by Desiree Holt
He desperately wanted to take her to bed. If she didn’t hear his words maybe his actions would express how he felt. Teach her that it was all right to give up control sometimes, as long as it was with the right person. In return he’d hand it back to her, just for variety. He just knew sex with her would be electrifying once he peeled back the outer layer. Behind whatever it was she was hiding, he detected the heat of a very sensuous woman if she’d just let go. All the way. He wanted her to let go emotionally, too. Show her it was nothing to be afraid of. That she was safe with him. And maybe just not interested in a brief affair.
Whoa! Where is that coming from?
“Alex?” Tyler snapped his finger in front of his brother’s nose. “Can you come back from wherever you just mentally wandered again? You’re beginning to worry me.”
“I’m good. No sweat.” He reached for another piece of pizza, ignoring the strange look Tyler was giving him.
But even as he chewed his mind was still on Livy and the strangely complex woman she was. He wanted her, no doubt about it. One way or another he was going to make that happen. And without damaging the project.
* * * * *
“I’m worried about Alex,” Josh told his wife.
They had finished dinner and were sitting on the couch enjoying coffee with a shot of brandy.
“Really?” Ness gave him a quizzical look. “I can’t imagine Alex would give anyone anything to worry about. He seems so solid and settled.”
“Yeah, and maybe that’s the problem.”
Vanessa laughed. “I’d never think of that as a problem. Now you, my former player husband, were what I’d call a problem.”
Josh’s face heated and not from the brandy. He remembered all too well his days as a major player on the social scene, changing women like he changed his clothes. Until Vanessa Bowen had come along and shown him what he could have if he’d just look inside himself. He’d given thanks for that every day since then.
“Okay, okay.” He grinned. “But it was fun working our way through it, wasn’t it?”
Heat sparkled in her eyes and she took sip of her coffee. “More fun since then.” She lowered her mug. “All that aside, what’s the deal with Alex?”
Josh sighed. “I’m sure he can take care of himself. He is, after all, the oldest. But he’s working with this woman on the Concordia project—”
“Did you get it?” Ness interrupted, excitement in her voice. “I thought the meeting wasn’t until tomorrow. That’s why you guys were at the office all day today.”
“Right. It is tomorrow. But Alex has been working with their CFO, Olivia D’Angelo, who also seems to be Frank Vincent’s point person. I’ve asked around and the word is he trusts her judgment more than anyone else’s. Believes she has an inherent ability to get a good read on people.”
Ness frowned. “Surely you don’t think she’s getting a bad vibe from Alex.”
“My point is I think the vibes between them have to do with more than business.”
“Hmm. Are you worried that he’s being unprofessional?”
Josh shook his head. “Of course not. And if something were to develop between them he’d handle it appropriately. It’s just that…” He shrugged and took another swallow of coffee.
“Just that what?” Ness prodded.
“I asked around about her when I found out she’d be the key person on this,” Josh said slowly. “Word on the street is she’s sharp, can spot a phony a mile away, and is a barracuda both in the boardroom and in bed. She chews men up and spits them out.”
“Are you worried your brother can’t hold his own with her?”
“No. I’m worried that what he’s feeling for her goes beyond the bedroom.”
Ness arched her eyebrows in surprised. “Already? They hardly know each other.”
“It didn’t take us long,” he reminded her.
“I remember.” Her lips curved in a knowing smile. “But we had kind of an accelerated relationship. Has he even been on a date with her?”
“One business dinner and four what he calls business meetings over coffee. I just don’t want to see him get hurt.”
“Alex is a big boy,” she reminded him. “You can’t protect him from the big bad world.” She laughed. “Or the big bad woman.”
“I know, I know. But worrying about him—or Tyler—just comes naturally to me.” He winked. “Now that I’m an old married man.”
Ness uncurled her legs, stood up and took both of their coffee mugs. “Let me put these in the dishwasher. Then I’ll take you upstairs and show you just how exciting life can be for an old married man.”
His laugh was low and filled with sexual heat. “It will be my pleasure.”
Chapter Four
When the McMann brothers stepped off the elevator in the Concordia building Livy was waiting at the reception desk for them. She came forward with a smile, shook hands with Josh and Tyler as they introduced themselves and gave Alex’s hand a little extra squeeze. He tried to hold her gaze a little longer than the brief eye contact she allowed but she’d already turned away to lead them down the hall.
“Everyone’s waiting, gentleman. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you’ve come up with.”
Josh and Tyler murmured something in response. Alex had no idea what since he couldn’t take his eyes off the sway of Livy’s ass. He was jolted when Tyler dug and elbow into his ribs and he moved away, slanting a dirty look at his brother.
Then they were at the boardroom, Livy opened the doors and ushered them in to face what Josh later called the Death Squad. Unlike the first time Alex had been here, this time the faces were unsmiling, completely businesslike. They all wore their best show-me-what-you’ve-got-and-I-can-see-right-through-you looks. This was dollars and cents and if the McManns didn’t cut the mustard they’d be gone.
