her honesty and sense of humor, Nigel could see they’d get along just fine...so long as he kept reminding himself this arrangement was professional and temporary.
How many times could he use those two words?
Probably not enough, because he had a feeling he needed to keep those in the forefront of his mind as long as Ms. Andrews worked by his side.
“Have a seat,” he told her, gesturing to the leather chair opposite his desk. “Since I didn’t sit in on the interview process, I’d like to get to know a little about you before we begin our day. Like I said, I’ve seen your résumé, quite impressive, and I’ve heard my crew speak your praises.”
“I’m flattered.”
She should be. They’d interviewed a slew of people for this position, but Nigel had put out very specific requirements. Interesting that the most striking, intriguing woman he’d ever met was the one who had landed in his office.
He worked with beautiful women every day. The entire cast of Secret Lives consisted of stunning ladies. But something about Roslyn seemed almost wholesome...which was quite refreshing in this field.
Nigel unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt as he went back to his desk chair. Distance from her would help him keep his head in the game, so would focusing on the sole reason for her employment. He needed a new vision for the show and the only way he could see that happening was to bring in an outsider.
There was no room for attractions or office escapades. The last thing he needed was a sexual harassment lawsuit. Of course, bad press would drive up ratings, but he wasn’t about to embarrass his family, put his own reputation on the line or degrade any woman.
He respected women and his new consultant would be no different. There’s no reason he couldn’t find her attractive and keep a level head about himself...right?
“I saw you recently moved to New York,” he began, leaning back in his seat.
Roslyn nodded. “About a month ago. It was time for a change.”
“You came from Texas?”
“I did. My family owns a ranch.” She eased her purse onto her lap and crossed her legs. “My brothers still live there.”
“So why the drastic change?” he asked.
A sadness swept over her face for a second before she tipped her chin and silently gathered herself together. “My father recently passed and it made me realize how fragile life is. I’d always wondered what city life was like and I decided to take the risk.”
Taking risks was certainly something he could understand and appreciate. He hadn’t gotten this far without stepping outside the proverbial box and taking his own chances in business. He understood her need to be out on her own, away from her family, and he instantly admired her drive and independence.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” he told her. “I have to admit, I’m impressed that you took such a leap.”
“No time like the present,” she stated with that same confident smile that punched him with another dose of arousal.
“You have a degree in design.” Nigel glanced at the portfolio photos on his computer screen he’d been looking at before she’d arrived. “These are pretty impressive. Why the switch to media? Did you just want to make a change?”
She shrugged one delicate shoulder. “Why can’t I do both? I’ve always loved design and I’m fascinated by media. Who knows? Maybe one day I can design living spaces and work areas for the stars. This is a good step in that direction.”
Nigel leaned forward, lacing his fingers together on his desk. “Is that what you’re hoping to gain here? The chance to meet celebrities and get your foot in the door?”
Roslyn opened her mouth, but he quickly held up his hand. “I’m not judging,” he added. “I think it’s brilliant.”
“You got me,” she laughed. “I’m always thinking ahead. I figure if I’m going to take the leap into a new kind of market, why not make it a big one? I want to cover a wide variety and when I have my own company, I’ll be well versed in all the things.”
“That’s exactly the type of asset I want on my team,” he told her. “What’s your favorite food?”
Roslyn blinked, then laughed. “Excuse me?”
“Favorite food.”
“Um... I don’t know. I guess sushi. Why?”
“I like to have dinner meetings and I want to make sure I choose something you’ll enjoy.”
He hated most kinds of sushi, but this was New York. Plenty of places served a wide variety that could accommodate both of them. For now, though, he wasn’t quite ready to end this talk and he wasn’t ready to dive right into work, though that’s exactly what he should have been doing.
“Why don’t I show you around,” he said, coming to his feet.
Craig would’ve normally tour new employees, but Nigel had already blocked this morning off because he wanted to do so personally... Now he wished he had let Craig retain that honor.
“There are aspects of this company that you should know from day one,” he continued. “I want you to be comfortable and think of this as your second home for as long as you’re employed here. We’re all friendly and, for the most part, we all get along.”
Roslyn stood and eased her purse back onto her shoulder. “That’s impressive with such a big corporation. I’m excited to be part of something so positive.”
As committed as he was to making sure his staff all worked well together, he wouldn’t settle for anything less, Nigel needed a little more drama and action on the set of Secret Lives. The show couldn’t afford to be all sweetness and niceness all the time. There needed to be a reason for viewers to tune back in, excited to see what would happen next—but right now, he just didn’t have the answers.
He did, however, have a new consultant eager to see the offices and he might just have to take her to the penthouse suite and show her that breathtaking rooftop view. The penthouse was used on occasion for special events with the staff since it had a large boardroom table and full kitchen. But, it also had a private en suite that he would sometimes stay in when his office hours became too long and he just needed to crash.
His job right now was to save his show, and this woman may be one of the most striking and gorgeous consultants he’d ever seen, but he needed her and he wasn’t going to do anything to jeopardize his show...especially by hitting on his newest hire.
“We’ll start with the best part of the entire building.”
Nigel gestured to the lift in the corner.
“Your own private elevator?” she asked, with a half grin. “I’m impressed.”
“There are perks to being the CEO.”
And as the CEO, it was his responsibility to remain 100 percent professional, 100 percent of the time.
He
