Sapphire Attraction (The Drakes of California)

by Zuri Day

  “Tell me about them. How you came to work for them, first of all, and then whatever you can share. I looked them up online, of course, and found that we actually know some of the same people. But it’s always good to get personal opinions.”

  An impish grin appeared on Quinn’s face. “Well, Mr. Corrigan, that story begins with an accident that was blamed on excessive speed by yours truly.”

  “A total mistake, I’m sure.”

  “Absolutely and completely.”

  “There’s no way Quinn Taylor would drive a Corvette over the speed limit.”

  “Exactly.”

  Her laughter mingled with his. “In truth, I may have been going a tiny bit over the limit, but in my defense, this little doggy ran in front of my car. I swerved to avoid it, and that’s when it happened. The car I hit belonged to Ike Drake, the COO of Drake Realty Plus. Unfortunately, it was a vintage Ferrari...”

  “Ouch!”

  “To say the least, he was not happy. But sitting here now, sharing the story with you, puts the incident in a different light. It could have been destiny introducing the Drakes to their catalyst for a very important sale.”

  Phillip raised his glass. “Hear, hear.”

  Later, Quinn walked to her car. But she could have floated just as easily. Had the well-respected, well-connected former banker and financier Phillip Corrigan just agreed to hear more about Ten Drake Plaza from Drake Realty Plus COO Ike Drake Jr.? She wanted to skip, dance, scream, turn cartwheels. But she continued the leisurely yet purposeful walk of a professional woman on the way to her car as if she hadn’t just accomplished a goal so daunting that she’d not even set it. Sure, part of the motivation behind visiting the Corrigans had been to discuss Compliance National and the sale of their former headquarters building. But Quinn felt fairly certain that Phillip had done business with Global 100 while he was president of the bank. Given how skittish Trent said he was on that topic, and knowing talk of the bank could bring up those memories, Quinn knew an extended conversation on that topic was no guarantee. But when Phillip mentioned Compliance National, it gave Quinn the opening she needed to casually mention her internship with one of the companies wanting to purchase it. How Phillip would react to this was anyone’s guess. Quinn hoped for at least a passing interest in Drake Realty Plus. Phillip had gone above and beyond that expectation. He’d wanted to hear all about her work and how her education had enhanced the experience. What she’d shared with him had led to dinner tonight, and to the news that made her giddy. She could barely contain herself.

  There was no scream, but when Quinn was finally in her car, she exclaimed a hearty, “Yes!” Once headed home, her real dilemma began—how to break the news to Ike. Her first choice was to do it in person, but she knew that was out. There was no way she’d be able to sit on this news until back in PC. A text would be much too impersonal, but given their limited communication of late, reaching him by phone was no guarantee. But she had to try. Good news was meant to be shared.

  She engaged her Bluetooth and called him.

  “Hello, Quinn.”

  “Ike, I’m glad you answered.”

  “You thought I wouldn’t?”

  “I didn’t know if you’d be available and I didn’t want to leave the reason I’m calling in a voice message.”

  After a brief pause he said, “What reason is that?”

  “To tell you about my meeting with Phillip and his desire to talk to you!”

  “Phillip Corrigan?”

  “That’s the one!”

  “How did that happen?”

  Quinn told him. The long version. “Even when he suggested we continue the conversation over dinner, there was no guarantee anything would happen as a result. So I didn’t want to say a thing until I had a firm commitment of his desire to hear more about Ten Drake Plaza and to meet with you.”

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Any number of responses would be appropriate—‘You’re amazing,’ ‘I’m impressed,’ ‘You rock,’ ‘This is a start but you’re still on our list,’ or maybe just ‘thank you.’”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I can’t wait to hear what happens when you tell your family.”

  “I don’t know, Quinn. Your excitement is contagious. I think you should tell them.”

