“May I get you some tea or coffee? I have bottled water as well,” London offered.
“No thank you,” Maggie replied. “I’d like to get started.”
“Absolutely.” London placed an iPad in her lap. “Why don’t you tell me what you’d like to achieve at work and I’ll write those down? And if you don’t mind, I’ll also record our session to make sure I don’t miss anything. Would that be okay with you?”
“Yes.” Maggie nodded. “I’d like to be more assertive. Speak up when necessary.”
London smiled encouragingly. “Go on.”
“My boss says I have great ideas but I let others speak for me and they end up getting the credit because I’m too much of a team player.”
“Are team players not encouraged at work?”
“Not if it inhibits another employees career. Mr. Taggart—he’s our new boss—says that we’re not sheep because he has no desire to shepherd us or become a farmer.”
Sawyer sent one of his employees to her. Was this some kind of pity client? It took everything inside of London not to make a fool of herself by asking Maggie a million question.
Maggie paused, then cleared her throat, shifting in her seat. “I don’t think he knows that people around here don’t generally raise a lot of sheep. Anyway, he said that some of us needed a little positive prodding to get our careers on track.”
“He said all that?”
Maggie nodded. “He also said you had a knack for helping people like me to become positively assertive.”
Holy crap. He’d really listened to her at lunch.
“He also said that by my third visit, I should be able to negotiate for a ten percent raise.”
“Wait a minute. Your boss sent you to me, so that I can help you get more money out of him?”
With a slight smile, Maggie shrugged. “I’ve never had a boss like that before.”
“I don’t think many people have.”
“But he says my skills are worth at least the ten percent. So...” Maggie blew out a breath. “I’m here to learn Ms. Montgomery, and I brought a list of all the projects I completed or headed up that have brought in revenue for the company.”
Maybe this wasn’t a pity client. Maybe, just maybe, Sawyer had sent her a challenge. London never backed down from a challenge and she certainly wasn’t going to let Maggie down by refusing to help her. In fact,... “Then I’m here to teach you, and Maggie, you’re not going to negotiate for a ten percent raise.”
Maggie blinked at her. “I’m not?”
“Nope.” London smiled. “You’re going to negotiate for thirty percent.”
8
Sawyer
It had been four days since he’d last spoken to London and the time apart had done nothing to stop what was becoming a full-blown obsession with the woman. He couldn’t keep from thinking about her lips, her eyes... all the parts of her he’d never seen but had felt against him as they danced.
He’d never considered himself the type, and he’d never been that way with his ex-wife. Then again, his ex-wife hadn’t blown him off after meeting him the first... and second time.
Man, his ego was just asking for trouble by continuing to pursue London. Hell, Rodney should have been done with her shoes by now and he hadn’t heard anything from London. Although, he was about ninety-nine percent sure she was debating on the best way to thank him. He was also sure it wouldn’t involve a face-to-face meeting if she could help it either, which meant he had to make sure it did happen.
He pushed back from his desk, stretching as he rose from his chair, then walked to the wall of windows that gave him an excellent view of the Raleigh Skyline. A lot of tech companies were headquartered closer to the airport, but he preferred the downtown area. It was thriving and he wanted to contribute to that.
After spending so long at war, destroying things, he wanted to build. He wanted to make things better by helping people who actually wanted it.
His conscience pricked. How could he say he wanted to build instead of destroy when the only way he could take over Taggart Securities was by taking out the competition and not just take them out, but decimate the company?
Worse, the competition was London’s family.
“Fuck,” he breathed.
“Not a good time to talk?”
Sawyer turned slightly at the sound of his half-brother’s voice. “What are you doing here?”
Jack walked over, joining him at the window. “I was in town. Thought I’d stop by and discuss strategy.”
“If I were you, I’d want to take me out of the equation,” Sawyer said.
“Maybe I think you’d be better for the company.” Jack put his hands in his pockets. “Maybe you’ve given me a way out, and I want to reward you for that.”
Sawyer cocked a brow. “Weren’t you the one to call me an opportunistic asshole?”
Jack shrugged. “I might have been too hasty in my assessment.”
“Tell me the real reason.”
“I caught our father fucking my fiancé last night, in her bed.” Jack blew out a breath. “The last thing I wanted to see was his saggy balls hitting her ass.”
“Shit. What about Carrie?”
“His pregnant secretary?”
“That’s the one.” Sawyer nodded. “He said they were getting married.”
Jack’s jaw worked. “He told me the same thing, but he’s not exactly known for faithfulness.”
Sawyer moved to the bookshelf in the corner. “Drink?”
“Absolutely.”
“I hate to make this assumption, but this doesn’t seem like a shock to you.” Sawyer poured to glasses of bourbon and turned, holding out one to Jack.
Jack took it from him. “You could say that. I’m used to dear old dad’s roving eye, but he promised to stay away from Via. It’s my own fault for trusting him to keep his word, or thinking that he was happy with Carrie.”
