Nicolas whispered. “No place on that woman is there any balls. She is beautiful. If you don’t want to work with her I’ll gladly take over for you.”
Tempted to take him up on his offer Mitchell started to respond. “Ye-”
Mitchell sputtered to a stop as he glanced at the woman in the front of his assistant’s desk. She was the same lady he had fixed the flat tire for. Pleasure filled him at seeing her again then dawning realization as he realized who she was, Chailyn Kincaid. Swearing softly, he watched as a sexy smile curved her lips as she came forward.
Chailyn was pleased to see the man from earlier again. Noticing the other handsome man, Mitchell Nash, he had come out of the office with, she planned to get his name this time. Walking forward until she was in front of them and put out her hand to the other man.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Nash. I am Chailyn Kincaid.”
The man laughed huskily took her hand in his and replied, “Chailyn, if I may call you that.”
Nodding her head, she waited for him to continued
“I wish I was Mr. Nash after meeting someone as lovely as you. But I’m his business partner, Nicolas Brendan, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
At a loss as to what to say, Chailyn glanced at the silent man standing next to Nicolas in shock.
2
Cursing her luck at finding the one man she was attracted to in a long time and she couldn't afford to get involved with on a personal level, Chailyn tried to get her composure. She barely stifled her sigh at the fierce frown on his face. The look on his face said all she needed to know. He was not pleased she was here. Over the year, their two businesses had been in competition for the same bids. The Hayes contract should have been hers. She went out of town thinking she had it in the bag. Tariq Williams, her business partner and friend, had given the figures for the estimates to Driscoll Hayes in her absence. Upon her return she had learned she lost the project. Knowing something wasn’t right Chailyn talked to Driscoll. The figures he showed her weren’t the same set that Tariq had taken to his office. Seeing them, Chailyn realized the last two contracts they had lost because of a mix-up wasn’t a fluke. Someone was trying to sabotage her company.
Quick talking on her part had changed Driscoll’s mind to take another look at what she had done. He had agreed to hire CT Design Group as long as her company and Structural, her competitor, worked together. She didn't want to but Driscoll Hayes was a man used to getting what he wanted. The other stipulation that no one was to know the companies were working together was classic Hayes. He wanted none of his competitors to know what he was up to.
It irked her to be working with her competition but she would for a chance to put the Hayes project in her cap. With the success of this project, she could have a shot at the big payoff- the re-construction of the entire Hayes Company and their subsidiaries. They were all over the world and the chance at it was what her company needed to go international. Staring at the Mitchell Nash, Chailyn vowed silently she would finish the project with or without Structural.
Chailyn had been trying to get a meeting with him for weeks and was put off. Tired of their excuses, she had finally gotten Driscoll to call and pressure them into giving her an appointment. Now that she was here, she wondered what other roadblocks they would try to put up.
Deciding to break the silence Chailyn smiled stiffly and put out her hand. "Pardon my mistake, Mr. Nash. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. You're a hard man to track down."
He frowned and looked at her then took her hand seeming reluctant.
In a curt tone he answered. "Ms. Kincaid, follow me."
He turned on his heel and went back into the office. Chailyn frowned at his abrupt attitude. This was going to be a tedious process. Straightening she turned to face the partner, Nicolas Brendan, she was startled at his intense look. He was handsome as sin with a laid-back air about him. He was a total contrast to Mitchell Nash. His hair was in unruly waves around his head and his rich brown eyes twinkled out from a rugged face. Where Mitchell had on a suit, Nicolas was in jeans and a shirt. Knowing her clothing, Chailyn knew that the shirt was expensive. Nicolas stood still during her perusal like a man confident in his attraction.
He smiled then nodded. "You're the woman from this morning."
Bemused Chailyn nodded. Nicholas laughed softly and nodded again and went to the door. He said something that sounded suspiciously like “you’ll be good for him”.
Chailyn shook her head turned going into the office and shutting the door behind her. Staring across the room at the captivating gray eyed gaze of Mitchell Nash, she felt that same instant awareness she had when she had seen him on the side of the road.
