by Debbie Flint
Introductions, welcomes and two courses later, Mac found that his initial relief at not having to be near Sadie in ‘that’ dress and ‘those’ shoes had been replaced with pure frustration. And a creeping desire to throttle someone tall, dark and then some – Peter Galloway.
At first glance the FrishCo boss’s son appeared charming and clever, but anyone listening for a bit longer would realise he was not as charming and clever as he thought he was.
Sadie appeared to be tolerating the young gun’s cocksure banter – and elegantly sidestepping his inelegant advances. He seemed to be more keen on her cleavage than her clever conversation.
Mac could hear the boasts from across the table.
‘Miracle’ this, ‘ground-breaking’ that, and now, after several refills of bubbly, his magical Frish could even help cure cancer. Good God.
He was a danger to himself and the project.
He was an unknown quantity, suddenly getting in the way of the deal – in the way of Mac’s next triumph. And what’s more, he was flirting shamelessly with Sadie. Not that Mac cared, but it was unprofessional.
Mac smiled at one exchange. ‘But, Peter, why does it hydrate faster than ordinary water? That’s my point. Where’s your proof? We can’t just say it. Even if it does. Even if anecdotal evidence backs up the claim, you can’t just use it. Your new label design is great, honestly, eye-catching, powerful. But it disobeys the advertising rules. They’re very strict.’
‘That’s not always a bad thing. I can imagine you being a bit … strict,’ the man said, sliding his arm around the back of Sadie’s chair.
‘When I need to be.’ She smiled politely. ‘But do you see, even if all this is true, you can’t just emblazon it everywhere without the proper approvals. They don’t like it.’
‘Oh, I don’t know, maybe you should give it a go – you never know what you might like until you try it. Be daring once in a while!’
Mac could stand it no more. He wondered if the man was being deliberately obtuse or if this was his idea of foreplay. Pretending to listen was never a strong point of Mac’s so he went over to join them. He walked around the table and sat next to Sadie, putting his own arm on her backrest, prompting Peter to remove his, and to give Mac a glare.
‘Ahh, but sadly we do know, Peter,’ Sadie continued. ‘If you make yourself a laughing stock in the scientific press now at this crucial stage, it would take months to undo.’
‘Sometimes years,’ added Mac, catching Sadie’s surprised look out of the corner of his eye. ‘Especially with some of the incredible claims involved here. You’d be crucified by the cynics on the net. Best to wait for the studies, isn’t it? They’ll be interesting.’
‘Someone was paying attention,’ said Sadie, quietly, to Mac.
Peter grimaced a little at Mac’s intrusion. ‘Well, I’ll tell you something “interesting”,’ he challenged. ‘The sales update yesterday from the West Coast distribution team. Now that was very “interesting”. You see it seems they’ve found a way round all that studies bullshit.’
Mac could almost feel Sadie bristling.
‘Sounds very interesting,’ Mac said. ‘Do go on.’ The young man was clearly enjoying the audience.
‘In their West Coast health store outlets,’ he went on, ‘we have just seen a huge jump in the sales of Frish. Stratospheric. Word is spreading about our little company now. Frish has been accepted by more stores in the last week than we achieved in the last three months. And all thanks to a contact of mine. You see, it’s not just you in the running, Miss Turner.’
‘Tremain,’ she said.
Peter looked surprised. ‘Yes, Mr Tremain.’
‘But – I’m just wondering – is there a reason why your father hasn’t accepted his funding already?’ she asked.
‘That I cannot tell you. But he has more than demonstrated to me how keen he is to help us.’
‘I’m confused,’ said Sadie, blinking several times, fluttering her lashes ever so slightly. ‘Why would your father ask me to get involved if he already had an interested party?’
‘If he didn’t tell you when you met him last visit, then it’s not for me to say. I will, however, make no secret of the fact that if it was my decision, I would have no doubts about which strategy to adopt. And – no disrespect intended – I share Mr Tremain’s belief that it would not involve a beautiful woman stalling our progress while she spends thousands of dollars on scientific research we can do without.’
