“And I don’t think it’s right to come in and rescue them from all the damage they’ve done to our environment just because he’s a friend of a friend.”
“A friend of my deceased father, you mean.” Sheesh, the woman could at least have a little respect. “And your visit, I regret to inform you, is premature. I won’t be able to see what we need to change until we finalize the deal. Legalities take time.”
Her brown eyes widened suddenly, causing her expression to shift. She looked…hopeful. “So you haven’t signed yet?”
Oh, crud. “Well…”
“So I’m not too late. Sir.”
“Mr. Benton,” he corrected.
“Mr. Benton, these guys have refused to cooperate with us for the last three years. They don’t deserve to be—”
But Zander put up a hand. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression that you could stop the transaction, but the sale will be finalized whether you agree with it or not.” He wouldn’t be bullied out of rescuing the company, and that was final. But unlike Mr. Brewster and his partner, Zander had the funds to update their equipment and get them up to standards.
Kat’s face hardened. “I knew it.”
Zander bristled at the comment. “Listen, once the ink dries, I plan to—”
“It’s already too late,” she snapped. “I’ve been forced to take the proper course of action in getting the authorities involved. And while we’re at it, I’m taking things a step further and ordering a complete evaluation of the press, the materials they’ve used, and the disposal of their waste over the last three years.”
She rested one hand on her hip and leaned, her narrowed eyes set on him.
This woman was as infuriating as she was beautiful. And as brazen as her approach might be, he couldn’t help but admire it. It wasn’t often he worried over what people thought of him, but Zander didn’t want her to see him as a monster. “If you’re so concerned about its effect on the environment, perhaps we could sit down together and discuss what needs to be done.”
She pulled back and blinked a few times in surprise. But then enlightenment seemed to flash in her eyes. “And avoid that wrath they have coming to them? I don’t think so. I plan to make a public example out of that company. Let people know exactly what happens when you ignore warning after warning and plea after plea…”
Zander gritted his teeth and blew out a paced breath. “Fine. Bring on the evaluation. We’ll be ready.”
“Oh, the evaluation is happening whether you’re ready or not,” she assured.
And for a reason he couldn’t explain, a hint of amusement crept in. “I just said we would be ready.”
She shrugged. “Good. Because it’s happening.”
He hid a grin. “Yes, you said that.”
Her lip quirked, and heaven help him, but Zander felt the response to that cute little quirk low in his belly. Stirrings of warmth and intrigue.
He held her gaze as a spark of sorts danced between them, the anger shifting into something…different. Did she feel it too? Probably not.
Get her out of here, Zander. This woman has trouble written all over her.
“Thanks for coming to visit, Mrs. Morgan.” Sure, he’d snuck the Mrs. in there, but only because he wanted to see if she’d correct him. Say that it was Miss instead.
She didn’t. In fact, her gaze only narrowed into a glare at his words. “So that’s it?”
Was she kidding? Now it was his turn to release a humorless laugh. He motioned toward her. “When one party refuses to hear out the other party,” he said, motioning to himself next, “there’s nothing to be done. Don’t you agree?”
“Oh.” Her expression softened. She took a step toward him, and Zander felt the heat of it low in his belly.
“You don’t feel like you were heard?” Her voice was sympathetic and soft. Her eyes widened, and her chin dropped in question.
Of course he hadn’t been heard. She’d interrupted him at every breath. But he didn’t have to tell her that. Instead, Zander shook his head subtly. “No, but if you’re willing to try again—”
“Well, now you know how I feel,” she snapped. Before he could form a reply, the woman spun on one heel, clenched her purse strap over her shoulder, and marched out of the room.
Zander forced out a slow breath through pursed lips as a fresh dose of fire flared hot in his chest. He was tempted to slam a hand on his desk and holler at her through the glass.