“You don’t blame your ex at all?” Sawyer asked.
“Oh no. She’s as guilty as he is.”
“You look and sound extremely calm for a man who’s just been given the shock of his life.”
“It’s like this for me. I expected my dad to be exactly who he is, but I thought there was a line he wouldn’t cross. As for Via... turns out they’d been running around behind my back for months.” Jack took a drink. “Joke’s on her though because now that I do know, our dad won’t be interested in her anymore.”
“That’s your dad. Not mine. So stop saying our dad.”
Jack snorted. “You wish he wasn’t your dad.”
“Hell, yes I do.” Sawyer threw back the rest of his drink and set the glass down on his desk. “I wish my last name was the same as my mom’s. I wish he’d never shown up to my high school graduation and played at being the proud father once they announced I joined the Marines. And I sure as fuck wish he’d just left me the hell alone when I got out, too. I wouldn’t have wanted Taggart Securities without his interference. What I’ve already built, without his help, is enough for me. I don’t have to be a billionaire, or even rule the world.
“Honestly, I just want to take his company from him,” he added a beat later. “I want to hurt John like he did my mom by taking what matters most to him. It’s certainly not any of his children, or their mothers.”
Jack stared at him, the same blue eyes that he saw in the mirror every morning wide with shock. “You won’t grow it? Make it better?”
“I won’t punish people who had nothing to do with his very bad behavior.”
“Which means what exactly?”
“I’m planning a hostile takeover of my own. I want him out, but it’s going to take a vote of no confidence from the board that made up of majority shareholders for that to happen. Meanwhile, I have to convince him that I’m only in it to get my due.” Sawyer held out his hand. “You’re welcome to join me.”
Without hesitation, his half-brother shook his hand. “Consider me your second in command.”
*
That evening, Sawyer nursed a beer while he watched the Canes beat the shit out of the Rangers. He always did his best thinking when hockey was playing on the flat screen.
Okay, so he normally did all his best thinking when hockey was on the television. Tonight, however, he was unable to enjoy the game, unable to appreciate the beer or the comfort of his living room with its custom-made leather sofas and clean lines.
His phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen, a smile pushing at the corners of his mouth.
“Hey, Ma,” he said as he answered the call.
“You watching the game?”
“Mostly.” He settled back into the cushions. “Got a lot on my mind tonight.”
“I hope it’s because you’ve met someone and not because you’re plotting revenge on my behalf.”
“Both,” he said truthfully. He’d never been one to hold back and certainly not with the woman who raised him. They’d both been kids—her all of nineteen when she had him. “I prefer to think about the someone over the revenge right now.”
“I prefer you think about that, too. In fact, I’d prefer you forget your plan for revenge and enjoy what you’ve accomplished. My son did not survive a war, three times, I might add, to focus on avenging me. I’m fine, thank you very much. God and all the saints have a much bigger plan for you.”
Sawyer laughed. His mom could always put things into perspective. “As in grandchildren.”
“Exactly.” He could hear the smile in her voice as she continued, “No pressure, but you’re not getting any younger and if you wait too long, you won’t be able to play with them. Imagine being the oldest parent at their graduation, your home health nurse wheeling you in while you squint at the audience, trying to see where little Jimmy is sitting.”
“I’m thirty-two not sixty-two,” he said wryly. “And you can’t accuse me of not trying to give you grandchildren in my twenties.”
“Oh geez. Don’t you mention that woman to me. I’m glad you don’t have children with her. What a nightmare that would have been.”
Sawyer knew better. His mother would have loved them, no matter who their mother was. “That’s why I’m dreaming of bigger and better things.”
“Tell me about her.”
“Out of my league, for sure.”
“Not a chance.”
He smiled. “She’s not the type to think like that, but... what I can tell you is that she’s incredibly smart, a great listener, owns a business... and she’d give you pretty grandbabies,” he teased.
His mom gasped. “So she’s the one.”
Sawyer shrugged. “Possibly, but unfortunately, the feeling isn’t returned.”
“She just needs to see you in that light.”
“If only it were that easy.”
“I don’t understand the problem. Love can conquer anything.”
“Hold up. I didn’t say I was in love.”
“Then why would you mention pretty grandbabies?”
“To yank your chain.”
His mom made a noise. “It’s been yanked enough. What’s the real reason, Sawyer?”
“She’s a Montgomery—the daughter of John’s former best friend, so basically we’re Romeo and Juliet, but without all the teen angst or suicide.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Tell me about it.”
“Tell me you’re not going to let a last name stand in your way.”
“I’m not, but things aren’t moving as fast as I’d like, or in the right direction for that matter. Four days ago, I met her for lunch and she walked out of there.” He didn’t bother to mention that he tricked London into meeting him because his mom would most likely read him the riot act.
“What did you say to her?” she asked.
“The truth.”
“And that’s it?”
“Gave her business advice, too.”
“Jesus and Mary,” his mom said on a groan. “Why would you do that?”
“Because she needs it.”
