Chapter 7
7
COLE
Restraint doesn’t come naturally to me. If I want something, I go after it. I’ve always been this way. Maybe it’s because I’m the oldest of three very competitive boys. I’m relentless until I get what I want. Failure isn’t an option. Mergers and acquisitions don’t just apply to my business life. It’s who I am at my very core.
I smirk as I recall how Layla’s eyes practically glowed with anger as she glared down at me through the open car door, giving me a glimpse of her fiery temper as she laid into me
I don’t do players. And you, Cole Hendrix, are the king of players.
I’ve been called worse. I don’t care what people think about me. I never have. Besides, she’s not entirely wrong, but she’s not entirely right either. I may fuck around with a lot of women, but I always make sure they know the score going in. No strings attached. Ever. That doesn’t seem to deter most of them from wanting in my bed, though.
Irritation simmers below the surface and my back teeth clench as I think about that kiss in the elevator last night. The one I told her was real. I should have left her alone like she asked. My intention was to prove to myself that she was no different than any of the others. To get her out of my head so I could get on with my life. It didn’t work out quite the way I had hoped. One taste wasn’t enough.
Heat runs to my groin.
Layla is beautiful and surprisingly witty, with intelligent brown eyes and the type of naturally refined bone structure no amount of money can buy. But that’s not why I’m attracted to her. I’ve had my share of beautiful women. More than my share. There’s just something about her. Maybe it’s her spirit, her sassy mouth, how her hackles rise whenever her eyes land on me. It’s fucking intoxicating, and it also pisses me off.
Carla’s head pops through the open door of my office.
“Hey, Cole, I have someone from Layla Bancroft’s office on hold. She wants to set up a call with you for today and preferably this morning. Do you have a preference as to time?”
My mood immediately improves but I don’t let it show.
“I’m free right now. Put her through.” My pen taps against my desk impatiently. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say to me.
“I’m speaking to her assistant. I already told her you were free. Apparently, Layla won’t be in until nine. So, I’m guessing any time after that will work.”
I glance at the watch on my wrist. Eight forty-five.
“Set it up for nine, then. Thanks, Carla.” I spin my chair around, effectively dismissing her. Not giving her any room to argue about the short time frame. My pulse spikes with anticipation as I stare down at the city below. Finally, I hear the click of the door shutting and I breathe a little easier. Carla’s a perceptive woman. She’s been with me long enough to know my tells, not that I have many of them.
Fifteen minutes later, at precisely nine a.m. on the dot, my phone rings. I smile. I know who it is. I knew she would be punctual. She’s a rule follower. Before I pick up the phone, I briefly wonder what it would take to get her to break her precious rules.
“Good morning, Layla.” My deep voice rumbles over the line.
“Good morning, Mr. Hendrix.” What the hell? I thought we were past this. “I was hoping you could spare a few minutes to discuss the Byrne file.” Her voice, although pleasant, has a definite cool tone to it.
“Cole,” I remind her for the umpteenth time, my voice dropping to a dangerous level in warning. “I thought I had already made that clear.” Silence lingers before she speaks again.
“Oh, you made yourself crystal clear, Mr. Hendrix. However, I don’t recall agreeing to use your given name, and the last time I checked, I’m pretty sure you didn’t have the right to tell me what to do.” Her voice remains calm, but the temperature rises a little with each word spoken. It crackles and comes to life, scorching me through the phone.
By the time she’s done I have a rock-hard boner, and frustration pricks just below the surface of my skin. Before I can say a word, she continues.
“And don’t read anything into what happened last night. As I said, it meant nothing. That’s the other reason for this call. We need to discuss boundaries going forward, since it seems the chances of us running into one another are more than probable.”
My frustration morphs into anger, turning my words into blades. “You’re a liar, Layla Bancroft. You enjoyed that kiss just as much as I did. I’m pretty fucking sure those were your lips kissing me back. But have it your way. If this is just business, we’ll treat it as such. There is no shortage of women out there who would love to be in the position you were last night. You’ll have to beg me before I’ll ever touch you again.”
She practically snorts at my words. “Yes— player —I’m well aware. So, let’s talk about those boundaries…”
“Fuck your precious boundaries. You’ve made yourself crystal clear. I know where we stand. I’ll adjust my expectations accordingly. Now, what did you want to talk about with respect to the Byrne matter that you can’t discuss with John? If I recall correctly, you prefer talking to him anyway.”
She remains silent. The tension is so thick I can almost taste it.
“Cole…I…”
“Mr. Hendrix,” I correct her. My voice is cold as steel. I’m furious. At her for being such a coward. At myself for allowing her rejection to sting so badly, and for losing control . What the fuck is wrong with me? I never lose control. I rake my hand through my hair as I try to rein in the pent-up frustration, lust, anger and everything in between before it all spills out.
“Right.” Her voice is quiet now. Softer, and I’m sure I even detect a hint of remorse. “On second thought, I think I’ll just give John a call after all. Sorry to have wasted your time, Mr. Hendrix.”
