Vanilla On Top

by C. J. Ellisson

  “Perhaps Apollo made the leap based on meeting him and seeing the man at his worst?”

  My hands wring together on my lap. “It has been increasingly difficult to keep Harvey up to speed on current facts regarding recent transfers. He could have misspoken and placed doubt in their minds.”

  “Let’s cut right to the chase, Heather.” I nod, desperately trying not to flinch. “We’re in a bind. None of the board was aware you’d taken over Harvey’s duties. I thought you’d stepped up and handled a bit more since his wife died, but not to the extent you obviously have. You’ve done an excellent job, especially in light of not having all the info you’d need to plan effectively.”

  I know he’s referring to our recent shortage of cash. If I had been aware of our company’s recent contract losses and employee issues, I could have moved investments around to free up more money…and ridden Harvey harder about meeting the credit line requirements.

  “Thank you, sir. I’m just sorry it wasn’t enough to save the company when we really needed it.”

  Mr. Sayers sits forward a little on his chair. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” My eyebrows creep up in surprise. “We want you to see if it’s possible to orchestrate things in the next few days to free up funds.”

  “Sir?”

  He looks out the window, determination in his steely gaze. “I didn’t build this company for twenty years to have it taken from me. I want to fight this buyout, as do the other board members. But we need your help.”

  “Mine? How?” If he’s asking me to do what I think, how can I keep it from Tony? How would that affect his job with his company?

  Mr. Sayers’s attention snaps back to me. “All five of us are willing to invest our personal assets to support payroll and company overhead while you liquidate and move monies around.” My eyes widen at the risk and I open my mouth to protest. He raises a hand to stall me. “We all realize the dangers. But I’ve been looking over the portfolio you’ve built and I think we can manage it. That and I’ll be putting in a personal call to the bank handling our credit line and see if we can’t get an exception on the deadline we missed.” He smiles, a sad crooked smile full of hope and strength. “It’s not over yet. What do you say?”

  Pressure settles on my chest as I struggle to voice my concerns. “Uh, it sounds like a long shot, but I’m willing to do whatever you need.” I clear my throat and glance at the floor then back up. “What does this mean for Harvey and for my position?”

  His face loses all traces of humor. “I won’t deny what Harvey hid from us all these years may be the entire firm’s undoing—and I’m really furious over it, as are the other board members. But he also helped to build the company and make it what it is today. I don’t want him involved anymore and neither does the rest of the board. He’s going to be pushed into an early retirement. If—and it’s a big if—if we can get past this mess and save the firm, his job is yours.”

  My heart expands at his words, the pressure in my chest indescribable. I’d be the first woman in the company’s history to be on the board. Granted, it’s a small board, but damn, it’s a huge step in the right direction for the all-boys crew currently holding the reins.

  I nod and lean forward. “All right, then. Let’s talk terms, first for my advancement and next for the company.”

  Surprise lights his eyes at my announcement, but a smile curves his face when he realizes I’m serious. If he thinks the board is going to get me for a cheap price because of my age or gender, then they have another think coming.

  Oliver, which he insisted I call him after my third use of Mr. Sayers, and I go to lunch after our meeting. If I can save the company, I will be granted the CFO position and a salary close to what Harvey was making. The added money will increase my financial security and bring me one step closer to a brighter future.

  At the end of our meal, Oliver reinforced the need for discretion. We can’t risk anyone from Apollo getting a whiff of what we’re planning.

  I don’t like the prospect of hiding anything from Tony, and I’m not sure I can do it. What will happen to us if I do succeed and save my company? Has he ever lost a buyout before? Could he lose his job?

  I shake my head, trying my best to dispel the guilty thoughts that my actions could hurt his career. This is the modern world and business should be separate from personal lives. Right?

  My phone vibrates in my pocket, indicating a text has come in. I draw it out and see it’s from Tony.

  How’s your day going?

  Busy, I type back. Yours?

