“He did?”
“Yes, he did,” their mother answered. “And your father turned him down flat. The move was something that Carter would have done and was completely out of character for Ethan. I always thought he did it to please Carter. Your father, on the other hand, never forgot. He’s been happy that Ethan has been abroad, but now…”
“I will take care of Ethan.” Kayla patted her mother’s arm.
Courtney raised a brow. “Oh, you will?”
“Yes.” Kayla glared at her sister. “Are you ready to go, Mom?”
“Yes, dear. Let me just go check with your father.”
Twenty minutes later they were seated in the limo for the hour-and-a-half ride out of Atlanta. Victor had already left an hour prior to go to prepare the picnic boxes with tents. They filled their time on the ride talking about what else but Adams Cosmetics. Shane discussed the mixture of scents he was working on and Courtney regaled them with a story on her last press event for the company.
Kayla spent the time on the drive wondering how she was going to handle Ethan. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He was going to try to wear her down and make her see things his way, but Kayla refused to be bullied. Or forced into marrying a man she didn’t love or who didn’t love her. All he wanted was her in his bed. Was sex with her really worth all he would be giving up? His freedom? His bachelorhood? Or perhaps he intended to continue his lifestyle after he’d married her?
“Are you okay?” her father asked from her side as she stared blankly out the window. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”
“I’m okay, Daddy,” she fibbed. “Just have a lot on my mind.”
“Everything will work out, baby girl.” He gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze.
If only things were that easy, thought Kayla.
The weather was sunny and bright when they arrived at the Kingston Downs Race Course in Rome, Georgia. The limo dropped them off a distance from their picnic box on the hillside and they had to walk the rest of the way. Kayla had worn sensible shoes, unlike Courtney, who was doing a darn good job of walking in her four-inch strappy sandals.
When they arrived at their box, Victor had already decorated their tables with fine linens, crystal and cutlery. A beautiful floral centerpiece decorated each table. Her mother had invited several top-level Adams executives and their spouses to the event. “You’ve outdone yourself, Victor,” her mother gushed, kissing him on the cheek.
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Adams. Would anyone care for some champagne?” Victor inquired.
“Would love some, Vic,” her father said.
While Victor took the liberty of filling everyone’s flutes, Kayla looked around nervously, wringing her hands. The Graham picnic box neighbored theirs because their fathers had purchased them at the same time. It was supposed to be an annual event for both families to enjoy, but over the years, it had turned into a test of wills on who could go the longest without speaking. Of course, once Carter had passed away, tensions had eased as Ethan rarely came to the event, except this year. Kayla was certain Ethan was nearby.
“You seem quite chipper today,” Daniel said to Ethan as they walked around the track, speaking to several business colleagues at the Atlanta Steeplechase event.
“Oh, yes.” Ethan smiled. “I’m quite pleased with an idea I had recently.”
“Care to fill me in? Or is it a secret?”
Ethan turned to Daniel and his mouth curved into an unconscious smile. “I can’t say just yet, but if you’ve done your job all the pieces will be in place soon.”
“What job are you referring to?”
“I asked you to squash any other investment deal that Adams Cosmetics might encounter.”
“It’s a work in progress,” Daniel stated. Ethan pursed his lips and Daniel knew that was his way of saying he didn’t like his comment. “I have to tread carefully, Ethan. You don’t want word of this leaking out.”
“True.”
“I’ve already convinced two other investors that they should consider investing in Graham International, a sure bet.”
“Wonderful. Keep up the good work.”
“In the meantime, I’m going to go stoke the fire,” Ethan said, heading back toward his picnic box, but then it occurred to him that Byron Adams would not be too pleased to see him. He would have to sidestep Kayla’s old man to get some alone time with her. So where else would he find her? The answer came to him clear as day.
Chapter 5
“Kayla, did you hear what I said?” Courtney repeated herself.
