“I thought you had jobs in other cities in the southern region,” he stated, rubbing the hair underneath his bottom lip.
“I have, but traveling to find them and getting my portfolio out there can be challenging,” I shared. Greyson would not understand that since he had wealth and opportunity at his disposal.
“After you complete this job, I doubt if you will have those problems anymore. Adding our family as a client to your roster will put your name out there. Besides, I will make sure that I send business your way.”
I was taken aback by his willingness to lend his support when he did not know me and had not seen what I had in mind for his boutique hotel. Sure, he had seen my portfolio and the other jobs I had done, but this job would not compare to anything I had done in the past.
“Thank you, Greyson. Can I ask a question?”
“Ask away,” he said, biting into his Angus steak burger. He appeared to really enjoy it the way he closed his eyes.
“Actually, I’ll put that question aside for a moment because there’s a more pressing one that I want to ask.”
“What’s that?” he mumbled around his burger, grabbing his napkin and dabbing at his mouth.
“When was the last time you ate at a place like this?”
Squinting his eyes, he appeared to be thinking before he shrugged and said, “A couple years, or more, I think?” It was posed more as a question than a statement of fact.
He took a sip of his soda and smiled. “Why?”
“Just that you don’t strike me as the type to frequent a greasy establishment like this, one. And two, buddy, you just did major damage to that burger!”
I couldn’t help myself, but I started laughing at his shocked expression.
“Who me?” he asked, looking around the restaurant, pointing his finger at himself. Laughter played around his mouth and eyes.
“Yes, you,” I replied through the laughter.
Greyson let loose a few deep, hearty chuckles of his own before answering my question.
“You’re right. I don’t frequent these places. But it’s not because I don’t want to, but I have no other choice most of the time. So, whenever I can escape, I take advantage of the opportunity.”
I wondered what that was like. Never being able to do what you wanted to do or go where you wanted. Especially when you could afford to.
“Okay, now that we’ve established you don’t frequent these delicious burger joints, on to my next question. Why me?”
He frowned a little, bit off another piece of his burger and chewed slowly and thoughtfully. I could tell he was a man who thought about his words before just blurting them out. Something about him seemed passionate, but not in the way of anger like some men could be. His passion seemed more geared towards loving life. I didn’t know too many men like him with an easygoing nature and carefree smile. His good looks did not hurt.
“Why you...”
“Yes, I mean, your company usually goes with Stratford and Rathers, Hightower Inc., or the Rose Firm. Why did you decide to choose me, an unknown?”
I watched as his face changed from mellow and relaxed to serious.
“Why not you? Don’t you believe you’re just as great as any of those firms? You may not have the years of experience behind you or the vast power they have, but that doesn’t mean your ideas are not as innovative and creative,” he expressed.
Wow, I would have to hire him for my marketing team, because he did a better pitch for my company than either myself or my best friend Jocelyn, the other part of Cabot and Cove Designs.
“I wanted to go with someone local. As I explained to you at the hotel, I want everything about this boutique hotel to be the essence of Savannah. With its rich history and Southern traditions, I don’t want that to get lost in the designs the bigger firms might create. They may be able to capture the essence of what I’m trying to do, but they aren’t the heart and soul of Savannah, so they’ll fall short. In the end, what we'll get is this Cosmopolitan version of Savannah. I want someone who knows its heart and can translate that into the designs of the hotel. I read your bio, reviewed your portfolio, and I compared it to the other local design firms and decided you were who I wanted on this project. But before I made the decision, I had conversations with all the vendors who put in a request for proposal. There was something about our connection, Nicole, that drew me in. I couldn’t ignore it.”
He picked up a couple of fries, stuffing them into his mouth, his eyes never leaving my face. I squirmed a little in my seat as the heat rose through my body, and I felt a foreign throb pulsating in between my thighs.
I did not want him to feel as if I questioned my own abilities, or that I was insecure in any manner. He did not need to worry about that because I would give him all that he wanted and needed for that hotel.
“Thank you, Greyson. I just did my research on the hotels and resorts under your family’s company and noticed you always went with the same firm. So, when you began accepting RFPs, I was a bit shocked, but decided to toss my hat into the ring anyway.”
Nodding his head, he dipped another fry into ketchup before folding it into his mouth. “And when you submitted your proposal, did you believe you might have a shot?”
I don’t know why I felt so comfortable with him. It seemed with every question he posed, there wasn’t a challenge issued, but a determination to draw me out of my shell. I briefly had the thought that God sent him into my life to grow me. But I pushed that aside quickly, focusing my attention on business once more.
“Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. I was curious, nervous, and hopeful, all at once. When I received the call from you stating our proposal had been accepted, both Jocelyn and I instantly threw a celebration that evening amongst our friends.”
“Well, let’s just say that I’m glad you did decide to toss your hat into the ring.”
My face grew warm the way his intentional gaze held me in place. It felt more personal than it should, and I had to remind myself that this was a business deal and nothing more. Perhaps, it was the way those stunning eyes stared at me, that had me feeling as if he could see right through me. Or maybe it was the quirky way he had of always seeming that he was smiling at a private joke. I don’t know, but I felt there was a mutual attraction between us.