How am I going to work with him?
Pushing the question aside Chailyn mentally pushed up her sleeves and got down to business.
“Where shall we begin, Mr. Nash?”
Hearing his name on her lips Mitchell swore at fate who had brought her here. The same damn thorn in his side, Chailyn Kincaid was the same woman who had such a strong effect on him and plagued his thoughts.
No wonder. She is a pain in the ass in business so why not bother me personally.
The frown she leveled at him as she tapped her foot impatiently tempted Mitchell to smile at her “let’s get on with it stance”. His body jumped with thoughts of the ways he would like to get on with it
Pushing the uncharacteristic thought to the back if his mind he replied, "Mitchell. Let's go through to the conference room. There is more space."
Gesturing at the open door he continued to stare at her. She smiled tightly and walked towards him. As Chailyn passed him, her unique scent trailed behind tantalizing his nose. Praying for control he followed her closing the door behind him. Before she could, he pulled out her chair. With a glance of surprise over her shoulder she sat. Taking the seat across from her at the medium sized stained wood table Mitchell put down his papers.
Looking up at Chailyn he caught her staring at him.
She shook her head then opened her briefcase. "I've come up with some ideas."
She passed him some sketches and notes. Looking at them Mitchell was impressed with what he saw. She had a good eye for what Driscoll wanted. With the work she put in he knew his plan of having her do little wasn’t going to work with her. She wouldn’t go for it. Mitchell should have figured that with what he heard about her but he was hoping to save what he could from this new development. Since he wasn’t one to waste time with what could of or should have been he faced what was now the reality.
Taking out his own sketch, he passed it to her. She took it stared at it intently. Her hair fell forward and she pushed it back impatiently. Returning his attention to her drawing, Mitchell automatically took up his pencil and started filling in the drawing. With quick movements he drew to expand the building outward.
"That's good."
Mitchell jumped at the sound of her voice next to his ear. Turning quickly, he looked into her eyes then at her lips. She licked them. Following her movements, he was tempted to taste. Clearing his throat, he moved back.
"Sorry I didn't hear you."
Chailyn smiled knowingly and straightened. Gesturing to the drawing she asked. "Why did it take so long for us to meet? We could be way ahead of schedule if you hadn't dragged your feet. From now on if you avoid me I will do this project without you."
Confused at her statement Mitchell looked at her. "What are you talking about?"
The look she gave him could boil water. Steadily he watched her, she quirked an eyebrow then smiled.
In a patient tone like she was explaining to an imbecile Chailyn replied, "I've been trying to set up a meeting for weeks to see you. Some secretary of yours kept making excuses why you couldn't meet with me. Finally, Driscoll had to be involved. "
Mitchell stood. "What? You just became assigned to the project. Which I don't even know how you did? I can't-."
She cut him off. "Three weeks."
"What?"
/> "It's been three weeks since Driscoll made me a part of this project. Two and a half of those I spent trying to get a meeting."
Mitchell looked at her and knew she wasn't lying. It would be easy to check her story. The headache that was threatening since he got off the plane started to throb. What she said explained a lot. Especially Driscoll's abrupt attitude when he spoke to him about the contract.
"I've been out of town for over a month. Who did you speak to?" Mitchell had a suspicion he knew who it was.
Chailyn looked at him narrowly before she answered. "Some woman named Dimarchiao or something like that."
"DiMarcia."
She nodded. "That's it. DiMarcia. Each time I called, I was transferred to her." Chailyn paused and looked at him then continued. "You were out of the office for over a month. Why didn't she just say so?"
Mitchell smiled grimly. "I don't know but I will find out."
Nodding in acceptance Chailyn gestured back to the drawing. "The changes you made are good but it's missing something."
Looking at it, he nodded and could almost see what it needed but it escaped him. Taking his seat Mitchell waited for her to sit then started to discuss what he had come up with. Throughout the meeting Mitchell could feel his respect for her grow. Chailyn was sharp and knew what she wanted. Her ideas for the project were sound, even though some clashed with his. After wrapping up the meeting and setting up times to meet later, he escorted her to the elevator.