  Chapter 27

  When Ike asked Quinn to attend the meeting at Drake Realty, Quinn drove back into San Francisco for the perfect outfit. She’d found it at Nordstrom, a classic black suit combining a pencil skirt with a peplum jacket. Velvet pockets with exposed silver zippers added a little Quinn to the conservative design. Understated silver jewelry was an appropriate complement, but the silver tips of her black Louboutin ankle boots revealed a hint of inner brashness that would not conform or be tamed.

  The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. At 2:50, Quinn pulled into the familiar parking lot and went inside. Unlike the first visit, when she argued with the receptionist and was kept waiting outside, she was greeted by name within seconds of stepping to the counter.

  “Right this way, Ms. Taylor,” said an assistant, one Quinn didn’t recognize. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thank you. I’m fine.” She glanced at her watch. “I would like a quick stop in the ladies’ room, though.”

  “Of course.”

  Quinn went inside and rechecked her skirt, making sure the slit was perfectly centered. She pulled a Kleenex from the box and dabbed a slight sheen from her face, then flipped her hair for added body, allowing the loose curls to cascade freely down her back. At 2:57, she emerged from the room and continued with the assistant to the conference room.

  “Here we are, Ms. Taylor. If you need anything, just buzz up front.”

  “Thank you.” After a deep breath, Quinn squared her shoulders and walked confidently into the room. The chatter just before she entered diminished as each person in the room stopped to watch her entrance.

  “Good afternoon, everyone.” Her smile was effortless as she made eye contact with those around the table. Seeing Lydia, she waved and followed her hand motion directing her to the head of the long conference table. She felt Ike’s eyes on her, could imagine his thoughts, but kept her focus on the matter at hand. This was a huge moment, one that could potentially save Ten Drake Plaza, restore her man’s name and reputation, and, perhaps, seal his love. She was not going to mess it up.

  Quinn set her purse in the chair, pulled out a five-by-seven note card and remained standing. She forced herself to meet Terrell’s curious eyes and Ike Sr.’s slightly amused, slightly impressed ones. Lydia beamed like a proud mom. Warren tried to look neutral, but Quinn could tell he was shocked. Hopefully, their amazement would continue.

  “I would like to thank Mr. Drake—Ike—for inviting me to speak with you. I can’t begin to do that without pointing out the irony of this occurring. The last person I’d thought would invite me anywhere, ever—” she paused as laughter and comments created a low murmur “—was the man whose prized classic car I destroyed. So it just goes to show how unpredictable life can be.

  “If I thought the accident destroyed any chances for my presence in your boardroom, then what happened more recently closed and locked the door. I want you to know that I was devastated at what happened as a result of what I’d shared, information I believed to be true but also understood could be costly. It makes what I’m about to share all the more satisfying. So, thank you again.

  “I met Phillip Corrigan almost ten years ago, when I was sixteen. His son, Trent, and I are best friends and he and his wife, Becky, had flown to Switzerland for a visit. It wasn’t long before I was just another one of their kids. As you know, my dad, the Honorable Judge Glen Taylor, lives in San Francisco, and during a recent visit I reconnected with Mr. and Mrs. Corrigan, as well. As we caug
ht up on each other’s lives, my stint here at Drake Realty came up, and with it, a brief discussion of the proposed Ten Drake Plaza—the old Compliance National building where Mr. Corrigan was president. That, I knew, would be of interest to him. Afterward, along with a thank-you note for their hospitality, I attached a brief overview of what I felt made this such an attractive opportunity. While not getting my hopes up, I wanted desperately to rectify the problems my information had caused.”

  She pulled out copies of the two-page report and handed them to Lydia, who passed them down the table.

  “Last week, Mr. Corrigan contacted me about what I’d sent him. He invited me to dinner. I didn’t tell Ike or any of you, because quite frankly I didn’t want anything else I said to potentially be untrue. It wasn’t my intent to go behind your backs or become an employee by default or anything like that, just so you understand. I put together what you’re reading fairly quickly, almost as an afterthought, so I wasn’t overly confident that anything would happen. But I am pleased to be able to announce that Mr. Corrigan is indeed interested in a meeting with you, Ike, first of all, and then depending on its outcome, with other members of the company.”

