Maximus seethed inwardly but started walking down the hall. He led them through the executive offices first and then showed them the different departments on several floors before eventually ending in the shipping yard. This had always been his favorite place as a child even though it could be dangerous with all the cranes and shipping containers on the move. Tahlia asked a lot of questions throughout, but Lucius was silent, taking it all in. Knight International, Lucius’s company, specialized in technology, not shipping. Maximus hoped he could see that he was out of his element.
“Looks awfully tight,” Lucius commented as he peered at the shipping yard filled with cargo containers.
“Yes, it is,” Maximus replied, surprised at his insight. “Expansion is the next logical step if we want to compete in the Port of Los Angeles with the other major players. If you didn’t know it already, it’s the largest port in the US.”
Lucius rolled his eyes. “And I assume you’re already looking at the feasibility and finances on moving forward?”
“Of course.
“Good. I look forward to seeing it in the future.”
When the tour was over and they were headed back to the main building, Lucius commented, “This is quite an operation you have on your hands, Maximus.” Gone was his previous arrogance about their empire. If he wasn’t mistaken, Maximus had gained his older brother’s respect.
“Thank you.”
“Are there any major decisions that have been tabled given Arthur’s death that you need Tahlia and me for? I assume you can handle day-to-day operations.”
“Yes, of course,” Maximus stated testily. “I’ve been president for the last two years and am quite capable of running things.”
“I know that,” Lucius responded. “It’s clear Knight Shipping is in excellent hands. I only meant that if we—” he glanced at Tahlia “—could be of any assistance, we’re here.”
“There’s a board meeting next month and we’ll be discussing expansion options,” Maximus responded, “but until then, I’ve got it.”
Lucius stared at him long and hard as if debating his next answer, but then he just said, “Of course you do.” He turned to Tahlia. “Tahlia, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you for the invitation.” He glanced at Maximus when he spoke. Lucius knew there was no way in hell he would have ever purposely invited him to tour the facilities. He glanced again at Tahlia. “Be careful of this one, though. He’s real smooth.” Then he looked back at Maximus. “Max, I’m sure we’ll be speaking soon. Take care, little bro.” He ruffled Maximus’s curls and walked toward his car.
Tahlia was silent beside Maximus as he patted his hair back into place. He didn’t appreciate the constant reminders that Lucius was the oldest and, in fact, could have been the heir to Knight Shipping if he’d been acknowledged as Arthur’s son. As much as he hated it, Maximus would always be Lucius’s younger brother, but did he have to mess his hair up?
“Max, I’m sorry about Lucius,” Tahlia replied. “He’s been baiting you all day with the bro comments and calling you Max. I’m sorry I extended the invite.”
“Don’t be, it’s not your fault he was being a complete and utter jerk.” Maximus turned to face her. When he did, he saw concern was etched across her beautiful features. “Really.” He touched her shoulders. “I’ll live.”
“I know.” She gave him a half-hearted smile. “You didn’t rise to the bait.”
He shook his head. “I learned a long time ago to be coolheaded and to not react, because isn’t that what he expected?”
“And where did you learn not to show your emotions?”
“Ah, Tahlia, we’re not getting into this discussion now,” Maximus responded.
“When, then?” she asked boldly.
Maximus walked up to her until he was so close he could smell the shampoo she’d used that day. It smelled of lemon and lavender. “When would you like?”
He heard the breath hitch in her throat, saw her pupils dilate at his nearness. “I would imagine you’d want to keep your distance, given Lucius’s warning to be wary of me.”
Her lips thinned. “I make my own judgments.”
“And what have you decided about me?”
“That I can trust you,” she said, and then she added, “For now.”
He studied her. He was getting to her. “Join me for dinner tomorrow night. I have a charity function.”
Tahlia shook her head. “I can’t, but if you’d like to share a meal, I’m free on Monday night. And I know just the place. I’ll text you the address.”
Seconds later, she was gone, leaving Maximus to wonder who was playing whom.
Chapter 5
Maximus’s weekend was super busy. He attended a charity dinner with his mother on Saturday night and was now meeting up with Griffin on Sunday for their weekly racquetball match. It had always been an outlet for him when he needed to relieve some stress, and today was no different.
After the tour on Friday ended with Lucius and Tahlia, Maximus was preoccupied. Since his father’s death, many decisions had to be made to keep Knight Shipping running. Now that he knew Lucius and Tahlia wouldn’t be looking over his shoulder every five minutes or expecting a report, Maximus was free to make them. Lucius had even been open to the idea of expansion, though he didn’t yet understand what that might entail. So it was up to Maximus to put together the best prospectus he could to convince Lucius, the businessman, that going public was in the company’s best interest. But even if Lucius wasn’t on board, Tahlia’s vote would give Maximus the majority vote he needed to take Knight Shipping public.
Business decisions came easily, but another, more personal one stood heavy on his mind, and that was whether he should continue on this quest to seduce Tahlia. He’d come up with the idea after he’d been steaming mad after the reading of his father’s will, but now that he had time to think about it, he was beginning to question its legitimacy. Tahlia was gorgeous and had an inherent kindness that didn’t lend itself to his machinations. But Maximus couldn’t figure out any way around getting her vote, except appealing directly to her sensibilities. If she was interested in him, cared for him, it could sway any potential vote his way.
