Her heart sank in panic. She’d lived most of her life on the straight and narrow as she made decisions that would keep her on the pathway to becoming the president of Adkins Dev-Tech. But could she continue with her plans for Mr. Remington now?
Tonight would be the hardest night of her life!
THREE
Mick Remington liftedhis drink to his mouth while keeping his gaze on the incredibly beautiful woman. He’d seen his share of pretty women, but there was something about Nicole that held his interest. He liked the way she looked at him as if he was her rescuer. It was refreshing to be someone’s hero for a change, instead of the ruthless villain.
However, he couldn’t stop the doubts from sneaking into his mind. After all, this was James Adkins’ granddaughter. Mick had seen a picture of her on her grandfather’s desk a couple of years ago when Mick had visited James. Nicole’s enchanting green eyes had haunted his dreams for several months afterward.
And now... her grandfather was ill and his company was in trouble. Although Mick wanted nothing to do with the Remington empire – especially their reputation – he forced himself to work beside his father just to learn the ropes. He hadn’t spent any time with his father while growing up, and as an adult Mick was determined to become as successful as his old man... but in a different way.
Mick had never been proud of the Remington reputation. Most people saw him as the corrupt son of the elder Remington. If only they’d look past the name and see what was in Mick’s heart.
It wasn’t until he realized his father was going after James Adkins’ company that Mick decided to change his ways of dealing with companies that were going under. Several years ago, James had been the first man who believed in Mick and had given him his first loan. Mick was the only person who could help James right now, and he prayed he wouldn’t fail.
After meeting with his associates earlier this evening, Mick wracked his brain trying to figure out a way to save James’s company, but no decision had been made. Plain and simple, they didn’t have any brilliant ideas. And then Nicole came into his life... and actually fell on his lap. It didn’t take him long to realize she was his answer.
More than anything, he needed to gain her trust. By doing that, she’d convince the other shareholders to trust him. Mick would do anything to make her like him – even taking her to his room just to show her what a nice – and respectful – guy he really was.
Nicole looked absolutely stunning tonight but she was innocent. He liked that. Innocent women could be trusted more. How far would she go to save her grandfather’s company? Far enough to take Mick on as a partner?
He stroked her hand. “What’s your answer, sweetheart? Does an evening of entertainment with me sound interesting?”
She lifted her glass to her lips and her hand quivered. As she set her Sprite back on the table, she took a deep breath and smiled.
“I will on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I want you to know that I’m notthatkind of girl.” She flipped a lock of her long, chestnut-colored hair over her shoulder. “I’m sure you don’t find that often in your line of business, but I’m not easy. I’m only going with you to get to know you better, and so that I can stay off my foot until the swelling goes down. If that’s not what you were hoping for, then we can part ways right here.”
“That’s all I want to do is get to know you.” His smile widened as he lifted his glass. “To the beginning of a very pleasurable evening.”
She clinked her glass against his. Her gaze stayed glued to his as she drank her Sprite.
Eager to get her alone, he drank his Colorado Bulldog as fast as he could. His body was accustomed to this drink, and he was confident that the alcohol wouldn’t go to his head. Besides, he was sure the bartender hadn’t added a lot of vodka to it, since earlier tonight Mick had told the bartender that he wanted to stay sober tonight.
