“How do you know?”
She barked a laugh and parked the SUV in front of the office block where their first meeting was to be held.
“If you hurry, you might still be on time.”
Logan glanced at his watch and cursed. He hated arriving late for meetings. They grabbed their bags and ran into the building. Logan took the time to tell her over his shoulder.
“We’ll continue this conversation after the meeting. In the meantime, behave yourself!”
She groaned and dropped her head on the steering wheel. What beseeched her? Last night she came to the conclusion that she and Logan did not want the same things. They had one exquisite night together. A night she would never forget, but that was it. No more! She decided from today it was employer and employee and nothing else! And what did she do? She acted like a … like a … jealous wife!
A knock on the window shook her from her musings and she lifted her head. Concerned blue eyes locked with hers and she sighed. She pressed the button and the window whizzed open.
“Are you okay, Miss? You seemed distraught.”
“I am fine, thank you for asking.”
“Name is Owen Brown.”
She shook his hand briefly. “Madison Phillips.”
“Are you waiting for someone or do you have time for a quick cup of coffee? There is a coffee shop right there on the corner.”
“I am waiting for someone, but their meeting is scheduled for an hour. Why not? I could do with some coffee.” She locked the car and walked with him to the coffee shop.
He was tall and lean with blond hair and clear blue eyes. He had a friendly open face and she knew he was the type of person one could trust.
“So Madison Phillips, tell me a little about you. You seem to be wearing some sort of uniform?”
“I am a pilot, recently from American Airlines. I now work as a private pilot.”
“So are you for rent? If I need someone to pilot my plane, can I call you?”
She laughed and could just imagine what Logan’s reaction would be to that. She shook her head.
“I’m afraid not. My boss keeps me quite busy.”
She enjoyed his company and relaxed for the first time in months. They talked about various topics and even had a heated debate about politics.
“Well, I give up! Clearly you are too clever for me! I need to go and study before our next chat!”
She laughed and froze when her eyes met Logan’s over Owen’s head. She glanced at her watch and realized their meeting must have finished ten minutes ago already. He was livid and his eyes shot daggers at her.
“I do not appreciate tardiness from my employees, Miss Phillips!”
She smiled apologetically at Owen and said goodbye to try and leave before Logan let loose the anger clearly visible in his eyes.
Owen turned and his eyes widened.
“Logan! My goodness! Fancy meeting you here.”
“Owen.” He nodded at Owen and shook his hand. His eyes swung back to her and he nodded outside
“Shane is waiting by the car.”
She nodded, smiled at Owen and skirted around Logan and walked briskly to the car. Shane watched her approach with an angry flush on her cheeks. Whatever happened between these two, unlocked serious emotions to run between them. He hoped they sorted it out before they killed one another!
“I am sorry you had to wait. I lost track of time.”
She pressed the key and the alarm deactivated and unlocked the car. They both got in and she sat watching the two men just exiting the coffee shop. They shook hands and Logan stalked towards the car. Shane drew a deep breath.
“You lost track of time because of Owen Brown?”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“Oho … If I can give you good advice. For my sake as well as yours … do not sass him now.”
“Why? What are they to each other?”
“They are natural enemies! It does not take a lot to trigger animosity between them. Trust me in this, Madison. My brother might appear normal, but he is livid at the moment. You do not want to … just please do as I say!”
Logan got in the car and slammed the door. His eyes immediately burned on her, but she refused to turn her head, or even glance in the review mirror. She already coded their next stop into the GPS and knew it would be tight, but come hell or high water, they would not be late for this meeting. She pulled out of the parking area and soon they were on their way to The Hilton Hotel in Dallas Street, where the Daltons were meeting numerous key customers of theirs.
They were also staying at the hotel, so at least she could go and hide in her room as soon as she delivered them safely. She kept her eyes and concentration on the road and only listened with half an ear to Shane talking and asking questions about the funding project they were going to discuss at the conference. Her ears perked up. Funding and banking was her forte for years, so she still automatically paid attention when someone brought it up.
Dalton Oil committed to cleaning up the soil and water in Texas. This would set them well apart from other oil companies in that they were spending more time and money on environmental clean-ups across the Globe than any of their opposition. Therefore they had the support of the Government as well. They have allocated fifteen million dollars from their own funds to this project and the aim of this conference was to obtain buy-in and funds from Customers to fast track the project.
They wanted to create a benefit fund, that would turn this into the largest such benefits fund in Texas, which was why they allocated such a large sum themselves to start up the fund. The process was structured to provide maximum public participation to ensure that the project provided clear environmental benefits to Texas, based on the priorities identified by Texas residents themselves.
Once they have the buy-in from their customers they would approach Financial Institutions for additional funding. It would be a no return funding as the benefit was in the participation of clearing up the environment.
“I read somewhere that the World Bank has embarked on a major Environmental Sustainability Strategy. They have set aside thirty billion dollars for specific clean-up projects. Of course other financial institutions are now offering similar strategies to keep on par with them.”
There was dead silence after Madison shared the information.