  She allowed a glance then, and was rewarded with a look so hot it seared her soul. The others around the table were visibly both stunned and impressed as well. Quinn allowed herself a mini inner celebration. The meeting, at least, looked to be a success.

  “I would like to pause now and take questions if anyone has them regarding my meeting with Mr. Corrigan, the report or anything I’ve discussed.”

  There were a few questions, but most people who commented said just two words: “Thank you.”

  Chapter 28

  “The second passenger just arrived, Mr. Drake. I’ll alert the pilot. We’ll be ready to take off shortly.”

  “Thanks, Stan.” Ike left the waiting area and walked toward the hangar entrance. He breathed a sigh of relief, only now willing to admit his fear that she wouldn’t show. He reached the car and waved away the company driver. “I’ve got it, buddy. Thanks a lot.”

  He opened her car door and helped her out. “Hello, Quinn. Thanks for coming. I’m really glad to see you.”

  “Your promise of a fun, adventurous two days in Vegas without you doing any work whatsoever, even so much as sending an email or text, was too good of an opportunity to prove you wrong. Because I don’t believe you can do it. Ike Drake? All weekend and no work at all? Nope, don’t believe that’s possible.”

  “You being here with me right now is proof that everything’s possible.”

  They walked inside the hangar. The plane idled. A maintenance engineer made his final check. Stan, the full-time pilot for the company plane, came from the plane and down the steps. “I assume this is our passenger. Good afternoon.”

  “Hello.”

  “If you’re ready, we’re ready.”

  “All right then. My luggage is already on the plane. Your clothes are in the Vegas boutiques. I’d say we’re ready to go.”

  The first ten minutes were spent going through the usual preflight drill. Ike and Quinn settled into their seats. Stan announced they’d reached cruising altitude.

  Quinn turned to Ike. “Okay, I’m here. You wanted to talk. So talk.”

  “I know I’ve been busy, distracted and unavailable lately. Honestly, it wasn’t only because of what happened with Ten Drake Plaza, but also because of my conflicted feelings toward you and how what you shared impacted the company and my family. While there is an undeniable attraction, I began to wonder if that was enough to overcome all that has happened. But the longer I stayed away, the worse I felt. So here you are.”

  “I went along with what you said earlier but I’ve missed you, Ike. It wouldn’t have taken a bribe to get me here. I’ve never felt with anyone else the way I do with you. I didn’t even think feelings like that existed, except in the movies, maybe, or romance novels. I’ve allowed myself to begin to believe that maybe, just maybe this is going to be the situation I’ve always wanted and never had. A situation where I mattered more than the business. That I would be the priority, that it would be you and me no matter what. It may be irrational or premature to think this way, but it’s how I feel. I don’t know if this will work, either, or whether your family could ever totally welcome me into the fold. I could never stay where I’m not wanted or accepted. Experiencing that as a child caused trauma from which I’m still healing. But I’m here now because it’s where I want to be. With you. If not forever, then at least for now.”

  “I don’t know what might happen, either. My dad was impressed with your presentation. Warren appreciated your initiative and willingness to try and help the situation. Terrell was less forthcoming with how he felt. I’d like to think that my family will come to embrace you as I do. I don’t do casual relationships. My time is too valuable for that. So it seems there is a decision to be made. Because for this to work we have to be in it together all the way, or not at all.”

  * * *

  When they arrived at the hotel an hour later and entered the room, Ike’s comment about true commitment took on new meaning. He’d reserved a two-bedroom suite and, after giving her first choice on the one she wanted, had the bellman deposit his luggage in the smaller room.

  He checked his watch and said, “You have thirty minutes to freshen up, change or do whatever you women do in the bathroom that takes so long. But our first reservation is in forty and we can’t be late.”

