TWELVE
The longer she listenedto Mick, the more hope grew inside Nicole. He might be a skunk, but he had some brilliant ideas on how to turn their profits around. As she watched the expressions on the shareholders’ faces, Nicole could tell they were softening toward Mick. Of course, he had a way with words, and his cocky grin and twinkling gray-blue eyes could change anyone’s mind. Nicole just prayed he could deliver what he promised.
The day was long, and she had lunch brought in for everyone. Soon, the men had removed their suit jackets and rolled up their shirt-sleeves. Mick had taken off his tie and released a few buttons at his neck. As much as she wanted to hate him, she couldn’t stop admiring the way he was built. But it was more than that. He was a people-person, and she had the privilege of watching him win over almost everyone in the room.
Including her.
Several times she caught herself daydreaming, but then she quickly remembered he had a girlfriend. He was the unfaithful type of boyfriend, and she definitely didn’t want someone like that in her life.
As the evening approached, the shareholders excused themselves to leave one-by-one, and return home to their families. It didn’t take long before it was just Nicole and Mick.
With the water pitcher in the middle of the table, he poured the ice-cold liquid in his glass. As he drank, his eyes locked with hers. A knot of emotions lodged in her throat, and she forced herself to stay strong.
He set the empty glass on the table and relaxed in his chair. “That was a good meeting.”
She nodded. “Yes. I think we got a lot worked out.”
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll go talk to the banks to see how we can lower the loans.”
“No, Mick. I think I should do it. They know me. They don’t know you.”
He stared at her for several uncomfortable moments in silence. “All right but let me go with you.”
“Why?” She poured some water in her empty glass.
“If you haven’t noticed yet, I have a way with words. That’s one of my talents, and I love talking to people and swaying them to my side.”
Nicole had brought up the glass to her mouth but paused as she arched an eyebrow. “In other words, you charm them before they know what kind of trouble they’re in.”
He chuckled. “Yes, you could say it that way, but my words are much nicer. Either way, it means the same.” He leaned toward her. “Which is why I think I should go with you, because it’ll be my words that will convince them.”
As she sipped her water, she scowled. She hated when he was right.
“Fine.” She placed her glass back on the table. “But I won’t have you lying to them.”
His forehead creased. “Lie? Why would I lie?” He shook his head. “Sweetheart, your grandfather’s reputation is what I’m going to use to seal the deal. And because you are his grandchild – and the next to inherit the company – they will want to keep a family member as president, instead of a crooked man like my father.”
She smiled. “Are you going to use those very words?”
“Yes, plus some more, if you’ll let me.”
“I trust you...” She hesitated, wondering why she’d said that. But then she realized where her thoughts were taking her. “I trust you with this deal,” she added. “If my grandfather trusts you to pull us through this, then I might as well have faith in you.”
Relief softened his expression and he placed his hand over hers. “Thank you. That means the world to me.”
“Then don’t let me down, Mick. Show me what kind of man you really are.”
“I want to.” He ran his thumb across her knuckles. “You don’t know how badly I want you to see me in a different light.”
The warmth from his body merged with hers from just his tender touch, making her weak. She couldn’t let this happen. She didn’t want to trust himthatway. Or did she?
Pulling her hand away from his, she stood. To give herself something to do to keep her hands busy, she started cleaning off the table. He joined in and helped her.
Once she had everything put back, and the garbage in the trash can, she gathered her notes and stuffed them in her briefcase. The urge to look at him was powerful, but she resisted. Her body was fully aware of his presence, and a warm shiver moved over her from time to time, knowing he was studying her.
“Nicole,” he said, touching her arm. “Will you let me take you to dinner?”