Sadie went to reply, then stopped. Mac could feel her stiffen against the chair back. There was a definite awkward smile before she raised her glass to her lips. Only Mac could see that her hand was trembling ever so slightly and there was a telltale flush creeping up the back of her neck.
Peter took her hesitation as a sign to go on. ‘You see – it’s like this. His team have simply put reps in each store who tell people what Frish can do. That way there is no paper trail. No paper trail, no proof of flouting advertising laws. Foot soldiers – in the stores. Word of mouth sales growth. See? Ha-haaa! The old man might not like Tremain’s methods but their aggressive sales cannot be ignored.’ He finished off his glass of champagne triumphantly and signalled for another.
Mac’s eyes narrowed at this clear disrespect to Galloway senior.
‘But the “studies bullshit” is what will stop this being a flash in the pan, Peter.’ Sadie frowned. ‘Set Frish apart from the crowd.’
‘No flash. No pan. Just a whole heap of order forms.’
‘It is working now, naturally it would, initially. But when they are discovered – or reported – it could fall around your ears and set you back, far further than if they’d never begun this tactic. Your father was very clear when he last spoke to me that he is keen to avoid ridicule and cynical posts in online forums. Otherwise there may be a backlash.’
‘I’m willing to take that risk. And I think you’re wrong.’
‘You think I’m wrong?’
‘Whatever you call it, it’s working. We’re selling. We’re growing.’
Mac scowled. ‘Don’t you think that’s a bit unorthodox?’
‘Whatever it takes, I say.’ Peter smirked, ‘Frish is a miracle – we all know it’s just a matter of time before we change the face of the water industry. It’s just whether we choose to do it the fast profitable way or the slow painful way.’
‘But, Peter,’ Sadie interrupted, but he was on a roll, drawing attention from the others around him, loving every minute.
‘And with my new plant finished we’ll be able to flood the sports world with samples until every competitor is having to come to us to buy their own Frish just to keep up. And the media will be raving about it too. Pictures of winning athletes in the press, Sadie, they are worth a thousand scientific words and sadly, dear Sadie, it may or may not involve you. Or your dear friend here. No, I think Tremain’s right – simple word of mouth would be the fastest way to my … our … fortunes.’
If Peter Galloway had known how much that name riled Mac, and how close Mac was to walking away from him and the deal completely, the young man may not have been so blasé. But seeing Sadie’s flush creeping towards her chin, he found himself stalling.
When was the last time I cared this much about a deal, he thought.
Sadie, meanwhile, was putting on a charm offensive.
‘But, Peter, let’s face it,’ Sadie said, her hand touching his forearm. ‘A full-scale multi-channel media launch backed by double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that have been peer-reviewed and published in the key journals, there’s no comparison, surely? You must be able to see how much faster that will improve the bottom line in a solid, long-lasting way. No more struggling for the next lot of investment. No more bowing down to entertain the likes of us. To be truly in charge of your own destiny.’ She paused, and Peter said nothing.
She must have hit a nerve. ‘And just think of the world headlines – think of how the press will be clamouring to speak to you.’
The young man’s eyes flashed, and he smiled a toothy grin, looking thoughtful.
God she was good, Mac thought. Sadie certainly knew her stuff, no wonder the Galloways had been impressed with her. Peter was certainly mulling over her words, his dark features brooding and looking straight at Sadie, who appeared to be looking straight back. For all his sliminess, some women would probably call him handsome and fall for his charms, Mac thought. Alexis certainly would have and he found himself wondering if Sadie would. And hoping desperately that the answer was no.
‘Well, yes, I have been working on my own versions too. It’s not only my father who can create life-changing products. A world platform would generate the highest bidding for my own inventions. Hmm, I suppose you may have a point.’
Peter toyed with his glass, musing, and Sadie patted him on the arm. He shifted a little closer to her until a waiter came along and reached over to top up his glass again. Mac and Sadie both refused a refill.
