Martine, Missy - Denying His Wolfen Heritage [A Wolfen Heritage 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

Home > Other > Martine, Missy - Denying His Wolfen Heritage [A Wolfen Heritage 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) > Page 20
Martine, Missy - Denying His Wolfen Heritage [A Wolfen Heritage 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 20

by Denying His Wolfen Heritage

“No, you have nothing to apologize for. Michael’s obviously settled his attention on you, and that’s fine. As a matter of fact, I think we should get to know one another a little better.”

  “You do?” Ariane was beginning to feel like she’d woken up in the Twilight Zone.

  “Absolutely! Our men are business partners, and it stands to reason that we’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the future. I was wondering if you’d be willing to have lunch with me and a couple of my friends today. It will give me a chance to make amends, plus introduce you to some more women that you’re bound to come in contact with a lot in the course of Michael’s career.”

  “Veronica, that’s really not necessary.” Ariane had a really bad feeling about the whole situation.

  “I know it’s not necessary, but can’t you give me a second chance to make a better impression. Peter was very upset with me about my behavior, and I promised to do everything I could to make it right.”

  When she put it that way, Ariane felt badly about wanting to blow her off. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad just to have lunch. “Okay, Veronica. I guess I can come to lunch with you and your friends.”

  “That’s wonderful! I’ll pick you up at eleven o’clock. Do you like Italian food?”

  “Yes, I like it very much.”

  “Great! There’s a little family Italian place not far from Peter’s office that he and I sometimes meet at for lunch. It’s very casual, so don’t wear anything fancy. I’m going to be in trousers and a shirt. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.”

  “Uh, yes, me too.”

  “Goodbye, dear.”

  “Bye.” Ariane hung up the phone feeling rather dazed. What have I gotten myself into? She looked at the phone for a minute. Should I call Michael and tell him where I’m going? She thought for a minute. Maybe she really is trying to make things right. Peter probably doesn’t want there to be tension between us. If I call Michael, he’s going to worry. Pushing the phone aside, she made her decision. She wouldn’t tell Michael about the lunch until it was over. Veronica said the restaurant was near their offices. Maybe she would just pay him a surprise visit this afternoon. Thinking back to the last time she was in his office, she got excited. Maybe I’ll wear some of that new, racy underwear Melissa talked me into buying. Laughing, she rushed off to take a shower. Suddenly the lunch date didn’t seem so bad.

  * * * *

  Michael sat at his desk staring off into space with what he knew was a really stupid smile on his face. He’d spent all morning making preparations for his evening with Ariane. Reservations at his favorite French restaurant would start their evening. He’d even gone so far as to call and talk to the chef, arranging their menu and having a surprise prepared. After their dinner, he planned on taking her on a horse and carriage ride through the city. Tonight, he was going to tell little Ms. Blue Hills that he loved her. He never thought he’d find someone that he wanted to spend his life with, but now he couldn’t imagine life without Ariane by his side. He laughed softly. Maddie was going to flip out when she found out her matchmaking scheme had actually worked. Maybe they could keep it quiet for while and torture her a little. He thought for a minute and then grinned. No, he would call her and let her know today. Hell, if she found out he’d kept things from her she might shift and eat him alive!

  A soft knocking at the door captured his attention. “Come in,” he called out. Michael frowned when Cynthia stuck her head in the door.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, Michael. May I have a moment of your time?”

  He stared at her for just a moment. Something was different. She looked almost contrite. It had to be a scam of some kind. He knew her too well after all this time. “What is it, Cynthia? I’m very busy this morning, and I’m wanting to get out of here early today.”

  “I promise it won’t take a minute. Please?”

  “All right come in, but leave the door open.” He spoke to her sternly. He was not going to take any of her foolishness.

  Obediently she came into his office, leaving the door open, and came to stand in front of his desk. “I wanted to apologize for last night. Well, actually, I guess I wanted to apologize for all the times I’ve made you feel uncomfortable.”