Walking down the hall Mitchell could hear the shifting of her clothing and was aware of her. He would have to get himself under control. Chailyn's cell phone ran with a whispered pardon me she answered the call. Not wanting to seem like he was eavesdropping he moved away waiting for her to finish.
Seeing Sasha coming towards them he nodded abruptly hoping she wouldn't stop.
Sasha started speaking as she reached him. "Mitchell about Nicolas he is..." Looking over his shoulder, Sasha frowned trailing off.
He turned to follow her gaze, seeing that Chailyn was finished Mitchell introduced them. "Chailyn Kincaid. Sasha DiMarcia, one of the engineers on staff."
Sasha’s guilty look made Mitchell realize she had indeed put off Chailyn. Narrowing his eyes, he watched her with a silent promise Sasha had to explain why later. Looking back at Chailyn's face he saw that she had seen the exchange. Sasha put out her hand.
Chailyn shook it saying as she released it. "Engineer huh. Why did I think you were a secretary? In the future I would suggest you pass my messages on." With a look of dismissal, she looked at him. "Don't bother to see me out I know the way. I'll see you on Friday at my office."
She walked away. Mitchell followed the sexy way she moved as she went to the elevator. The elevator arrived as she reached it. Chailyn stepped inside nodding to him. As the door closed Mitchell pulled his attention away from it. Sasha had a weird look on her face. It cleared before he could process what it was. Dismissing it Mitchell watched her.
"Mitchell, I can explain."
"Not here in my office now."
Mitchell took one more look at the elevator as they started down the hall.
Striding into her office a half an hour later, Chailyn was still fuming at Sasha DiMarcia's nasty look. Hump so that's the way the wind blows. I don't care who she is she has no right to mess with my work.
Chailyn ignored the feeling that she did care. Glancing around she took in the spacious reception area decorated in earth tone. She nodded at the various clients sitting on the brown and gold couches and armchairs. Passing the receptionist desk, she nodded at Hyacinth, the receptionist, then glanced up behind the desk at her latest touch to the office. The portrait she had commissioned of her first major project was done in oil. Cameron, the artist and her sister, had captured the building perfectly putting it in the gleam of the setting sun.
Grinning Chailyn continued to her office down the hall. Stepping into the outer office she noted the empty room. With a look at her watch she saw it was almost twelve. Sineda Reid, her sister and assistant, probably went out for lunch. Chailyn hoped she brought her something back. A stop at Sineda’s desk to scoop up her messages Chailyn continued into her own office. Dropping her briefcase on the desk she unbuttoned her jacket placed it over her chair before sitting behind her massive oak desk.
Glancing at the moisture ring in the shape of a glass Chailyn grabbed the furniture wipes from the shelf next to her cleaning it off. With a flick of the wrist she threw it into the waste paper basket. Unlocking the briefcase, she pulled out her files for her next meeting and started reading. She was engrossed within seconds.
"How did the meeting go?"
At the sound of Tariq Williams’s deep baritone Chailyn looked up meeting his laughing blue eyes. He was lounging in the doorway of her office. Studying his getup Chailyn shook her head. Only Tariq would think to wear a neon green shirt with pale yellow pants. As usual it looked surprisingly good against his caramel skin. After a peak at his casual shoes, Chailyn saw they matched and looked butter soft. Knowing Tariq’s love for leather, she figured the shoes were probably soft leather. In all the years they had been friends Chailyn could never guess how Tariq would dress. One day it was conservative and the next something funky as he had on now. How he could wear something like what he had on and still look masculine was downright inspiring.
Straightening his lanky frame from the door he strode into her office. He dropped into one of the rich brown chairs facing her desk. Narrowing her eyes Chailyn studied his interesting face. Angular chin, full lips, slashing cheeks with dimples and slight broad nose was offset by deep blue eyes with lashes so thick a woman would give her right arm for them. Tariq was a handsome devil and knew it.
