“Oh, I’d be delighted. At Caroline Manor, we hope to offer a quality way of life for our residents, some who’ve faced misfortunes including job loss, death, and illness. We hope we’re providing an opportunity to get on their feet in a safe, beautiful, and comfortable place to call home. We have two- to four-bedroom apartments that will be available for purchase. Every payment made will go toward the purchase price.”
“Of five million dollars?” Vanessa interjected.
Jennifer laughed. “Oh, no. The most expensive apartment or condominium is priced at two hundred and fifty thousand, with most just under two hundred. We’re lucky to be working with an incredible bank that’s going to provide the lowest rate possible for a fifteen- and thirty-year loan with no closing costs. However, purchasing is not a requirement.”
“How much are the rent payments?”
“Six hundred to one thousand. I know a thousand dollars is significant, but we have other incentives including free daycare and no charge for parking as well as low-cost food and entertainment. We even have a movie theater.” I was glad to see Jennifer so animated. “We’re very proud of what we offer and I think the residents will be happy.”
“Jennifer!” someone called from across the pool.
She turned her head and waved. “I’m sorry. Duty calls. If you have any other questions, just let me know. Wonderful to see you, Mr. Elliot.”
I said nothing but returned my attention to the pool, laughing when a couple of kids tumbled down the slide.
“Affordable housing in Miami that’s not trashed,” Vanessa said.
“Rare, but feasible.”
“Why?” She tipped her head.
In thinking of a decent answer and one she would accept, I took my time. “Because it’s the right thing to do.”
“Hmmm… Okay.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“As you’ve reminded me, Christian, I don’t know you. I have no clue what makes you tick other than money and power, which is why I find it difficult to believe that this development was simply done out of the goodness of your heart. However, what I need is to learn more about what makes the man inside tick. That’s the only way I could determine the best match for your particular needs.”
I turned toward her, crowding her space. Was I purposely making her uncomfortable? Yes. Did that bother me? Only in the best way. “The only way you can do that is to spend some personal time with me. Privately. We’ll have a late lunch and discuss my likes and dislikes.”
“With you?” she half laughed. “I don’t think that will be necessary. I can learn what I need by asking you questions at your office.”
After taking a deep breath, I lowered my head. I’d forgotten how powerful an effect her perfume had on me. There was a raw femininity to the light musk that lingered in my nostrils long after she was no longer in my presence. While the game was enjoyable, it was time she understood that she needed me more than I needed her.
“I don’t think you understand, Vanessa. I’m not asking you to join me for lunch. I’m telling you. At this point I’m certain you’ve learned that I’m not the kind of man to ever take no for an answer.”
CHAPTER 6
Vanessa
Certain men rubbed me the wrong way while others infuriated me to the point of being unable to breathe.
Christian went far past the extreme.
He was commanding me to have lunch with him as if I was one of his flunky employees. What troubled me was that his authoritative tone, deep and provocative had sent a thrill through me. There was more than a rush of heat to what we shared, more like live wires dancing in a thunderstorm. However, our personalities continued to clash in a way that made it feel like a tornado could appear just over the horizon.
Was I surprised at the incredible home site and what he was doing for people who could otherwise have no opportunity to live right on the water in Miami Beach? Yes, but I knew there had to be a catch. Deferred taxes came to mind. Or perhaps given his ruthless reputation, he was trying to provide some sense of charitable contributions, although even I knew that the amazingresidential facility had cost tens of millions of dollars. Who would do that to be seen as a charitable organization?
Was I being too harsh with the man? Maybe. However, I refused to allow my guard to fall even if I’d agreed to sitting down to a meal with a wolf as a companion.
Wait. I hadn’t agreed. He’d literally put me in his expensive sports car and now we speeding down the thoroughfare toward…
Wait a minute.
“Where are we going to lunch?”
He threw a look in my direction as he’d done before and when he did, a shiver tickled all the way down my spine. Yes, he was attractive, even more so in white linen pants and a black shirt. The look was unexpected and on him, gorgeous. Even his dark shades and the way the wind tousled his hair created a stunning appearance.