Kayla blinked several times. She was preoccupied looking across the field for some sign of Ethan. “Hmm…what was that?”
“I asked if you wanted to go to the stables to look at the horses.”
“Oh, sure,” Kayla answered. She’d always loved riding and competing. This was just the thing she needed to get her mind off Ethan. She was wound up like a knot waiting for Ethan to make his presence known and it was driving her crazy.
The two of them made their way through the crowd to the stables to look at the beautiful animals. The stables were filled with jockeys, their families and general spectators.
No sooner had they arrived than Courtney abandoned her in favor of a hottie she saw in the stables, so Kayla took the time to get her head together. She found a prize beauty of a horse, a beautiful chestnut Arabian mare that was chomping at the bit. Kayla loved her long lean body, large eyes and high-carriage tail.
“May I?” Kayla asked the jockey, and when he nodded, she took the liberty of grabbing the brush off the nearby hook and brushing the thoroughbred’s shiny chestnut coat. “She’s beautiful,” Kayla commented to the jockey.
“Yeah, but she’s a handful.”
“Beautiful things usually are,” another masculine voice said from behind her.
Kayla didn’t have to turn around to know the owner of that voice. He’d found her. Kayla glanced sideways at him. “Ethan.”
“How did I know I’d find you here?” Ethan said, smiling as he strolled toward her.
Kayla didn’t answer. Instead, she just talked softly to the horse and fed him a carrot.
“Boy, do I wish I was that horse,” Ethan said as he stood watching her. When the jockey stepped away, he whispered in her ear, “I would love to have you stroke me gently.”
Kayla stiffened and stopped brushing the horse. “Must you equate everything to sex?”
Ethan laughed heartily. “It’s funny, but when I’m around you that’s all I seem to think about,” he admitted.
“Well, keep it clean.” Kayla returned. “There are children around.” She nodded to the children around them in the stables.
“Of course,” Ethan responded, glancing around him. “Have you given my offer any more thought?”
Kayla leaned around him to put the brush back on the hook. “No, I haven’t.” She turned and started walking toward the entrance. Ethan fell in step with her.
“Don’t you think you should? Time is running out.”
Kayla stopped short. “I didn’t recall that I had a time limit on my answer.”
Just then, a bell rang in the distance, signaling the races would begin soon. Everyone began to disperse as the jockeys began ushering the horses out onto the grass. Kayla started toward the exit, but Ethan grabbed her arm.
“Not so fast.” He spun Kayla around into the nearest empty stall.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Kayla asked when Ethan backed her up against the stall and put his hands on either side of her face.
“Reminding you of what’s between us.” He lowered his head and started nuzzling her neck. He took little nibbles at her neck and then his tongue began a hot trail all the way up to her ear. He flicked his tongue back and forth across one ear, teasing her into submission. Kayla pushed against his rock-hard chest, but it was useless, she could feel her guard collapsing. The prolonged anticipation of having Ethan’s lips on hers was unbearable. Her stomach began to quiver and her heart
began to thunder loudly in her chest.
Ethan made his way to her face, kissing her forehead and her cheeks before landing on her mouth. Oh, yes, the luscious mouth he’d spent the last week dying to taste. He explored her mouth thoroughly, sampling and devouring all at once. He ravished her mouth while his hands moved gently down the length of her back, reveling in her curves until she floated weightless in his arms. His hands explored her waist and her hips before cupping her backside to press her more firmly against him. She kissed him back with a hunger that belied her earlier calm.
“Ahem.” A cough from the stable door caused them both to look up. It was Courtney.
“Uh…” For once Courtney was too stunned to speak. She blinked several times at the shock of finding Kayla and Ethan in each other’s arms. “Uh…I…I was looking for you.”
“Well…I…I’m here,” Kayla panted breathlessly. Chest heaving, she stepped out of Ethan’s arms, smoothed down her dress and walked toward her sister. “Let’s go.”
