Page 40 of Grumpy Boss in Love
“That’s not important.” She stood up and the Ruby-spark was back. Her eyes gleamed with fierce determination as she marched over to my desk. She put down the coffee cup and then slapped her palms on the desk’s surface. She was geared up for an intense negotiation it seemed.
Amused, I sat back and waited for her next words. With Ruby, you just never knew what would come out of her mouth. She was full of surprises.
“I’ve got stipulations.”
I nodded. “And I’ve got a contract?—”
“Forget your already drafted contract, Elliot. You’re going to have to make some changes to it anyway.”
My eyebrows elevated. “I am?”
Ruby nodded. “You are.”
I gazed at her, not sure whether to be amused or pissed. I mean, who was the CEO here? How did Ruby always manage to torpedo my authority? Better yet, why did I let her? Because no one else could get away with this shit. Pulling in a deep breath, I sat back and said, “Alright. Shoot.” Curiosity got the better of me. What would she demand? More money?
“About the money.”
I folded my arms over my chest. “Of course.” It was always about the money. Admittedly, I was disappointed because I thought Ruby was different.
“You can keep your seven figures.”
I blinked. That was unexpected.
“I want just enough.”
“Just enough… meaning?” This negotiation was already getting interesting.
Ruby looked skyward and exhaled. “I’m tired, Elliot. Tired of being hit on by men ogling my tits and ass every night. Tired of the hectic dash to get here on time every morning after working all night.”
My eyes widened slightly because now I’d be thinking about said tits and ass. My gaze compulsively lowered to her chest, but I regained my control and brought it back to her face. See? Like I said… You never knew what she’d say next.
“You can pay me enough to cover my rent for the next three months. That’s about how long it’ll take me to finish my internship and land a job. I’ll need the first month’s rent pronto, by the way.” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, and throw in a few extra bucks so I can get a decent car. I love my old Rust Bucket, but he's reached the end of the line I’m afraid.”
Her sad smile almost made me smile. “That’s really all you want?” I asked.
She held up a finger. “I’m not done yet.”
“Okay...”
“The most I’ll require money-wise is enough to pay the first six months’ rent for a decent office space in the city.”
I sat taller. That request was surprising. I was almost certain that if I’d offered most twenty-three-year-olds millions, they’d take it and forget about work to “live their best life” as they liked to say. Not Ruby Bennet. “You really think you’re ready to start that business?”
“Of course not. But when I am…” She shrugged. “You were right. It’s going to take money. The money you’re going to give me will sit in a secured account until I’m ready for it, whether it be two or five years from now. As long as I get a financial head start when I’m ready to branch out on my own, I’ll be okay. I’m sure your lawyer will work out that part of the contract fairly.” She gave me a pointed look. “I’ll be reading the fine print.”
I had to fight back yet another smile… one of approval. “I’m sure you will. Is that all?”
“Not by a long shot. Money is all good and well, but it’s not the most important thing.”
I tilted my head to study her more intently. It was just one surprise after the other with her. “Then what is?”
“For me, at this point in my life, it’s job security.”
I nodded. “You want a job here after your internship?”
“No. I mean, sure, but that I can land on my own.”
My eyebrows puckered. “Then what exactly can I do for you?”