The Pitch: City Love 2 Read Online Free

business. And more importantly, I’ve won the pitches.”
    He’d just said the magic word: pitches. That was where I was right now. I was out there pitching Grounded Marketing, trying to win the favor of the big brands.
    “So let’s start with the pitches, then,” I told him. “I’m about to pitch to a big bank and I want their business. It would double our revenue, increase our current staff and skyrocket our reputation. How can you help and why should I trust you?”
    Paul’s lips transformed into a slow, lazy smile and I was reminded of how little I knew about this man. “Bring me in on the pitch. I want in. The meetings, the strategy, all of it. I’ll make the time to help.”
    I sat back in my seat and released a long breath. That was quite an offer. “Why? This is a confidential pitch. I need to know I can trust you,” I repeated.
    “You can trust me.” His blue eyes were fixed on mine.
    “I still need to know why. I’m stubborn, if you haven’t noticed.”
    “It’s a good quality to have,” he returned smoothly. “I’m serious. Too many people view it as a negative trait, but if you’re going to succeed in business you need that sort of tenaciousness.”
    “Thanks.” It was my turn to offer him a smile. “You still haven’t answered my question.”
    He laughed and I like the way it was soft and deep. Then his expression sobered. “The truth is, I’m bored, Madeleine. I’ve built my business. We’ve won the big clients and I’ve got capable people working for me. I love the challenge of pitching. I miss it,” he finished earnestly.
    This man was full of surprises. “So why not leave? Start a new business? You’ve obviously got the capability and talent,” I said.
    “It’s not possible.”
    “Surely – ”
    “Surely I would have done it already if I could.” His voice was terse and his words clipped short.
    I closed my mouth. I wanted answers, but now wasn’t the time to push him on it.
    “Alright,” I said eventually. His offer was too good to refuse. Someone with his pitching experience could mean the difference between winning and losing this piece of business. “You’re in. Next pitch meeting is Thursday three pm in my boardroom.”
    He nodded, satisfied. “Send me a meeting invite, along with all the documentation I’ll need.”
    “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for?” I asked. “I’m not a prima donna, but this is my company and it’s my show. You should know that.”
    He replied with a relaxed smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Chapter 4
    “Dillon Singh. Tall, dark, handsome. Twenty-eight years old. And earning a killing working in IT for a big bank,” Scarlett concluded.
    I sat back and observed my three girlfriends, who were looking very pleased with themselves. They’d been at me all week to go on a date with the guy.
    “I suppose I deserve this,” I muttered.
    Cate reached over and squeezed my arm reassuringly. “You deserve to be happy.”
    Ever the optimist, Cate Harmon’s bright green eyes stared back at me. Cate was the completion of our little quartet. She was using all her charm to convince me that blind dating was a good idea. Despite her sunny outlook on life, I wasn’t convinced.
    “Whose idea was this one?” I asked dryly.
    Cate’s hand shot up and I reached out and pushed it down lightly. Honestly, it was hard to get angry with her. Cate was just so damn pleasant.
    “Owen from work knows him. I’ve met him briefly once or twice and he comes recommended as a really decent guy.” Cate brushed her straight, shoulder length blond hair away from her face and leaned in to look at me intently. “Aren’t you just a little bit curious?”
    Curious? Yes. Scared? Definitely. I was still recovering from Scarlett’s speed dating evening, although admittedly Cate’s recommendation held more promise.
    “Oh, alright. I’ll do it,” I told them. Cate squealed and looked ready to jump up and dance for joy, so I