Closer_To_You

by Reana Malori

  Admittedly, this deal would give him exactly what he needed to help catapult his company to the next stage. His firm was already a leading provider in systems integration and modernization, but he needed a larger presence in the Washington, DC market. IntelliPoint was just the way to do it. They could provide him with access to federal government procurement systems he needed in order to obtain the large government agency contracts, and he wanted, no—he needed, that access.

  Looking across the mahogany table, he knew the main barrier standing in the way of their progress was the guy sitting across the table from him. David Richards, the CEO of the company he was trying to acquire. Tonight’s hastily called meeting was pushing him to the limits of his patience and he was ready to call it quits and pursue another avenue. IntelliPoint was not the only game in town and he was tired of their third-grade antics. His second in command, Ron Konar, gave him a pointed look with a shake of his head. Ron was trying his best to stave off any potential explosion from Gabriel, but he ignored the look and began adjusting the lapels of his charcoal gray suit jacket. It was late, he was tired and he needed to get out of there. Shaking his head at Ron, he gave the signal that he no longer had the patience for this. The gesture from Ron to remain calm had been too little, too late.

  Breaking into the cross table bickering that was going on with the legal teams, Gabriel spoke up. His voice was full of frustration, “Okay, that’s it. I think we’re done for the night. At least I know that I am.” Looking down at the watch on his wrist, he paused long enough so that he could capture everyone’s attention. Slowly lifting his gaze, his hazel eye color had deepened into something quite different. He took in the group of people in the room and finally halted his gaze on his nemesis across the room. “We’ve been at this for more than three hours and we’re not getting anywhere. And honestly, I’m tired of spinning my wheels.” Gabriel’s tone caught the attention of everyone in the room.

  David finally spoke up, his face flushed with embarrassment and maybe a tad bit of anger that Gabriel was making him look like a fool, “Actually, I don’t think we’ve been at this long enough. These terms are completely unacceptable and I won’t agree to them.”

  Pursing his lips, he reined in his temper, “David, you can accept the terms or not, that is your choice. However, if you do not, then we walk away. I will pack up my team tonight and I will leave, without looking back. I have no more patience for the blustering and pushback you’ve given to me and my team.”

  His reputation as a ruthless businessman was well-earned and he did not feel like taking any prisoners tonight as he trained his cold gaze on the people sitting across from him. “Remember, you and your team approached us. Not the other way around. Your cash flow is poor, your clients aren’t paying on schedule, your operational expenses are running at four million dollars over budget each month and your sales team has failed to bring in any new business revenue for the past nine months.” Standing up from the table, he prepared to leave. Gabriel buttoned his jacket and adjusted his cuffs, “No, David, you need us more than we will ever need you. Without an influx of cash into your company, you will fail.”

  Grabbing his cell phone from the table, he glanced at Ron and nodded, handing over the reins of the negotiations. “Now, I am leaving for the night because I’ve heard enough. Ron is in charge of these final discussions and has my full support and authority. If the deal is not finalized tonight by midnight we will walk, and you will fail.”

  As Gabriel made his way to the door, he heard the surprise and shock in the whispers that floated around the table from the IntelliPoint team. Initially, his intent was for this to be a friendly, equally beneficial merger of the two companies. After these past few months of bickering back and forth, he knew they would never work as equals. They had something he wanted and he would make sure he got it, by any means necessary. He would take care of the employees as best he could, but their CEO was on the short list to be removed from the company once everything was finalized, and would be offered the means to take a very long vacation.

  He heard blustering behind him as David yelled at his retreating form, “I cannot accept this, Gabriel. I will not accept your terms. You cannot simply take my company from me.” His chest heaved from anger and frustration as he raised his voice to get his point across.

  At six feet four inches, Gabriel knew that he cut an imposing figure. Combined with his steely gaze and no bullshit attitude, not many people would have the nerve to counter anything he said, or to question his decisions. When someone did, he gave them credit for bravery, but that’s where his altruistic nature ended.

