“I bet they couldn’t. I told you, you leave a trail of broken hearts everywhere you go. Poor fellas can only dream.”
She’s heard enough about herself and is more interested in getting the scoop. “Tell me about this girl making you work for your title and reputation. How many orgasms have you given her so far?”
I don’t know why it still shocks me when she pops up with shit like that.
“Nana, please tell me you don’t ask other people questions like that.” I’m trying to stall because I’m not really sure what to say about Charlotte, and I’m definitely not telling her I’ve already given her one orgasm—and quite a spectacular one, at that.
“Of course I do! You gotta keep people on their toes, Ian. Besides, it’s great entertainment for an old lady. They never expect it, and the look on their faces”—she pauses to laugh—“is priceless! I think I should have my own reality TV show or, at the very least, my own YouTube channel. I’d make a killing, I know I would.”
She’s right about that. They broke the mold when they made Nana.
“How do you know what a YouTube channel is, Nana?”
“I don’t live under a rock, my dear grandson. Now quit trying to divert me from what I want to hear. Is she still wagging her tail in your face or are you getting some action?” I hear a noise in the background, and I’m certain she just lit a cigarette. I’ve confronted her about it before, but she swears up and down that she doesn’t smoke.
“That’s a great way of putting it, but honestly, I wouldn’t even say she’s wagging her tail in my face. If she were, at least then I’d know she wanted me to chase it.” If she did that, I’d be back on familiar ground and know what the hell I was doing and how to plan my next move. “No, I think she is intentionally trying to avoid me, even though I know for a fact she’s attracted to me, very much so. It apparently has to do with something that happened in her past. Yet, according to Jackson, it wasn’t any kind of abuse.”
“How the hell does Jackson know that?” she asks.
“Because she told him, but he says it’s not his place to tell me. Which I respect, but it still annoys the hell out of me.” She obviously trusts him way more than she trusts me. Yet another thing to make me nice and edgy.
“Hmmmm…the plot thickens. I like it. You must represent something that she is afraid of. I’ll have to think on this one a bit and see what I come up with. If there’s a will, there’s a way. If you genuinely want to be with her, Ian, there is a way to make it happen. You just may have to struggle like hell to get there. You better make sure that’s what you really want.”
She always reverts back to wisdom and advice, and it’s always spot on.
“You’re right, Nana. And as of right now, she’s all I can think about. I have this gnawing need to have her. So, I really don’t have much choice but to find the way, because I sure as hell won’t be giving up.”
“That’s what I like to hear, sweetheart. You are a McAlistair, after all. Well, I have to go now. Judy and I are going to breakfast this morning. I just wanted to catch you early and tell you I love you.”
“I love you, too, Nana. Very much. Enjoy breakfast, and I will chat with you soon.” With that, we hang up right as I pull up to the office.
Once inside, I’m faced with a list of messages, emails, and last-minute questions from staff members about today’s meeting with Novas Alturas. Everything is set to go, and everyone is pumped.
This is what we thrive on—pitching the sale and closing the deal. My leaders are the best in the industry, and my staff is first-class. It’s a smooth-sailing ship with excellent morale where everyone knows their comrades have their backs.
Back in the early days, we had a few backstabbers, whiners, and drama queens, but once those were weeded out, we were unstoppable. I’m very proud of my team and what we’ve created.
I’ve gotten an email from Jackson confirming that everyone arrived midday yesterday from Brazil and they are looking forward to this afternoon’s meeting. Since they were traveling the day before, we decide to start the meeting at noon so we can mingle and enjoy lunch before we get down to business, ending with cocktails and dessert.
The owner, founder, and CEO of Novas Alturas, Lucas Azeveda, will be there, as will his son, Gabriel, who has recently taken a position next to his father as COO and is in the last stages of grooming before taking the helm when daddy retires. I’ve had numerous conversations with both gentlemen and feel good about the rapport that seemed to be there from the start. They are good men, and I respect the vision and hard work that has put them at the top. Novas Alturas is first-class, like us, making this union a splendid match.