Ethan smiled to himself as the women departed. He was breaking down all of Kayla’s defenses, and with any luck, he’d finally be able to have her.
“What the heck was going on back there?” Courtney asked once they were no longer in earshot of the stables.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Kayla looked straight ahead. She felt like a breathless girl of seventeen and it scared her.
“Oh, that is not going to fly, big sis,” Courtney returned. “It’s not every day I find you making out with the object of your affection.”
“You are making too much of this.”
“Are you kidding me?” Courtney laughed from her side. “Matter of fact, I think Daddy would love to hear about you and Ethan’s newfound romance.”
That stopped Kayla dead in her tracks and she spun around. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“I will if you don’t spill the beans.”
“That’s blackmail.”
Courtney bunched her shoulders.
“Fine.” Kayla sighed. She would tell Courtney the least amount of information as possible. There was no reason for her to know Ethan’s true motives or what she might have to do to save the family company. “Since Ethan returned, we recently started seeing each other.” It was part truth and part fiction. They weren’t really dating, but she needed to satisfy her sister’s curiosity.
“And those flowers last week. Were they from him?”
Kayla nodded. “Please don’t tell Daddy. You know how he feels about Ethan.”
“I do,” Courtney said. “But I also know you’ve been harboring a crush on Ethan for a very long time. It must be pretty thrilling to finally be with him.” She smiled knowingly.
“Courtney!” Kayla’s cheeks colored. “Things have not gone that far.”
“But wouldn’t you like them to?” Courtney winked.
Her sister was incorrigible. “Do we have to continue this conversation?” Kayla rolled her eyes upward.
“No, we don’t.” Courtney smiled brightly and continued walking toward their picnic box. “You are no fun, Kay.”
Kayla followed behind her. “I like my privacy.”
“I won’t tell Daddy a word,” Courtney responded. “Scouts honor.” She turned around and held up two fingers as she walked backward. Kayla could only hope Courtney would keep her word. Otherwise, their father would blow a gasket.
By the end of the following week, after another failed meeting with an investor, Kayla was at her wit’s end. She was running out of options. What was she going to do? Today, she had her final meeting with Rupert Martin, a German investor who was known for taking risks. She was holding out hope that this meeting would be what they needed to get them back in the black.
Kayla stared out the window of the Adams Cosmetics building. If this meeting failed, she would be forced to seriously consider Ethan’s marriage proposal.
Kayla made her way to the boardroom and found Shane and Courtney had already arrived. This time she’d brought reinforcements. They would both sit in on the meeting, as they realized just how important this investor was to the company’s existence. Shane had prepared prototypes of the perfume bottles and had test samples of his latest fragrance creation for the investor to sample.
“Are you okay?” Shane asked when she walked in and concern was etched across her face. “You’re looking a bit tense.”
Kayla pulled Shane aside. “You and I both know that this is the last meeting Michael has set up.”
“True, but Rupert Martin is not the only investor. Michael went after the top four, but there are others out there.”
“Not who can come up with the kind of cash we are looking for as quickly as we need.”
“Don’t lose faith, Kayla.” Shane squeezed her shoulder.
Kayla nodded, but she knew better. Adams Cosmetics was hemorrhaging money at an alarming rate and if they didn’t stop the bleeding soon, they would no longer be able to operate.
“Today is the day, yes?” Ethan asked Daniel in his office.
“Yes,” Daniel stated. “Adams Cosmetics’ meeting with Rupert Martin is this afternoon.”
“He’s the last one.”
Daniel nodded. “Rupert felt he owed her the courtesy of at least hearing her offer before making his final decision, but I feel it’s a moot point. After he turns her down, Kayla will have no choice but to take your offer of 51 percent ownership. Adams Cosmetics will be yours.”
Ethan leaned back in his chair. Adams Cosmetics would fit nicely with Graham International and shore up his cosmetics division, which despite all the high-level executives he’d brought in had never quite lived up to its potential once Byron Adams started his own company. It’s why he’d focused his attention on the clothing and leather goods division.
