The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  Chapter Ten

  …has anyone ever told you how desirable you are when you’re angry…?

  December 4

  David Darcy sat in the lobby of the Lawton Executive Complex waiting for his appointment with Cecilia Lawton, President of Lawton & Co. He was there to renegotiate his contract for Lawton’s South American coffee, believed by many to be the best premium coffee in the world. This was his third business meeting with her. As he sat waiting his turn, his mind drifted back to this time last year, and the subsequent events that had followed.

  One year ago

  David had been bargaining with Ms. Lawton for close to two hours, leaving him on the edge of his restraint. It had been a brutally exhausting experience, and had it not been for the fact that his father had told him not to come home without a contract in hand, he would have walked out on the negotiations. In fact, he almost did. She had the upper hand, since she either owned the plantations outright or the rights to them. No other coffee in the world competed with what Cecilia Lawton owned.

  After two hours of wrangling back and forth, David jumped out of his seat in angry frustration and leaned into her face. “Enough, Lawton! I’ve made you a reasonable offer, and if you don’t like it, then the negotiations are at an end.”

  She, too, leapt to her feet. They stood there in total silence, nose to nose, staring each other down from across the table. A spark of hot violet-blue fire flashed in her eyes, sending a sharp quiver coursing through him. He wanted to call her a bitch or tell her what she could do with her bloody coffee one bean at a time, but the fierce blaze in her eyes tantalized him. He wondered who would blink first.

  Electricity crackled and popped as their gaze slowly dropped downward to each other’s lips, leaving him with an incredible urge to kiss her senseless. As he watched her lick her lower lip, he swallowed hard. He could almost taste her. She had come within inches of his mouth, and as her hot breath brushed over his lips, he was all but certain she would kiss him, but it was Cecilia who blinked.

  She smiled and then laughed, backing away. “You win, Darcy. It’s yours. Now, have dinner with me tonight, and we’ll discuss the shipment.” She tossed her long blonde hair. “I’ve spent entirely too much time with you. I do have other appointments, you know.”

  He stared at her, blinking in stunned disbelief.

  “Don’t look so ridiculous, Darcy. We have to finish this, and I can’t attend to it now. See Ashley out front for directions. Pick me up at six, and don’t be late. I hate it when people are late.” She smiled, dismissing him with a flippant wave of her hand. After gathering the loose papers scattered about the table, she filled in a few numbers, signed the contract, and then threw it across the table at him.

  He snatched it up and looked at her in astonishment, still fuming. Turning to leave, he looked back over his shoulder. “I’ll be there, Lawton.” His voice dripped sarcasm.

  Stopping outside just long enough to get the required directions, he left the building in a hurry, nearly running over an older man as he made his way to the lift and out the door to his parked car. Once inside the car, he paused, letting out an aggravated breath.

  …What the bloody hell just happened in there? I thought she was going to kiss me. I know she was! I got the contract and at the price I wanted. But why? Is she propositioning me? She’s known to do that…but to me? What’s your game, Lawton? Well, I guess I’ll have dinner with her and see what happens. I know her reputation.

  ~*~

  Making sure not to be late, he arrived promptly at her door on South Battery Street. Cecilia’s maid met him and escorted him to the front parlor. While he waited, he took notice of the room’s elegant décor. The Persian rugs and Queen Anne furnishings gave the room an air of a different time—one that was pleasant and restful. He walked to the back of the room and brushed his fingers over the fine linens covering the side tables where dishes were on display. Picking up a teacup, he noted the bottom Fine bone china, England 1758…Hmm…old. As he gently returned the cup to its place, something else caught his attention.

  Moving over to the piano, he studied the old photographs on display, examining them closely. He picked the first one up. It was of a little girl secured on a man’s shoulders as they walked through a pergola of vibrant blue wisteria. He smiled. She looked very pretty, he thought, with her long blonde ponytail and girlish smile. Setting it down, he picked up the second one of the little girl sitting in front of the same man seated on a white stallion. She was turned around, gazing upward at the man who smiled tenderly upon the child. Placing the picture in its original spot, David thought of how the man must have loved the little girl. Little girls had always held a tender spot in his heart, too, reminding him of his sister and a time when life hadn’t been so complicated.