  He looked at her, feeling very skeptical. “What’s the catch, Cynthia?”

  She laughed self-consciously. “There’s no catch, Michael. After you left last night, Peter laid the law down to me and Veronica.” She walked over and stared out his window. “I have to admit it was pretty eye-opening to see you and Ariane together at the party.” She turned around and smiled at him. “Especially when I saw you dancing. You looked so much in, well, in love.” For a moment she looked sad.

  “All right, I accept your apology. Now if that’s all I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.”

  Cynthia walked back over to his desk. “I’d like to invite you to lunch today. I promise, no funny stuff. Just a friendly business lunch between colleagues.” When Michael opened his mouth to object, she continued. “Please, Michael. It’s my way of making amends, plus I need some advice on the Strathers project.”

  Michael frowned. That was one of the smaller projects that he and Peter had decided she could handle on her own. “What’s going on with Mr. Strathers?”

  She snorted. “What isn’t going on? The man has grand ideas that he wants accomplished on a meager budget. It’s snowballing, and I need some advice on how to handle him. Can you make it? We can just go down the street to that Italian place I know you like.”

  Michael thought for a moment. She sounded sincere enough, and Strathers was an account who had been referred by one of their biggest account holders. It wouldn’t do to upset the man. Besides, if he could have a congenial working relationship with her, then things would definitely run more smoothly in the office. He didn’t want to have to fire her if he didn’t have to. The clients loved her. “Okay, Cynthia, I’ll have lunch with you to discuss Mr. Strathers.”

  “Great, is twelve o’clock all right?”

  “That’s fine.”

  She headed for the door. “Okay, I’ll meet you up front at five minutes before noon. We can walk from here.” She pulled the door shut behind her as she left.

  Michael sighed and glanced at his phone. He’d planned on calling Maddie, but it would be better to get some work done before leaving for lunch. He could always call her when he got back.

  * * * *

  Ariane was trying to decide whether to change her clothes again when she heard the doorbell ring. She glanced at herself in the mirror and grimaced. Well, I guess this will have to be good enough for Ms. Collins. Taking a deep breath, she went to answer the door.

  “Hello, Ariane.” Veronica seemed very friendly when Ariane opened the door.

  “Hi, Veronica. Please, come in.” She stepped back to let the other woman step inside.

  Veronica turned and smiled at her. “I’m so pleased you agreed to have lunch with me today. I’m hoping we can put all that nonsense from last night behind us and see if we have a basis for a friendship. We’ll be thrust together in social settings quite a bit in the future with Peter and Michael partners. It would be a shame if things were always tense.”

  “I agree. I don’t want Michael to have to worry about anything. I’m happy to start over today.” Ariane gave her a big smile.

  “That’s wonderful. Today we’re having lunch with two of my friends. Elizabeth Walters is the president of the Feed the Children group I volunteer for, and Katherine Elsby works with me at the ASPCA. I’ve told both of them what little I know about you, and they’re both anxious to meet you.”

  Ariane had trouble believing that two such important women would be interested in her, but she didn’t want to voice her doubts. She wasn’t going to do anything to embarrass Michael today. “They sound like fascinating women. It’ll be an honor to meet them.” For just a moment she thought she saw a smirk cross Veronica’s face, but it was gone so quickly she couldn’t be sure.

  “Well, then,
shall we get going? We don’t want to be late.” She walked toward the door and then glanced back. “By the way, you look lovely today. That color is very becoming to you.” She turned and then opened the door and stepped outside.

  Ariane grabbed her purse off the counter and followed her. “Thank you, it’s from the shopping trip I went on with Melissa.” Shrugging, she followed the other woman out the door. This would be one strange and stressful lunch.

  * * * *

  Michael closed up the plans he was working on and glanced at his watch. Time to face the music! He laughed at his grim thoughts about this luncheon. He’d been trying to figure out a way to get out of it for the last hour but couldn’t come up with anything solid. He might as well bite the bullet and get it over with. If it weren’t for the trouble Cynthia appeared to be having with a client, he would have no hesitation in canceling. But, as Peter would say, the business has to come first. Chuckling, he went to meet her in the front office.