Frank Vincent rose from the head of his table and shook hands with Alex.
“These are my brothers, Tyler and Josh,” Alex told him by way of introduction. “Each of us will be part of the presentation today.”
“Good, good. I’m looking forward to it. Well. Would you like some coffee? Pastries?”
Alex looked in the direction the man nodded and saw a coffee service and trays of pastries set out on a sideboard.
“No. Thank you just the same. I think we’ll get right to it.”
They walked to the end of the table where empty seats had been left for them. Alex moved the seats aside while Josh took his drawings from the tube he carried them in and Tyler pulled his basic construction outline from his briefcase.
Alex took the lead.
“What we’re going to show you today is what we’ve done with the concept you gave us. Everything is of course subject to change. Josh will explain how he’s translated what you told me into his drawings and Tyler will give you an overview of a proposed construction schedule. Nothing can be definitive, of course, until we have a contract.”
One of the men partway down table on the right side, with sandy blond hair and a deep tan and wearing an open-necked sport shirt, leaned forward.
“Clark Mitchell,” he said, identifying himself. “Site manager for Concordia. It’s my job to oversee all ongoing projects.”
Tyler nodded at him. “I do the same for McMann Brothers. Nice to meet you. I hope we have the chance to work together.”
“I have two questions before you begin. One, how can you create anything if you haven’t see the land? And two, if you get this contract, how will you manage with your other jobs? I guarantee if you get this one it will take all your attention.”
Tyler nodded. “Good questions. To reassure you, Josh—who is the architect—and I flew out to Wyoming and walked the land. We also took a lot of pictures as well as video to refer to as we began to plan. I also had a long chat with county officials about the permitting process. As to the other, we have someone lined up to take over for me on our other contracts should you decide to go with us on this.”
Mitchell n
odded, apparently satisfied.
Livy raised her hand to get their attention. “I assume you have no objection to working with me on the cost estimations, should we decide to hire you?”
Alex took the question. “Not at all. We welcome it. You’ve been in this business a long time and know what you’re doing. We’ll be glad for the input.”
“Let’s hear what they have to say,” Vincent broke in. “Then you can ask your question. Everyone all right with that?”
The people sitting around the table nodded and Alex launched into his introduction before turning it over to Josh then Tyler.
Alex was surprised when they began to wind down and he looked at his watch. Two hours had passed as if they were minutes. Josh had taken them through all his drawings, explaining how and why he came up with each design and concept. Tyler walked them through what he’d do to prepare the site and what kind of permits they’d need. He explained that the proposed figures he gave them were based on prior projects. He couldn’t be more specific until they actually got right into it. Alex finished up, explaining that he’d be working with their CFO on the final budget.
For another half hour they were bombarded with questions. Finally Frank Vincent brought the meeting to a close.
“You’ve given us a lot to think about, gentlemen,” he told them. “I’m sure you know we’ll need to discuss this. Could I possibly ask you to leave the sketches and other information with us temporarily? We’ll be sure to return it to you when we’ve made our decision.”
Alex looked at his brothers and nodded. “Of course.”
The brothers gathered up whatever they weren’t leaving and made it a point to shake hands with everyone at the table. If Alex’s lingered a little longer on Livy’s no one seemed to notice.
Finally he said to Vincent, “We look forward to hearing from you.”
The man nodded. “I promise you it won’t be long. We need to make a decision and get started on the project as soon as possible. We have investors who are getting itchy.”
The three of them walked silently from the room to the elevator and rode in the same silence down to the garage. It wasn’t until they reached Josh’s SUV that they released a collective breath.
“Jesus,” Tyler whistled. “I felt as if we were in a session with the old Russian KGB.”
“No shit,” Josh commented. “But it’s for damn sure these people know their business.” He looked at Alex. “How long do you think it will be before we hear anything?”
Alex shrugged. “I’m hoping no more than a week. When we do an open bid process we know the schedule. Usually a month for bids to be submitted and then we know the day the bids are open. When people hire us directly, it can take up to two weeks for them to make up their minds if they like what we’ve offered them.”
“I sure hope it doesn’t take that long this time,” Tyler said. “If we get this contract we’ll be right at the top of the ladder.”
“Well, no sense driving ourselves crazy.” Alex climbed into the passenger seat. “We have other projects and other clients to attend to. Let’s pick up some sandwiches at the deli, go back to the office and get to work.”
Alex was sitting at his desk putting the finishing touches on another proposal when his computer dinged, announcing another email. Absently he clicked Open, his mind still on the file in front of him. Then he had to read the email twice.
From: Olivia D’Angelo, Concordia
To: Alex McMann, McMann Brothers Development
Subject: Dinner
Seven o’clock. Walker’s Steak House. See you then.
Alex frowned. Not even a signature. Not a “Looking forward to seeing you there.” No hint of the topic to be discussed.
Tyler was out at a job site but he went to Josh’s office, holding a printout of the email. He handed it to his brother.
“What do you think?”
Josh shrugged. “I can’t tell if it’s good news or bad.” He looked at his watch. “But in two hours you’ll find out.”