“Wait,” I blurt out. My voice sounds abnormally loud, even to me. I don’t even know what I want to say to her. I just don’t want her to hang up on me. I’m too late, though, because all I hear in return is the click at the other end of the line.
“ Fuck! ” I growl as I disconnect and toss my phone onto my desk. Frustration morphs into anger. Everything I’ve been holding back is unleashed.
“Fuck her and fuck this file.” I immediately pick up my phone again and dial Connor.
“Cole?” he asks when he picks up. Cars are blaring in the background, and he sounds out of breath.
“Where the fuck are you, I thought you were here?” I ask, momentarily forgetting about why I’m calling him.
“Some fucker rear-ended us. I’m late for a meeting so I left Clint to deal with it. I’m currently running through the Upper East Side like a douche whose ass is on fire.”
I can’t help it; I bark out a laugh as I picture my impeccably coiffed brother pushing and cursing his way through morning commuters as they glare and curse back at him. I’d pay good money to see that. God, I love this city.
“Shut up, fucker. I’m on my last nerve here. What the fuck do you want anyway?” His voice changes as he wheezes out, “Jesus, I need to up my cardio.”
“Payback’s a bitch. You should have taken me up on my numerous offers to join me on my morning runs.” I happen to take my cardio very seriously. No one has ever accused me of lack of stamina. Add that to the time I spend in the gym, and I am without a doubt the fittest of the three of us.
“Fuck off,” he hisses, like an asthmatic cat trying to get a hairball out.
“Look, I need you to take the Byrne file back.”
“Fuck off,” he says again, this time his voice is a little stronger.
“I’m serious.”
“No.”
“Con, I’m not fucking around. You have to take it back.” I’m starting to get pissed off.
“No,” he repeats. “You begged me for it, Cole. Now it’s yours. Let me guess, this has something to do with the mystery woman you’ve been fawning over. She turn you down?” When I don’t respond, he jumps all over it. “Holy shit. She turned you down again , didn’t she?” Now it’s his laughter that booms through the phone.
“Don’t be an asshole. I need you to take the file back. It doesn’t matter why. You’re my business partner. This is business. Take the fucking file.”
“Sorry. Not going to happen. Figure it out, and this time try using your other head.” Then he hangs up on me.
Fucker.
He thinks he’s won. Not by a long shot. I march out of my office with the Byrne file in hand. I’m fucking tired of hearing the word NO . I’ve never been particularly fond of the word, but right now I fucking despise it.
I can hear Chris’s deep voice as I stomp down the hall and barge into his office. I don’t care if he’s on the phone or who he’s talking to, none of us have ever bothered with knocking, and I’m not about to start now.
His eyes light up when they land on me. A wicked grin spreads across his face.
“Yeah, he just walked in. Looks like you did a number on him. I can practically see the steam coming out of his ears.” It’s only then that I recognize Con’s booming laughter in the background.
“I thought you were late for a meeting, fucker,” I snap
“Who’s he yelling at?” Con asks as he continues to laugh.
“I’m pretty sure that would be you, but soon to be me if the murderous look on his face has anything to say about it,” Chris answers as he holds his hands up in surrender.
“Hold your ground, little brother. Don’t let him bully you into taking the file because he’s too much of a pussy to handle it himself.”
“Will do. We still on for drinks after work?” he asks Con and then raises an eyebrow at me.
“I’m in,” Con says. “Cole?”
“Yeah, I’m in,” I grumble. They may piss me off, but they are my brothers after all. Nothing comes between us. Ever.
“Good. See you later. I gotta go. Hold your ground, Chris.” The line goes dead, leaving Chris and me staring at each other. He sets his phone down.
“I’m too busy. I’m not taking it over.”
“Oh, come on.” I’m practically begging at this point. “Look, I’ll switch with you. You don’t have to do it all. I’ll take over the compensation packages if you take over completing the deal.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “No way. I’ve already completed most of the preliminary work with the employees. I’m not backing out now. You wanted me to gain their trust. That’s what I’ve been doing. If I walk away now, we are back to square one, and we look like idiots.”
He’s not wrong. It’s a huge ask, and the switch could potentially make this transaction a lot more difficult in the end.
“Deal with it, Cole. So, she turned you down. Who cares. There are twenty more waiting in line to make you forget all about her.”
I stare into eyes that are slightly darker than mine, but in every other way are exactly the same. “You’re right, I’ll handle it. Fuck her,” I say as I get up and leave his office. I’m a professional. I can do this. How bad can it be?
Several hours later, the three of us walk into the bar and take a seat at the back; the waitress approaches us. “What can I get you guys?”
“I’ll have a Blue Label Scotch, please,” I say a little too fast. I’m still riled up from Layla’s fighting words this morning. “Actually, make it a double.”
“I’ll have a Corona,” Con says.
“Make that two,” Christopher adds.
As soon as our drinks arrive, Connor dives in. “So, what the fuck was this morning really about?”
