He reclines back in the chair and crosses his arms. “What I mean is, you’re going to have to develop a new revenge scheme for Ericson, right?” He arches an eyebrow. “It’s not as if you can bait him as an escort again.”

I don’t like that he’s put this much thought into it, but he’s right. I doubt Ericson will call on my services again after the way I left him…holding his aching balls. I have to devise a different strategy to get access to his office computer, or construct a new revenge plan altogether.

“That’s not really any of your concern,” I say, and start again to stand.

“Hear me out.” His wide eyes implore me to listen. “I have a mandatory week of vacation time, and I know I’m going to lose my mind just sitting around my apartment. Let me make last night up to you. Let me help you with this one job for the next few days.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need help.”

“I believe you.” His gaze touches mine, a depth there that I envy. “But I do have a number of programs that just might sweeten the deal.”

I inhale a deep breath as I consider his offer. He did track me down, an ability that requires a certain notable skillset, I admit. I should’ve felt threatened—any other rational person would—but I was impressed. That’s ultimately why I set up this meeting, to evaluate him.

He’s definitely intelligent and has unique skills that could be beneficial. I could use him for this job…then ghost him if it gets weird. Maybe I’ll get a couple new fun programs out of the deal to make it worth my time.

“Say I consider this offer,” I say, gauging him closely. “What do you get out of it?”

He places his hands behind his head, relaxed, at ease. “I don’t know. Excitement. A break in monotony. What I was looking for at the club and found exceedingly lacking.”

All right. Maybe I can use him. My identity with Ericson is blown. Starting from scratch means money, spending capital, losing the profit I’ll make on the job—and Ericson did seem to glom on to this guy. “What do you know about company finances?”

He lowers his arms, taking my question seriously. “I know math. So…give me the afternoon to learn the rest.”

“Cocky,” I remark. But I like it. I’m pretty cocky myself in knowing my strengths. “Okay then. I hope I don’t regret this.” I swipe a napkin and jot down a location. “We’ll meet up here at noon. Bring your best toys.”

As I hike back toward Tribeca, I replay the past half hour in my head, looking for any cues I missed. Honestly, despite his annoying incessantness, I like Alex. I like very few people. He’s different, interesting.