by Andre, Bella
She nodded. This was the delicate part of the negotiation. “I’ve given the matter some thought. When a seminar is offered in a company the employees take note of which groups attend and how important their function is. For example, if top management signs up for a seminar, the lower level managers usually follow, until it works its way down the hierarchy.”
She clasped her hands together and knew she had his full attention. “So, if we institute a stress reduction workshop, there’s only one way every employee will attend.” Chandler paused. “You have to be the first person to enroll.”
A short silence fell as her words hung in the air. Then he smiled. Chandler pulled in her breath at the sight of his dangerous, masculine smile, which displayed a row of straight, white teeth. Logan Grant looked as if he’d found an interesting prey and wanted to toy with his catch. She shivered at the thought.
“You want me to go to these classes personally?”
Chandler gathered her courage and took the plunge. “Yes, I do, Mr. Grant. It’s the only way this program will work and—”
“Logan,” he interrupted softly.
“I think this class will be the best thing for you.”
“How so?” he drawled, leaning back in his chair.
She crossed her arms in front of her and vowed not to be intimidated by his tone. The words bubbled out of her mouth before she stopped to think.
“I’d guess by the dregs left in the coffee pot and the tired look in your eyes that you’ve been up half the night, going on caffeine and raw adrenaline. I’d also guess your temper hit full steam first thing this morning by the way your secretary looks at you with fear. Papers are stacked on your desk, it took me over a month to get an appointment, and I bet the door behind you leads directly to a bathroom and sofa. You work day and night here. All in all, I think a class teaching you to deal with stress couldn’t hurt.”
She inwardly cringed and waited for the explosion. No wonder she hadn’t done well in the business world. Her father always warned her that blunt honesty never closed a deal. But how could she stay quiet and watch someone go blithely through life, without really living? Money didn’t ensure peace or happiness. Once, she’d lived her life by a similar philosophy, and searched for something to help her forget the emptiness. Alexander Santell taught her about money and power, confident his only daughter would follow in his footsteps and inherit control of the company. She’d watched her father ignore his own family to pursue the path of success, and he’d lost everyone who’d ever cared for or loved him. She didn’t want to see the man across from her in the hospital because of a heart attack, where all the money in the world couldn’t help. If she implemented her stress seminar, he’d finally understand. She’d teach him to understand. If he gave her the chance.
When she finally lifted her head, she sucked in her breath. She’d expected ice. Instead, his gun-metal gaze drilled into her core as if searching, testing. Trapping her with pure heat.
“You know a lot about me and my company. But there are certain things in life that even I allow time for.” His voice lowered to a deep, caressing pitch. He held the gold pen horizontal between both hands and his fingers met in the middle as he stroked it with slow, fluid motions. “Certain pleasures take away even my driving need to work…”
The pen gleamed against his bronzed skin as strong masculine fingers wrapped around the object and continued the pushing, pulling movements. His touch was light and fleeting. His gaze told her he was thinking of stroking other things. The thought caused liquid fire to race and singe every nerve ending, then pool between her thighs. Her tongue involuntarily dampened her lower lip. She saw him catch the movement, then lay the pen back on his desk. “…for a while,” he added softly.
She struggled for composure as she glanced over at Richard Thorne. The attorney’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he watched her, seemingly interested in her reaction to Logan’s words. She cleared her throat. “I apologize for my outburst. I never meant to imply something was wrong with your life. I know you made a choice to work hard for your success.” She smiled. “I worry about people too much. I once worked in this type of corporate climate so I’ve seen the kind of drive and dedication needed to climb to the top. I’ve also seen the damage. I’d like to help your employees handle their stress so they don’t wake up one morning and wonder what their lives are about. I think they deserve more.”