“Max, get your head in the game,” Griffin said when a ball flew past Maximus’s ear.
“Sorry, Griff.” Maximus returned his focus to the game and got in position. Within seconds, another ball was coming at him, and this time he hit it with such force that it went sailing across Griffin’s head.
Griffin glared at him. “What the hell was that?”
“Playing ball. Now stop your whining and let’s get on with it.”
An hour later, they were in the locker room having just finished up their match. Griffin had beat him by a point, 5 to 4. It hadn’t been Maximus’s best game because deep down he’d been thinking about Tahlia. Her lustrous black hair that hung in soft waves past her shoulders. Her big brown eyes. Or maybe it was those kissable lips that he knew were aching for him to kiss them.
“You let me win,” Griffin said as they dressed after showering.
Maximus frowned. “Why would you say that?”
“Because you’re distracted.”
“You should take the win, Griff. You know I don’t like to lose, and you might not ever get another chance to gloat.” He’d already donned a pair of khaki trousers and was buttoning up a casual shirt.
Griffin shrugged as he pulled on his jeans. “I want to beat you when you’re at your best, not when you’re preoccupied with your family business or your beautiful new partner.”
“Lucius?” Maximus said with a smirk. “I certainly wouldn’t call him beautiful. Arrogant would be more like it. The other day during our tour, the jerk tried to rile me by calling me little bro and Max.”
His friend chuckled. “Oh, I bet that really got your goat,”
he said, pulling on his polo shirt. “But you know good and well who I’m talking about.”
“Tahlia.”
“Of course,” Griffin replied as he slipped on his shoes. “Have you followed through on your intent to seduce the woman in the hopes she’ll part with her shares or vote with you?”
“And? What if I were?”
“I would tell you I think it’s a bad idea. I know you have a way with women, but say you do seduce her. Who’s to say that the relationship won’t go sour and Tahlia votes against you anyway for spite? There’s no guarantees this will play out exactly how you envision. Surely, there must be another way,” Griffin said. “Some legal maneuver you can use to get Lucius out of the company. Has it even been confirmed that he’s Arthur’s son? Force him into a paternity test. You could drag this out in court for years.”
“Only in the end to have to share the power with him after I’ve royally pissed him off?” Maximus asked. “No.” He shook his head. “My way is better. If I can get Tahlia on my side or convince her to sell me her shares, it’s the better method.”
“If you say so, but you’re treading a very fine line, my friend,” Griffin said.
“I know that,” Maximus said. But Tahlia was also a grown woman who could make her own choices. He’d heard Lucius warn her about him. She could choose to ignore his advances and he’d be back to square one. Ultimately, it was her decision.
“All right. When the script is flipped, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Griffin said and finished tying up his shoes.
“Don’t sound so ominous,” Maximus responded. “I can handle this.”
* * *
Tahlia paced the sidewalk as she pulled the collar of her wool peacoat around her neck. It was a chilly Monday evening, and she was freezing her bones off as she waited in front of the homeless shelter where she and Maximus would be serving dinner tonight. Thanks to her mother’s altruistic spirit, she’d always made sure Tahlia and Kaitlynn understood just how lucky they were when others were less fortunate. And so, she’d made sure her girls volunteered in some capacity throughout much of their teens. Now, into adulthood, Tahlia had continued giving back to her community, and serving dinner each week was just a small way for her to do so.
She hadn’t told Maximus exactly where they’d be going for dinner tonight. She’d only texted him the address. As vehicles passed her by on the street, she looked out for his Bugatti. It would be very conspicuous in this neighborhood. Tahlia wondered if he’d even get out of the car or whether he’d pull up to the curb and tell her to hop in before driving her someplace more upscale.
But Tahlia planned on digging in her heels. Tonight was a test if Maximus was truly serious about wanting to spend time with her and not using her as her sister Kaitlynn suggested, as did Lucius, who’d warned her to be careful. And Tahlia was curious whether Maximus would pass it.
Instead, he pulled up alongside the curb at 6:00 p.m. on the dot in a Mercedes-Benz rather than his blue Bugatti sports car. He was nothing else if not prompt as he exited the vehicle looking handsome in a wool coat and scarf wrapped around his neck.
He smiled at her as he approached, but it faded once he glanced at the building. Then he looked in her direction. “Interesting choice for dinner.”
“You don’t mind, do you?”
Maximus shrugged. “It’s ladies’ choice. So let’s get out of this cold.” He motioned for her to walk ahead of him.
Once inside, the shelter was a bustle of activity as the staff prepared for the dinner rush. While they removed their coats, Tahlia allowed herself a few moments to take in Maximus. He’d clearly just come from work because he’d removed his suit jacket and wore a dress shirt, slacks and a tie, and here she was having him serve dinner in his designer duds to the homeless. She was sure he probably wanted to wring her neck, but he was a good sport and quickly dispensed with his tie and slid it into his pants pocket.
