We’re playing chess. I make a move and it takes him about a week to even acknowledge it, let alone move his pieces. It isn’t fucking easy—especially when Blend just moved closer and they might try to snatch this account away from me.

I dare you to try, Claire.

“I hope it’s not the last time.” I pause getting ready for yet another pitch. “I’ve been thinking about the account and the changes you’d like to make. The new branding. Also, how important it’s to show the roots of the winery. The beginning of Gyles Estate.”

Fuck if I’m not full of shit, but I have to try another angle. He seems like a family man. The guy reminds me of my father, and if Dad’s firm had a rich history like Gyles, I’m sure he’d want to incorporate it to his branding.

Tony’s brows draw down. “My roots, the beginning. What’s this idea you’re talking about?”

“I’d like to visit the winery and just walk around. Learn the process, get to know your family and employees. Listen to your grandparents’ stories. Maybe you can show me the old albums. I’d like to consolidate the history of Gyles Estate and make it part of your new brand.”

He nods. His lips even betray the hint of a smile.

I take it as a sign that I hit the nail on the head. Finally, after all these months, I found what he’s looking for. I’m not saying we’re ready to sign the dotted line. But after I get to know his winery from the inside out, he’ll sign it and give me the fifty percent of the total amount to initiate his campaign.

If Claire wasn’t a partner at Blend, I’d convince her to take over this project. Fuck, why am I thinking about her?

She’s your competition, Archer.

We blended pretty well together, I answer, and my dick starts to stir back into life again as I think of her.

It wasn’t enough to jack off a few times since I saw her wearing a pair of yoga pants and a sports bra. Or that after I arrived at my office I ran to my private bathroom and used my hand and my imagination.

Fuck… the things we did in my head were sinful.

“I like how you adapt,” Tony says, pushing away the lustful thoughts I’ve been carrying around. Not the place or the time, I remind my dick.

“Which means you’ll be willing to work well with others, yes?” he asks, his excitement is palatable. .

“Our company is known for having a great atmosphere with their employees,” I state, slightly confused by his question.

“Mr. Gyles,” his assistant enters the office. “Your eleven thirty is here, sir. Would you like her to wait until you’re done with Mr. Archer?”