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crossing his hands over his stomach. ‘We operate in a fairly small space in this part of the world, and it wouldn’t look good to be seen poaching the rising stars of a firm we may want to collaborate with at some stage.’
    Ginny nodded vigorously. It was in her best interest to run the ad without the RK brand, or ‘blind’. Not only would it give interested candidates no choice but to go through her, it would also keep other recruiters from waving their applicants under Robert’s nose.
    ‘Of course, Robert. I understand perfectly. If you hadn’t requested we handle it that way, I would have recommended it. This is a critical recruitment project for your business, and the tighter we manage it, the better the result.’
    Jackson took the lead again and went over some old ground, asking about her experience, the types of clients she worked with, how long she’d been in business for herself, and how many people worked for her.
    ‘At this stage it is just me at Shine, Jackson.’ She looked at him unflinchingly; she was proud of her business, regardless of the size. ‘I have an excellent assistant to help with the admin associated with this type of project. However, when it comes to the work itself, I’m it.’
    Robert cleared his throat. ‘I think we’re less concerned about your ability to do the work than about your capacity to manage something of this scope, in the timeframes required, alongside other projects you may have on the go.’
    ‘Without sounding too direct, Robert, that’s my problem. I’m confident I can deliver results for you, and keep my business afloat, if that’s what you’re asking.’
    Robert looked across at Jackson, and they exchanged a small nod. Signalling they were finished, the two men closed their copies of her proposal.
    Robert pushed back his chair and got up. ‘Thanks, Ginny, that’s all we need for now.’
    ‘Great, well, thanks, Robert … Jackson.’ She shook their hands and, slightly wrong-footed by the abrupt ending, turned and made for the door.
    Ginny nodded to Camilla and headed for the stairs. She didn’t have a clue how that had gone. Couldn’t call it either way. It was Wednesday today — surely, she’d hear by the weekend?
    Reaching the bottom floor, she started as the main door opened. She stepped aside to give way and then looked up in surprise when a familiar voice spoke her name.
    ‘Miles,’ she grimaced. ‘Hello.’
    ‘Good to see you, Ginny. Although I have to say I’m surprised you’re here. How did it go?’ His smile was still charming, although she knew for a fact what made it so attractive was several thousand dollars’ worth of cosmetic dentistry.
    ‘Fine, thanks.’ She made for the door as he stepped closer. ‘Good luck,’ she threw over her shoulder, heading outside.
    Ginny hurried out into the hot sun and took a deep breath. It may have taken her several years to work it out for herself, but Mac had been right: Miles was indeed a prick. He was still reputable in the Auckland market, and although she had long since given up trying to work out what the captains of industry saw in his style, Ginny had to acknowledge that she had fallen for it once, too. Her own mistakes aside, she would think a hell of a lot less of Robert and the enigmatic Jackson if they fell for Miles’ backslapping bonhomie.
    Ginny walked away from Parnell and back towards the city. It was a bit of a walk up and over the hill, especially in heels, but she had time before the afternoon’s interviews. The sunshine and fresh air might help shake off the disquiet of bumping into Miles.
    Everyone was entitled to one truly awful mistake when it came to the opposite sex, and Miles had certainly been hers. With the beauty of hindsight and a few more years in her own skin she could appreciate that she had been too naïve and lacking a strong-enough sense of self to realise that Miles was nothing but bad.
    He’d shown his true colours soon after he left his wife and they