Perfect Fit

by Brenda Jackson

  And on that thought he spoke up, surprising himself by meeting her gaze, giving her a quick grin and saying, “I’m Gabriel; an angel, remember. There’s no job too difficult for an angel.”

  Before giving her time to respond, he stood. “I think we’d better leave before the weather gets worse. Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.”

  An hour or so later Gabe entered his home. A long, deep breath rushed through his lungs from the intense cold weather outside. He’d endured cold days and nights in Detroit, but nothing compared to this.

  He shifted his gaze around the room, appreciating the warmth and comfort it brought, and grateful still for the return of his sanity. Sage Dunbar was beautiful enough, alluring enough and way too desirable. She could make even the strongest man lose his resolve, forget any vows he’d made and even lose his common sense.

  But he intended to hang on to his.

  Quickly crossing the room, he picked up the phone and began dialing. If his problem was a result of the fact that he needed a woman, then he would offer a remedy to that, real quick like and in a hurry.

  He smiled when he heard the sound of the soft, sleepy feminine voice. He’d forgotten about the four-hour time difference and had evidently awakened her. “Debbie? Hi, this is Gabe. I’m flying home this weekend and would very much like to see you.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Sage took a deep breath at the same time adrenaline pumped fast and furious through her veins. She studied the miniature layout of Eden that was displayed on the huge table in front of her. This was the part of her job that she enjoyed most, when everything started pulling together in anticipation of the final product. However, in this case, there would be no finality. Eden would grow and prosper for many years to come. John Landmark had ingeniously mastered not just a plan, but a concept that would rival even the likes of Vail, Colorado.

  Over the past four weeks, she had visited a number of ski resorts including Vail, which was known as the largest one in America and was frequented by just as many Europeans as Americans. It would be Eden’s strongest competitor. While there she had studied everything she could about it. To properly market Eden as the snow skier’s paradise, she had to know just what it was about Vail that kept people coming back.

  “So what do you think?” she finally asked Malcolm Grainger, the thirty-four-year-old man who was an instrumental part of her marketing team. Transferred in from Denmark’s West Coast office in California, he had a strong background in marketing research and had accompanied her to Vail. Since returning, the two of them had worked diligently in putting together the first phase of Eden’s marketing campaign.

  A smile played around the corners of Malcolm’s mouth. “I think you have the right idea, and John Landmark had it, too. It’s evident by the way he has situated the buildings around the resort. Like Vail, he wants anyone coming to Eden to have all the shops, restaurants and nightlife they could possibly want within a short walking distance of their hotel or condo.”

  Sage nodded. That was the one thing she had liked most about Vail, its accessibility. Once they had parked and unloaded their rental car, they hadn’t needed to use it again until it was time for them to leave. She wanted the same ease of convenience for Eden and intended to do whatever had to be done to bring in a number of upscale restaurants, lodgings and trendy shops. Already the likes of Armani Steak House, the Ritz Carlton Hotel and several well-known, upscale clothing stores had committed their presence. She was also working on a marketing plan to attract a number of nightclubs and casinos. People may like to ski in the daylight, but later they would want to enjoy the excitement of nightlife. “Can you imagine how much more marketable Eden would be if we included a state-of-the-art dinner theater, one that showed live plays as well as motion pictures?”

  Malcolm pushed his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. “Yes, I can actually visualize just what you have in mind, but to pull that off means restructuring this entire area and making it larger,” he said, pointing to the scale model of Eden on the table. “We already have the space if we knock down this wall and combine these two buildings, which shouldn’t be much of a problem due to their close proximity. An architect will have to redesign the interior to include a stage and vaulted ceiling.”

  Sage lifted an anxious brow. “But it can be done?”

  Malcolm chuckled. “Yes, and I’m sure the architect would jump at the chance to do it since it would mean additional money in his pocket. But even if you convince John Landmark of the feasibility of your idea, you still have to tread lightly with the guy whose company is building the resort. His crew is working under tight time restraints, and he won’t like it if he has to do anything major that will take more time. And what you’re thinking about doing is pretty major.”

