I’m used to men barking orders and demanding that I fix their problems. The simple act of him asking if right now is convenient almost sends me into a swoon.
Yes, I realize my bar for men’s behavior might be underground at this point, but still. “Now is good.”
“Wonderful.” The smile in his voice is evident. “I’m sure managing the hotel keeps you a busy woman, so I’ll get straight to the point. Your time is very important, and I don’t want to distract from your other responsibilities. Though, based on the information Zenith’s gathered so far, you seem to have everything under control.”
The wings fluttering in my stomach shock me. I’m not usually the type who falls for flattery.
Actually, how would I know if I’m the type or not? Growing up with my critical father provided zero chance for me to find out. Maybe I’m a sucker for a good ego fluff from a stranger.Perhaps my devotion can be bought with a handful of kind words.
Clearly I need to stay on my toes with this one.
Kellin keeps talking. “My company has run an analysis on the Cypress Hotel, and we think with a little capital infusion and strategic planning, together, we could grow profits exponentially.”
My heart leaps into my throat. I grab my tumbler and sip some water. “How exponentially?”
“How does a hundred million dollars in the next five years sound?”
The water just about drowns me. I mute my phone to prevent Kellin from hearing my coughs and sputters.
A hundred million?I know exactly what that sounds like…freedom. A future that I can control myself, without my pushy, criminal father creeping over my shoulder.
It’s almost too good to be true.
I unmute the call. Kellin must think I’ve fainted or gone into shock. “You have my attention.”
“Good. As it happens, I’m actually in town on business, and I’ve already booked a stay at the Cypress. Would you be able to meet later this afternoon to talk further?”
As if I would miss this opportunity. I clear my throat. “Of course. I have some free time at four o’clock.” Surprisingly, my voice stays steady.
This could be my chance.
With Zenith’s help, I might finally gain the ability to set myself free.
Chapter 3
Maeve
“He’s staying here?” Lenora’s near-shriek echoes through the cavernous lobby.
I tug on her arm. “Keep your voice down.”
The open-concept space is beautiful—bright skylights, round columns, several large chandeliers, creamy marble tiles—but there are no secrets in the Cypress’s lobby. Considering that even whispers can travel sometimes, Lenora’s excitement is far too loud.
I yank her behind a golden planter. The large Chinese fan palm hides us from view.
“He’s in town on business, so it just worked out.”
“And he wants to meet with you?” She reaches up to smooth down my flyaway hairs. “You should’ve let me do your makeup.”
I can’t deny that I find her concern sweet. Lenora’s the closest thing I have to a friend, and I love her. But she does get overly enthusiastic, especially when attractive men are involved.
“Why? It’s just a business meeting, Len.”
Lenora quirks a perfectly penciled brow, her green eyes narrowing. “Right. Just business. And if you marry him and have his kids, they’ll be business babies.”
I hold back an un-bosslike snort and perch one arm on the corner of the check-in desk. “There will be no marriage or babies. I’m meeting a prospective business partner, a man I’ve never seen before in my life.” Even if I were interested in him, I would never risk this deal by being unprofessional.
The thought of ruining my chance at so much money churns my stomach.
