Page 10 of Enchanted Hero
“We’llcall a meeting,” Stone broke in. “But don’t worry. I’m not actually the Big Bad Wolf… unless you have something I want.”
The last words were aimed directly at her. Next to her, Sam frowned deeply. “Everleigh, would you like me to join you?”
“That’s not necessary.” Stone studied the employees once more, stopping briefly on Chloe. “I’d like our new business arrangement to start on a positive note. I heard you usually have donuts on Mondays, and I wanted to add to it. Stone Executive Catering should be here any minute with a full breakfast buffet, including pancakes, waffles, an omelet station and more. Also, my company provides lunch to on-shift employees. Mondays are usually Italian food, but we can discuss that if you wish.”
Everleigh stared, as her employees grinned like they had scratched off the million-dollar prize on a lottery ticket. It was about more than free food, although that would be well-enjoyed. If he was sharing menus, there was far less possibility of him firing them. Of course, it didn’t change matters for her.
She had lost everything.
“We’ll talk soon.” With a nod, he gestured Everleigh ahead. She shivered when she accidentally brushed against him, once and then twice. What was wrong with her? It was almost as if she were literally drawn to him.
He navigated the office space like he’d been there for years, which meant he already knew his way through her – his – workplace. He opened the door to her personal office and gestured her in. “Do I make you uncomfortable, Miss Lacey?”
“Of course not,” she said hotly. “Now tell me what you’re really doing here.”
He folded his arms across his chest. “I thought you understood about the company.”
“I understand youstolemy company.” She fought for composure. She had to stay strong to match this adversary. “But why are you here personally? Most of your ventures are a hundred times larger than New Age Treasures. Why isn’t some random executive here to take control?”
“Perhaps I like taking control.” He stepped toward her. “Yet I didn’t steal your company. I bought it fairly and legally from your investors.”
Muscles seized. “You knew very well I didn’t want to sell!”
“And you didn’t,” he returned. “You still own part of New Age Treasures.”
“Nothing compared to what you own,” she spat. “With your interest, you have complete control.”
Unadulterated satisfaction shone. “Like I said before, this was not just a financial decision, although I hope and expect to make a profit. Despite your wishes, New Age Treasures couldn’t have continued as it was. It would have either been destroyed by your competitor or taken up by another corporation.”
She shook her head curtly. “Whether or not I believe you, that still doesn’t explain why you’re here.”
“I’m here for you.”
Everleigh stared at the man before her, the man who took what he wanted. The man who wanted… her? “My company may have been for sale, but I am not.” She forced her voice to emerge clear and strong, yet a hint of breathlessness lurked. A million women would love to have this man’s attention.
“We should discuss your future with New Age Treasures.”
A wave of despair crashed over her, even as she straightened. She wouldn’t let him see the emotions swirling inside of her. “I already know my future. I will no longer have any say in the company I built.”
He stood back. “Is that what you think?”
“Of course.” He couldn’t completely eradicate her since she retained part ownership of the company, yet he could effectively relegate her to silent stakeholder. That was now inevitable, but her employees’ futures weren’t. “Obviously, you plan on removing me from my role. Even if you ultimately succeed, I could make it long, messy and very bad for publicity. I’ll make you a deal.”
“How intriguing.” He rocked back on his heels. “You seem to know a lot about what I want.”
“All men like you want the same thing. If I thought I had a chance of fighting and winning…” She closed her eyes briefly. “I’ll agree to leave quietly if you promise to retain all current employees.”
His satisfaction was clear. “That’s very noble of you,” he said in a serious voice. “And completely unnecessary.” He straightened to his full height, and the room seemingly shrunk in half. “I’d like you to stay at New Age Treasures.”
“What?” She gaped at him. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. I meant it when I said the company had been well run.” He gestured toward the framed newspaper clippings on the wall, the glowing reviews and civic accolades. “External forces are your greatest threat, not internal weaknesses.” He stepped forward. “I’ve taken a special interest in your company. I’m going to lead it myself.”
She stared at him, as for a moment, hope returned. In the next second, she forced herself back to reality. “Essentially, I’d be an employee in my own company.”
“Not at all.” He straightened his sleeves, outlining sculpted biceps. “You’d be a consultant, running the daily operations. I would not be your boss, but your client.”
“But ultimately you’d make the decisions.”