  Malcolm paused and lifted a glance at her. “But I can tell by that look in your eye that you feel it’s worth a shot.”

  Sage nodded, smiling, as she picked up her clipboard. “Yes, I do, Malcolm. Not everyone who’ll come to Eden will want to frequent the nightclubs or the casinos. I think that including the theater will add a touch of class and elegance.”

  “I won’t present an argument there,” Malcolm said, looking at his watch. “Sorry, but I got to run. I’m picking Leanne up from the airport.”

  A smile curved the corners of Sage’s lips. Leanne was Malcolm’s wife of ten years and was still living in California. She planned to join him in Anchorage at the beginning of the summer when the school year ended for their eight-year-old son.

  Malcolm was a good-looking man, and it didn’t go unnoticed that several women in surrounding offices intentionally flirted with him, some bolder than others. But Sage had never witnessed a time that he flirted back, or took the women up on their offers. It was good to know that some men still honored the wedding vows they made.

  “Okay, but drive carefully, Malcolm. The snow is pretty deep on the roadways.”

  Malcolm nodded as he slipped into his coat. “Yeah, and you do likewise. And when you get home, you might want to think of how you’ll get Gabe Blackwell to agree to go along with your idea to reconstruct that northwest building. It won’t be easy.”

  Sage thought about the last time that she had seen Gabe, when they’d met at the Garden Club for a business dinner. That had been nearly a month ago. She knew he resided in Anchorage the majority of the time, but for some reason their paths had not crossed since that night. “I think that once I present my idea to him, he’ll agree it would be worth the trouble. I really don’t think I’ll have any problem bringing him around to my way of thinking.”

  Malcolm nodded, then said with a jesting smile as he headed for the door, “I was in a business meeting with Blackwell one day when the firm that’s handling the landscaping threw a few unexpected things his way, and I witnessed his reaction; so all I have to say to you is good luck.”

  Later that night after taking a shower and changing into her nightclothes, Sage stood in front of the fireplace and gazed thoughtfully into the roaring flames. It was snowing outside, and according to the weather reports it would snow all day tomorrow. She had a meeting with John Landmark first thing in the morning to present her most recent marketing idea to him, and come hail, high water or snow, she intended to make that meeting.

  She was just about to reach for the poker to turn a burning log over in the fireplace when the telephone rang. Crossing the room, she quickly picked the receiver up. “Hello.”

  “Do you have any words of encouragement for a stressed-out friend?”

  Sage arched her brow. Rose sounded so pitiful. “I told you last week if things continue to be uncomfortable at work, to file a complaint with the corporate office. Maybe then they will consider giving you a transfer, especially if they don’t want to lose you. With your experience and excellent work record, you can get a job with just about any advertising firm in the nation, so don’t let that jerk, Mr. Bakersfield, stress you out.”

  “I wasn’t letting him stress me out, but today wa
s a different story, Sage,” Rose said softly. “Things really got to me today. I even went into the ladies’ room and nearly cried my eyes out after the announcement was made that Mike Faraday would be getting promoted to advertising director, the job that I rightly deserve.”

  “What! Mike Faraday! Lazy Mike Faraday, who never lifts a finger to do anything? How could Bakersfield do such a thing!”

  “Easily, since Faraday is a man. Although everyone is reluctant to breathe the words, we all know Mike’s promotion is a clear case of sex discrimination. Mr. Poole had him on probation for his job performance just last year! Mike’s promotion was the last straw.”

  Sage nodded. “What do you plan to do?”

  Rose chuckled. “I’ve already done it. I turned in my resignation.”

  Sage blinked, surprised. Rose had worked for the company more than six years. “You did?”

  “Yes, and I feel damn good about it. And before I could get home, the phone was ringing. Word had already reached the Martins Advertising Agency, and they were calling to offer me a job.”

