Skylar is sipping his coffee, staring out of the window. The naughty strand of hair is still sticking up on the top of his head. I should probably tell him about it, but I do not really want to. The boy looks too cute for me to ruin it. He has finally managed to get rid of the annoying tie and the tight jacket. The expensive, silk button-up shirt looks good on him. My gaze falls on the soft curve of his ear and the velvety skin of his neck. It still bears the pleasant blush, a reminder of the ordeal I put him through. Poor Sky. I must be the shittiest boss he could find.

   I remember the first time I saw him in the university cafeteria. He did not know anyone, and you could tell from a mile away that it made him uncomfortable as hell. I did not sit on his table out of pity, though. I know this is going to sound damn crazy, but I felt an overwhelming desire to find out what he smelled like. He definitely looked like someone who would wear a signature perfume. I was not wrong at all. His face pops into my mind every time I get a whiff of Acqua Di Gio since that day. 

   I love the fact that Sky is not one of our well-educated, well-off peers who use every spare second, in which they do not make money, to sweat in the gym in pursuit of the elusive, killer six-pack abs. He has never been that type. I have always wondered why he studied business. He seemed like a person who would rather do art. The boy is still pure, genuine, and disarmingly charming, very different from anyone I know. 

   In addition, I have absolutely nothing against a round, big booty. I swear, the one right in front of my eyes is a masterpiece. If there is one thing I regret about my college years, it is the fact that I never hooked up with him. I wanted to, but I also thought it would be the meanest thing to do. I was wild, but not an irresponsible arsehole. It was more than obvious that he was not a guy for a one-night stand. I wanted to make the most of my freedom and focus on my career. There was no room for relationships. I would have ruined everything and broken his heart. He deserved better. So, I kept a distance.

   "Hey!" Sky peeks at me over his shoulder and shyly smiles. "Did I mess up too bad?"

   "You were brilliant," I sincerely answer and glue myself to his back so that I can whisper in his ear. "Did you see Mauro's face when you caught him lying? He was hilarious. It will also cost him lots of money, 'cause there is no way that I'm signing under five million. How did you know, by the way?"

   "Oh, umm... it just seemed quite far-fetched. I guess The Big A does not spend his time rummaging through fashion models portfolios and discussing marketing strategies. Not when he pays people for the job." He scratches his head and adds. "I do not like Mauro very much. Mauricio, on the other hand, seems a nice guy, but his agent is... is..."

   "A dick?" I chuckle. "You can say it. They can't hear us."

   "Hush!" Sky giggles quietly. "Sorry... I have been wondering about something."

   "What?" I lean my back on the glass and study his face. It looks even better up close. I did not know I was into freckles. Skylar's are really nice and suit him perfectly. I have never believed in second chances either. What if I start from right now? Maybe if I act carefully and do not overdo it...

   "Umm... I noticed how Mauro was bragging about which fashion brands wanted to work with their agency. It is important for their reputation, right?" Sky bends closer. I can not help but breathe in the familiar scent. He goes on, "And who is currently the largest cosmetics manufacturer in Europe?"

   "De Angelis Corporation," I answer, gazing at him with admiration. I got myself a smartie. "What exactly is your point?"

   "They want... No, they actually NEED to work with us more than we want to work with them," he excitedly concludes. "The agency is playing hard to get, and trying to intimidate us. Mauro pretends to hold all the aces. However, the offered advertising strategy is completely wrong. I do not think their creative director has worked with cruise line customers before. She has no clue about the target group. They surely made some research, but you have to experience it. The truth is that our company is in the pole position. We only have to show them we are aware of it."

   "What do you propose?" Skylar is absolutely right, but if I directly reject the strategy and bid, who can guarantee that they will agree to start over from a scratch. No other agency can provide us with the proper advertising media. This is a tricky situation. All or nothing. 

   "I am not qualified to..." he starts, but I interrupt him.

   "How about you?" I ask, throwing him in utter bewilderment.

   "What about me?" Sky mumbles. His voice is full of suspicion.

   "Do you know the target group?" I clarify. "Do you have any experience with cruising? Have you got any idea what kind of people travel on those ships and how to capture their attention?"

   "Well... I... I do not like where this is going." He takes a step away from me as if I were going to infect him with some contagious disease. "I literally grew up on cruise liners... but, as I said, I am not qualified..."

   "Yes, you are. Sky, you have a Master's degree in management." I step towards him, pinning him against the window. He has nowhere to run. "You are practically more educated than me. Also, I have never been on a cruise ship in my life."

   "No!" he defensively raises his hands.

   "Sì, sì, caro. Certo che lo faccio (Yes, yes, darling. Of course, yes)." I grin. He frowns. "I am your boss. This is your next assignment. You can't say no."

   "Stop repeating it," Sky hisses. "You are no boss, but a real tyrant."

   "Senior Marchetti, shall we resume our discussion?" The agent approaches us with a fake smile. "We do not have the whole day. My next meeting with Gucci starts at..."

   I grip Skylar's arm and drag him to the door. Next meeting my ass! Enough theatrical performances. "I apologize, Mr. Mauro, but you will have to excuse us for a few more minutes. I need to speak to my deputy in private. We'll be back soon. Meanwhile, our receptionist Giulia will serve some snacks and drinks. If you cannot devote the time required to our company, please do not hesitate to leave. My assistant will contact you and book another appointment for next week. Unfortunately, my schedule is full for this one."

***

A/N

Hello, at the end of Chapter 14.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting ❤️❤️❤️

Sky's situation is getting even more complicated.

What do you think is the assignment, which Jason is planning to give him? 😉

Were you surprised that Jason actually had a crush on Sky?

Do you think he did the right thing staying away from him?

Have fun, share your thoughts, and don't forget to vote if you liked the chapter.

Love: Anny