Chapter 10 #2
“She still hasn’t agreed to work with me. I’m not sure she will.” I headed out of the locker room, still gritting my teeth. I moved to one of the weight benches, furiously grabbing one weight after the other, the metal clanging together as I filled both sides of the bar.
I was aware Michael had moved behind me, watching me silently.
“I didn’t know you turned into a weightlifter overnight, buddy.
You’re going to need more than a spotter.
You’re going to need an ambulance if you try and press that much weight.
What the hell is really going on? I know you’re irritated about your father’s determination you marry, but there’s something nagging you to the point you’re off kilter. A rarity.”
After a few seconds of remaining still, I finally slammed my hand on the bar, startling the other two employees I didn’t even know with the force I used.
I turned to face him, planting my hands on my hips and pacing back and forth. “I don’t like her.”
He folded his arms, lifting an eyebrow.
“Okay, she’s sexy as hell with a perfect body, and every conversation is highly evocative. I’ll give her that, but she is purposely trying to bust my balls. Plus, she made it sound like we’ve met before and I wronged her in some horrible way.”
“Only you have no clue where or when that could be.”
“None. On top of it, she really couldn’t care less about my business. I offered five hundred thousand for the chosen employee plus all expenses and perks along with a million-dollar fee to Perfect Pairing and she acts as if it’s chump change.”
Whistling, Michael’s eyes opened wide. “Her required fee? What in God’s name does she offer?”
“No, that was my initial offer.”
Now, he scoffed. “Hell, I’ll marry you for five hundred thousand. One million? That’s…” The sentence dropped midway, when I caught him rubbing his chin, I cocked my head.
“Just say it, Mike. I know you’re chomping at the bit.”
“This isn’t about the money or about the fact she’s got your number. This is all about the fact you like her more than you anticipated, perhaps more than you have any woman in years.”
“Like hell I do. Maybe I need to look for different, more acceptable options.”
“In a week. Right. You don’t just like her, something happened between the two of you. Didn’t it?”
Christ. I wanted to wipe the grin off his face with my fist.
“Are you crazy? That woman would cut my dick off in my sleep.”
“Those who are most forceful in denial are often the guiltiest in the room. Something I learned in law school.”
I secured the weights until Michael stepped in front of me, nodding to the bar. Hissing, I counted the weight and laughed. “Yeah, maybe a little too much weight. She got under my skin. Okay? That I’ll admit.”
“Fair enough. It sounds like you need to try and work this out. I’ll write up a contract with the basics. I’m sure you’ll add your spin.”
Something didn’t add up with her. I was usually excellent at reading people. She was hiding something that fueled her and her extreme drive.
“I need you to do me another favor. Check her background.” The thought finally brought a lilt to my voice.
“Why? Are you looking for dirt on her?”
I thought about the question. Why was I bothering? “She’s hiding something.”
“This is unusual even for you. What are you trying to do, discredit her since she didn’t fall at your knees? Or maybe use a little blackmail. Then you can become your father. King of Miami.”
“That’s bullshit.” But was it? My father had been known to use various ruthless tactics over the years to get what he wanted.
I’d been schooled in the art of blackmail and extortion alongside algebra or history lessons.
He’d never shied away from taking what he wanted and I’d learned the trait as well.
Michael was right in that if I wasn’t careful, I’d become exactly the man I’d sworn to hate.
“Nothing like that. I asked Ms. Blair what made her tick and she refused to tell me. That means she’s keeping something troublesome from the world. Perhaps from herself. As you know, I can’t afford a scandal.”
After a few seconds, he nodded. “Agreed, especially at this juncture. Since you put it that way, I’ll make a few phone calls and dive deeper.
Now, are you going to tell me what really happened yesterday?
Whatever occurred is the reason you’re really in a shitty mood.
Other than you might have met your match with her. ”
I glanced at the other two people in the room, ensuring they weren’t paying any attention.
“It’s not about what happened yesterday.
I’m angry because of what happened last night.
” That was as close to admitting I’d been an idiot in allowing my carnal needs to interfere with a basic business transaction.
I’d been taught better.
The smirk on his face continued to be annoying. “I get it.” When he clapped me on the shoulder, I bristled. “Be careful, Chris. Some of those ice crystals encasing your heart might be positioned near an open flame.”