Page 2 of In The Game
What else… he’s thirty-three. I don’t pass the half-your-age-plus-seven rule, but hopefully he’s either bad at math or doesn’t care. On my way over, I smooth out my short dress, and he catches my eye. The subtle glances from before are nothing in comparison to locking eyes with each other. A wave of energy passes between us. Goose bumps roll down my arms.This guy’s already giving me the fuzzies and I haven’t even climbed on his dick yet.
He beams at me—nice smile. I’m very glad the other girls went home. He stands—holy fuck, that is a tree I would love to climb—then walks toward me. I return his grin just as another girl intercepts, record-scratching my whole plan. She’s got her hands all over him like they’re old friends.Damn it.If I move in now, I’ll look trashy and desperate. Although, that isn’t far from the truth.
Okay, new target. I’ll get someone close to him. I need to save face—and quick. There’s a guy nearby looking at me—that will have to do. The man is older and clean shaven, and dressed like he came from the office. I’ll talk to him for a bit and then be on my way.
“Hey, are you working tonight?”
Huh? How does he know that?
“Yeah, actually, I was. How did you know?”
He smiles big. “I was watching you earlier. I’m the Chief Officer of Operations at Method Marketing, we partnered with Billboard Promotions for tonight’s event. You did a great job.”
“Oh! Thank you! I’m Raleigh Dunham.”
“Rob Waters.”
Now that I know I was being watched, I’m happy I had a successful night with some guests. “I heard we were working in tandem, but I didn’t know anyone from Method was going to be on-site.”
“I like to show up and make sure the campaign is running smoothly. Can I buy you a drink?”
I guess I’m networking tonight instead. “Something from Citra?”
“When in Rome…”
“I’ll take a raspberry sour if they have any left.” It’s one of their most popular brews. I tried a sample of all the beers before tonight and made notes on each one so I was knowledgeable with potential customers and investors. The raspberry was by far my favorite.
When he comes back with a glass, we cheers and each take a sip.
“So how long have you been working for Billboard.”
“Technically, I’m a contractor, but I’ve been with them for two years now. How long have you been with Method?”
He raises his eyebrows and blows out a breath. “Wow, I guess I’m coming up on twelve years now. You’re making me feel old.” He chuckles, and I laugh with him.
“Are you in school?”
“Wrapping up my degree in marketing. I go to the U of M.”
“That’s great, any plans for what you want to do after you graduate?”
“Hopefully be employed!” I inwardly cringe at my brilliant answer.
He grins anyway, and I appreciate it. “Well, let me give you my card.” He pulls out his wallet and hands it over. “Text me whenever. I’m actually looking for an executive assistant. It wouldn’t be working events like this, but it pays well and could get your foot in the door.”
I run my fingers over the smooth embossed letters of the Method Marketing logo. They’re a big firm in the Twin Cities. I’d miss the parties though.
“Wow, thank you so much. I’ll think about it.”
When I glance back at the section of hockey players, Barrett has the same girl still with him. They are sitting close enough to touch. A pang of jealousy hits me square in the chest, but I ignore it, paste on a smile, and turn back to Rob.
“Tell me more about the type of projects you work on.”
Thankfully, Rob’s a great conversationalist. We spend the next hour chatting about Method Marketing and current events. He’s a cool guy, but not the one I had my sights set on. After an hour of watching some other girl hold Barrett’s attention, I decide it’s time to close out the night, say goodbye to Rob, and grab a ride home.
At least I might have found a start to my career.
TWO