  “David, either I take over your company and protect your employees, or I walk away and they’re all on the street within a matter of weeks when your creditors come calling. Your choice. Think long and hard. Decide what you care about most. Getting the most money so that you can continue to live the life you choose, including enjoying the luxury of your private jet, or doing the right thing and taking care of your three-hundred employees.” Looking back over his shoulder at Ron as he opened the conference room door, “Tonight by midnight. No later.” Ron nodded in understanding, and Gabriel walked out of the room leaving everyone behind him in a state of shock.

  Taking the elevator down to the main lobby, he rubbed his hands down his face and briefly checked his phone for any urgent messages. Finding there were none, he decided to take a detour.

  “Damn, I need a drink,” he said out loud to no one but himself. It was late and he was sure there was a bar that had to be close by. Actually, if he recalled correctly, his hotel had a very unique bar and lounge setup on the rooftop. From what he had heard, it was the place to see and be seen. Not that he was interested in much of that, but since it was in his hotel, it would be much easier to get back to his room after a few drinks.

  Taking a few deep breaths, he was aware enough to know that before he came into contact with the general public, he needed to calm down and cool off. Being an asshole was not something he enjoyed, but he hated being forced into a corner. After all was said and done, he was a fair man and he would do right by any company he acquired. However, what he would not do—ever—is just stand by and allow someone to get one over on him. That had never been his style and he sure as hell wasn’t starting now.

  Waving off his driver who was waiting for him in front of the building as he exited, he made the decision to walk instead. The night air was cool and he enjoyed the feel of the city at this hour. Especially on a Saturday night, when the night was alive with people and sounds all around. The beating pulse of the city energized him. Watching groups of people hurry to their next destination, he kept his pace nice and slow as he walked along 14th street toward one of the main hotels.

  If needed, he could call his driver to come pick him up once he became too tired, but for the moment, he just needed some fresh air. Just for a little while, he simply wanted to be Gabriel Turner, a normal guy walking down the street on his way to a normal night out with friends. Not GT Banks, the thirty-seven year old CEO of GTB Technologies, Inc., a multi-million dollar corporation who advised not only some of the world’s richest people, but governments as well.

  As he arrived at the corner of 14th & F streets, he turned his head before crossing the street and caught a glimpse of a woman that made his world stand still. Beautiful. It was the only word he could use to describe her, yet it wasn’t enough to describe the woman walking just yards away from him. Sexy, form-fitting clothing outlined her lush curves and made him almost lose the ability to speak. The way she walked, with just enough sultriness in her steps, and a slight sway in her hips made his lips twitch up in a smile. Smooth, almond brown skin was accentuated with just enough makeup to highlight her best features without hiding her beauty. Unconsciously, he licked his lips as he admired her form. She was something to behold, and he was enraptured.

  As she approached two other women, both very attractive in their own rights, the smile that graced her face was unlike anything h
e had seen before. He simply stood there watching as the three women entered the well-known hotel, their laughter reaching his ears. The devilish idea that entered his mind almost made him laugh out loud. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he entered the hotel where he was staying, which happened to be the same hotel the lady and her friends had entered just minutes prior. If he were a gambling man, and he was, he was almost certain he knew where they were headed. Making a split-second decision, he decided right then and there that he would meet her. Tonight.

  Penelope looked around the upper balcony of the hotel and couldn’t help but appreciate the view in front of her. The hotel was unique, and all of the Washington, DC’s elite had come out to play. All around her, women of every shape and size, color and hue, vied for the attention of the well-dressed men surrounding them. The latest dance music blared through the speakers and filled the space. The balcony where she stood overlooked the White House and if she squinted her eyes and looked close enough, she could swear the U.S. Secret Service snipers were visible on the roof. Laughing lightly under her breath at the silliness of what she was doing, she caught herself and looked around, hoping no one had seen her.