Tahlia was still pulling off her coat when Maximus came over to help relieve her of it. “Thank you.” She glanced behind her.
“You’re welcome.”
Then he took both their coats and followed her into the large room. Patrons were already lining up in preparation for dinner service. “C’mon.” Tahlia inclined her head. “I’ll show you where we can put up our coats.” She walked with purpose toward the center’s director, who was in charge of volunteers. The older woman smiled on her approach.
“Tahlia.” The director gave her a quick hug. “It’s so good to have you with us again.” She glanced behind Tahlia at Maximus. “And who did you bring with you today?”
Maximus stepped forward and extended his hand. “Maximus Knight.”
“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Knight.” The director shook his hand. “It’s so great to have someone with your reputation helping out today. Let me show you where to put your things, and then I’ll put you to work. With tonight’s cold temperatures, we’ll have a full house tonight for dinner.”
“Lead the way,” Tahlia said.
Fifteen minutes later, Tahlia and Maximus were outfitted with aprons, gloves and large spoons to help serve the food that was spread across several rectangular tables. At least a dozen volunteers were milling about and either serving food or on cleanup detail. Tahlia had signed them up for meal service.
Once the lines opened, patrons came past their table, and she and Maximus added spoonfuls of mashed potatoes and green beans to go along with the meat loaf already on their plates. It didn’t take long for them to find a rhythm and to keep the steady line moving. Tahlia was sure this was the first time Maximus Knight had ever served anyone, but he was taking it in stride.
“Enjoying yourself?” she asked, glancing in his direction.
He offered her what seemed like a genuine smile. “Actually, I am. I can’t say I’ve ever served the homeless on a date before, but yes, I am enjoying myself.”
“Is that what this is?” she asked, her pulse speeding up. “A date? I thought we were just two business partners having dinner.”
His eyes swept over her face, surveying her, then he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You know it’s a date.” Then he served the next patron, and all Tahlia could do was stare up at him. The implication sent waves of excitement surging through her. She’d hoped it was a date, but having the confirmation caused an invisible warmth to wrap around her insides, which already felt like mush whenever Maximus was near.
The next patron was standing in front of her, and Tahlia had to look away from Max and remember why she’d come: to help others. They continued serving meals until nearly 8:30 p.m., when the director came over and allowed several of the volunteers to take a break and have dinner themselves.
“You don’t mind having dinner here?” Tahlia asked when she and Maximus moved from the other side of the table to stand in line with the patrons. She handed him a paper plate.
“Not at all,” he responded, accepting the paper plate. “I enjoy helping others, and if I get to spend time with you in the process, it’s a bonus.”
He delivered the line so smoothly, Tahlia was so flustered one of the patrons had to gently remind her to keep the line moving. Once she and Maximus had filled their plates, they sat at one of the picnic-style tables in the main hall with their now-loaded plates of meat loaf with all the fixins. Tahlia wondered what Maximus was thinking as he sat across from her with a faint glint of humor in his eyes. Is this how he envisioned our first date?
* * *
Maximus stared at Tahlia. His dark eyes pierced her brown ones, and they sparkled when she deduced his obvious interest in her. If he was honest, he’d been eager to see Tahlia again after the tour and was curious as to where she would select to have dinner for their first date. He’d never in his wildest dreams imagined she’d take him to a homeless shelter for a meal. He glanced down at the less-than-appealing entrée.
/> But he had to hand it to Tahlia. She had spunk.
Not many people could surprise him, and Tahlia had. She’d offered him a glimpse into a cause near and dear to her heart. Because of it, he intended to write a check later and give it to the shelter director. Maximus liked what he saw on the inside as well as the outside. Tonight, she was wearing a sweater dress that showed off her fine hips and shapely thighs along with boots that covered her calves. Despite the fact that she was covered from head to toe, Maximus was just as turned on as if she wore a minuscule bathing suit. He could only imagine how she’d fill out a bikini.
Tahlia was a breath of fresh air in his otherwise mundane life. Up until now, his life had been about achieving the lofty goals his father had set for him. But once he’d achieved one, it had never been enough and he’d set another one, a higher goal, until eventually his life had become so structured, he’d forgotten what it was like to just have fun.
Tahlia offered him that and so much more.
He wanted her.
And as he regarded her, he found a joyous satisfaction in knowing she was studying him just as much. She wanted him, too. He wanted this feeling to last, so he would take their relationship slow until she was finally in his bed.
“Why are you still single?” Maximus suddenly asked.
Tahlia frowned. “Where did that come from?”
“A woman as beautiful as you should be taken, so why are you on the market?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” she responded, forking some meat loaf and plopping it in her mouth.
“Then I would answer and tell you that up until now I didn’t really make time for activities outside of work.”
“And now that’s changed?” She quirked a brow.
“I’m not answering until you share your story,” Maximus responded.
Tahlia shrugged. “All right, if you must know, there was someone once. Paul was his name, and I fell hard for him only to find out that he wanted a casual relationship and wasn’t interested in a long-term commitment that came with marriage, kids and the white picket fence.”
Taming Her Billionaire Page 6
