Page 72 of Save Me
“If you’re not interested, why do you come to these things?”
She shrugs. “Because I like being wined and dined? And who knows, maybe one of these times I’ll be wowed.But for now, I can get a few days away from the office and enjoy the quiet of a luxurious new place.” She gestures around us with a wave. “And all I have to tolerate is a thirty-minute meeting where you guys pitch Wolf Hotel.”
“Like a time-share program.”
“Exactly.” Her lips twist. “Of course, I expected Henry to greet me.”
“And instead, you got me.” Lowly operations director. Would she be so stiff if she were sitting across from Henry?
Her blue eyes skitter over my sleeve of tattoos. “I suppose there are worse choices.”
Okay, she’s softening to me. “You’re right. You could have had Belinda.”
Her head tips back with a laugh. “Not likely. Belinda knows she doesn’t appeal to me.”
Huh. Interesting. “So, you know the game she plays.”
“The one where a pretty face and money gets you what you want faster than a brain and hard work?” Her eyebrow arches in question. “Tell Belinda to stop recycling research points if she wants whatever reward she gets for my business. Also, there are far more interesting things about me than my ex-husband’s infidelity.”
“Such as?” Because now I’m curious.
Her attention drags over the giant potted palm tree next to us. “I was the first female CEO of a major oil and gas company. There are a few more now, but I was the first. And I negotiated a multibillion-dollar takeover, which expanded Black Titan’s holdings by thirty-fivepercent.”
I’m sure Olivia’s used to reciting her résumé and getting impressed responses. “Your company is about as interesting to me as your ex-husband’s cheating.”
Her mouth hangs open for a beat. “Fine. My equine rehabilitation center is the largest charity of its kind in the state of Texas.”
“What’s your horse’s name?”
She hesitates. “I don’t have a horse, personally.”
“You have a giant charity, and your children are all competitive riders, and you don’t have your own horse.” I may not know much, but even I know that’s strange. By the way she adjusts in her seat, I suspect there’s more to this story. “Why not?”
“Because I don’t ride horses.”
“Why not?”
She sets her jaw as she considers her answer. “Because I’m afraid of them. Always have been. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Actually, yes.” I can tell it’s the truth and something she doesn’t normally admit to strangers. A slow smile curves my lips. “Now we’re getting somewhere interesting.”
“And here isthe entrance to the spa.” I check my watch. “Right on time.”
“I appreciate the escort.” Olivia’s smile isn’t flirtatious, but it’s warmer than it was when we first sat down to coffee.
“No problem. It’s all a part of my role as liaison. And I’ll letyou know what I can set up for fishing.” It turns out Olivia may be terrified of horses, but she’s a deep-sea fisherwoman who used to spend full days out on her father’s boat with him. She hasn’t gone since his death. Given she’s in the perfect location, I said I’d find a charter for her. On Wolf Hotels’ dime, of course, but mostly because, turns out, I like her.
“Oh, you were serious about that.” She smirks.
“Weren’t you?”
“Yes, but you won’t find anyone reputable on such short notice. My assistant already tried.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” One I’ll happily put Archie on.
“Fine. Tomorrow morning.” She pauses in thought. “And only if you come with me.”
“You wantmeto go fishing with you.” And I sense she actually means fishing. Olivia’s given no indication that I’d be of use to her any other way, which is a refreshing change of pace for me.
