Chapter 5
five
Scotlyn.
When I pulled up, I was surprised to see a Bentley parked near the entrance of the property but even more surprised when I realized who it belonged to.
My eyes were immediately drawn to him leaning against the side of his car trying to look casual.
A man like Christian did not look casual.
A woman’s wet dream? Intense? A walking red flag?
The perfect disaster? Sex in a tailored suit?
All of those applied but definitely not casual.
His sexy ass was proving to be very cliché.
Cocky and used to getting whatever he wanted because that was the only reason he pulled up on me.
He wanted something I had and was about to be sorely disappointed.
I walked up and stopped a few feet away.
"Mr. Devereaux." Up close I know I’m in trouble. The world attractive is too simple to describe this man.
He further confirmed that when he delivered an unfairly sexy smile. "Ms. Whitney. Just wanted to welcome you to Crescent Falls myself."
"How sweet but I'm guessing your welcome comes with strings attached."
"Straight to the point. I like that..." He pushed off his car and moved closer.
The man was incredibly sexy and the power move of being here only added to his persona.
Pulling up on me was very cocky and ego driven.
It fit the visual and had a cluster of butterflies launching their attack in my stomach. “…I won't insult your intelligence."
I arched a brow and his eyes met mine although mine were covered by my shades, which I was very grateful for because now I was currently eye fucking him. These shades gave me the ability to completely enjoy this fine ass man without being too obvious.
"You came out of nowhere and outbid me on a property I've been vetting for months."
"That's just business. The McKenzies took my offer."
"The McKenzies had already accepted an offer from CD Capital Holdings, which was mine, before your team pushed that crazy ass inflated bid." His tone was chill but I caught the edge underneath. Oh, he’s fucking pissed…
"That's interesting because their lawyer told me something completely different."
"Yeah, well, a handshake still means something in Crescent Falls."
"So do signed contracts, which is what I have." I glanced past him toward where my survey team was standing. "If you'll excuse me, I have people waiting."
When I tried to move around him, he shifted.
He wasn't exactly blocking me but the shift was a silent demand that we weren't done and the move allowed me to catch his scent as he moved closer.
His cologne smelled like cedar blended with citrus.
His eyes were also checking me out in a way that definitely wasn't professional.
"Twenty minutes," he said in a low, sexy tone that temporarily paused my brain and the way he stared me down was proof that he knew the effect he had on me.
"Sorry, what?"
"Give me twenty minutes after you've checked out the property."
Now I was curious. "What for?"
"To discuss a business opportunity I feel you will appreciate."
The arrogance in his stance-body wide, hands submerged in his pockets and a ghost of a smile on that handsome face-had my mind screaming to say no.
This man was trouble, but again, I was curious and let's face it.
Who would turn down an opportunity to admire this man's assets in a personal setting?
Damn sure not me. "I have lunch at one. You can have thirty minutes before that. "
"Perfect. The Metropolitan bar. Noon. That is where you're staying, correct?"
The smugness in his expression had me second guessing spending time with Christian but I nodded then walked past him toward the property entrance.
I could feel him watching as I walked away.
Just before reaching the gate, I glanced back over my shoulder, catching him.
However, it wasn't like he tried to hide that he was enjoying the view. Men like him were so damn predictable.
The property inspection went smoothly. My team was thorough and confirmed what I already knew. This land was worth every penny I offered the McKenzies. Exactly what I needed for my first solo project because when I pulled this off there was no way my father could deny my abilities.
Right at noon I walked into The Metropolitan and found Christian at a corner table which offered a view of the whole room. He was definitely a man who liked control. Noted . He stood when I neared the table.
"Mr. Devereaux."
"Christian, please. Thanks for making time, Ms. Whitney." He motioned to a chair after pulling it out for me and when I stepped around him, his cologne hit me again.
"Scotlyn." I settled into the spot across from him and the minute we were both seated a bartender came over.
"Mr. Devereaux, your usual, Black Ops?"