  Just as he put the photograph down, Cecilia entered the room. “That was me with my father when I was three,” Cecilia said softly, her lips curved in a gentle smile.

  Startled, David looked up. “You were a very pretty child,” he said, touching the frame reverently.

  “Some have said that. My father often said so.”

  David turned, squarely facing her. Wanting to bring the focus back to where it belonged, he pushed away whatever tender thoughts the photographs might have inspired. “Miss Lawton, if you’re ready, I think it’s best if we go.”

  Cecilia grabbed her coat, and they were out the door. She had made reservations at an exclusive French restaurant where they sat and enjoyed their dinner, sipping wine as they went over the shipping arrangements.

  “The coffee will ship via cargo flight out of Columbia as soon as it can be processed after the harvest. You’re getting my best product and at a damn good price, too. You are aware that I gave you a better deal than I did Emerson Foods, aren’t you?”

  “It was a fair price,” David said as he lifted his glass, looking her straight in the eye, not willing to give an inch. If she wanted a boot-licking fool to grovel at her feet, she’d get no such satisfaction from him.

  “Well, if you want it even cheaper, I can arrange to have it shipped ocean cargo via Taylor Shipping. If that’s the case, it may take two weeks longer,” she shrugged, “but it is a few hundred dollars less, and that’s with a discount. It’s your call, Darcy.” Cecilia scribbled out a few more numbers, running quick calculations in her head.

  “Air cargo will do.” He observed her closely while she finished filling in numbers, wondering why she was being so agreeable, and if there was a hidden agenda.

  “Okay, that about does it. Sign here, authorizing a bank draft for this amount, and it’s all taken care of.” She smiled as she handed him the final contract.

  “You’ll have your payment by the first of next week, Lawton,” he said, very pleased with himself as he signed the document.

  She leaned back in her chair, relaxing a bit, studying David. There was a moment of silence as they sipped their wine. Finally, she asked, “Darcy, has anyone ever told you what a cute dimple you have when you smile?”

  His head darted up. He gazed at her with curious amusement. “What a question, Lawton. We’re right in the middle of a business negotiation.” He laughed wryly. “Just as I assume your adversaries don’t tell you how sexy you look when you’re angry, I’m not about to bite on that.” Narrowing his eyes, he looked at her suspiciously. “Though I’m sure you have received plenty of compliments.”

  She laughed and tossed her head. “Am I fishing for a compliment? Would you give me one if I were?” She arched her eyebrow, giving him a sexy smile.

  “Lawton, you know perfectly well you’re a beautiful and desirable woman, and I imagine that you’re very used to getting precisely what you want. Trouble is, I’m not exactly sure what it is you do want.” His eyes held hers for a long moment until she broke the contact.

  Returning her eyes to his, she inquired, “What if I want you?”

  His mind faltered for a split second, but his gaze did not. “Is that a personal or a business proposi
tion?”

  “Perhaps a little of both,” she chuckled, “but it’s getting late, and I need to return to my penthouse. Would you mind seeing me to my door? It’s at the Lawton Hotel. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired.” She rose to her feet, preparing to leave.

  “Of course. I’ve had a long and exasperating day too, thanks to you. You really know how to put someone through the wringer, don’t you?” He smirked. “They don’t call you ‘the Dragon Lady’ for nothing. I’ll give you that.”

  She smiled as they headed towards the door. Escorting her back to her hotel suite, he fully intended to return to his hotel, but when they came to her door, things suddenly changed.

  The atmosphere snapped as Cecilia reached up and curled her arms around his neck, pulling him into her. She kissed him deeply, taking him totally by surprise. Well, maybe not completely, he thought as he deepened the kiss, enjoying the sensation until she broke their contact.