I know that I was very attracted to him, but that meant nothing. I needed to put that all aside and focus on the business at hand.
“Well, I really need to get going. I have to get back to the office to prepare for my next meeting.”
Greyson continued chewing that fry as if he had no intention of responding to my statement. I grabbed my bag, indicating that I had to leave. After all, I had foolishly accepted a ride over here with him and was relying on him to transport me back to the hotel where I had left my car. I was not thinking logically when I agreed to ride with him. If I had, I would have insisted I drive, knowing that this lunch might take longer than I anticipated.
“Nicole, do I make you uncomfortable?” Greyson asked, pushing his now empty platter away from him.
Clutching my bag tightly, I tried to keep an impassive expression on my face as I lied to him. “Of course, not. What would give you that impression?”
Reaching for his own keys and cellphone, he said, “Maybe because you’ve been trying to escape my presence since we met this morning. During our phone and Skype conversations, we appeared to get along well. But you just seem a bit nervous since we’ve met in person.”
Shaking my head, I began to calculate the miles back to the hotel and to my next appointment. It would be ridiculous for me to walk to either of those places, especially considering the shoes I wore.
“No, I just have a lot on my mind.”
“All right. But just consider this,” Greyson said, standing and reaching out a hand for mine. I allowed him to take it as he pulled me to a stand.
When his hand wrapped around my hand, and his piercing gaze met mine, every sensation in my body hummed with life. A
jolt of warmth and energy flowed throughout my body as once more, my heart thudded loudly in my chest. And the way his lips slightly parted, I could tell he felt it, too.
He looked away briefly as if gathering his composure and returned to his conversation.
“We’re going to become best buddies over the next few months. We’ll be spending a considerable amount of time together, sometimes alone. I’m a bit demanding, I will admit. So, when I have you, I want all of you. I intend to make sure that your mind is completely on what we’re doing. You and me.”
Oh, those innuendoes he liked toying with. I had never had an instant attraction to anyone like this. This man was a dangerous flame, and I was the moth that would flit a little closer each chance that I got.
CHAPTER 3 - GREYSON
My parents had thankfully returned to town, and I had returned to my condo. I needed as much time as possible on-site to oversee the progress of the hotel. I had no time to watch Kent.
“What’s this?” I asked Tiffany as she dropped a folder onto my desk and plopped down in the chair on the opposite side of it.
“Some designs Ms. Cabot wants you to review before your next meeting with her.”
Frowning, I replied, “We’re scheduled to meet in thirty minutes, Tiffany.”
“She canceled, saying she had another appointment and that the purpose of this meeting was just to explain some of the designs to you. She said that she wanted you to take time to review them, and you all could meet tomorrow to discuss the plans.”
I was furious. How had Nicole canceled on me without contacting me first? Sure, Tiffany was my assistant, but this was one appointment that I wanted to have say-so over whether it was canceled or not.
“Damn! She can’t do that.”
“Well, she could, and she did. If you don’t mind me saying, I think it was for the best anyway. You randomly made that appointment without checking your schedule and forgot you have a meeting with a couple of investors.”
“Yes, but they were scheduled towards the tail end of my meeting with Ni...ah, Ms. Cabot. Where am I supposed to meet them?”
“The Lady and Sons. You wanted them to get a taste of Savannah’s southern cuisine.”
I rolled my eyes because I was no longer in the mood to entertain anyone, and I didn’t want to share a meal with these guys. Not that I had anything against them, but I didn’t want to schmooze them. Either they wanted in or not. We had the money and backing, but I initially looked for investors to differentiate The Greyson Manor from The Blacks.
“If you’re going to make that meeting in time, I would suggest you leave now. You can review those designs afterward. I will capture all your suggestions while you go over them; that way, it will all be fresh tomorrow when you meet with Ni...Ms. Cabot,” she said, a bold smirk crossing her lips.
It had been two weeks since our last meeting, and I had slipped up on a few occasions and referenced Nicole by her first name in Tiffany’s presence. She knew I always maintained a professional camaraderie with all my business constituents.
Tiffany had been by my side throughout every single aspect of building this hotel and had become more like an annoying sister than anything. In the beginning, she referenced me as “Mr. Black,” with something like awe and reverence. Now I was simply “Greyson.” I didn’t mind. She had learned that, too. I was not a stickler for tradition as my father was. My approach to this business was much more casual, but still getting the results he expected.
“Sure, sounds good. Grab your purse and let’s go meet these guys,” I said, unlocking a drawer in my desk and shoving the file folder inside.
Tiffany jumped up like a gleeful little child and ran to grab her purse.
“Your car?” she asked, as I made my way towards the rear doors that had recently been installed. They led directly to the parking lot.
“Sure, Tiffany,” I said, smiling at her beaming face.
WE WERE HALFWAY THROUGH the business luncheon when I spotted her. She was sitting with her arms crossed on the table, leaning forward, listening intently to something someone said to her. I took a sip of my water, trying to play it casually. Tiffany was busily taking notes, as usual, her head bent over her iPad, and one hand grasping her fork, filling her mouth with a serving of macaroni.