  Exactly thirty minutes later, Ike knocked on her door. When she opened it, his hand remained where he’d raised it to knock as his eyes took a scenic tour from her hair to her tan lace-up boots and back to her eyes.

  “You said to dress casual. Is this too casual?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “Sweet, you don’t look casual at all. You look delicious. Which is why we probably should leave right now.”

  They reached the elevator. Ike pushed the button.

  “I thought you said we had a reservation.”

  “We do.”

  “Then why’d you push the up button?”

  “Because that’s the direction I want us to travel.”

  “I browsed the hotel directory. The restaurants are lower level.”

  “That is correct.”

  “So where are we—”

  Ding.

  The elevator door opened to a short, plain hallway with a door on each side and one at the end.

  “What’s up here?”

  Just before Ike opened the door at the end, he turned and told her. “Our ride.”

  “A helicopter! Cool! I’ve never ridden in one before.”

  “Get ready for our first adventure.”

  Soon, they were in the air. Wearing specially equipped earphones, they were able to converse easily and listen to the pilot’s running commentary on the places they toured: Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and finally the Grand Canyon, where the helicopter touched down behind a log cabin. It turned out to be a restaurant, where the two enjoyed a simple but yummy lunch of steak and salad before leaving by taxi for the next item on Ike’s agenda.

  One look at the sign and Quinn squealed. “We’re going horseback riding!”

  Indeed they were. Ike had arranged a tour for just the two of them. They explored ancient Native American trails, viewed original rock art created around 1300 AD and watched the sun go down on the Grand Canyon floor.

  Back in Las Vegas they changed for a more formal dinner at Picasso, fine French-and Spanish-inspired cuisine in a room boasting originals of the famous artist’s work. They both agreed that no show could compare to seeing Michael Jackson live, but still they enjoyed One, the Cirque du Soleil show based on his music. Capping off this first day was dancing at one of the strip’s hottest nightclubs before Ike suggested after-dinner drinks in their room.

 
“I can’t believe you!” Quinn declared as they entered the suite. “Those dance moves. And for an hour! You broke out your inner party boy.”

  “I do that every five years or so.”

  “Ha!”

  “Sit right there. I’ll make our drinks.”

  Quinn sat down, pulled off her four-inch stilettos and began to massage her feet.

  Ike noticed. “I’ll do that for you. Give me a minute.”

  He returned with a tray bearing two bottles of sparkling water, two snifters of Grand Marnier and a small velvet bag.

  “What’s this?”

  “I don’t know,” Ike replied, his eyes sparkling. “Why don’t you look inside and find out?”

  Quinn’s hands shook slightly as she opened the bag, reached inside and pulled out a silver box. “This is beautiful. Is this real silver?”

  Ike shook his head. “It’s platinum.”

  “This is platinum?” Ike nodded. “Thank you, babe. It’s beautiful, but...what do I do with it?”

  “You open it, silly.”

  “Oh! It’s so pretty I thought the box was the gift.” She turned the box, found a small indentation and lifted the lid. “Ahh, isn’t this adorable!”

  It was a platinum necklace, stunningly displayed against a black velvet lining. Diamonds created the dog-shaped pendant’s fur, with heart-shaped black diamonds as eyes.

  “I remember you being very adamant about a dog running in front of your car the day you hit me. I saw that while flipping through a magazine and thought it a perfect apology token.”

  “I was adamant because there was a dog! I swear on my life, Ike. I only saw it for seconds before it disappeared under my car, or so I thought. Why else would I have come in your lane?”

  “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Maybe it was an ingenious way to meet me.”

  Quinn jumped up. “Are you serious? You think I’d wreck my car to meet somebody? No. I did it to avoid hitting a dog. Argh!” she continued, her rant ratcheting up. “I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know where it went. But it was there! And it drives me crazy that nobody saw it but me. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that a dog ran in front of my car that day. There. Was. A. Dog!”