Page 11 of Executive Privilege

"Uh-huh. And by working, do you mean ditching me to go on a date with your boss?"

I glance around the office to make sure no one's listening. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the fact that you promised to go rock climbing this week, but instead you called me from some fancy restaurant last night while on a date with your boss."

"That was a business dinner. There were other colleagues with us."

"Right. Business dinner. At Le Bernardin. Where they had a violinist."

"How do you know there was a violinist?"

"Because you mentioned it. Twice. Along with how good Nicholas looked in his suit, and how he knew exactly what wine to order."

Shit. I did mention those things, didn't I?

"Emma—"

"Sadie, honey, I love you, but you're terrible at lying. Especially to me." Her voice softens. "What's really going on with this guy?"

I look across the office toward Nicholas's corner office.

"I don't know," I admit quietly. "He's not like other bosses I've had. He's demanding, yes, but he's also... fair. Protective, maybe. And incredibly intelligent."

"And incredibly attractive?"

"And incredibly attractive. But Emma, he's my boss. This is my career. I can't afford to screw this up."

I hear footsteps approaching my desk. I look up to find Nicholas standing there, holding a coffee cup and looking like he wants to ask me a question.

"I have to go."

"Text me. We're not done with this conversation."

I hang up and look at Nicholas, praying my cheeks aren’t as flushed as they feel.

“Hi. How was your call?”

“Productive. Morrison’s marketing director had questions about the fall launch, but we’re good.” “I wanted to hear your thoughts on influencer outreach.”

Instead of calling me into his office, he pulls up a chair beside mine. Close. When he leans in to look at my screen, his shoulder nearly grazes mine.

“Walk me through it,” he says.

I pull up my spreadsheet. “Tier one: the big lifestyle influencers. Glossy posts with Morrison watches on yachts and leather bags in first-class lounges. Tier two is micro-influencers. Smaller audiences, but authentic. More trust."

Nicholas nods, his gaze never leaving me. “And tier three?”

“Wild cards. Not in fashion, but aspirational. Travel creators in boutique hotels, fitness coaches with high-end clientele, even tech guys obsessed with sleek design. People who’d make Morrison feel like part of a lifestyle, not just another purchase.”

He studies the list, leaning closer so that now I feel his body heat. Is he trying to torture me? I notice Frankie and Marcus slowly walking by us, pretending to be in discussion, but definitely recording this for the gossip committee.

“Smart. Different angles Morrison’s competitors won’t see coming.”

“It’s a risk,” I admit, “but the payoff could be huge. It fits the rebrand, making Morrison aspirational beyond luxury fashion.”

“How confident are you?”

I turn my head, and he’s already watching me. His focus is so sharp it makes my pulse trip.