Rounding out my morning with a call to my accountant, I’m ready to head over to The Clara Sea for one meeting I’m looking forward to and another that unfortunately has me a little nervous. We can definitely put that in the “first time ever” category, and it kind of pisses me off. I’ve never been so distracted by something in my life, and I can’t help but wonder when the hell it’s going to end. Surely this shit can’t go on forever.
I’m suddenly hit with the idea that Charlotte may never come around, that she may never relax in my arms while I kiss away her thoughts and cares, that she may never look into my eyes while she comes apart and screams my name.
“Fuck!” I hit my desk and stand so quickly my chair flies backward. “Goddamn, I can’t believe how badly she’s in my head!”
She’s bloody taking over everything, and I barely know the first thing about her. Maybe it’s better if I somehow try to avoid her today. Get through this meeting, close the deal, and then go after her with everything I’ve got. Something tells me that won’t happen unless she’s laid up, sick in bed, and won’t be there today. Otherwise, she will make an appearance because it’s her job to do so.
“Get it together, McAlistair,” I say to myself as I grab my things and head out the door.
On the way there, I get a text from Jackson saying that most everyone has arrived, mingling and chatting, and the vibe is good. I’m not late, more like exactly on time, with a few minutes to spare. I don’t want to appear overly anxious, but I refuse to be disrespectful.
Pulling up to the front entrance, the valet directs me to a reserved spot on the other side of the porte cochère, set aside for cars more valuable than they care to be responsible for. I tip him anyway as he shakes my hand and offers a personal greeting and assurance that he will keep an eye on things while I’m inside. Charlotte really does have a topnotch production here. Although, with her tenacity, I’d expect nothing less.
Walking through the main lobby, I am greeted by several more staff members and directed to the Garden Room. When I left my office there was a noticeable tension in my shoulders. Thoughts of Charlotte never truly being mine tend to have that effect on me. Now, I feel nothing but that familiar rush that only comes from closing a deal. My steps are light, my head is clear. This is going to be good. As I get closer to the conference room, I can hear the voices of people conversing in the hallway. A burst of excitement kicks up my pace. I’m looking forward to giving what I know will be a successful presentation.
Turning the corner, shortly before the entrance of the conference room, all my excitement is extinguished as my vision tunnels in on Charlotte standing in front of Gabriel Azeveda. She is looking up at him, a sincere smile on her lovely face as he takes her hand and slowly brings it to his lips, gently kissing the top of her fingers. A surge of explosive anger and jealousy courses through every cell in my body as I see how genuinely happy she appears with his charm and attention.
My first instinct is to walk up and tell the bastard to back the fuck off, but my rational side knows that at this point, it’s not a viable option. There is too much at stake, and, as much as I hate to admit it, making any claims on Charlotte right now would potentially shut her down permanently.
As I approach, I can’t help but notice that Gabriel is much taller than he appeared in the photos on their website
and the few video conferences we had. It’s also hard not to notice that he’s decent looking. Maybe even what one might describe as handsome. Having never considered another man as competition, I’m surprised to find myself suddenly noticing every detail and nuance of Gabriel. Most notably, the intensity in his stare and that he hasn’t let go of her goddamn hand yet. My spine tightens as my fists clench. Motherfucker!
Forcing myself to be calm and not break his bloody fingers when I shake his hand, I disrupt their little lovefest. “Good afternoon, Gabriel, and welcome to Miami. I see you’ve met our lovely hostess here at The Clara Sea.” I release our handshake and turn to Charlotte. Her eyes are wide and so incredibly beautiful. As soon as she turns them to look at me, they dilate—significantly. That subtle reception feels like a triumph and my smile reflects it. “Good afternoon, Charlotte. It’s always a pleasure to see you. I hope you’re feeling better today.” I can’t help but throw out that little jab considering our last encounter when she almost fainted, then, quite soundly, sent me walking. I look forward to letting her know that will never happen again.
