Fired by my Grumpy Dragon (Grumpy Monster Bosses #3)

ELEVEN

Loren

Gah! I’m still thinking about Kivrayn days later.

Because he barged in on my not-date with Erik and made poor Erik feel so uncomfortable. It’s definitely not because I can’t get that kiss off my mind.

I catch myself lifting my fingertips to my lips, remembering the heat of his breath and the feel of his claws as he tugged me closer, and I whip my hand away with a growl.

Thank god a notification from a news website catches my attention just then.

Reclusive billionaire collector poised to sell entire collection!

Oh, this could be just what I need to get my new job squared away. I click instantly, scanning the article until my eyes alight on the name: Jenny Burbage.

Oh shit! I know her. I don’t think there’s an antiques and collectibles auctioneer in the world who doesn’t know about Jenny. She’s the white whale of buyers. The Moby Dick who can sit silent the entire auction and then suddenly outbids everyone in the room in such an impressive display that it grinds the entire auction to a halt, and the next thing you know, you’re tapping the gavel and calling all done.

Selling ?

That seems strange to me. Why would someone like that suddenly decide to sell a collection they’ve been building for decades? There’s something going on here, and my gut instinct is that if I can get to the bottom of what it is, I could land the collection for Windhams and make sure Kivrayn gets nothing. This is an emotional seller. Even if she’s promised to sell to someone else, she’s liable to up and change her mind right up until the last moment. Which is perfect. Because if I know Kivrayn, I know he’s already on this.

The satisfaction it would give me to sweep this out from under him.

Mmm. It’s a delicious thought.

I stand immediately, packing away my laptop and picking up my takeout coffee. I just have to pull a few strings, and I’m sure I can convince Mr. Windham. By the time I get into the office, I already have the name of Ms. Burbage’s family solicitor and the names of all her adult children.

The man who answers the phone has a posh British accent, strikingly different from the way I remember Jenny’s. He listens to my explanation patiently. “I’m sorry, ma’am, Ms. Burbage appreciates the offer, but she’s only interested in working with people she’s met face-to-face. I know you understand the delicacy of this moment in her life.”

I quietly store that little nugget away to mull over later. “Oh, we have met. Briefly. But I feel sure she’ll remember me.” I think back to that reckless moment of stupidity as a young auctioneer just starting out. I’d run into her at a function after my first really excellent day of sales. Then proceeded to tell her to her face that she’d paid too much for the vase she’d bid for earlier that day.

I shouldn’t have done it, of course. I’d never do something so stupid now. I’d had too many drinks and didn’t think before the words left my mouth.

Ms. Burbage had laughed, the lines crinkling beside her bright blue eyes, and asked my name. I’d brazenly told her I was Loren Carandang and she should watch me. I’d be the top in the business one day.

“If I could just send a photo,” I say, praying he doesn’t hang up.

There’s a pause. “Look, if you want to waste your time, that’s for you to decide, Ms. Carandang. I’m not even certain Jenny is serious about selling. But if you send a photo, I’ll pass it on.”

“Thank you!”

I’m feeling elated, but it doesn’t last long. Two hours later, I’m writing up some listings and I get an email from the solicitor.

Dear Ms. Carandang,

Thank you for your inquiry. Ms. Burbage does indeed remember you, but she’s not comfortable dealing with anyone international right now. Frankly, she’s said she needs to be convinced to sell, and she’s only selling to the right person. I think she could only consider you and your company if you were able to make it here in person.

Daniel

Southall and Maynar Law, Londo n

Damn it.

But I’m not out of the race yet. This is such a big deal that Peter might, just might, send me to London as long as I can convince him we have a good chance at it. And I know her taste. I know a few items in the collection too. It’s worth a fortune. If I can land the collection, with all the media surrounding this, I can leverage it to make Windhams into the kind of auction house I want to work for. And overtake Firestarter’s Auction House as the top in Heartstone.

Hell, forget Heartstone. If I land this, we’ll be the top in the country!