  “Darcy, why don’t you come inside and have a glass of wine? We can continue our conversation.” Before he could answer, she pulled him through the door as though it never occurred to her that he wouldn’t want to join her.

  David eyed her guardedly. Once again he felt the tension crackle and pop between them, causing his guard to go up. He knew of the talk in the business world concerning her. She slept with men at her leisure and threw them away like yesterday’s newspaper when she grew tired of them. Men were to her what cars were to men—toys. David knew he shouldn’t be here even as he contemplated what he would do.

  Going over to her wine cabinet, she removed two long stem crystal goblets and a decanter of wine. Filling the glasses, she handed one to him and then took a seat on the sofa, beckoning him to join her as she kicked off her shoes and propped up her feet.

  He shrugged. Deciding that he could control the situation, he settled beside her and leaned back as he took a sip of wine. “Umm…a very good wine, Lawton. The star of Versailles—the King's wine. You have excellent taste.”

  They sat quietly savoring the wine for a few minutes before she spoke again. “Yes, Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac is a very good wine. I’m glad you like it.” Sliding her bare foot over the top of his shoe, she inched her toes up his pants leg.

  …Lawton, you’re very sly…and seductive! The wine, in addition to the ones he had at dinner, was already having an effect on him as he put his arm across the back of the sofa, leaning in a little closer, breathing in her exotic scent of jasmine mingled with sweet oranges. He nuzzled into her hair, and then took another sip of wine.

  Her foot made its way up his leg, her knee caressing his crotch, titillating his growing erection. She set her wine glass down and then turned to take his empty glass, placing it alongside hers. Turning back, she cupped his face with her hand, guiding his mouth to hers. Catching his lips in a deep lingering kiss, her leg brushed against him as she gently pulled him down on top of her.

  For a moment, just a moment, he almost considered giving her what she wanted. …I could become lost in her kiss. It’s tempting…Those violet-blue eyes…those lush lips…that look…No, Darcy. You know better than this.

  David sat up. “Miss Lawton, I don’t think this is in either of our best interests. I negotiated with you, and I’ll not have you or anyone else say I slept with you to finalize our deal. I got a good price…a fair price, which I happen to know is better than anyone else gets, Emerson aside. I won’t have people think I slept with you as a negotiating tactic—sex to seal the deal.”

  If her composure was shaken, he couldn’t tell. She appeared cool, calm, and collected.

  “So you never mix business with pleasure?” she asked as her eyebrow shot high.

  “In a more level playing field, perhaps. You’re an enchanting and beautiful woman, as you well know, but not worth the price my professional reputation would pay for one night spent with you.” He rose from the sofa, straightening his clothes. “I need to go. Good evening, Miss Lawton.” Moving away, he didn’t miss the very evident look of shock on her pretty face which quickly darkened with anger. She was furious.

  He paused. “Miss Lawton, what would you expect me to think? If you want to behave like a tart, by all means proceed, I’m willing to enjoy the show,” he grinned, amused by her shocked expression, “but don’t expect me to be your boy.”

  “How dare you, Darcy! How dare you say I would use sex to manipulate business!” Violet-blue fire flew from her eyes as she picked up a vase and hurled it at his head.

  He ducked just in time as it smashed against the door.

  David almost laughed as he watched her fury trumped by the sting of rejection. Pausing for a moment, he said, “Lawton, has anyone ever told you just how incredibly desirable you are when you’re angry?” He chuckled. “You are indeed captivating and beautiful, and I bet you’re every bit as good in bed as you are in the boardroom. You almost make me want to reconsider, but business is business. Good night, Miss Lawton.” Flashing a roguish grin, he opened the door and walked through it.