“From a man she barely knows and is her family’s competition? Wow, Sawyer, I can’t imagine why she’d want to cut your date short. “
“Okay, so maybe you have a point, but I don’t want to see her fail. She’s not using her family’s money, and hell, she was wearing her mother’s shoes. They broke on her way to our date and her mother’s dead, so it’s not like she can get another pair from her.
“Holy shit, I’m not making any sense,” he added a beat later.
“Oh Sawyer, that’s so sad... did you find a way to fix the shoes?”
“You know I did.”
“That’s my boy.” His mom blew out a breath. “Tread lightly with her. Find out how you can, what do they call it down there? Court her? Don’t put any pressure on her to go fast. Just be you. Everyone who knows you loves you.”
“Tell that to Chrissy.”
“There’s always one moron.”
He barked out a laughed. “Thanks, Ma.”
“You want to thank me. Come see me and bring your friend.”
“I’ll do my best.”
After a few more pleasantries and promises to call her next week, he ended their call. If London didn’t contact him by tomorrow morning, he was going to have to take matters into his own hands.
9
London + Sawyer
SUBJECT: YOUR GIFT
Sawyer,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful gift. My shoes have never looked better.
London
SUBJECT: OUR DATE
London,
I’d like to inspect Rodney’s work in person.
Tonight.
At seven.
You pick the place.
Sawyer
SUBJECT: YOU’RE GETTING AHEAD OF YOURSELF
Attached you’ll find several pictures of Rodney’s work, and since I am beyond thrilled with his craftsmanship, you should be as well.
~London
SUBJECT: YOU DIDN’T SAY NO
-S
SUBJECT: I DIDN’T SAY YES
~L
SUBJECT: SEE PREVIOUS SUBJECT LINE OF EMAIL
What about Lucille’s?
-S
SUBJECT: I HAVE PLANS
Mandolin is better.
-L
SUBJECT: SEE YOU AT SEVEN
Wear the shoes.
-S
SUBJECT: YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME
Wear the blue shirt that you had on at lunch the other day.
~L
SUBJECT: GIVE ME TIME
I’ll provide everything you need.
-S
10
London
She slipped on the Louboutins and turned to Maya. “What do you think about my outfit? It’s not too sexy or demure, right?” she asked, smoothing down the material of her blue and white striped sundress that hit her just below mid-thigh.
“You look amazing. Now, hold still.” Maya touched up London’s curly hair with a few passes of the curling iron in order to tame them. “Your hair is so damn thick. I don’t know how you style it every day.”
“I don’t. I let the curls do what they want,” she said with a laugh. “Except when it rains, or I’ll look like a gigantic poodle lives on my head.”
Maya grinned as she put the curling iron down. “All done, and there is no sign of rain tonight.”
“I’m being ridiculous to worry this much, right?”
“Not really.”
London narrowed her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that I’m legit jealous you have a date and I have to work on my thesis tonight.” Maya was nearly done with grad school, so it was crunch time for her. “I have to defend it in a couple of weeks and I am not waiting until the last minute to prepare.”
“You’ll kick ass,” London said, turning to plant a kiss on Maya’s cheek and hug her. “You can practice on me, too.”
“Thanks.”
T
here was a knock on the door.
London’s eyes widened as did Maya’s. “he’s here.”
“You have to introduce us.”
“That goes without saying.”
“I said it anyway in case you see his fine self, and forget that I exist at all.”
“There is no way that will happen.” London rushed to the door, opening it, her tongue going to the roof of her mouth. How in the world could he look better and better each time she saw him?
Sawyer stood there, looking like a daydream in his dark slacks and dark blue shirt. It was open at the collar, giving her a tantalizing glimpse of his tan skin.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
London felt herself blush. “Yes. Come inside.”
Maya scooted around London, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Maya. London’s bestie. You must be Sawyer.”
With a charming smile, Sawyer shook Maya’s hand. “Nice to meet you. Would you like to join us for dinner?”
“Uh, I don’t... um.”
London cleared her throat. “Maya has a huge project to do.”
Maya nodded, stepping back. “Ginormous. Can hardly fit it in my schedule, it’s so huge.”
Sawyer merely said, “Maybe next time.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my purse. “ London caught Maya by the arm. “Help me find it.”
“I’m sorry, “ Maya said as soon as they were out of earshot. “He’s a lot taller and... he’s... just wow, London. The pictures don’t do him justice.”
“I realize that, but you couldn’t stop talking about size. The man already has an ego the size of the sun.”
“Pretty sure he has other parts that are the size of the sun, too,” Maya said with a grin. “Lucky woman.”
London snatched up her purse, making sure her phone was tucked inside. “Don’t wait up for me.”
“Do all the things I would do to him.”
With a roll of her eyes, London moved to the tiny foyer where Sawyer waited. Maya was right; Sawyer was larger than life. He took up the entire space with his broad shoulders and height.
“I’m ready.”
Seducing the Billionaire's Daughter Page 6