“We were aware about the Word Bank, although I never realized the value of the fund they created! Our thought was to find a privately owned Financial Institution or Bank to embark on a partnership with us. Do you happen to know who any of those others are?” Shane wanted to know, impressed that she even showed an interest in articles such as those.
“Uhm … no, I’m sorry. Just offered my two cents worth.”
Her mind was running a mile a minute. David was busy setting up a new branch in Dallas and it would be a project that would set them apart from the other Banks from the word get go. Of course, she could not tell them that. Maybe she’ll whisper something in David’s ear.
She only relaxed when they neared the Hilton Hotel with nearly twenty minutes to spare, mainly due to little traffic at this time of day. Logan told her to park directly in the parking garage below the hotel. Shane ran inside to find a concierge to take their luggage directly to their private suites they owned in the hotel.
Madison still avoided Logan and lifted her duffel bag from the back of the car. She reached in to tackle the rest and Logan cursed.
“Leave it! How long do you think you can avoid looking at me, Madison?”
She winced at the use of her name. Clearly he was still angry.
“I am not avoiding looking at you. I just had no reason to do so yet.”
She felt his cold anger in the tightness of his body as he stepped up behind her. He took her by her shoulders and turned her around. She kept her eyes on the knot of his tie and she noticed his lips flattening as it tightened.
“Did he kiss you?”
The unexpected question and the fierceness with which he
asked the question had her eyes fly to his. He stared into hers and she felt the heat dance a slow dance down her body to her groin, from just the touch of his hands on her arms and the heat in his eyes.
“Not that it is any of your business, but no, he didn’t. Just for the record, I don’t go around kissing men I just met!”
His eyebrow rose, the anger still close to the surface.
“If another man kisses you, it is damn well my business!”
His head lowered and his lips closed over hers and immediately gained entry into her mouth before she realized what he was doing. He kissed her deeply, sipped from her tongue and enticed hers inside his mouth and she leaned into the kiss, returning his kiss with sensual passion.
Madison came to her senses and pulled away from his mouth and took a step back. He watched her with brooding eyes.
“We have a discussion to finish. Don’t think for one moment I have forgotten about it.”
The return of Shane with the concierge broke their eye contact and Madison followed him upstairs to one of the three suites they owned in the Hotel.
She unpacked her bag which consisted of jeans and tees and one very flattering black mini dress. Just in case she bumped into a long lost friend and she got to go out on town. She ordered lunch in and was sipping on some juice lying on the lounger on the balcony when the phone inside the room rang. She groaned, but went to answer, having a very good idea who it was. The little devil on her shoulder prompted her to answer candidly.
“Hello, Dalton’s chattel speaking.”
The silence on the other side was deafening and she panicked, wondering if she was mistaken.
“Very funny, Madison.”
“Yes, Mr. Dalton, what can I do for you, sir?”
“For one thing, you can stop calling me Mr. Dalton and sir! I have a name, use it!”
“Is that why you called, sir Logan?”
“Madison, don’t push me! I called to remind you that we need you to drive us to dinner tonight. We should be ready by six, and Dottie and Shane’s date is meeting us in the foyer, so you can drive around and pick us up in the front.”
She clutched the phone in her hand and closed her eyes. He was really going to do this! He was going to make her sit through another one of his dates! Even after last night! She decided to swallow her pride and beg off.
“Please, do I have to? Can you or Shane not drive?”
“No. The regulations on drinking and driving here is very strict, and we will be having some wine with dinner.”
“A cab then?”
“Six o’clock, Madison. Don’t be late.”
She screamed her frustration in the phone, but it was already dead. The phone rang again and she automatically reached for and picked the receiver up.
“Yes.”
“I forgot to tell you. I arranged for a limousine. They are delivering it around five thirty. Make sure you are there to sign for it.”
“A limousine usually comes with a driver! I have never driven a limo before!”
“Then it will be a new experience for you.”
“I am warning you. Don’t come crying to me if I damage the damn thing!”
“If you do, it will come off your skin! Enough Madison. I want you in that driver seat tonight, make sure that you are!”
Chapter Seven
Madison was angry enough to once again listen to the damn little red devil on her shoulder. She wore her tiny black mini dress, with her formal black pilot jacket and hat with high heeled pumps.
Her hair was left tousled and with her eyes made up in smoky charcoals and greens, she looked like temptation personified.
If she had to suffer through his flirting with … Dottie … he would suffer too. Well … she hoped he would!
She went downstairs and arrived just as the limousine did. She sighed as she signed for the vehicle and stood looking at the monstrosity with her hands on her hips. Trust Logan to not just hire a limousine … no, he had to hire a damn four by four limo! How the devil was she supposed to drive this thing!
Pushing her shoulders back, she got in and pressed the starter button and felt the power purr as the engine came to life. She drove around the block twice to become familiar with maneuvering and taking corners. By the time she parked the monster in front of the hotel entrance it was just before six. She got out, replaced her hat on her head and stood waiting like a real limousine driver next to the vehicle. She grinned. The only thing missing was white gloves!
Shane walked through the door first with a cute brunette on his arm. When he saw her, he froze in mid-step and Logan walked into him with … of course … a voluptuous blond hanging onto his arm.