"Yeah, thanks, and for you?" Christian looked toward me.
"I'll have the same, neat."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Bourbon girl, huh?"
"When the situation calls for it, yes. I mostly do business with men. I've learned to adjust."
He nodded and the bartender left, returning immediately with our drinks. Christian raised his glass. "To productive conversations."
I paused for a second before touching my glass to his. "You're optimistic."
"I'm a man who gets what he wants."
My core tightened and I pressed my thighs together when I noticed the way his eyes moved over me.
Down girl, we’re not open for business.
His interest in me was too damn obvious, and surprisingly, also not unwelcomed. Christian and I had nine year age difference—and by default he was not the type I was typically was drawn to—but something about him aside from the tempting visual and his confidence was sexy.
"So, what's this win—win you mentioned?"
"A partnership." He kept his expression neutral but I unfortunately did not. I frowned immediately.
"A partnership?"
"You have the capital and the development know—how. I have the local connections and insider knowledge that no amount of research can buy. Together, we could build something amazing with the waterfront."
"I'm sorry. I'm a bit confused. Why are you assuming I need a partner?"
"I'm not assuming, I know, Scotlyn."
"I do not need you and I don't share control, Christian."
"Neither do I…” he paused and the heated look that landed on me was a clear sign the control he was mentioning referred to more than just business.
I was suddenly very aware of how hard my nipples became within a matter of seconds.
My body also grew eagerly curious to find out what Christian being in control looked and felt like, but my mind snapped back to the conversation when I heard his voice again.
“…which is exactly why this setup would make sure neither of us can screw over the other. Equal partners, equal say."
Screw…
Why did that word send a rush of heat down my spine?
Because you want him to screw you…
I shifted and corrected my posture trying extremely hard to pull my nasty ass mind out of the gutter.
"Since I'm here. I'll entertain you."
He smiled sexily and leaned back in his chair waiting, so I continued.
"What exactly do you bring besides a potential local connection? Whitney International has built in markets way more complicated than Crescent Falls and I’ve handled it.
I'm bringing more to the table, which means this wouldn't be equal . "
His eyes flashed with annoyance and respect at my brush-off. He knew I was testing him, because fuck your male driven ego, Devereaux.
"Agreed, but you're not using Whitney International's resources for this project, are you?"
Shit. He did his homework.
"You're developing this property on your own. Using your own money instead of company funds. That means you don't have the usual backup from the Whitney machine."
"I don't need backup."
"Maybe not for money, but permits? Zoning? Labor contracts? Whitney can bully it’s way into getting those secured. You can not." He smiled arrogantly. "Crescent Falls does things its own way. Without the right introductions and partnerships, you'll run into delays and unexpected complications."
"Are you threatening to mess with my project?" I lowered my glass and my eyes narrowed.
"Not at all. I'm offering to make sure it succeeds. Think of me as your local guide through potentially rough territory."
He leaned back and dropped a hand into his lap. My eyes followed the motion and my mind went drifting again about what his hand was resting on and why he had his legs spread so wide.
Scot, stop lusting after this man. I bet his young ass can’t even fuck.
"I don't need your help, Christian. I've handled rough territory before."
The cocky grin that eased onto his face before his tongue glided over is bottom lip had all my attention.
"Different rules apply here in my city."
Okay so maybe he knows what to do with his mouth…Scot, focus!
"Rules are always different. That's what makes this job fun. I am also very successful because I'm fucking good at what I do," I clarified.
"Fair enough, but picture this, we combine Whitney's international reputation with the Devereauxs local pull. The result would kick ass in ways neither of us could pull off alone."
"And if I say no?"
"Then we both waste time and money in a legal battle that will push everything back at least a year or more.
I live here, that doesn't complicate a damn thing for me, with you it does.
Also the McKenzies might have signed some initial papers with you but I have proof of a prior verbal agreement. That matters here."
"With the right judge in your pocket I'm sure it does," I said dryly.
"With any judge. It's not about corruption, beautiful. It's about how things work in the business world."