Jess stood behind her pedestal desk, trying to surreptitiously switch her weight back and forth between her equally aching feet. Stupid heels. Why did her job demand her to be in high heels? Looking over the high-end sales floor filled with art and antiques, she took a deep breath. The huge warehouse sized sales floor required more involvement than typical sales. With Owen loosely monitoring the cameras and the coms in each employee’s ears for any stress words and Jess swooping in to support but not steal sales, the whole team was improving and growing stronger.
As she glanced around, Owen’s voice echoed into her ear through the com. “Rich guy just walked in. Your turn Jess.”
Straightening her skirt, Jess approached the tall man standing just inside the doors. His dark brown, almost black hair was combed back in a smooth sleek wave. Tall, dark, and gorgeous as all get out.
“Anything I can help you with?” She asked politely, maintaining a distance to make sure he didn’t feel pressured by her proximity.
His dark eyes shot to her face before slowly taking her in. Head to toe. Jess tried not to shiver under the onslaught of jagged nerves prickling her skin.
“Yes.” He answered smoothly, not stopping his studied perusal and definitely not ashamed he was caught looking her over. “I was looking through the online inventory list and came to see what would fit my needs best.”
Jess tamped down the urge to blush. “Could you tell me what pieces you are interested in and we can start there.” Most people came in with a list. But he was the first one to make her feel like she was on it. The suave smile he flashed her way almost made her want to be. Almost.
With a cough she raised her eyebrows. “Did you bring that list with you, Mr. …?”
“Quinn. Quinn Davison.”
Professional. Stay professional. When he still didn’t pull out any list she asked again. “Your list, Mr Davison?”
“Oh.” He flashed her another heart-stopping smile. “The list. Right.” Slowly he pulled out a neatly folded paper, keeping his eyes on her. He handed it over to her, pausing as their hands touched.
She glanced through the list. “Any favorites that stand out? We can see those first.”
“No, no favorites. And I have the time to see them all today.” He held out his arm. “Lead the way Jessica.” She glanced down at her name tag. Figures.
For the next hour they went from painting to vase to antique. Jess realized quickly that she wasn’t dealing with a guy who wanted expensive art as a sign of success. He wanted histories, past owners, and quirks that made each piece special. Jess delighted in being able to share her extensive knowledge with someone so interested as well as interesting.
Jess saw Chloe, her overly flirtatious coworker, converging on her with fire in her eyes. As soon as Mr Davison faced Chloe though, that sweet angelic charm surfaced. Chloe smoothly interrupted. “Jess, Leon has an issue with an order. Would you mind if I helped out your handsome customer for a few minutes while you take care of it?” The sweetness oozed out her mouth and Jess had to swallow her frustration. This was what she had been working towards, having the team look to her to solve problems.
“If you would excuse me Mr Davison. It appears I am needed. Chloe can help you with whatever you need, while I look into the matter.”
Mr Davison actually looked disappointed. At least Jess hoped that was what she glimpsed before heading off to track down Leon. With any luck Chloe wouldn’t lose the sale by not knowing enough information. Her sales were mostly based on batting her eyes.
“Owen, where’s Leon?” She snapped through the com once she was far enough away.
In seconds Owen’s voice sounded in her ear, “Receiving doors. I told Chloe that Leon could handle it.”
Jess sighed. “Thanks Owen.”
Minutes later, Leon’s problem had been solved and Jess began her search for Chloe. She was only halfway through the room when Owen crackled in through the earpiece. “Go save your sale, Jess.”
“What?” Jess asked, startled.
“Chloe isn’t asking for help but she is losing your customer quick.” Owen chimed. “R-7”
Immediately she turned and made her way over to R-7. She found a near tearful Chloe and an upset Mr Davison.
Cautiously she approached, “Everything alright over here?”
Mr Davison whirled to face her. “This woman knows nothing of these pieces. Furthermore, she also attempted to…” He paused, still livid. She patiently watched him take a deep breath, not looking Chloe’s way. “Jessica, is there a day that you will be working that you would be able to assist me when this woman will not be here?”
Her eyes wide, Jess shook her head. “I am so sorry for whatever has happened. I don’t know what days she works, but I do want to make sure you don’t leave here dissatisfied.”
He nodded. “I will take that up with Eric this evening.”
Chloe whimpered slightly when she heard the owner’s name.
Instinctively Jess placed her hand on his. “Please tell me how we can fix this Mr Davison.”
His eyes softened as he glanced down at her hand. “Call me Quinn.”
“Quinn.” She smiled in genuine surprise.
“Come to dinner with me.”
Jess dropped her hand from his. “Dinner?”
He nodded slowly.
“Is this coercion to get me to go on a date with you?” She whispered.
He laughed. “As delightful as a date with you sounds, tonight’s invitation is solely to discuss business with you and Eric.”
Her mind whirling at the thought of having dinner with the boss of her bosses, she subconsciously stepped closer to him and nodded.
By then Chloe was catching on that she was going to get out of this whole fiasco with no trouble and dried her tears. Without a word she stalked off.
“Are you going to say yes?” Owen’s voice chirped in Jess’ ear. “Say yes! You so deserve it.”
Startled by the voice in her head she laughed. “I would love to join you for dinner tonight.”
Quinn dipped his head down, his hand tilting her chin up to his. “And what about another time. As a date?” He whispered.
Cocking her head to the side, she freed her chin enough to look up into his eyes with a snarky little grin. “I think I’m going to make you work a little harder for a real date. Mr. Davison.”
He chuckled. “It’s Quinn.”
“I know.” She paused to draw out the silence before capitulating. “Quinn.”