Logan Grant was probably one of the most controlled, self-contained men she’d ever met. She bet he carefully analyzed every emotion before he decided to express it, or bury it deep. A pang of regret confirmed her belief about corporate executives. They never let their emotions overrule business decisions. They pushed away messiness and made logic their god. A shiver ran down her spine when she thought of the way his fingers had glided over the pen. Something deep inside told her Logan Grant held many secrets behind a steel barrier, but it would take Superwoman to unveil the ray of vulnerability she glimpsed within his eyes.
She was not Superwoman, and she mustn’t forget that he reached the top by being ruthless. She needed to be on guard.
Logan nodded. “Apology accepted. I know you have good intentions. But good intentions don’t necessarily mean good profits.” Chandler braced herself for his next comment. “Your outline is excellent. Your idea is creative. These figures show how well your clientele is expanding, but I also see your profits aren’t what you need to keep the business going. Even with your research, there’s still no proof these employees are doing more productive work. So, Chandler, the bottom line is that you want to use my company as a guinea pig because without my money, the Yoga and Arts Center is going under. Richard, do you agree?”
Richard Thorne looked regretful, but gave a nod. “Personally, I think you have a great plan, but Logan is right. We can’t take the chance.”
She almost closed her eyes in defeat. She’d been hoping—no, betting, that with the proper appearance and some impressive paperwork, he may see the truth. Of course, she should have known her ruse was a mistake the moment she met him. Logan made CEOs of billion dollar corporations fidget beneath his stare. A novice never had a shot.
“Yes, Mr. Grant. Your bottom line is correct.” Surprise flickered over his face, before the mask slammed back down. “So, I’ll guarantee a profit.”
“How?”
This was the riskiest part of the deal. “Test the program out for a six month trial period. If you don’t see a difference, our relationship will be terminated, and I’ll reimburse you in full.”
It was a while before he spoke. When he did, his voice conjured up a number of disturbing images. Heavy velvet pulled over naked skin. Steel sheathed in satin. Smooth silk dragged over rough gravel. Definitely a bedroom voice. Definitely a mass of contradictions she wanted nothing to do with, so Chandler pushed away the thought and concentrated on his words.
“Do you realize your position if I decide to terminate this arrangement?” he asked. “You’d lose everything. If you invest all your capital and efforts into this program and it fails, your client base will be reduced along with your cash flow. Your whole business could go under.”
Chandler nodded. “I’m willing to take the risk. If you don’t want this offer I have a new list of names to approach. I’m sure one executive will give me a trial run.”
Logan glanced at Richard. The attorney shrugged his shoulders. “If she’s willing to back up her offer, we have nothing to lose.”
Minutes ticked by. Chandler sensed angry waves of energy radiating around Logan, and wondered why he seemed disturbed since she was the one risking everything. She waited patiently for his decision. She knew she’d done everything possible to save the Yoga and Arts Center.
“One gutsy lady,” he muttered under his breath.
Her lips curved in a smile. “Do we have a deal?”
“Yes. We have a deal.”
He rose from the chair and walked around the desk, reaching out to shake her hand. His fingers wrapped around hers.
Fire.
Possession.
Safety.
She fought for breath as the strange emotions whirled and crashed within her. The touch of his skin made a million butterflies take flight in her stomach. She tried to reassure herself that he held her entire future in his grasp, and her body responded only to the fear of his control. An inner voice screamed she was a liar.
A smile played about his lips, as if only he knew the outcome of the game they’d decided to play. She tugged her hand out of his and caught the amusement in his face.
“Richard will draw up the contract,” he said.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to use my own attorney. Harry needs the practice.”
One black brow shot up. “Harry?”
“Yes, he’s a friend of mine who recently passed the bar exam. I promised I’d give him all of my business once he passed the test.”
A scowl passed over Logan’s features. She rushed to alter his anger. “Oh, don’t worry, he’s perfectly capable of drawing up the contract. He’s a hard worker, besides having a big heart.”
“I see.” Logan took a step forward and cut off her personal space. “Why don’t we have dinner tomorrow night? We can discuss the program. We’ll be working closely together for awhile.”