  She was grateful that her friend Crystal had pushed and prodded her into coming out tonight. It felt good to simply be among other people looking to have fun. The night air was crisp and clean, the weather a beautiful sixty degrees, especially four stories up. The night air seemed different somehow and charged with electricity. Something was definitely in the air tonight, but she wasn’t sure what it could be.

  Sighing deeply, she turned away from the sights in front of her and looked toward the number of people crowding into the space. While she was nowhere near her prime, at thirty-two years old, she also was no spring chicken. Watching the crowd around her, she observed the posturing of some of the men as they primped themselves up to speak with some of the women milling around. She wondered why people bothered. A few of these girls couldn’t be much older than twenty-five years, if a day. This was the nation’s capital after all, and there were plenty of nightclubs around the city for the younger crowd. That alone was interesting because the crowd tonight was such a diverse mixture of people. Then again, maybe they were as tired of the regular club scene as she was and wanted to try something a little different.

  Taking a sip of her dirty martini with blue-cheese stuffed olives, she enjoyed the briny taste of the drink. Lifting the toothpick out of her glass, she went to take a bite of the stuffed olive and almost choked.

  “Oh, damn. Who is that?” She placed the toothpick back in her glass and tried to not choke as she finished chewing. Looking across the room at the man who had caught her eye, she could not help but to stand there gawking like some lovesick fool.

  Crystal’s voice chimed in next to her, “Who’s who? Girl, who are you looking at?”

  Penelope was at a loss for words. Not usually prone to having moon eyes over a man, she was almost ashamed at having such a reaction. But, for the man walking into the balcony bar with confidence seemingly oozing from his pores, she was making an exception. Speaking to Crystal, but not taking her eyes from the man who was now leaning up against the bar, she whispered, “Him. The man in the dark gray suit.” Tilting her head and trying to not be any more obvious than she already was, “The guy with the dark hair standing next to the bar.”

  Her friend must have caught sight of him, because the next words out of her mouth were “The white guy? Holy hell. That man is fine. Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. What would the old school folks say? Oh yeah, ‘I could sop him up with a biscuit’.”

  “Shhh, Crystal. Girl, will you lower your voice.” Laughing slightly at her friend’s antics, Penelope took her eyes off the tall glass of ice cold water on a summer day and turned to look at her friend. “You know what? You are too much. Don’t you have a man that you left behind in New Orleans that you should be looking for?”

  “Hell no! Well, maybe. Anyway, it doesn’t matter since he’s not here right now. I can still enjoy the view, just like you are apparently.” She turned to wave at their friend Rosalind and called her over to them with a frantic motion of her hand. Leaning over toward Penelope, she tried to get a better view of the guy that had caught the attention of so many women in the room, “So, are you going to go talk to him?”

  “Um, no. I’m not that crazy, nor am I a glutton for punishment. How about I just stand here and gaze upon the sexiness in front of me while I enjoy my drink.”

  Rosalind had joined the two of them by this time, a twinkle in her eye as she listened to the conversation. “Well, I think you should give it a chance and just go up to him.”

  “And why should I do that?” There was no malice in her tone, but Penelope was wondering why they wanted her to talk to the man so badly.

  Rosalind dipped her chin toward the direction of the bar and when Penelope turned her head to see where her friend was pointing, her gaze landed on the man in gray standing at the bar. It just so happened that at that very moment, he was looking over at her with an intense gaze. Warmth flowed through her body at the crazy thought that he had heard them talking about him.

  His own hand raised to his lips while taking a sip of his drink. As he went through the motions, his eyes never left hers. Rosalind continued talking to her, but Penelope was focused on the man standing across the room and was not paying her friend the slightest bit of attention.

  “Penelope! Are you listening to me?”

  “Not really,” she responded and laughed at her friend’s shocked gasp. Finally, turning her eyes away, she refocused on her friend. “Okay, okay, I’m listening. Tell me again why I should walk over there and embarrass myself in front of all these people?”