  Same. But my thoughts keep drifting to a blue soap scrubby….any idea why? ;-)

  My face warms at the reminder of how he washed every inch of me with that scrubby this morning, until I was squirming and practically begging him to take me. And then how he made sure all my needs were met before we turned off the water.

  LOL! You were very thorough with your washing. I will give you that!

  I’m thinking of cutting out of work early, like 5. What time are you working ‘til?

  Crap. With this new plan I have a boatload of work I need to get done. I’ll be here until at least 8.

  Damn. Okay. Want to meet after? Come to my place?

  I’ve never been to his apartment. I wonder where it is. Sounds great. I’ll call you when I’m done.

  Off and on throughout the day, my thoughts trail back to him and last night. It felt like we really made progress as a couple.

  A couple. Wow. Is that what we are now? Even though we shared an incredible experience last night, I’m still not sure where I stand with him. He did mention the word relationship, which I thought would be taboo for a guy like him. Keeping him a little at arms length until we clear up the buyout might be for the best.

  My cell rings and I see it’s Carla. I answer right away. “Hey, girl. How you doing? You’re in Philly this week, right?”

  Carla groans. “Yeah. It’s been a long ass week so far. And that guy I dated last week blew me off.”

  I scramble around to remember whom she’s talking about. Oh yeah, she went out with one of the speed dating guys. “His loss. Don’t waste any more time thinking about it.”

  “Easier said than done. I was hoping I could talk you into going clubbing with me on Friday.”

  “When do you get back?” I hate clubbing and I’m hoping she’ll be getting back so late she’ll be too tired and bail on the idea.

  “I’ll be home around noon. Plenty of time to rest up and party.” I hesitate in answering and she jumps in, a cajoling tone to her voice. “Come on…don’t make me cheer up myself without you.”

  I laugh. “Oh sure, like you’d be alone for more than five minutes at any bar.”

  “That’s not the point. And besides I don’t want to pick up a guy. I want to have a girls night. Dance and forget men for a while. How about if I invite Gemma and Katrina, too? We could make a real night of it. Haven’t done that in ages.”

  In spite of my inner reservations regarding a drunken girls night, I agree. If today’s workload is any indication to go by, I might need to blow off some steam by the end of this week.

  The hours drag after our call. Dinner in my office is not fun. I never have enjoyed working late. After a certain time, the numbers blur and I can’t concentrate worth a damn. Some of the assets I need to move are thankfully on west coast time, so I get a bit more accomplished before shutting down for the night.

  Anticipation thrills through me at the prospect of showing up at the next Apollo meeting and informing them we don’t have to take their offer, no matter how much it’s for. Guilt wars within me over the underhanded negotiation techniques I used on Tony. I wonder if he’ll be able to get the higher amount approved. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the deal doesn’t fly. Seven million is no small amount.

  As I ride the elevator to my apartment, sheer exhaustion takes its toll. I don’t think we slept much last night and I’m really wiped out.

  I want to se
e Tony, but I also want to sleep so I can be recharged for the full day I’ve got ahead of me. The board wants an update at two and I want to maximize what I can report to make a good impression.

  I let myself into my apartment and drop my belongings on the dining room table. It’s almost nine and all I want to do is sleep. I grab my cell to call Tony. He answers on the second ring.

  “I was getting worried about you. It’s late.”

  “Yeah, sorry.” My voice warps a little as I suppress a yawn. “Someone kept me up late last night and I’m pooped. Who would’ve thought?”

  Tony’s masculine chuckle warms me to my very toes. “If I recall correctly, it wasn’t all my doing. You were quite the active participant.”

  “Well, I paid for it at work. Today was chock full of excitement.” Crap! I probably shouldn’t have said that.

  “Oh, really? How did your meeting go?”

  “Um, not bad. Better than expected. After all, your company did drop quite a surprise on us.” I might not be able to tell him what I’m doing, but I can speak in generalities and be safe. “The ramifications sent everyone into a tail spin, trust me.”

