind. Anything that took your focus off work or his bottom line, he frowned upon. I assumed he was
against his employees having any sort of life outside Titan Inc.
Glancing around the table, I realized every
executive was either single or divorced. I had never noticed, or cared about the marital status of my co-workers.
"On a side note, Emily has left us, as well." It didn't take a genius to know which assistant Alan had been seeing. Emily was his PA. What an idiot. You never got involved with someone at work, especially your PA.
Luckily,
I wasn't even remotely tempted.
Julian droned on a bit, and I tuned him out, going back to my own problem. When others started to stand, I jumped to my feet, leaving the boardroom, not wanting to see all the
handshakes and slaps on the back Miles would receive. Fucker.
I strode into my office; stopping at the sight of Scott perched on the edge of Miss Brown's desk, his wide shoulders shaking with laughter. They both looked up when I came in, two very different expressions on their faces:
Scott looked amused and Miss Brown looked guilty.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded. I turned to Miss Brown. "Why didn't you let me know someone was waiting?"
Scott held up his hand. "I got here a few minutes ago, Ethan. Ruby offered me coffee, and to let you know I was here, but I was enjoying her company far more than I ever do yours, so I wasn't in a hurry." He winked at me. "She is more entertaining, not to mention prettier than you. I always like spending time with her."
Pretty and entertaining? Miss Brown? And what was this
Ruby shit?
I barked out a laugh at those descriptions.
"In my office," I ordered.
He followed me in, and I shut the door.
"What are you doing here? If Julian saw you . . ."
He shook his head. "Relax. It's not as if I've never been here before today. And what if he does see me and suspects something ? Make him sweat a little."
I paused. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.
He knew Scott was the biggest headhunter in New York city. Maybe if he saw Scott wander around Titan Inc. it would make him a little nervous.
"Lay off charming my assistant. It's a waste of time, and I thought you had a girlfriend."
"I do, and I wasn't charming her. She's great. I enjoy talking to Ruby."
I snorted. "Yeah, she's great, if you like doormats who masquerade as emaciated scarecrows."
Scott frowned. "You don't like her? Really? What's not to like?"
"She's fucking perfect," I stated, my sarcasm thick. "She does everything I tell her. Now, drop the subject and tell me
why you're here."
He lowered his voice. "I had coffee with Adrian Davis this morning."
I crossed the office and sat down at my desk. "Adrian Davis of The Brooks Group?"
He nodded. "I was visiting Freya, and I went to see him to arrange our round of golf next week. He's agreed to talk to Mateo about interviewing you."
I thumped the top of the desk with my fist. "Fucking great news. What did you tell him?"
"I said you were leaving for personal reasons. I told him, despite the rumors, your situation had changed and you were no longer comfortable with the direction of Titan Inc."
"My situation?"
"I told him your playboy days were behind you, and the way you conduct business had evolved. I informed him you wanted a different sort of life."
"He believed you?"
Scott smoothed the crease of his pants with his fingertips, meeting my gaze. "He did."
"Did you tell him what caused this miraculous turnabout?"
"You sort of suggested it yourself last night. I said you fell in love."
I nodded. It was exactly what I was thinking. Matteo liked the family atmosphere, and I would have to fit in.
Scott regarded me shrewdly. "Given your history, Ethan, this woman will have to be vastly different from the women you've been linked with, especially recently." He tilted his
head. "Someone more down-to-earth,warm, and caring. Real."
"I know."
"Is it really worth it?"
"Yes."
"You'll lie and pretend, all because of a job?"
"It's more than a job. Julian screwed me over, so did Miles. It's not the first time. I'm not taking this shit anymore." I reclined in my chair, staring out the window. "I may be
hired under less than honest intentions, but Mateo will get a fucking great addition to his company. I'll work my ass off for him."
"And the woman?"
"We break up. It happens."
"Any ideas who the lucky lady is going to be?"
I shook my head. "I'll figure it out."
There was a knock and Miss Brown entered, placing a bagel and fresh coffee on my desk.
"Mr. Scott, can I get you another cup of coffee?"He shook his head, smiling at her. "I told you, it's Scott. Thanks, Katy, but no. I have to get going, and your boss here has a huge project to work on."
She turned to me, her eyes wide. "Is there something I need to do, Mr. Moore? Can I help in some way?"
"Absolutely not. There is nothing I need from you."
Her cheeks flushed, and her head dropped. She nodded, exiting the office, closing the door behind her.
"God, you're an ass," Scott observed. "You're so rude to her."
I shrugged, unrepentant.
He rose from his chair, buttoning his jacket.
"You need to watch your attitude to have a chance for your plan to work, Ethan." He indicated in the direction of the door. "That
pretty girl is the exact sort of person you need to interact with Mateo."
I ignored the pretty remark, gaping at him. "Interact?"