“Good. Have my car brought around. I’m going to the Adams Cosmetics offices.” The AC offices were in downtown Atlanta, just a few blocks from Graham International’s corporate headquarters. He knew he was just a short ride away from victory.
“Do you think that’s wise?” Daniel asked. “They’ll be licking their wounds after today’s meeting.”
“Which is precisely the reason to strike now.”
Daniel was amazed at Ethan’s cutthroat tactics, but what could he expect from a man who was slowly developing a reputation as a corporate raider?
An hour later, Rupert Martin had turned them down. Graciously, but turned them down nonetheless. Kayla watched Shane sit slumped down in his chair. Even Courtney was surprisingly quiet and stared blankly at the wall. They all knew that the end was near. As Michael walked Rupert Martin out, Kayla made one last-ditch effort.
She rushed out of the boardroom and met the men at the elevator. “Rupert, I would love a private word with you.” He’d insisted she call him by his first name during the meeting.
“Ms. Adams, I really must be going.”
“Five minutes.” Kayla held up one hand. She was hoping he’d give her a second chance to plead her case.
“Very well. Lead the way.”
Kayla led Rupert to her office. She noticed Michael’s imploring eyes wondering what she was up to, but Kayla had no time. She had to react. She closed her door and came to sit beside Rupert who sat in the chair opposite her desk.
“I won’t waste your time,” Kayla said. “I’ll get right to the point. I know we’ve asked you to take a significant risk in investing in Adams Cosmetics, but I’m prepared to offer you an incentive.”
Rupert’s ear perked up. “I’m listening.”
“In exchange for your investment, I am prepared to sell you half of my shares. Adding my 12.5 shares to the 37.5 already on the table would give you a 50 percent ownership stake of Adams Cosmetics. We would be your partner.”
“Like hell you will,” a masculine voice said from the doorway.
Kayla looked up and saw Ethan towering in her doorway. He stormed toward them with a look of fury in his eyes that scared Kayla, and she literally jumped out of her seat.
&nbs
p; Ethan stood in front of them. He was determined to thwart Kayla’s meeting and seize his chance to right what his father had done wrong with Graham International years ago. If Carter had been willing to compromise with Byron and give him more say in the company operations, they would never have lost their highest-grossing division. Today, he could bring Adams Cosmetics back into the fold where it belonged. And finally have a real chance with the woman who had eluded him for years.
“Rupert, you will have to forgive Ms. Adams,” Ethan said. “She had no idea that I’d put in this offer to her board.” He pulled out a slip of paper and held it out for Rupert to read.
“What offer?” Kayla asked. “Rupert, please listen to me. We can make this deal.”
But Rupert ignored her and spoke directly to Ethan. “Mr. Graham.” He returned the sheet of paper to Ethan. “That is quite a substantial offer and one I could not come close to meeting, even with 50 percent ownership.” He turned to Kayla. “Ms. Adams, best of luck to you in your new venture.” He nodded at Ethan before closing the door to her office.
“Ohmigod, do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Kayla cried. “You’ve just killed the last opportunity of saving my father’s company.” She fell backward into her chair. Her head fell to her hands and she began sobbing.
Ethan hated to see Kayla so upset, but he had no other choice. He bent down until he was inches away from her face. “You have one opportunity remaining, Kayla. Mine.”
Kayla glanced up at Ethan and saw red. “I hate you!” she yelled and rose from her chair.
“Kayla, please, you’re upset,” Ethan said. “And I understand why, but trust me when I say that this is for the best. Could you honestly have given up half your company to an outsider because you don’t want to merge with GI? Sign over thirteen of your shares to me, and as my wife, Adams Cosmetics will remain in the family.”
“I said get away from me!” Kayla yelled louder so Ethan would get the hint.
Need You Now Page 6