  ~*~

  David lay awake that night, contemplating what it might have been like to take her to bed. He’d never met anyone quite like her. Miss Lawton was stubborn, strong-willed, intelligent, and cunning. He was sure all of that would translate into a passionately hot lover, and he’d just passed on it. …I’ll give her some time to recover from her disappointment, and then I’ll give her what we both want. …She could do with a good shag…and one from someone who knows what he’s doing… He chuckled to himself as he finally found sleep.

  Chapter Eleven

  …I’m nobody’s fool…

  Four months later

  As they were preparing to leave Ottawa for New York, David approached his pilot. “Jenkins, we need to stop in Charleston for a day, possibly two, before flying into Atlanta. Make the arrangements. I want to be there by two o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”

  “I’ll take care of it, Mr. Darcy.”

  Cecilia had called David’s London office with some additional information concerning the execution of their recent contract. There was a problem regarding the scheduled shipments with the current crop. David knew it could have been taken care of with a PDF via email or a fax, but since he was to be in the general area, he decided on the spur of the moment to attend to the matter in person. That was the stated reason, but the real reason was that he wanted to see her again. He knew it was unorthodox to stop in without an appointment, but it was a risk he was willing to take.

  Since that night in November, he could think of nothing but her. Although it was against his better judgment to become involved with a business associate, enough time had passed where he felt one encounter with Cecilia would not impede his professional reputation. It was a calculated risk that he had decided to take. If all went as he wished, he intended to fulfill her desire as well as his own.

  They touched down in Charleston right on schedule. He had just enough time to get through customs, pick up a rental car, check into the hotel, and make himself presentable before he saw Cecilia. As he cleared all the hurdles and made his way to the BMW he had rented, he thought of her.

  …Lawton, I think I’ll make your dreams come true. A one night stand is all you’re getting from me, and you should count yourself lucky I’m even giving you that. I’m not your toy, Cecilia, so don’t think you can play me. It is I who will play with you. Yes, Lawton, I intend to explore your passionate nature. I’m going to rock your world. He laughed out loud as he pulled into the entrance of the Planter’s Inn.

  Once he settled into his room, he quickly put his things away and threw a grey suit along with a pale blue shirt and coordinating tie on the bed. He took a quick shower, dressed, and was out the door heading for the Lawton Executive Complex.

  David entered the vacant lobby at 3:30 in the afternoon. He had called once he was in town, telling her he’d be stopping by. He was not surprised in the least when she had agreed to work him into her schedule, sparing him what time she could. He hoped for fift
een minutes. That was all he needed. Fifteen minutes.

  David paced back and forth in the lobby waiting for his appointment, when an older man in his late fifties approached him.

  “Ah, Mr. David Darcy, I presume. I’m Daniel Russell. I see you’ve returned to see Ms. Lawton,” the gentleman said as he offered his hand, along with a warm smile.

  “Yes, yes I have. We have some unfinished business concerning our contract agreement.” David looked at the man quizzically while shaking his hand.

  “Yes, I know all about it. I’m the one who noticed the oversight, but I believe it only needed a signature and a few places filled in. Why did you not attend to the details and send it back instead of making a personal appearance?”

  “I beg your pardon, sir, but who are you?” David asked, raising his brow.

  “I’ve already told you my name, but my position is Senior Vice President of Lawton & Co., and I’m Cecilia’s godfather.” The older man’s expression grew poignant. “That said, I’d like to see you in my office briefly before your appointed time with Ms. Lawton.”

  Glancing back over his shoulder at the busy receptionist, Mr. Russell instructed, “Ashley, when Ms. Lawton is ready to see Mr. Darcy, he can be found in my office if he has not yet returned to the lobby.”

  “Yes, Mr. Russell, I’ll call for him there if he’s not here.”

  “Thank you, Ashley.”

  Walking towards a large executive office to the right of the lift, they entered the VP suite, shutting the door behind them. Once inside, Daniel turned and faced Darcy. “Now, why did you come all this way when you and I both know it could have been handled just as easily, if not easier, via a fax or PDF?”