  “I figured that might be why you worked late. I bet you could do with a neck massage. How about it? Want the address to come over?”

  “Would you mind if we postponed ‘til tomorrow? I’m bushed.”

  Silence greets me as I wait for a response.

  “That’s fine, I understand. I’ve had days like that myself. Tomorrow it is.”

  Relief floods me at his gracious acceptance. I don’t think I could have handled guilt tonight. We end the call and I take a long, hot bath and then slip into bed. Tomorrow promises to be another long day of deciphering spread sheets, balancing losses, and organizing data to do the impossible—saving Parkerson Advertising.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tony

  I click off the phone and pace like a caged lion. There’s a tightness around my chest and I’m not sure why. Returning to the dining room, I blow out the candles on the table. She didn’t know I’d planned a light meal or set things up. I can’t take her canceling personally. It has nothing to do with me and is purely a work stress.

  One I’ve experienced many times myself over the past decade.

  Sure, I can mumble all the platitudes I’d like, but at the end of the evening, I’m the one left cleaning up the dinner and sleeping by myself. Of course, she’d be busy with the added workload our buyout offer has caused, but the disappointment still rocks me. I wonder if this is how the women I dated felt when I called last minute and bailed on them.

  Pretty shitty, no matter how you cut it.

  I clean up and place the gift I bought for her on a side table near the door. It will keep ‘til tomorrow. Waking up this morning to the unmistakable sound of an electronic camera shutter gave me a great idea, and I checked her camera before slipping into the bathroom. It didn’t bother me that she was taking pictures—hearing the camera shutter was kind of sexy.

  I took another moment while she was getting dressed to reexamine the pictures hanging throughout her apartment. She has a real eye for the medium. After cutting out of work at five, I spent my early evening shopping for the best professional camera money can buy. I can’t wait to surprise her with it.

  Most women want fancy clothes or jewels. But I have a feeling the way to this woman’s heart is by unconventional means—and I aim to find it, no matter what.

  Climbing into the large, empty bed in the company apartment, I can’t help but wish I was at Heather’s place. This unit might be huge and tastefully decorated, but nothing in it is mine except for the clothes. I need time in Jersey this weekend, working on my building to regain balance.

  Maybe Heather would like to see my place. I’ve never taken a woman there. I wonder if it’s too soon. Will she balk if I move faster than she’d like?

  I roll over and punch my pillow, too keyed up to sleep and annoyed that I’m confused like a teenager on what to do regarding Heather. What is it about this woman that has me so tied up in knots?

  Tomorrow will be a better day. We’ll eat, laugh, make love, and not talk about this merger that has her working like a dog.

  The next morning there’s a pounding on my door before I finish dressing. It’s not even seven, way too early for a delivery or maintenance call. I open the door and see Marcus, dressed for work and holding two large to-go cups of coffee.

  “We need to talk,” he says, pushing his way past me and heading toward the breakfast bar.

  “What the hell, man? You couldn’t wait ‘til I showed up at eight?”

  A snort sounds from my old friend while he settles onto a barstool. “Yeah, so you could blow me off all damn day like you did yesterday?” He shakes his head. “I don’t think so.”

  I close the front door and join him, taking a long sip of the purchased java before speaking. “What’s got your panties in a bunch?”

  Marcus sputters on his hot coffee. “Seriously? Where should I start? How about with you ‘entertaining’ Heather in your office after our meeting with Parkerson? She’s smoking hot, by the way. Or with the sudden higher bid you put in yesterday—seven million more? What the fuck? Did you really think finance could sign off on that without approval from Nikko?”

  I grimace and look away. I wondered if I’d have a problem with the higher negotiation bid. My hope was it would go unnoticed until next Friday when we’re scheduled to meet with the Parkerson executives again. “I looked over our bid again. Their assets warrant a higher offer if we don’t want them to fight the merger.”