Her eyes soften a little as she responds, “Good afternoon, Ian.” I noticed she didn’t say Mr. McAlistair—progress, maybe? “I was just telling Gabriel today’s lunch will feature a little Brazilian flair.”
Okay…she didn’t call him Mr. Azeveda, and now they are back to fucking smiling at each other and she just put her hand on his arm.
Gabriel is certainly pleased. I can practically taste how interested he is in her, and she sure as hell isn’t deflecting him like she did me. She really does hate me. I quickly respond with the intention of getting Gabriel as far away from Charlotte as possible. “Yes, and if I’m not mistaken, it will be served shortly.” Placing my hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, I nudge him toward the conference room. “We should be getting inside.” With a brief pause, I look Charlotte in the eyes, daring her to challenge me like that again. She is bringing out a side of me I didn’t know existed. “Good day.” And offer a curt nod.
However, Gabriel has clearly got his radar locked on my obsession and will not be swayed. He leans toward her, that deep accented voice grinding my nerves as he says, “It has been a pleasure to meet you, my dear Charlotte. I will look for you after our meeting. I would enjoy getting to know you, making a new friend here in Miami.” He’s about ready to make a lethal fucking mistake as he leans in and gives her one of those annoying cheek kisses that all foreigners do.
Evidently, Charlotte doesn’t think it’s annoying. “That sounds wonderful, Gabriel. Thank you.” Her sugary reply has me turning on my heel to leave the scene before I make a very terrible mistake that I won’t be able to undo.
“Dammit,” I say to myself through gritted teeth as I force myself to continue toward the conference room. I have very clearly staked my claim. It’s a first, and it’s powerful, and my DNA is raging for me to fend off that intruder. Un-bloody-believable.
Entering the conference room, I briefly make eye contact with Jackson before heading straight to my main target, Lucas Azeveda. Regardless of the fact that I now have a major fucking issue with his son, I genuinely like Lucas and am looking forward to working with him on this exceptional project. “Lucas!” My enthusiasm is genuine as we greet one another with a firm and trustworthy handshake. “How are you, my friend?”
“Good. Good, Ian. How are you? I am so happy to see you.” His thick accent and weathered appearance draw out a much-needed smile, defusing some of my agitation.
“I am happy to see you, as well.” And I truly am. Lucas’s smile widens, deepening his laugh lines and crow’s feet. He is a distinguished man with slicked back white hair, tanned skin, gold-brown eyes, and a flawless set of fake teeth that are a few shades too bright for his warm appearance. “Have you seen the rendering?”
“Ian! It is magnificent! You have outdone yourself.” He turns to face the replication of what will soon be the premier residence in Miami, gesturing with his hand. “Look at this. This, Ian. This is success.” He reaches over, taking my hand in both of his. “We are success.”
In that moment, albeit fleeting, I am free of the whirlwind that took over my life only days ago. I am in my element. Back to center, where nothing can hold me back, where failure is never an option. “That we are, Lucas. Shall we get the meeting started? I think you are going to be very excited to see what my team and I have created for you.”
Lucas nods as his face lights up, mirroring my enthusiasm. We are cut from the same cloth when it comes to truly loving what we do. I have tremendous respect for this man and I know he has the same for me.
Gabriel, on the other hand, has been relabeled. I now see him as an outsider sniffing around my female. Which is a rather significant problem, considering. I watched his every move throughout the meeting, sizing up my competition. I have to admit, the younger Azeveda has the potential to be a worthy opponent. He holds himself very well, and is excellent in his position of authority, regardless of his age, which I’m guessing is a few years younger than me. Adding to my ire, the more I look at the guy, the more I see why any woman would gladly drop at his feet…or enjoy getting to know him better.
The stars are significantly out of alignment for me, because not only has the girl I desperately want built a fortress around herself to keep me out, but some evil force has placed a Brazilian Casanova in her path—and she appears to be happy about it. This is definitely an obstacle I could do without.