Chandler tilted her head back in order to meet his gaze. The clean scent of soap, lemon, and musk teased her senses. Waves of heat radiated from his skin, pulling her towards him. Why did he affect her this way? Chandler took a casual step backward and prayed he wouldn’t notice her panic. “Oh, I guess I thought you’d delegate another executive to work with me. I know you’re very busy.”
He gave her a lazy smile. “When I invest heavily in a project, I like to oversee all aspects of the operation.” He paused. “Personally.”
She nodded and inched further away. “Fine.”
Richard moved across the room and stood between them. “Chandler, it was nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to taking your class.”
She noticed Logan’s surprise at his comment.
Richard laughed and touched her arm briefly. “I discovered yoga and stress reduction a couple of months ago myself.” He shifted his feet and grinned sheepishly. “I even meditate.”
Her eyes lit up. “Richard, that’s wonderful. I can’t tell you how rare it is to meet someone in this industry who actually knows about yoga. Do you take classes?”
“I’ve taken a couple at the local YMCA.”
“Hmmm, interesting. I thought you belonged to that fancy country club and preferred racquetball. And I doubt there’s a local Y in your neighborhood.” Logan’s words were laced with ice as he stared down his associate. “We’ve got a meeting in a few minutes.”
Richard’s face tightened, but he nodded and said goodbye. Suddenly over six feet of coiled muscle towered over her. She stood frozen in her spot.
“I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow night.” Steel gray eyes burned into hers. “We can toast to our new relationship.”
With a shudder, Chandler walked out of the office and tried to ignore the flicker of unease warning her there was hidden meaning in Logan Grant’s last statement.
Logan stared at the closed door and wondered if he’d made a big mistake.
Oh, the deal was solid. But the woman was a different story.
He had a gut instinct Chandler Santell was pure trouble.
He’d been pissed at his secretary for scheduling such a ridiculous appointment, but it was too late to cancel. He changed his mind the moment she entered the room. Maybe it was the fiery glint in her emerald eyes; or all that dark honey hair begging to be set free of her severe spinster bun. She moved with a natural grace, and had greeted him in a low, husky voice that soothed his ears.
He was used to physical attraction and dealt with sexual desire on a daily basis. What was unusual was his reaction to the woman herself. Her intensity caused an odd hunger to stir deep in his gut. When was the last time he'd gotten impassioned over a sunset, or even thought about something other than his next business deal?
Logan tried to analyze his deep pang of regret at the thought of her walking out the door and out of his life. He’d heard honest concern and anger in her voice when she’d lectured him on his work habits. In his long climb up the ladder of success, many people gave advice regarding his next business move, and many shared in his rewards. But no one had expressed interest in his personal health, or suggested a move to help him.
He’d been prepared for her to use feminine charm and flirtation to help her case. Instead, her professional appearance screamed ‘hands off.’ From the strangled bun to the high neckline and short wool skirt of her “show-me-the-money” green business suit, she projected the image of a serious businesswoman who desired to be accepted into a man’s world, but not be particularly noticed by anyone. Especially a man.
The problem, Logan decided, was that Chandler Santell was destined to fail at her goal.
He knew by the way she unconsciously lifted her hand to check her bun that her hair would spill around her shoulders in riotous waves. Anger made her green eyes flash, which would challenge a man to turn temper into passion. Her lips may be drawn tightly together, but Logan glimpsed the gentle fullness to her mouth, hinting at a certain softness and vulnerability. Her business suit couldn’t hide her ripe curves and long, slender legs. Even her scent bewitched him; a subtle fragrance of vanilla that teased his senses and kept him from concentrating on their conversation.
Beneath her constrained appearance lurked a passionate spirit yearning for freedom. He became intrigued at the thought of tapping into a hidden part of Chandler Santell. He wondered if such a spirit could be tamed to live with one man, or if she’d ever even met a man with enough guts to try.
