Read Online Mixed up in March (Spring River Valley Book 3) by Clarice Wynter - Free Book Online Page A

looked more plastic and less charming than she remembered. Maybe it was just her fear that after all was said and done, Mr. Todd would like his presentation better, but there was just something about Archer that turned her off.
    He seemed oblivious, though, to her lack of interest, and gave his presentation as though he were speaking directly to her.
    When Archer’s team concluded, both Frank and Mr. Todd applauded enthusiastically. The VP appeared especially impressed. He liked things glossy and clean, and Emerson began to fear Jared might not be able to win him over with his simpler, more straightforward approach.
    She thanked Dan and his people and escorted them out of the room. “I appreciate you coming to see us. We will be in touch with you by the end of the week with our final decision.”
    Dan let his fingers brush hers. “Good,” he whispered. “Then maybe we can get to that dinner we were discussing.”
    She ignored him, not because she wanted to lead him on but because Jared and his team were just coming up the hallway toward the conference room , led by Mr. Todd’s secretary. She offered Archer a polite smile and headed back into the conference room to speak with her bosses before the next team came in.
    “We love it,” Frank said. “That was outstanding. I can’t imagine you could have anything better to show us.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Jared couldn’t help but notice the guy from Metro Ads leaning in awfully close to Emerson to whisper something in her ear. She seemed to ignore him, but her gaze followed him as he led his team down the corridor past Ed Reese, Jared and the two junior account managers they’d brought along. Ed stopped to speak to Metro Ads ’ team leader, and the short exchange was only friendly on the surface. Old rivalries ran deep. Apparently Metro’s CEO had been a student of Ed the Third and had stolen a few clients years back, so the gossip went.
    Jared nodded to the Metro people and kept his eyes on the guy who had been chatting up Emerson. As he passed, he spoke over the shoulder of the man in front of him, just loud enough for Jared to hear. “Don’t worry, Len. We’ve got this all sewn up. Did you see the brunette? She’s their Corporate Image rep, and she’s hot for me. I’ve been warming her up a little, if you know what I mean.” Jared whirled around, anger flaring, but Ed Reese called him, and the Metro people had already turned a corner in the narrow corridor and were gone. He’d have followed the guy and demanded an explanation, but now wasn’t the time.
    He followed Ed into TCL’s richly appointed conference room, and they greeted Frank Eckert and George Todd. Emerson introduced herself and Ed and Jared to her bosses.
    “Jared Barton?” Eckert said.
    Jared immediately noticed Emerson’s face begin to redden. “Yes, sir.”
    “That name sounds familiar. Have we met?”
    “No, sir.” He wanted to add, not in person, but that would all but give away the connection.
    “Hmm. You sound very familiar.”
    Jared only shrugged. How could he say they’d spoken on the phone when Eckert had called his room looking for Emerson?
    “Why don’t we get started with the presentation?” Emerson interrupted. “I think you’re going to see why I prefer DenMar’s campaign to Metro’s. I hope you’ll share my vision.”
    Ed nodded , and Jared began the presentation. Their mock-up commercial played on the overhead screen, and both he and Ed read the voiceovers they’d prepared and talked about the direction for a dynamic ad campaign that would grow as the company went from national to global in the years ahead.
    When they finished, both Eckert and Todd sat in silence. Jared’s heart pounded so hard he was certain everyone in the room could hear it. If one more second went by with no one speaking he was sure he would burst.
    “Thank you all so much for coming today,” Emerson’s voice broke the silence, then a loud noise followed her words.
    Everyone turned to