Curious Chailyn asked. "Why haven't we ever gotten together?"
He got a baffled look on his face. "We are together. We're partners remember."
Giving him, a dirty look Chailyn shook her head. "You know what mean. Together."
Chailyn stifled a laugh as his eyes widened.
Tariq eyes narrowed then he laughed. The rich sound made Chailyn laugh along with him.
"I'm too much man for you honey." Was his languid reply.
She made a rude noise. Tariq loved women and had no shame about it. Although lately he had been alone and made noises of being tired of the game. He looked at her arrogance written all over his face. Since she knew Tariq liked nothing better than a challenge, Chailyn nodded conceding even though she knew it was a crock. If she did anything else Tariq would make it his duty to prove it. Chailyn valued him to much as a friend to let him.
"Why the hell are you asking this all of a sudden?"
Flushing Chailyn knew why. Mitchell Nash had affected her and seeing Tariq, looking like a chocolate wet-dream, she wonder why she had never been attracted to Tariq. One of the strongest African-American men she knew. One of the few men she trusted. Thinking about it Chailyn realized she had never felt such instant awareness to any man black or white. At the realization, she knew why she had such a strong reaction to Sasha’s looks of possession when she looked at Mitchell. If Sasha and Mitchell weren’t involved, it wasn’t on Sasha’s part but Mitchell’s. She wondered why.
Not wanting to delve into it Chailyn changed the subject filling Tariq in on the meeting. After she was finished a thoughtful look was on Tariq face. He watched her closely then stood.
"I'll do some checking on the other projects we loss. Your next meeting with Structural is Friday. Okay I'll be here." he turned going to the door.
Chailyn went back to the work spread out on her desk again becoming engrossed.
"So which one has you in an uproar?" Tariq asked
Quick to deny it Chailyn looked up. "Mitchell doesn't h-" She stopped realizing she said too much.
"Ah. Mitchell Nash." Tariq went out the door laughing.
Chailyn yelled after him. "You rat."
"Yeah and you know it."
Laughing Chailyn shook her head. Tariq was too smart for his own good. Returnin
g to her work, Chailyn refused to acknowledge she couldn't wait until Friday to see Mitchell again.
A few days later, Chailyn waited for Mitchell to arrive for their meeting in her private conference room adjacent to her office. She tried to convince herself that the excitement she felt was because of the project. Mitchell’s voice sounded outside the door. The rapid beating of her heart proved she lied. Taking a deep breath, Chailyn stood as Sineda escorted Mitchell in. He looked even better than a few days ago. Today his suit was dark blue with a pale blue shirt. Clenching her fist behind the table Chailyn dropped her eyes silently cursing her uncharacteristic reaction to him.
Coming around the table, Mitchell put out his hand. Taking it in hers she shook his. The same heat she felt the last time they touched arched between them. His harsh inhalation of breath made her look up. Her breath stalled at the look of desire on his face. Chailyn stepped forward the same time he did.
"Sorry I'm late." Tariq voice boomed.
She jumped quickly stepping away. Turning away she glanced at Tariq. The speculation in his gaze made her know he saw she had almost kissed Mitchell. Warning him to behave with her gaze Chailyn saw him smile devilishly. Mitchell was silent. With a quick prayer that Tariq would behave she looked at Mitchell. His expression cleared and he stared at Tariq curiously. Performing the introductions quickly Chailyn finally registered that Tariq had decided to look like GQ today. Tariq's hunter green suit and ice green shirt looked very professional until you saw the unholy sparkle in his eye.
Chailyn breathed a sigh of relief as the introduction went smoothly and they got down to business. The meeting passed quickly. Confirming their next meeting, Chailyn let Tariq escort Mitchell out. After they left Chailyn tried to make sense of what almost happened. She barely knew Mitchell and had almost kissed him. She usually didn't even kiss on the first date much less kiss a stranger. Groaning she gathered her papers. Tariq returned. Bracing herself for his outrageous questions Chailyn was surprised when he said nothing. Instead he discussed the Hayes project and ideas.
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection Page 6