“Seems like an interesting woman.”
Richard stood framed in the doorway. His gold embossed cufflinks gleamed in the sunlight as perfectly manicured fingers adjusted his tie. He was younger than Logan by a good five years, and possessed an uncanny ability to put people at ease. His eyes reflected pleasant humor clients immediately warmed up to, but Logan had hired him for a different reason. His laughing smile covered up a brilliant mind that could find a loophole in a clause and maneuver a client to sign on the dotted line. His easy-going nature hid an inward ruthlessness Logan spotted from the first moment they met. Richard liked the good life, and had more ambition than most people gave him credit for.
“I didn’t know you took yoga,” Logan said. He walked to the window and leaned against the wall.
Richard shrugged. “I like to experiment with different things. I didn’t announce it because yoga isn’t a popular activity for men.”
“Hmmm, I suppose you’re right.”
The rustle of papers echoed through the air. “I assume you know who her father is.”
An uneasy feeling flickered through Logan, but his voice remained bland when he spoke. “I never meet with a person I haven’t researched.”
“Thought so.” Richard looked up from his briefcase. The attorney’s eyes held a gleam of determination. Logan suddenly realized this man had the potential to be dangerous, and made a mental note to watch him more carefully. Though he trusted his attorney with business, he knew Richard hungered for success. Logan didn’t intend to become one of his attorney’s victims on the man’s climb for power. “I hear her old man still keeps a close eye on her, even though she wants nothing to do with him. I wonder why she cut him out of her life.”
“Yes. I wonder.”
Richard snapped the leather case closed and smiled. “Well, the stress class should be interesting. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I thought your case load was too heavy for extra activities.”
“Like you, I always allow myself time for certain pleasures.”
The air sparked with primitive energy. A slight smile played about Logan’s lips as he recognized the challenge. He didn’t know Richard’s game yet, but he intended to find out. In the meantime, h
e needed to keep a close eye on Chandler Santell.
“Point taken.” Logan pushed himself away from the wall and headed toward the conference room. “I hope you’re ready to take on Tony Piscetti. I want Global Electronics on board.”
Richard’s tone held satisfaction. “Somehow, I feel lucky today, boss.”
Logan shut his office door behind them.
Chapter 2
Sunlight poured through the oversize bay windows of the Yoga and Arts Center and enveloped Chandler in a warm, hazy glow. She breathed deep as the soothing strains of a flute drifted in the air. Her name echoed from the distance but she ignored the sound. She floated in a calm, peaceful state of mind, and knew the moment she opened her eyes reality would intrude. As she slowly brought herself back from her meditation, she became aware of the cool, smooth wood beneath the soles of her bare feet. Her unbound hair fanned out on the mat around her and absorbed the heat of the sun. When the voice became more insistent, she opened her eyes and eased herself up.
Harrison Edward Weston III rushed through the door and stopped short. “Oh! Sorry, Chandler, I didn’t know you were meditating.”
“Don’t worry, I was just finishing up.” She rose to her feet and walked to the end of her studio to flip off the sound system. “I need to go over the contract with you anyway. I want to be prepared for my dinner with Logan Grant.”
Harry trailed behind her. His tone held a worried note. “I shouldn’t have let you handle the meeting alone. I’m your lawyer; it’s my responsibility to protect your interests.”
Chandler hid a smile. Ever since she’d met Harry in the sixth grade, she’d looked out for him. Being a year older, she treated him as the younger brother she never had, and throughout the years a close friendship evolved, bordering on family affection.
Harry’s father still worked for the law firm that handled Alexander Santell’s legal matters. They’d often laugh as they reminisced about their common backgrounds, since both of them had been raised in their fathers’ offices. After he failed the bar exam, Harry left his father’s firm to work as a legal assistant, vowing to achieve success on his own. Her heart broke each time he failed, but she admired the determination her friend showed, swearing he wouldn’t quit until he passed the bar.