“Dammit Shane! What the de …”
And the air in his lungs froze when he too saw Madison waiting next to the limo. She smiled and turned to open the back doors and waited politely for them to get in. Logan cursed softly and had to force his legs to move. His eyes caressed down her beautiful body and those damn long legs on display for every man to ogle at!
He slapped Shane on his shoulder to get him to move and draw his attention away from his Wildcat. He started and looked at Logan over his shoulder.
“What?”
“Keep your damn eyes to yourself, little bro.”
Shane smiled broadly and shrugged. “I’m just one of many, big bro! Just one of many!”
“I’m going to wring her bloody neck!”
“Why? I for one appreciate her … attire!”
“Her bloody lack of attire you mean!”
Shane laughed. “Your date is wearing much the same, big bro. You don’t seem to mind others ogling her.”
“What are you two whispering about, Logi?”
Madison startled and had to cover her mouth to stop the laughter that wanted to escape her mouth. Logi?
Logan’s eyes met hers warningly and he ushered everyone into the limo. He turned to her and whisked his eyes down her body.
“This is totally inappropriate dress code for work, Madison.”
“Oh, I am so sorry, sir. I am not knowledgeable on the dress code for chauffeurs. I’ll be sure to study it up so I am better prepared next time.”
His eye burned like green orbs of fire and they narrowed on her.
“I give you fair warning, Madison. You are dressed with the aim to entice and tempt. Do not let me catch you near a man tonight!”
She huffed! “You have no say over what I do, Mr. Dalton!”
“I have every right! You gave it to me last night! Don’t play with fire, Wildcat. You will get burned!”
“Yet, you have the freedom to fondle Dottie! Tit for tat, Logan Dalton. You touch her once or allow her hands all over you … I can’t guarantee what my reaction will be … Logi!”
“I am warning you, Madison!”
“As I have you, Logan!”
She swung away and got into the limo and slammed the door shut, hitting the ignition immediately. She watched Logan get in and sat down next to Dottie, keeping a wide expanse of the seat open between them. Dottie of course slid closer immediately and pressed herself tight against him. Logan’s eyes met Madison’s in the rearview mirror when she cleared her throat loudly. He untangled her arms from his and moved to the single seat across from her. She pouted at him, but he turned to the build-in bar and poured each of them a glass of champagne.
Shane nearly fell off the seat he laughed so hard. He overheard the last part of their heated discussion and knew why Logan suddenly moved seats. Logan shot him a killing glare which made him laugh even harder. Logan looked at the pouting Dottie and sighed heavily. It was going to be a long night!
The drive to the Spindletop Restaurant on Louisiana Street was ridiculously short and they barely finished their champagne when Madison pulled up in front of the restaurant. She shut off the limo, got out and with grace that would put any limo driver to shame, opened the door.
Shane got out first and winked at Madison. “Hang in there, Maddy! You’ve got my vote.” She s
miled wanly.
“Fat lot that helps me. I can’t keep an eye on him up there. Please phone me when you’re ready to leave. There is no place to park this monster here.”
He laughed and ignored Logan’s glare at his hand that rested on Madison’s shoulder. Dottie of course, nearly wrapped herself around him like a vein, but he shook her hands off and took her elbow in his hand and guided to the entrance. Just before they entered, he handed Dottie to Shane and headed back to Madison. She had her back to him and his arousal tightened even more when she leaned over to close the back door and the mini dress pulled up even higher.
Madison startled when his warm hand closed around her shoulder and spun her around. The next moment she was pressed tight against his chest and his mouth devoured hers. He kissed her so deeply they seemed fused together. She clutched his shirt underneath his jacket in her fists and leaned even deeper into the kiss. He ended the kiss and looked deep into her eyes.
“This damn dress is potent, Wildcat. I really hope you wore it only for me.”
Not giving her the opportunity to respond he swung around and disappeared into the building. Now she pouted. Damn the man! He couldn’t just pounce on her and kiss her when and where he chose! She drove the limousine back to the Hilton Hotel, parked it and went to the dining room for dinner. Her motto for tonight was to be rather safe than sorry!
She just placed her order when she saw Owen Brown making his way towards her and she groaned. No matter that she enjoyed his company earlier; Logan’s warning carried more weight. His obvious efforts to keep Dottie’s hands off him a clear indication of his commitment to take her warning to heart.
“So we meet again and once again you are alone. You look absolutely stunning. Are you having dinner on your own?”
“Seems like it yes.”
“It is a pity I have a dinner date already, otherwise I would have loved to take you to dinner. What about tomorrow night?”
“I’m sorry, we are leaving tomorrow afternoon. It was nice meeting you though.”
“I would like to make contact with you again. Will you give me your phone number?”
Madison could not think of a reason not to give it to him that would not sound rude, so she gave it to him and dutifully saved his on her phone as well. She finished her dinner and went to the open arena at the Hobby Center for Performing arts where there was a music concert held by local singers. She sat at the back of the theatre so she could slip out when Shane phoned.
The Wildcat that Tamed the Tycoon Page 7