  An angry look crosses his face. “Well, your timing was shit. Brian happened to be in our department when it came in. He noticed the significant increase and questioned your methods to Nikko, telling him there’s no need.”

  Panic and rage burn through me. If the higher number is turned down, we could very well lose this deal. I have no idea if Heather mentioned our private negotiation to her bosses. But if she did and the offer never comes through, they could hold out for more or become increasingly difficult to work with, making this a truly hostile takeover—which is never fun. “That’s a bad idea, man. It needs to be higher or they will create problems on the buyout.”

  “Oh, yeah? And how do you know? Could you perhaps be talking business in the bedroom when you shouldn’t be? Has this woman got you so wrapped around her finger she talked you into more money?”

  Heat scalds my skin and I turn to the sink to hide my reaction. “This is the livelihood of hundreds of people we’re talking about.”

  “And most of them will keep their jobs when we take over. You’ve never done this last minute change of terms before, what gives?”

  Tension tightens my shoulders. I put my coffee down and rinse some dishes to buy myself time. What the hell kind of answer can I give? My gut answer that the company will balk didn’t convince him. I sure as hell can’t say Heather wrung the number out of me during sex play. Even if the company deserves a higher offer, the truth of how the bid came about would nullify it.

  I take a deep breath and turn back to my colleague. “Let’s just leave it for now. My instinct tells me if the number is higher we’ll have fewer problems closing this deal.”

  His steady gaze unnerves me. “We’ve dealt with hostile takeovers before. Why should one more make any difference?”

  I shrug, unwilling to admit that it matters because of Heather. No doubt her office will be looking for final paperwork on the offer soon. If the lower number comes through, she’ll know I didn’t honor our bargain. More importantly, had she told anyone higher up, and would they be expecting a larger deal?

  “I’m going to stand by my offer of fifty-two million.”

  Marcus looks shocked at my words.

  I shrug, grabbing my to-go cup. “If it doesn’t close on the lower offer, I will be the one saying ‘I told you so.’”

  “If I were you, I’d be more worried Brian uses this as leverage to shoe-horn himself into th
e prime negotiator spot and leave you on your ass.”

  I’ve nothing to say to that. If my record doesn’t speak for itself at Apollo, then I don’t know what will. I finish getting ready while Marcus waits. We head into the office together and damned if my day doesn’t start off bad and progress steadily down hill. I’m called in for a private meeting with Nikko and Brian. By lunchtime, Brian has sweet-talked Nikko into thinking the offer is too high based on the company’s assets and the owner begrudgingly agrees, allowing Brian to take over the deal. The paperwork for forty-five million goes out to Parkerson.

  The anger and frustration over the situation has my blood boiling. Brian bent the old man’s ear and filled it full of crap. Nikko has been fair in the past and I’m surprised he can’t see beyond the other man’s machinations. Yeah, don’t trust the guy who helped double your worth to two hundred billion in less than ten years. Trust the one who wants to save you seven million.

  I itch to call Heather and let her know what’s going on. I know I can’t because it’s highly unprofessional and if I’m caught, I could get fired, not to mention sued.

  The quick turnaround from the figurative fair-hair child to second best has thrown me for such a loop, it takes all of me to not pick up my chair and hurl it through the window. In the short span of forty-eight hours, I’ve managed to fuck up my career, break a verbal negotiation I made with a client, and fall in love with a woman.

  Holy shit. There it is. I love her.

  Three firsts in the last two days. Admittedly, the last one scares me the most.

  Deidra knocks on my door and sticks her head in. “How you doing in here, Tony?”

  My breath wheezes out in a rush. “I’ve been better.”

  “I’ve got a call on line two for you regarding the steel deal set for next month.”

  I run a hand through my hair and close my eyes briefly. Work marches on no matter what personal epiphany you may be experiencing. It’s humbling and intrusive all at once. “Fine. Put it through.”