Two hours to worry and figuratively chew his nails.
The time seemed to drag by, each minute the length of an hour. Finally, at six thirty he shut everything down, pulled on his suit jacket and left. If he got there early he’d have a drink at the bar to fortify himself.
That’s where he was sitting, nursing a Jack Black, when he saw her come in. And nearly swallowed his tongue. She’d changed from her power suit to a dark blue dress that clung to every curve as if it had been painted on. Her graceful feet were encased in strappy sandals with stiletto heels. Big golden hoops dangled from her ears, almost brushing her shoulders. If that wasn’t pure and blatant sex he didn’t know what was.
She spotted him and smiled, giving him a little wave as she made her way toward him. Maybe she was going to give him the bad news then take him to bed to make him feel better. Well, he sure didn’t want pity sex. And certainly not with Olivia D’Angelo.
He tossed back to rest of his drink and rose from the bar stool to greet her.
* * * * *
Livy clutched her thin purse a little tighter than necessary. The sight of Alex in his navy suit, light blue shirt and patterned tie, skillfully cut dark hair framing his face, took her breath away, just as it had that morning. She’d stopped at home to freshen up and decided in a moment of insanity to ditch the power outfit and dress like a female. Now she wondered if she’d made a big mistake.
But when she read the short letter she had for him she figured this would be the key. He’d want to celebrate, so how hard would it be to carry that celebration to bed, take the edge off this insane hunger for him and get on with business. If only the needy, emotion-starved child in her would stay buried the way it was supposed to.
His eyes raked over her, appreciation burning in them. “You look…amazing. Truly amazing.”
“Thanks.” She wet her lower lip with her tongue, a nervous habit she kept trying to break. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“The hostess said you’d reserved a table. It’s ready whenever we are.” He glanced at the bar. “Would you like a drink first?”
“Maybe when we’re seated, if that’s okay.”
“Sure.” He grinned at her. “Your show, so you get to call the shots.”
“Okay.” She smiled back at him and followed along as the hostess led them to their table. She’d requested one with a window view that overlooked the river. As they sat down they could see the lights along the walkway and on the boats out on the quiet waters. She hoped the ambience and the good food would put him in a pleasant mood.
They each ordered a drink from the waiter and exchanged pleasantries for a few moments. Finally Alex set his glass down and gave her a hard look.
“Okay. The dinner invitation is nice. The place is great. I appreciate the hospitality. But if y’all have made a decision this quickly it can’t be good news. I don’t need softening up. I’m a big boy, so just let me have it.”
“Are you always this direct?”
“It helps to get right to the point. Then we can at least enjoy dinner. So?”
Instead of answering him she reached into the slim purse, drew out an envelope with the Concordia logo in the upper left-hand corner and handed to him. She had to give him credit. His hand didn’t even shake as he lifted the flap and pulled out the single sheet. She already knew what it said. Frank had written it when the long meeting after the presentation had finally ended.
Gentlemen:
It is my great pleasure to inform you that the executives at Concordia have reached a unanimous decision to employ McMann Brothers to develop and build our new project, as yet unnamed, in Wyoming. We have planned for a completion date five years from the first shovel in the ground and look forward to having the McMann stamp of perfection on this.
Please contact our office to schedule appointments with Olivia D’Angelo and Dan Tuturo and let them know when we can expect the finished drawings. Dan will give you a complete list of what will comprise th
e village and Olivia will discuss preliminary figures with you. She will also be your contact person as you go through the process.
Your sketches and professionalism impressed us all. We look forward to working with you.
Cordially, Frank Vincent
President and CEO
Concordia
Alex stared at her over the top of the letter, stunned. “I can’t believe they made the decision this quickly.”
Livy couldn’t help smiling. “You wowed them, you and your brothers. Your concept is fresh and original, which is what we were looking for, and your realistic estimates were right on target.”
“You know those figures might change,” he warned her. “They were only a guess. We took smaller projects that had similar components and tripled them.”
She nodded. “We’re not stupid. But you have an excellent reputation for quality and honesty.”
“I need to call my brothers.” He pulled his cell phone from is pocket. “I don’t want to leave them hanging.”
“I take it they’re pleased,” she guessed when he disconnected the last call.
“You could definitely say so.”
She reached her hand across the table. “Welcome aboard.”
He gripped her hand, holding it in the warmth of his palm. Heat sizzled along her arm and through her body, making her breasts tingle and her pussy ache. Ever since that daydream in her office she’d had plans for Alex McMann. Tonight was the night she intended to put them in play. She hoped she wouldn’t regret what she decided, but she was so turned on by him she wondered if they’d make it all the way through dinner.
“Should we celebrate with champagne?” she asked. “On Concordia, of course.”
“In that case I’ll take you up on your offer.”
She linked her fingers through his on the tablecloth. “And if I have another offer for you? Will you take me up on that, too?”
He studied her for a long moment, heat blazing in his eyes. “You know,” he drawled, “I just might.”