  Cynthia was already waiting for him beside Melissa’s desk. He walked over and joined her. “I’m going to lunch with Cynthia. We’ll only be gone for an hour, and I’ll have my cell phone if anything comes up. If Ariane calls, be sure and tell her to call me on the cell. I don’t want to miss any calls from her.”

  Melissa stared at him in amazement. He watched her glance over at Cynthia, and her expression soured. She scowled. “Are you okay, boss?”

  He chuckled at her expression. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s a business lunch, problems with a client. We won’t be gone long, so don’t worry, mother.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek then whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry. I’m on guard and watching her like a hawk.” Grinning, he tweaked her nose and turned to Cynthia. “Let’s go so we can hurry and get back. I still want to get out of here early today.” Together, they walked out the door.

  * * * *

  Ariane and Cynthia arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes before twelve. Her friends had already arrived and secured a table. They were seated near the front of the restaurant where Ariane could easily watch the people come and go. It was something she had discovered she liked to do. It was fascinating to her to see the different kinds of people that populated the large city.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Maurice, and I’ll be serving you today. Can I tell you about our specials?”

  Ariane saw Veronica glance at her watch and then turn to the eager, young waiter. “Actually, I’d appreciate it if you could just give us a few minutes.” She went back to looking over her menu.

  “Ariane, Veronica tells us you’re from Wyoming and here visiting Michael. What is it you do in Wyoming?” The question came from the woman introduced as Elizabeth.

  Ariane turned to answer her and froze in her seat. She saw Michael coming through the door with Cynthia. As she watched, the young woman reached up and pressed her lips to Michael’s. Expecting him to push her away, she felt stunned to see his hands grip Cynthia around the waist and rest there. She quickly looked away and had to work to control her wolf’s reaction.

  “I’m so sorry, dear.” Veronica’s voice didn’t sound sorry at all. “I guess some habits are hard to break. They’ve been together for a very long time. Most people believed he would eventually marry her.”

  Ariane couldn’t stop the short growl that escaped or the angry tears that filled her eyes. How am I supposed to fight this woman? Every time I’m around her I end up fighting my wolf. Sooner or later I’m going to lose control and do something to embarrass Michael. She calmly stood and gathered her purse. “Please excuse me, ladies. I’m not feeling well. Thank you for the invitation.” Elizabeth and Katherine looked embarrassed, but Veronica had a smile on her face. Gathering her dignity the best she could, Ariane left the restaurant through a side door.

  * * * *

  Michael arrived at the restaurant and held the door open while Cynthia entered ahead of him. It wasn’t very crowded, but there wasn’t anyone up front to seat them. He glanced around for the hostess and was surprised when Cynthia stepped in front of him.

  “I’m grateful that you agreed to come with me today so we can make things right.” She glanced off to the side and then returned her attention to him.

  He smiled at her. “It’s good that we can remain friends. It’s better for the business if we’re all getting along in the office. I see a lot of potential in you, Cynthia. I think you have the ability to go far in this business.”

  Cynthia smiled at him and then reached up to kiss him. Taken completely by surprise, Michael’s hands automatically went to her waist. He was so stunned, for a moment, he couldn’t react. Then anger filled him as he pushed her away fiercely. “You never quit, do you?” He watched the satisfied grin on her face. “I think it’s time you looked for other employment.” He received some satisfaction at the shocked look on her face as he walked out the door.

  As he headed back to work, Michael tried to call Ariane at home but got no answer. By the time he entered the office, he was positively fuming.

  Melissa looked up when he came in the door, obviously surprised to see him. When he shut the door a little firmly, her eyebrows went up. “Where’s the barracuda?”

  He grinned at her description. “Still at lunch. She won’t be back. She’s leaving us.” He ignored the delighted look on Melissa’s face. “Is Peter in his office?”