‘Short term, however, it still doesn’t help us. Right now is what counts, we are … um … needing to maximise the impetus Tremain’s team have created. Those publications take ages,’ he said. ‘That whole scientific process takes ages. No, to be frank, I’m not sure we can afford to wait that long. My father’s … concerned. About timescales. About how long before we get a return on our investment.’
Not as concerned as you appear to be, thought Mac.
‘But we’re so close, Peter. Why muddy the waters now? My contacts at the UK universities are chomping at the bit to work with you and to make their own mark, fast – with a breakthrough as revolutionary as your water.’
The younger man nodded at her words.
‘What’s more, we’ll protect the brand, not damage it. And best of all, when you’ve got heavyweight backing on board – when someone like Mac’s interested,’ she said, turning to look at Mac. ‘Well, let’s just say he’s one of the fastest movers I know.’
Despite Sadie’s dig, her smile was on full beam, aimed directly at Mac and he puffed up with pride.
‘What’s the timescale we’re talking about here?’ asked Peter, with a furrowed brow.
‘Half the time it usually takes, and half the cost,’ she replied.
‘And you can really meet the deadline for the funds to be in place?’ he said, turning to Mac.
‘It’s possible,’ said Mac, his serious business face firmly in place.
The younger man paused, then nodded thoughtfully. Sadie relaxed slightly, and leant back, brushing against Mac’s fingers resting on the chair behind her. She sat back up again immediately.
‘So, Peter,’ Mac said, standing and offering his hand. ‘Let’s talk seriously in the meeting with your father tomorrow. I’m sorry he was unable to join us this evening.’
Peter took his hand and shook it.
‘Three o’clock, isn’t it?’
‘Is it? I suppose it is,’ Peter said, and winced at the vice-like grip. Mac let go of Peter’s hand, and turned to leave.
‘So, Sadie, tell me how you actually walk in those heels.’
Mac turned back. ‘Actually, Peter, I’m afraid I have to steal Sadie away. Conference call, I’m afraid, but she’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.’
‘You did a good job in there tonight, Sadie Samantha,’ Mac whispered into her hair as he guided her away from the table. She felt a shiver down her spine at his breath on her ear. She smiled graciously.
‘Thank you,’ she replied. ‘But I didn’t need rescuing. You don’t have to be my knight in shining, you know,’ she continued as Mac led her out onto the patio and down some steps towards the picturesque gardens beyond. ‘I was quite enjoying the attention, to be honest. He’s quite easy on the eye.’ Where did that come from? Sadie wondered ‘And I am a big girl. As your friend BJ told you on the plane.’
‘You heard that? The man’s a liability. That’s why I share business deals with him, not opinions.’ Mac shrugged off his jacket and swung it over his shoulder.
With no one else around them for the first time in a while, she felt the mood become more relaxed and familiar.
‘I guess he’s okay. I take men like that with a pinch of salt,’ she said.
‘Yes, albeit a Texan-sized pinch.’
Sadie looked up at him. ‘Makes no odds to me. Business and pleasure don’t mix, do they? So whether you think my bum looks big in this, really doesn’t matter.’ Sadie walked on a few steps, then realised he was looking right at her bum, so she swivelled round and walked backwards.
‘Anyway, I’m well aware that it’s your alter-ego, Mac the deckhand, who downgrades to “dumpy” once in a while.’
‘Who’s “dumpy”? Surely you don’t mean you? You’re curvy, not dumpy.’
Sadie ignored his backhanded compliment. ‘And anyway, I’m sure that “Michael C. Anderson – billionaire extraordinaire” will always have an Alexis on hand, you know, to attend to his every need, to attend to his “small print”…’
Sadie knew she shouldn’t have said it, but right there on her shoulder there was a little devil licking a finger and striking a ‘one’ in the air.
Mac didn’t miss a beat. ‘BJ’s “small print”, not mine,’ he said.
