Page 5 of Irresistible

Chapter 4

The room stood silent and everyone sitting in it stood transfixed as Richard finished his presentation. The young CEO had a way of making everyone feel as though they were part of the executive team, even though they had no say whatsoever in bank policy or overall guidance. His unique combination of charisma and humility made him utterly endearing to anyone who had the pleasure of listening to him speak. He was exactly what every corporation would want in their CEO. Local Citizens Bank was lucky to have him, and everyone knew it, most of all Richard.

“Well, folks, thank you so much for putting up with my boring spiel for the last half-hour. Why don’t we go ahead and get lunch? It’s on me,” Richard said quickly, clapping his hands to signify the transition from work to play.

“Where would you like to go, Mr. Grant?” Jim said, holding the door open to let employees out of the room.

“Oh, Jim. You can call me Richard. Nobody needs to be formal with me. We’re all friends here,” Richard replied, flashing his trademark smile. Jim gushed like he had just found his knight in shining armor.

“Right. Well, Richard, we’re pretty particular to a restaurant called Green Place. It’s a modern fusion take on the classic steakhouse. Really, it’s the only place in town where you can get Pad Thai and a decent steak in the same meal.”

“That sounds great to me. Cody, can you call them and see if they have room for us. I think we’ll need room for about fifteen people,” Richard said, holding up his index finger to count the people in the branch.

The group loaded into their cars and took off separately to the restaurant. Richard always found these branch lunches inspired camaraderie and increased morale. After all, they say that they way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Why not make the best of it?

Everyone spread out across three tables that stood adjacent to one another. The waiter came by and pushed them together to make one large table for the entire group. Richard sat down at the head of the table, commanding the gaze of everyone else as they placed their drink and lunch orders. Jim was seated to his right, and Scarlet was seated to his left.

“By the way, if anyone wants to order something a little more fun to drink, feel free. As long as no one’s getting sloshed, I’m not opposed to it,” Richard said in an effort to answer the question that served as the elephant in the room.

“This guy knows how to have fun!” Jim exclaimed, immediately regretting his interjection. The awkward moment passed with no comment other than a brief, fake smile from Richard.

Everyone placed their drink orders and ordered their various entrees. The conversation started out feeling incredibly forced, but naturally loosened up as the drinks arrived. The group heeded Richard’s guidelines regarding their alcohol consumption, but the mood was certainly more laid back once everyone had a cocktail in them.

“Scarlet, tell me a little bit about yourself,” Richard said, feeling a little bit of his confidence return to him as the amber stout in his pint glass dwindled.

Scarlet felt giddy. Sure, it was just small talk, but Richard was choosing to speak to her. He was at least interested in her background. She told herself that she had to behave, and resolved to treat him as a boss. But her martini was making that a little more difficult than it was when they first sat down. The two had not exchanged words since entering the restaurant. Scarlet had contented herself by catching up with Jim. There was never any shortage of things to talk about when Jim was around. He was always good for a raunchy club story.

“Well, what would you like to know?” Scarlet asked, kicking herself for what she felt was a dumb response.

“Where are you from? Where did you go to college? What sorts of things interest you outside of work?” Richard asked in his classic, prepared manner.

Scarlet had a rather risqué answer to his last question, particularly given how handsome she found Richard under the influence of three quarters of a martini. But she was still sober enough to know not to go down that road right then.

“Well, I grew up right here in Mainsport. Born and bred. I went to State for college, and I like to rock climb and skateboard in my free time.”

“Great. Great. Mainsport seems like such a great town. Fantastic people and a really uniquely special culture. I’ve only been here for a bit, but everyone seems incredibly welcoming,” Richard said, again sounding like he was reading prepared remarks. Once you do this sort of thing enough, you know the drill.

“It really is. Hopefully, you’ll continue to enjoy your time here.”

“I hope so. Does anyone want another round of drinks? We may want to cut things off after that, but I see no harm in one more,” Richard called out, breaking from his usual tradition of keeping things as polished and professional as possible. Something made him want to be more social on this particular visit.

“I know I do,” Scarlet said, pausing to down the remainder of her martini.

“Well, that’s settled,” Richard replied, standing to walk over to the bar.

“Just as nice walking away,” Scarlet said too loudly, thinking that she was talking under her breath.

Jim held his fist to his mouth in a feeble attempt to stifle his laughter. Richard paused, wondering whether he should acknowledge the remark. He decided to let his pause speak for itself and continued on to the bar.

“You know he totally heard you, right?” Jim asked, exasperated, once Richard was out of earshot.

“Yeah, that was kind of stupid,” Scarlet acknowledged.

“Of course it was stupid! I know you have some insane crush on this guy. I mean, he’s undoubtedly the perfect man. Rich, handsome, kind, hot. I wish I could have him all for myself.”

“Okay, you. Unless you have some magic plan to turn him, don’t lose yourself in a fantasy. I know for a fact the guy has had girlfriends in the past. There are some pictures of him with women online,” Scarlet said sarcastically.

“Fair enough. Back to you. I just don’t want to see you get yourself or anyone else in trouble.”