When Slade opened the opposite door, the driver leaned out of his window, tossing Slade an annoyed flick of his hand. “One of y’all is getting in the front. I’m not your damn chauffer,Hamilton.”
Slade leaned into the passenger door and shook his head. “Darlin’, I’d normally ask a lady to take the front seat, but since I don’t want this ill-tempered rascal’s bad mood to rub off on you, I’ll spare you the inconvenience of sitting next tohim.”
After Slade closed the door, she watched the driver as he scowled at Slade, who was slowly sauntering in front of theSUV.
When Slade was seated, he turned around halfway to address her. “Please forgive his manners, sweetie. Did he at least introduce himself before he startedscowling?”
She smiled and leaned forward to make eye contact. “I’m the one whose manners are failing. I did enter his car without introducing myself.” She offered him a hand before saying, “I’m Mandisa Avery.” The driver looked at Slade for a moment, then pressed the dome light of the vehicle on before turning his attention fully toMandisa.
“Aaron Nakai,” he stated, shaking her handfirmly.
The amber light in the car illuminated the russet tone of Aaron’s skin, the midnight-black eyes and the straight strands of hair that were gathered in a haphazard ponytail traveling endlessly down hisback.
He was beautiful. There was really no other way to describe him. His features were all carved and masculine, but there was a delicate loveliness and quiet strength that seemed to shroud him. Just from a single glance, it was obvious he was a man who could handle himself, but Mandisa was certain there was something more to him gauging by the intensity behind his coaleyes.
“Hurry up and strap in, Hamilton.” His voice was gruff as he pulled his attention from Mandisa and focused on Slade. “I was up at ass o’clock to pick you up on time. The least you could do is hustle abit.”
She watched as Slade leaned back into his seat, turning his head briefly to the side and winking at her as he mouthed, “Watchthis.”
“If I promise to have Indira send you a pack of her special blend coffee, will that help you pull your head out of your ass?” Slade’s offer seemed to fall on deaf ears, but he didn’t seem worried about Aaron’ssilence.
Aaron was still and quiet for a moment longer before Mandisa watched him turn his head toward Slade. From his profile, she could see his eye widen slightly.Damn, that must be some good coffee if it can get this man to stopscowling.
“Make it two and we’re even,” Aaron grumbled quickly. He put the SUV in drive and pulled off into traffic without saying anotherword.
Damn, Slade was good. Even if this Indira’s coffee was laced with the most addictive drug there was, the promise of it shouldn’t have been enough to completely dispel Aaron’s obvious annoyance at Slade. Slade’s talent of knowing just what to say at the perfect time was the ingredient necessary to make this deal worthsomething.
Slade’s smile caught Mandisa’s eyes and forced the edges of her lips to bend in kind. It was good to know she wasn’t the only one who succumbed to Slade’s powers of persuasion. Apparently men and women alike couldn’t resist the big Texan’scharms.
She snuggled back into the cushions of her seat. As she closed her eyes in preparation for the ride a cold chill ran the length of herspine.
Laugh now. She heard the words ringing in her head as clearly as if she’d spoken them aloud. The only reason she knew she hadn’t was the lack of response from the other occupants of the vehicle.But will it be that funny when he’s using his charms on you to swindle you out of yourcompany?
And just that quickly, all those doubts that plagued her up until the moment she’d stepped on the plane in New York wereback.
Welcome to fucking Austin,indeed.