  “Are you going to take it?”

  “I’m not sure. It was just last year they were talking about layoffs. I told them I would get back in touch. I’ve decided not to rush into anything and to just take things easy for a while and not make any decisions about my future just yet. I have enough money saved to tide me over for a few months. I really would like to move to Florida, preferably Orlando or Miami. I’m sick and tired of cold weather.”

  Sage laughed. “Then, you’ll never make it out here. It’s been snowing for a week. And it doesn’t just snow ice particles; it snows sheets of ice.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m not. In fact, why not come and see for yourself. You’ll have some free time on your hands since you’re no longer with the elite employed,” Sage said, smiling. “And you know you have a place to stay when you get here. So what’s keeping you from catching a plane and coming here?”

  “The cold.”

  “Hey, stop being a wimp and get your butt on a plane and fly on out.”

  “I’ll think about it. And by the way, I saw your parents today.”

  Sage sat down in a wing chair. She usually talked to her mother at least twice a week but had spoken to her father only once or twice since she’d left Charlotte five months ago. He had called her a few days after she had gotten to Anchorage to make sure she was all right and had told her if she needed anything, to give him a call at any time, day or night. She had deliberately kept the conversation short and knew he had probably picked up on that fact. “Where were they?”

  “Attending the annual jazz festival, and as usual they looked good together. Your parents are one of the few older couples I know who still seem to care so deeply for each other. They were even holding hands, which I found so touching. I always thought your mom was a special woman because it’s clear to everyone how much your father loves and adores her.”

  Sage’s mouth curved faintly as the image of her father and that other woman came into focus. If only Rose knew the real deal. Sage, too, had always thought her father simply loved and adored her mother. But that was before she’d found out about what he’d done behind her mother’s back.

  Deciding that she didn’t want to talk about her parents anymore, Sage said, “So will you promise that you’ll at least think about coming out for a visit?”

  “Oh, all right. I promise that I’ll at least think about it.”

  Not wanting to be too obvious, Sage watched through the window as Gabe Blackwell angled his way up the sidewalk toward the restaurant. She had to hand it to the man; he certainly looked good. In fact, he’d always been the epitome of male-model material each and every time she saw him. Because she’d been engaged to Erol when she and Gabe had first met, she hadn’t allowed herself to think such thoughts, but now she did, even if it was with a “look but don’t touch” policy. She couldn’t imagine it being anything else beyond that.

  He was tall and had broad shoulders and trim hips—a really nice physique. He was definitely the kind of guy single women would check out. His whole persona made a statement that he was a man who was successful in his own right. The expensive suit he was wearing definitely alluded to that fact, as well as the way he walked—as though he was sure of himself and his abilities.

  Sage sighed when a depressing thought entered her mind. Erol had possessed that same air about him. But then, a part of her knew that in order to be a successful black businessman, you had to be sure of yourself if you wanted to hold your own and be competitive in a society that already had placed one strike against you.

  A part of her couldn’t help but wonder if Gabe Blackwell was the type of man who could be trusted. Not just in the business arena but on a more personal level. Could a woman place her trust in him and believe he would do the right thing by her in all areas of their relationship? Her nightly prayer to God continued to be to not let her view all men through distrustful eyes. She didn’t want to become a person who was insecure and suspicious of any man who got close, business or otherwise. She still found it hard not to be that way.

  Deciding to focus on business matters, Sage thought about her and Gabe’s impromptu luncheon meeting and wondered how receptive he would be to her idea about adding the dinner theater. She was sure Mr. Landmark had already briefed him on it since the older man had been impressed with what she had presented. In fact, he had been so impressed that he had called one of his junior executives into his office to take a look at it.

