Page 18 of Enchanted Hero
“Your job is to bring New Age Treasures into the national spotlight. The county fair attracts thousands of businesspeople, consumers and the news media. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce you to the world stage.”
Darn.It made sense. This was the sort of publicity they needed to challenge their shifty competitor. As much as she longed to deny him, the cost of losing the opportunity for her company was too high. “Fine, I’ll go, but only for the business. Don’t think you’ll always get your way.”
“Of course not.” She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, his deep words stopped her, “Once you get to know me, you’ll find I’m actually one of the good guys.”
As she touched the golden knob, she whispered under her breath, “Yeah, right.”
Although it was impossible he could’ve heard, he chuckled. As she returned to her desk, she gave in to her puerile urge and stuck her tongue out.
Laughter rang through the door.
Maybe the man had magic after all.
CHAPTER 4
Over the next week, the battle was lost.
Despite Everleigh’s every effort to maintain her fury toward the man who’d stolen her company, Alexander proved himself to be, well, a good guy. They worked side-by-side every day and dined together every night, although they rarely discussed work during the sumptuous meals. She enjoyed her time with him, and even looked forward to seeing him.
She would never admit it, but his interference had been anything but negative. He listened as she discussed ideas for the company and was never-endingly gracious with the employees. He seemed truly interested in her opinions, and didn’t rush to change everything, but instead did as he promised, infused more capital so they could compete in a competitive market. He’d been all that was professional.
Her – not so much.
Somewhere between that first meeting and the tour of the warehouse, she’d stopped wanting to clobber him like any self-respecting businesswoman would. Animosity had very rapidly turned to dislike, then dislike to apathy, and then she found herself actually liking him. When she didn’t want to clobber him, awareness set in, and then attraction, and then she wanted to do other things. Things that involved lips and hands and…. more. It was dangerous, and it was unwise. It was also impossible to resist. Now she was going to have to spend an entire day with him and somehow pretend he didn’t affect her.
She’d wanted to meet him at the fair, but he insisted on picking her up. She dressed casually in blue jeans and an aqua blouse, leaving her hair loose in natural beachy waves. The knock on the door came at exactly nine a.m.
She fortified herself. Alexander Stone would only have control if she gave it to him. With that final rally, she strode to the door and opened it.
At the sight of his powerful body, all control dissipated.
How was it possible for a man to be so devastatingly gorgeous? So desirable she wanted to lick him up like a cherry ice pop? A midnight black shirt stretched against an expansive chest, outlining pure muscle and sculpted biceps. Smooth blue jeans encased solid legs, firm and so very long as he towered above her. His dark hair was silky and smooth on chiseled features. He was power defined, a predator, untamed and unrestrained.
And he was looking at her like she was prey.
She took a deep breath, yet he spoke before she did, “You look beautiful.” He moved a step closer. “Are you okay?”
Not even a little.He had to know how he affected her. It wasn’t just his body, no matter how gorgeous, or any other feature. There was something about him, something powerful, something extraordinary. She couldn’t resist.
“I’m fine.” She ducked to the side, grabbed her purse. “Let’s go.”
With a sliver of a smile, he gestured her out. He put a hand on the small of her back as they walked through the door, a completely innocent gesture that elicited not-so-innocent images. When she saw the stretch limo and the impeccably dressed chauffeur waiting for them, she stopped. “Maybe it’s better if I drive.”
“Not today.” The hand on her back firmed. The driver opened the door, and before she could protest, Alexander ushered her in. “We have a lot to discuss.”
The scent of leather and luxury permeated the dim space, bathed by blue ambient lighting. The seats were plush and comfortable, outlined by gleaming silver and wood accents. Everleigh scooted back as far as she could into the lavish bucket seat.
He sat down right next to her.
She gave herself a mental shake. “I’m not one of your fans.”
“What?”
She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Well, why not? “I agreed to this because it’s good for business, and somehow you convinced me to travel in the same car with you. Yet I won’t let you intimidate me. I don’t have to put up with–” She gestured toward him. “This.”
He gave a slow smile. “This?”
“This,” she repeated.