  “Well, honey, because ever since I walked over here, that man has been staring you down. If you don’t go to him, I can almost guarantee you that he’s going to come over here to you.” A look of triumph came over her face as she finished her statement, as if she had just repeated the Magna Carta from memory.

  Nodding her head to acknowledge what Rosalind had said, she shivered slightly at the intensity of his gaze and goose bumps raised on her skin. Taking a sip of her drink to busy herself and stave off the need to run to him and yell, “Catch!” as she jumped into his arms, she averted her gaze and looked around the busy bar.

  The place had become even more packed with people during the fifteen minutes since they had arrived. She could only imagine how it would be an hour from now. Even now, the noise of raised voices and smell of various colognes, perfumes and food were assaulting her senses at all angles. Rosalind and Crystal were still next to her as they tittered and commented on the guy at the bar. They were so intent on figuring out who he was and what he was all about, that she was left to her own devices for a few minutes.

  Even though she tried her best to ignore him, it only took a few minutes before her eyes shifted back. She almost let out a sigh of release, as if this was the moment she had been waiting for all night. The man really was exceptionally handsome and very easy on the eyes. His dark gray suit was paired with a stark white shirt that perfectly complimented his lightly tanned skin. His long, thick fingers were wrapped around the scotch glass perfectly. Not taking her gaze off of him, Penelope watched as he shook the glass slightly and took a long sip. When he placed the glass down, she watched as his tongue dipped out of his mouth for just a second to swipe at a drop of liquid that hovered on his lips.

  Her breath caught in her throat and her gaze shifted up. He was still looking at her and it seemed that the entire time, his eyes had never left her face. Some women might be intimidated by a man like this, but not her. No way. Not tonight anyway. For her, this was the just the right kind of excitement she had been looking for. His intensity excited her.

  Tilting her head to him in acknowledgement, she took a fortifying swallow of her own drink. No one would ever call her a delicate, shrinking flower and she was determined to see where this could go.

  “So, what are you going to do?” Rosalind�
��s whispered words reached her ears. Not really sure how to answer the question, she turned toward her friends with the intention of ignoring the handsome stranger for the next few minutes. However, as she started to say the words, something changed. Crystal’s words from earlier that day played through her mind and she made a split second decision.

  “You know what? It’s time for me to have a little fun.” Glancing over at Crystal, a huge smile came over her friend’s face and Penelope caught the wink her friend gave, as if to say ‘good for you.’

  Crystal nudged her slightly, “Go on then. What are you waiting for?”

  With a loud yelp, Rosalind joined in the fun, “Yes. You can do this. There’s no time like the present. Be brave, girl.”

  Now they seemed to be piggy-backing, trying to increase her courage to go over and talk to the man destined to have a starring role in her dreams long after tonight’s encounter. “Go on, Penelope. When do you ever just let loose and have fun? You work too hard, take care of everyone else—except for yourself, and you hardly ever do anything just because it feels good.”

  She felt as if she should feel offended, “I do, too,” she exclaimed. “Yes, I work hard, but I have just as much fun as you two.” Sheepishly, she added, “Sometimes.”

  “Well, I agree with Crystal,” chimed in Rosalind. “We’re just going to hang out over here and watch the show. You go have some fun for once.”

  Nodding her head, she took another fortifying gulp of her martini, finishing off the drink. She placed the glass down on the table closest to her. After patting her hair to make sure everything was in place, she smoothed her pencil skirt over her hips and turned back toward the bar.

  Shit. He was gone.

  Gabriel watched the ebony beauty turn and look for him at the bar. There was no way in hell that he was leaving this place until he had the chance to talk to her. Something about her drew him to her. Physical attraction was definitely a factor, but it was something about the shyness of her gaze and her inability to stop herself from watching him in return, which was a complete contradiction, that he wanted to fully explore. Watching the beautiful woman like a lion stalking its prey, Gabriel lifted his glass and took a sip of the amber liquid, letting the bold taste course through his body. Her curves called to him and her legs were made to be wrapped around him. This is exactly what he needed tonight.