‘What?’
‘I think you’ll find it’s BJ’s small print Alexis “attends” to.’
That took the wind out of Sadie’s sails. ‘You mean she works for him?’
‘I mean she’s his fiancée.’
Oops.
‘Oh.’ Oh shit. And with a ‘pfffft’ the little devil made himself scarce.
‘But I can understand your mistake. BJ was her … shall we say, second choice? But as I keep explaining, I never …’
‘… mix business with pleasure. Okay I get it.’
‘It’s more than that, Sadie. She’s not my type. I wouldn’t want someone like Alexis anywhere near my … “small print”.’
Sadie smiled. Small comfort, but comfort, nonetheless. And she hadn’t even realised she needed comforting. She swivelled back round and fell into step alongside him again.
‘Anyway,’ Mac said, mischief in his voice. ‘My small print’s not so small. Is it?’
‘I take it that’s rhetorical.’ Sadie laughed, more relieved about Alexis than she had a right to be. They walked on a little.
Well, she got that one wrong. But he was still a playboy. Even if he was a damned sexy one with such gorgeous muscles peeping out from beneath that polo shirt. As they followed the little pathway round the edge of the gardens, Sadie was careful to keep just enough distance away from him so she couldn’t feel the heat coming from his body, and more importantly, so that he wouldn’t feel hers.
Mac had halted in front of a low veranda looking out towards the sea. The sun had long gone down and the gentle breeze picked up a couple of Sadie’s escaping tendrils and blew them across her face as she looked up at him. His hand reached out, then stopped halfway, and she brushed them back herself quickly. She shivered and looked down, and he noticed her nipples beginning to harden beneath ‘that’ dress. It flooded his whole being with flashbacks. She folded her arms swiftly.
‘Come on, let’s get you inside,’ he said, sweeping his jacket across her shoulders. The movement brought them close again, as he faced her and looked down into her eyes, almost black in the lamplight. There it was again, that spark. Electricity crackled between them, creating a perplexing cocktail of emotions. Passion, lust, plus a connection that made him feel like protecting her. More than anything, he felt a strong desire for things to work out for Sadie. For her to be free from the debts and the daily grind.
And free from men like Peter.
And – dammit – free from
men like himself.
He couldn’t get involved – and wouldn’t get involved. It was just the romantic atmosphere of exotic Hawaii and the thrill of another deal in the offing. They always got his juices flowing.
There was a lot to do, and Mac had a hunch it was not going to be the easy ride they initially thought it would be. Just when he thought he was about to wind things down.
Might as well go out with a swan song.
‘We’ve got an early start tomorrow. Let’s call it a day. It’s been a big one.’
‘You talking about your “small print” again?’ She smiled, and they made their way inside. ‘I’ve booked a cab into town first thing to buy myself some more comfortable shoes. So if anything exciting happens make sure they don’t go without me,’ she said.
Mac bade Sadie goodnight at the bottom of the stairs, resisting the urge to kiss her, and as she ascended slowly once more, she didn’t look back. So she would have missed the fact that Mac had headed off in the opposite direction from his room.
Chapter Ten
The next morning Sadie awoke to an insistent knock on the door. When she opened it, she couldn’t believe her eyes. There was a valet standing holding bag after bag after hat box after suit carrier of expensive clothing and shoes. Flat shoes. Plus a brand new top of the range mobile phone.
She couldn’t believe it. In her just woken-up state, she could only stand watching in amazement as the valet wheeled in the bags, saying she should check off on the list the ones she wanted and the rest would be collected later. And that if she wanted all of them just call the number on the side of the form and let her know how many suitcases she would need to pack it all in to take home.
She closed the door behind him and stared, stunned. Suddenly she opened the door and called up the corridor after him, but he seemed not to hear her and just disappeared round a corner.
The clothes were amazing. Not one tight business suit in evidence. Not one prickly jacket. Just lots and lots of loveliness, including several silk negligees and some beautiful underwear. How did he know my size?