One of the men sitting across from me spoke animatedly while his reserved counterpart nodded, a solemn expression on his face. My gaze strayed once more to the table where she sat. She was still listening to her companion, who appeared to be hogging the conversation, by the bored look in her eyes. Her posture and demeanor indicated she was focused and listening, but I could tell by her gaze, her mind was far away.
I glanced at the man, whose neatly trimmed afro glistened in the lighting of the restaurant. He was a caramel-colored man whose suit appeared to be cheaply made, but he apparently thought a lot about it the way he kept flicking off pieces of what were probably invisible lint.
“Mr. Black, would that be acceptable to you?” Tiffany asked, bringing my attention back to the matter at hand.
A lift of my eyebrow let her know that I had missed everything. Her eyes strayed to where my gaze had been and connected with mine once more, a knowing smile on her face.
“You have often stated that you would not go beyond ten percent, but I think their offer of two point five million for twelve percent is fairly reasonable. However, the ultimate deciding vote is yours obviously,” she stated, turning her gaze back to her iPad.
I would have to give her a gift later because, for all her sassy mouth, she kept my ass out of uncomfortable situations.
“It would be fair, but I have a couple of investors offering the same amount for only eight percent. I don’t see where the win in this situation is at for me,” I declared, taking over the conversation once more.
The businessmen looked towards one another, speaking in soft voices in their native language, which they had no idea I spoke fluently.
“Jag ger dig nḁgra minuter,” I said, surprising them by speaking Swedish. They had been prepared to discuss how they should counter my non-offer, in my presence. I had the advantage, but one thing I prided myself on was my business ethics.
Their mouths hung open slightly. Turning to Tiffany, I said, “Why don’t you get a second helping of the macaroni and cheese, you want so bad,” I said, nodding my head in the direction of the buffet.
She smiled sheepishly, looking down at the fork she had been licking. Tiffany got out of her seat and headed to the banquet. “I’ll be back,” I advised.
I took a circuitous route to the restroom that would allow me to be hidden from view. After I finished using the restroom and washing my hands, I took the route right past Nicole’s table. She caught sight of me as I neared their table, as I pretended to be studying my phone.
“Greyson!” she called excitedly.
I looked up a bland expression on my face as I took in the excitement on hers.
“Nicole, how ironic running into you here,” I said, a smile slipping easily onto my face.
Her male companion turned in his seat, craning his neck as he stared up at me, a grim expression on his face.
“Darryl, this is Greyson Black, I’ve recently been commissioned for a project on his new hotel down by the river. Greyson, this is Darryl Andrews, he’s a—”
“Her date,” Darryl said, recovering from his mild surprise at my presence. He stood and stretched forth his hand to shake mine.
I took his hand, clammy and cold, and looked into the man’s eye. He shook my hand extremely hard as though he had something to prove, his gaze locking onto mine, trying to communicate something I was not interested in receiving.
“It’s nice to meet you, Darryl...her date,” I said, trying to keep the laughter out of my voice. His expression was comical, but I did not care. I wasn’t interested in pissing contests, but I could not deny a jealous streak coursed through me when he introduced himself as her date.
“Yeah, same here,” he said, his gaze st
ill locked onto mine.
I released his hand and turned back to Nicole with a smile on my face. “Enjoy your date, I’ve got a few investors I need to return to,” I said, jerking my head towards the table Tiffany had just returned to.
“Great, I’ll see you first thing in the morning,” she said enthusiastically.
Her reaction towards me confirmed my simple belief that she was bored.
I was satisfied my mission had been accomplished. There were just subtle actions I needed to take that would make my presence felt. And my presence had indeed been felt. Now I could return to my own table and conclude with the games. It would take me no time whatsoever to wrap up this deal and move on with my day.
CHAPTER 4 – NICOLE (Five Weeks Later)
Our schedules had been extremely busy, and despite Greyson’s efforts to oversee every operation of the construction and design process, he couldn’t do it. He had flown out to Paris and Cancun on two occasions to check on some important items at the family’s resorts in those locations.
When I wasn’t whipping up plans, meeting with vendors, or shopping for fabrics and other items, I recalled our run-in at The Lady and Sons. I was surprised to see him there and felt bad about blowing off our meeting for another worthless date. I wondered what he thought about me canceling our meeting for something so personal, anyway.
Thoughts about my date with Darryl invaded my mind once more as I made my way through the aisle of my favorite home improvement store. He couldn’t stop talking about himself and all the achievements he had made at his company. He was a salesman for a medical equipment company and aspired to become the VP of sales.
Not that, that wasn’t wonderful, but he never stopped long enough to learn who I was. He had no idea that I even owned my own company that I enjoyed watching the barges go down the river or spend summer nights on River Street listening to the music pouring from the bars. He did not know that I supplied the old man on the dock with materials to craft his flowers that he sold to tourists for a small donation. That was how he made money. Darryl didn’t even know I love old school rock, neo-soul, and jazz.
Greyson Page 2