Page 43 of Chasing the Dream

“If I’m going to sign a contract, I want Morgan assigned to my account.”

Gabe shifted in his chair and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.

“I’d be willing to work on your account from home if Gabe’s agreeable.”

Gabe looked up at her with surprise and a flash of anger. She’d put him on the spot, and she’d probably catch hell for it later, but for now, she calmly awaited his response.

“Sounds good to me. Technology will make it easy for us to stay in touch,” Bryan said, shooting her an appreciative smile. Then his gaze drifted down to where the T-shirt stretched over her breasts.

Gabe stiffened and frowned, looking every bit the imposing businessman. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“Why not?” Bryan challenged.

“Because your contract would be with Matthews Graphic Design, not Morgan specifically.”

“Well, then maybe I should work something out specifically with Morgan.”

She shifted uncomfortably, the cowboy boots pinching her toes, but she wouldn’t dare sit down. She could hardly believe they were arguing over this, over her, it seemed. Some women might be flattered, but she felt annoyed. She’d put her best foot forward on this project, but all her hard work had been trumped by the pride and egos of these two men.

“I’d like a day or two to think about it,” Gabe finally said.

“Fine. Let me know by Friday, and the deal can be done.”

Then the men stood up, marking the end of the meeting. Morgan should have felt relieved, but she’d still have to face Gabe’s wrath after Bryan left.

“I’ll walk you out,” she said to Bryan, hoping that Gabe would cool down in their absence.

“Great.” Bryan motioned for her to go first, and then both men followed her out the door. They paused in the hallway, and Gabe and Bryan quickly shook hands before she led Bryan away.

Morgan had planned on parting ways with him at the elevator, but Bryan said, “Can I speak to you alone for a moment?”

“Okay. My office is right—”

“Not here. Ride down to the lobby with me,” he said just as the elevator doors slid open and two female employees stepped out. One of them eyed Morgan’s outfit and raised her eyebrows while the other one openly gawked at Bryan.

“Ladies,” he said smoothly as he stepped into the elevator. He used his hand to prevent the door from closing and waited for Morgan to get in.

A tingle went down her spine, warning her this was a bad idea, but with him waiting and the women’s eyes upon her, she felt like she had no choice. She stepped in, and the elevator doors closed, effectively trapping her and Bryan inside.

“That was quite a presentation you gave. I can tell you worked hard on it.”

“Thank you.” She was grateful for the recognition, but she would have preferred if it had come from someone else—a certain tall, brooding man who happened to be her boss.

She felt relieved when the doors slid open, and they stepped into the lobby. The receptionist was on the phone and gave them a brief nod as Bryan led Morgan to a bench near a window. She’d never noticed it before, and she supposed that was the point. It was tucked in an alcove that provided a modicum of privacy from passersby.

“Do you have some more questions for me?” she asked once they were seated.

“Just one. Would you have lunch with me sometime?”

She stiffened, and he obviously noticed because he hurriedly added, “To discuss some more ideas I have about the website.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but she decided to test her theory just to be sure. “I’ll check with Gabe and see when we can meet with you again.”

He shook his head. “I’m asking you, not Gabe.”

“Bryan, I…”

“Look, Morgan. I like you. And if we’re going to be working together, I’d like to get to know you better. Besides, it’s just lunch.”