  The man had also thought her idea had merit. But he’d also been critical of the Denmark Group for not having thought of it before the architectural plans had been finalized. He didn’t like the thought of having to make such a major change at this late stage of the game and felt that Gabe Blackwell would feel the same way. He did, however, go on to state that there was a provision in their contract with the Regency Corporation that allowed for building changes not resulting in undue hardship for the construction team. As CEO of the Regency Corporation, Blackwell would be the one to determine just what would be considered an undue hardship. So in essence, the decision rested with Gabe, although it would be in his company’s best interest to be flexible to Mr. Landmark’s wants if the Regency Corporation wanted to be considered for future projects.

  A part of Sage regretted having to place Gabe in such a position—between a rock and a hard place—but her job as marketing manager was to do whatever she could to make Eden the number one ski resort in the country, and she felt that adding the theater would certainly help with her marketing strategy.

  She met Gabe’s gaze when he entered the restaurant, and by his frown she could tell John Lancaster had spoken with him and he wasn’t a happy camper. But she was determined to be undaunted by his disposition. They were business associates whose only concern and whose sole connection was the success of Eden. She was sure she could convince him that her proposal was well worth the trouble.

  Sage tried not to focus so directly on Gabe as he made his way to her table. But to avert her gaze and look either to the right or the left, or even out the window, would be useless. Whether she liked it or not, for some reason a part of her couldn’t ignore Gabe Blackwell’s presence even if she wanted to.

  At that thought, she continued to hold his gaze, and for the first time in five years, she felt attracted to someone other than Erol. And as Gabe drew closer, she felt her heartbeat stutter slightly … no, more than slightly. She inhaled deeply when a warm feeling flooded her insides. And with that feeling came one of discomfort in the knowledge that she was attracted to another man less than six months after her breakup with Erol.

  Okay, she admitted, there may be a driving force behind what she was feeling, considering the fact Gabe was good to look at, and she had already concluded that there was no harm in looking. She reached out for her glass of water when her throat suddenly felt dry, admitting that Gabe Blackwell had definitely grabbed her attention and she couldn’t take
it back.

  Keep your mind on the issue at hand, Blackwell.

  Gabe’s mind was giving him that order over and over again. He had to remember why he was here and why he was not on his way to the job site as he’d originally planned. The phone call he’d received earlier from John Landmark had been more than enough to change his plans. It seemed that Sage Dunbar had come up with a marketing idea that had the older man excited. Gabe appreciated excitement like everyone else … until it involved doing something he saw no need to do. Of all the other things Eden had going for it, adding some expensive dinner theater wouldn’t make or break the place. Besides, the people who would come to Eden would come first to ski and then to be entertained. So why not approach one of the restaurants about expanding their facilities to include such a theater. Instead of taking that approach, Sage Dunbar had come up with a proposal that called for actions that would require more time to complete and could delay the finished product by at least another four to six weeks. There were other projects lined up elsewhere for his men, although he admitted that none was as beneficial to the Regency Corporation’s bankroll. John Landmark had put out a lot of money to be kept happy. So the way Gabe saw it, if Landmark wanted the damn theater, he would get it. But Gabe certainly wasn’t happy about it and had a few choice words to say to the woman who had decided to suggest the changes in the first place. Her company had literally dropped the ball. What she was suggesting should have been part of the original marketing proposal presented in the very beginning before the architect had completed designing the resort.

  Another issue he had with Ms. Dunbar was the fact that he found her so damn beautiful, even sitting at the table dressed in a conservative dark brown business suit. For the past four weeks he had tried getting her off his mind—even going to the extent of flying home to Detroit to bed another woman. But that hadn’t worked. He had spent the weekend in bed with Debbie thinking about Sage, and that hadn’t been good. Sleeping with one woman while his mind had been filled with fantasies of another was something that had never happened to him before. Unfortunately, Debbie had picked up on the fact that his concentration level wasn’t where it should be. To be fair to Debbie, he had suggested that they stop seeing each other for a while since he would be spending the majority of his time in Anchorage anyway. Debbie had agreed since she was the type of woman who wanted all of a man’s attention in bed and not just some of it.