The Ninety Days of Genevieve by Lucinda Carrington Read Free Book Online

engrossed in her work and her reply sounded sharper than she intended.
    'Well, perhaps that's the wrong word.' Fullerton perched on the side of the desk. He was wearing a fresh red carnation. 'It's just that you seemed to be getting on pretty well with him at that last meeting. I wondered why we hadn't heard from him again?'
    Genevieve looked up at Fullerton and linked her fingers together under her chin. 'What exactly is "getting on well with him" supposed to mean, George?' she asked sweetly.
    Fullerton had the grace to look uncomfortable. 'I thought maybe things were getting a little personal between you,' he replied.
    Genevieve revised her opinion of George Fullerton. He was obviously more observant than she realised. Just how flushed and uncomfortable had she looked when he interrupted James Sinclair's unorthodox inspection of her body? 'Mr Sinclair is a rather attractive man,' she said. 'We exchanged a few compliments. It's good for business. But thaf s all.'

H
    'Fine,' Fullerton said. He paused. 'Do you want my advice?'
    Genevieve smiled. 'I rather think I'm going to get it anyway.'
    'You've probably heard about Sinclair's business reputation. He hasn't made himself a millionaire by being Mr Nice Guy. I don't hold that against him, but he's got another reputation too.'
    'With the ladies?' Genevieve nodded. 'I heard.'
    'And as a manipulator of people,' Fullerton said. 'He uses them. Like chess pieces. I think he enjoys playing power games.'
    'Does that concern us?' she asked. 'With luck we could be handling his advertising. Who cares how he makes his money, as long as he keeps on making it.'
    'Have you wondered why he came to us?' Fullerton said.
    'He saw the campaigns we did for Electa and Thor-woods,' Genevieve said. 'He liked our style. We've got some very exciting talent in our creative department.' She paused. 'I think he knows we're ambitious. We want to grow. He understands that. He likes it.'
    'Maybe. But he's with Randle-Mayne at the moment. They already handle several international accounts. Why does he want to move?'
    'He's not happy with them. He told me that much. Creative differences.'
    Fullerton shrugged. 'He's hard to please. We've all heard that. And Randle-Mayne haven't been the same since they lost Steve Farmer. Ifs just that I'd like to know if Sinclair's really serious about moving or whether he's just playing with us for reasons of his own. Maybe using us to get at someone else. It's the sort of thing he'd do, and, frankly, I don't like the idea of Barringtons being used like that. We've got an image to consider. I wonder if he's approached anyone else?'
    'He didn't say so,' said Genevieve blankly.
    Fullerton stared down at her. 'What about your feminine intuition? Did that give you any hints about his motives?'
    'Really, George, what a sexist remark. I'm a businesswoman. I deal in facts.'
    'You've just told me you found Sinclair attractive. And you've just admitted you traded a few compliments, so you're obviously not totally immune to his masculine charms. Give me an honest opinion.'
    'The honest opinion of a poor, weak, starry-eyed woman?' Genevieve smiled. 'Well, if you must know, George, I thought Mr Sinclair was genuine.'
    'Let's hope you're right,' George Fullerton said, but he did not sound convinced. 'You've done good work for us. If you get Sinclair's account we'll be grateful. Very grateful. But first I'd make sure the account really is up for offer. I'd like to be sure Sinclair isn't just using us -and you. All I'm saying is, watch your back.' He paused, next to the door. 'And ours.'
    The door closed. That was really it, Genevieve thought. To be picked up and then dropped by a client like Sinclair would not be good for Barringtons' image. And George Fullerton had money invested in the agency. He was protecting his own interests. But what have I got to worry about? she thought. If I play along with Sinclair's games he's promised me his signature.
    The trouble was she was now beginning to