CHAPTER 4

RONNELL POV

I sat in my office, my thoughts still preoccupied with the benefits and drawbacks of hiring Blair. Sure, she has an impressive resume, plus, Ella kept vouching for her but could I trust her to handle the high-pressure world of contract negotiation for my security company? It could get dangerous at times.

After all, our intimate night together gave me the impression that she was more delicate than I thought, a stunning sexual being rather than a hot head. And honestly, she seemed too nice, and soft. I could see rivals walking all over her.

Ella's words replayed in my mind, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I know that you might be skeptical but Blair here is good at what she does, and you won't regret it!” she had said. So, I relent, exhaling deeply. I make the final decision to give her a shot, to perhaps prove herself.

Blair joined me the next day at our meeting, dressed professionally with a determined expression that was work-related. I honestly did appreciate the fact that she was trying to be a business-minded person at work. She seemed to put away the passionate side away, and as much as those memories tempted me, I had to maintain a professional distance. I needed her to focus on her job.

“Good morning, Blair,” I greet, keeping my voice as neutral as possible.

“Good morning, sir,” she replied, barely meeting my eyes before turning her whole attention to the stack of documents on the well-arranged table. I could sense the tension between us, but I stubbornly tried to push it away.

“Let's get started, then,” I say, taking a seat across her. “We have got this potential deal to work as security agents for this big wedding, and I want to make sure that we are getting the best term as possible. I'd like to get your take on it, if this is something you can handle.”

She glimpses at me with a hint of annoyance behind her gaze. “Sure,” she agrees, her tone equally bland as she flips through the contract, making notes and asking relevant questions. I watch her work, impressed by her focus and attention to detail. Perhaps, she truly had what it takes to succeed in business.

“I have found a few clues that should be negotiated in your favor, agreeing to secure a big wedding like this has its pros and cons. Your employees are at bigger risk than if it was a private wedding.” She says and I nodded in agreement.

As she expertly outlined her strategy for securing a better deal, I felt a grudging respect for her abilities. Maybe Ella was right—-Maybe Blair is more than just a pretty face and a fun night between the sheets. But as we continued to work together, I just couldn't shake the nagging doubt that lingered between us. “Can you come back tomorrow after we have concluded?”

“Of course, Mr Roman,” she responded, giving me a small smile while she packed her things. “See you tomorrow then.” As I watched her walk away, I just couldn't deny the fact that I was indeed attracted to her in more ways than I didn't expect. But for now, I need to keep my focus on the success of my company, and that means keeping my eyes off incredible female packages.

•

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The following day, I noticed Blair from across my office as she kept talking on the phone with a frustrated expression. Her brows were furrowed slightly, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear in frustration. She seemed to be hiding it but I could tell that the call wasn't going well.

When she hung up with a sigh, I approached her. “Trouble in paradise?” I asked but instead, she shot me a glare.

“It's nothing that I can't possibly handle. The client here is being unreasonable, but I have a few stunts up my sleeve,” she responded.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her cofidence. “You seem so confident.”

She straightened up, staring me down defiantly. “I may not have years of experience in this company but I know how to get exactly what I want. And your security company is sure to benefit from it.”

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I fold my arms across my chest. “Why don't you prove it?”

Blair smirks at me, grabbing the phone and dialing the client number again. I listen in disbelief as she lays out an airtight talk, backed with facts and figures to support her case. By the end of the call, the client not only agreed to her terms but also thanked her for the “opportunity.”

When Blair hung up again, her eyes met mine in a challenge. But this time, all I see is her skill, her passion for the job, and her dedication to the success of my company. She had proven herself in more ways than one, and for the first time, I realized Ella was right all along.

Blair was perfect for this job.

“Well?” She prompts, hands on her hips.

I clear my throat, trying to find the right words. “Impressive,” I finally say. Blair's features soften into a smile, her eyes glowing. And in that moment, I know that I'm in trouble.

As the day moves further, I bring my focus to my security system and my own training, while Blair continues to take care of most of the company's contracts. As business operations begin spiraling down for the day, I check in with Blair to review her progress. As she flips through her notes, I lean over her shoulder for a better look, inhaling the alluring scent of her hair. And just as my thought is about to betray me, Ella bursts through the office door, and sees Blair and me in my office going over revised contracts, a knowing smile spread across her face.

“I knew I made the right choice!” She says. “I'm so glad to see you two working so well together.” Her words deceptively casual, causing me to take a second look. “Ronnell, do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Blair excuses herself to make a call, leaving me alone with my sister. As soon as Blair is out of earshot, Ella turns to me with a stern look, her dark hair shadowing her features to near threatening level.

“I know that look___ the way you stare at Blair.” She says with a sharp look in her eyes. “Don't even think about it, Ronnell, I knew how much your company meant to you, and I don't want you screwing her over. I know that she is hot but getting entangled with her is not a good idea.”

“What are you talking about?” I grumbled, but I felt the flush creeping up my neck. Ella knows me too well. “I don't know what ideas you might be getting but I'm only impressed with her skills, nothing more.”

“I'm dead serious,” she insists. “Blair is my best friend and I care about you both a lot to see things go the other way. You have to keep things professional or I would have no choice but to find you another person.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Ella silenced me with a glare. As much as I hate to admit it. She had a point. My life is finally getting back on track after years of struggle, and I can't afford to complicate that no matter how intriguing Blair might be.

With a sigh, I nod in resignation. “Yes, Captain,” I told Ella. “All we would be doing is strictly professional.”

“Good. I'm glad we understand each other.” Ella smiles, relieved, and gives me a quick hug. “Now, tell me how she's doing. I knew she'd be great.”

As we discussed, I glanced at Blair's direction every now and then, her laughter drifting over to where we stood. Ella was right that I needed to be careful, but that doesn't mean I could ignore the tension between Blair and me, I was challenging all the barriers I had not to cross the line, and that is what I'm going to do.