  “Yes, he had his lunch delivered in.”

  “Good, he and I need to have a little talk. Why don’t you go to lunch now?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He tossed a twenty-dollar bill on her desk. “It’ll be my treat. I want a little privacy for our discussion.”

  She glanced at the money and then up at his face. Making a quick decision, she grabbed up the twenty and her purse and headed for the door. “You got it, boss. Just keep your cool and don’t leave any visible marks on him.”

  He laughed as she headed out the door. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I swear she keeps me sane within these walls. Grimly, he headed back toward his partner’s office. It was past time for him to set Peter straight on a few things.

  Michael didn’t even bother to knock. He just opened the door and stormed inside, leaving the door open behind him. It didn’t matter, the office was empty right now, and this way they would be able to hear if anyone came in.

  Peter glanced up from the sandwich he was eating. “Michael, something I can do for you?”

  “I just fired Cynthia.” Michael waited to see what kind of reaction his partner was going to have.

  Peter put down his sandwich and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Okay, can I at least know what happened?”

  As briefly as possible, Michael filled him in on what had happened, both at the office and at the restaurant. When he was done, he walked over to stare out Peter’s window.

  Peter sighed heavily. “All right, Michael. I’ll stand behind your decision. I’ve known for some time that she was plotting to get her hooks in you. I warned you the other day that she would be worse after seeing you with Ariane.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I probably owe you an apology.”

  That brought Michael back over to sit in the chair in front of Peter’s desk. “What could you possibly owe me an apology for?” His sense of humor got the best of him. “The last person who said they owed me an apology tried to kiss me an hour later. I’m warning you, pucker up at me, and you’re a dead man.”

  Peter laughed and then grimaced. “After you left the party, I heard Veronica and Cynthia talking. They were discussing ways to make things go Cynthia’s way. I knew I couldn’t control Cynthia, but I did warn Veronica to stay out of it. She promised me she wouldn’t interfere.”

  “Hmmm, well she probably kept her promise to you because she wasn’t part of this spectacle today.”

  “That’s good to know.” He stayed silent for a few moments and then leveled his gaze on Michael. “I need to be honest with you. Will you listen to what I have to say without blowing up? Or at least without blowin
g up until I’ve finished?”

  Michael didn’t like the look in his eyes. “All right, Peter. What is it that you feel you have to say to me?”

  Chapter 8

  “Michael, you can’t be so blind that you can’t see how your relationship with this girl could affect your life.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Michael narrowed his eyes. “You promised to listen to me,” Peter reminded him.

  “All right, all right.”

  “I like Ariane fine, but she’s beneath you, buddy. Anyone who meets her is going to think that you could do better.” He paused and stared at Michael’s face before going on. “Sure, she’s beautiful, but she’s uneducated and unsophisticated. You’re going to need a wife that will help you be successful. She needs to be someone comfortable in any social setting. She’ll need to be able to make contacts the same as you do now. Can you honestly see Ariane in that role? She could seriously harm your career with her inability to fit in with the other people in your life.”

  Michael had heard more than enough. “Why the hell do you care whether I flourish or not? It’s not going to affect you.”

  “The hell it’s not. Your career is tied directly to this business. Anything you do affects the business. I thought when we started this company our goal was to become the most successful design firm in the United States. Was I wrong?”

  “Of course you weren’t wrong, but my loving Ariane isn’t going to affect our business one way or another.”

  “Now who’s being naïve, Michael? There were people at the party asking me about the little country girl you brought. And believe me, they weren’t asking out of kindness. Their tones were more incredulous. Most just thought you’d brought your latest little tart to the party, especially after your exhibition on the dance floor.”

  “Who called her a little tart?” Michael was furious.

  “It doesn’t matter, Michael. The point I’m trying to make is that she’s wrong for you, and it’s time you woke up and smelled the roses. Somebody has got to get you to see things from everyone else’s point of view.”

 

‹ Prev