One thing I could do with is having a drink, and thankfully, the resort staff just arrived with a full bar along with an impressive dessert table. I need to make a point of visiting the chef and complimenting today’s meal and now this outstanding display. He is world class, and I’m curious as to where Charlotte found him.
Once the bartender hands me my drink, I make my way over to Jackson, who cuts directly to the chase. “That went well. You mind telling me what the hell happened before you entered the room? Please tell me it had nothing to do with Charlotte.”
Now he’s suddenly her protector. Maybe I should add him to my list of obstacles that keep pushing her further and further from my reach.
Taking a long swallow, I pause to enjoy the oaky citrus of this particular scotch, pleased with its elegantly smooth finish. I bring the glass up again to breathe in its aroma before answering in a low tone. “Gabriel has discovered Ms. LeFay. I almost had to wipe the drool off his mouth with my fist.” That last part came out with a teeth-clenched hiss.
Jackson’s expression changes from curious to an eyebrow-raised Oh fuck!, and it would actually be funny if I wasn’t so pissed off about the situation. He adds the obvious, “Oh, man. That’s complicated.”
My head jerks up to look at him. “Yeah, complicated would be a good description, especially considering Charlotte doesn’t seem opposed to his attention. I swear to God, Jackson, it’s like I’m in a different universe when it comes to that woman. Either that, or this is some kind of penance for something my old, wicked soul has yet to answer for. Either way, I’m on the verge of doing something irrational.”
Jackson shakes his head. “Something’s up. You’ve got some bad mojo happening…compared to what you’re used to, anyway.” He tries holding in a laugh. “Although, this is the norm for your average mortals. You know…having to work for it a little.” He seems to think that’s cute because his laugh is now undisguised by the movement of his shoulders as he brings his drink to his lips. Which is just a lame attempt at hiding his smile.
Completely deadpan, I say, “I’m glad you’re finding humor in this, asshole.” I turn so my back is no longer facing the room. “The fun part is, Gabriel’s not going anywhere any time soon. This project is going to take more than three years to complete.”
“You do realize that competition is healthy, right? It brings out the best in everything and is the cause of all progression. Evolution, survival of the fittest…that’s all a competition, my friend. Modern technology? The result of one brainiac trying to outdo another.
Hell, even losers improve due to competition.” He seems very pleased with himself, playing the role of college professor.
“That’s all well and good, Darwin. But I have no intention of being the loser.”
Eleven
Charlotte
Walking into work earlier, I was ready to take on the day, having already prepared myself for an inevitable run-in with Ian. I just hoped this time he wouldn’t turn my world upside down. Wishful thinking, considering there has not been one single encounter with Ian McAlistair where he did not completely throw me off-balance.
Making matters worse, that damn dream I had is on repeat in my head. A part of me wishes I wasn’t so scarred by what happened with my parents. Yet, there is another part that thinks life is hard and sometimes we learn hard lessons along the way, like not making the same mistakes as your parents. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do? If so, why does the weight of it feel like such a heavy burden?
A knock at my office door jumps me out of my thoughts. It’s Tracy, ready to go over her a.m. reports. It dawns on me, at that moment, it’s time for me to take a break—a much-needed vacation to clear my head, reboot my drive, and calm my fried nerves. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this jumpy.
Once Tracy’s list of problems are solved and questions are answered, I head down to see how things are going in the kitchen, where our head chef, Michael, and his staff are busily preparing for today’s luncheon with McAlistair Architecture, Design & Development and Novas Alturas. Everything is on schedule, and I know they will be impressed with Michael’s presentation. He’s the best of the best, and beyond that, he’s a great person. The Clara Sea wouldn’t be the same without him.
On the way back to my office, I stop by the Garden Room for one last inspection, even though I know everything is set and ready to go. It’s a habit; I want everything to exceed my client’s expectations. But, in this particular case, I cannot deny that the notion of Ian being pleased about choosing The Clara Sea, regardless of his ulterior motives, gives me a noticeable sense of satisfaction. A smile touches my lips, as a part of me wishes I could be more at ease around him.
The Essence of Fate Page 10