I look from one brother to the other. Completely at a loss for words. What do I tell them? That she hates my guts even though she doesn’t know anything about me. I lift the glass to my lips and relish the heat as the amber fluid slides down my throat.
“I don’t know. There’s just something about this woman. She’s somehow gotten under my skin, and I want to get her the fuck out. This has never happened before.”
“And she won’t let you fuck her, so you are at a loss, is that it?” Chris raises his bottle to his mouth, and I watch as his throat bobs up and down.
“Pretty much. She acts like she despises me, but she’s lying and I’m not sure why.”
Con steps in. “Maybe she does despise you. I know this is going to be hard to hear, Cole, but not every woman wants to drop her panties just because you look their way.”
I clutch my chest and fall back in the booth, devastated, as we all start to laugh.
“All joking aside, she’s a little liar. I kissed her. Trust me when I say she liked it—a lot. This isn’t about me being full of myself.”
“So, what if you turn the tables on her, get under her skin,” Chris says. “Show her how it feels. If she’s lying about how she feels, it shouldn’t be too hard to make her admit just how much she wants you.”
I straighten up, all ears. Why didn’t I think of that? It just might work. Chris may be the youngest, but he is wise beyond his years.
“What do you suggest?”
I open my eyes to focus on his reply, but I’m distracted when I see a drop-dead gorgeous redhead in a low-cut dress approaching our table.
“Cole, meet Anna.” Chris smiles wickedly as he gestures to my side of the booth, which conveniently only has me in it. There is plenty of room for one more. I know what he’s trying to do. I appreciate the gesture, and at any other time in my life, it would have worked.
“Hi, Cole,” Anna purrs as she hungrily looks me up and down.
I down the rest of my drink and pick up my phone. “Nice to meet you, Anna,” I say as I slide out of the booth. “It’s all yours.” I look at my brothers who are both grinning from ear to ear. Fuckers. They probably set this up as some kind of test. I’m not sure if I’ve passed or failed, but I’m not sticking around to find out. I’m sure they’ll enlighten me in the morning. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
It’s not that I wouldn’t mind the distraction. A few weeks ago, I would have jumped all over an opportunity like the one I’m pretty sure Anna was about to offer. That was before Layla Bancroft burrowed under my skin, effectively ruining my life. The truth is, I’m just not feeling it. I tell myself that my decision to leave has nothing to do with what Layla thinks of me. I’m not the manwhore player Layla believes I am.
I am, however, a man on a mission. A plan starts to form. It’s time to turn the tables and set project Get Under Layla’s Skin in motion. Let’s see how much she enjoys it when I give her the cold shoulder . I wonder how long it will take before she cracks under the pressure.
I check my emails as I’m leaving the bar and my good mood falters. There is one from John, letting me know that a meeting has been set up with Audrey Byrne and Layla Bancroft for first thing tomorrow morning. I’m not sure who set it up, but if I had to guess… Frustration continues to simmer below the surface like bad heartburn. John has requested that both Chris and I attend. Chris is to pitch the compensation package he has worked out, and my presence is required in case things go sideways and further negotiations have to be made.
“Fucking perfect… Let the games begin,” I mutter as I grit my teeth and stomp down the street. I could have called a car or caught a cab, but after reading that email, the fresh air and walk will go a long way to cooling me down. Maybe I should have stayed and given Anna a shot after all. A good fuck usually works like a charm to diffuse almost any situation.
No, I don’t need a woman to smooth things over. Is that what I’ve been doing? When did I start doing that? Time passes as I try to work through this new revelation. Before I know it, I’m approaching my building and my thoughts return to Layla. For the first time since I met her, I hope I don’t run into her. I’m not in the mood for more of her bullshit right now.
“Hi, Carl.” I wave as I pass the doorman and head straight to the elevator. I make it all the way to my penthouse before I breathe a sigh of relief. Once I’m safely inside my apartment with no sign of Layla Bancroft, I kick off my shoes and toss my jacket over the back of the sofa before heading straight for the bottle of eighteen-year-old Macallan Double Cask that is calling my name from across the room.
It’s eleven o’clock on a Thursday night and I’m sitting alone in the darkness, nursing the glass of Scotch in my hand. I stand, a little unsteady. How many of these have I had? I wonder as I bring the glass to my lips. The ice clinks against the side as I tip it back and spill the contents onto my tongue. Could be three, or maybe six. Who the fuck cares.
I go to the window and look down over the street far below.
“Layla,” I growl. “What have you done to me? I want my fucking life back. It was so much simpler before I met you.”
The next morning, I step off the elevator at precisely nine a.m. Christopher is by my side. Our attorney, John, is presumably already here.
“Cole and Christopher Hendrix,” I say to the man behind the desk. “We’re here for the Byrne meeting with Layla Bancroft,” I bark out. I’m not in the mood for niceties today.
“Right this way, Mr. Hendrix,” he says as he rounds the reception desk and starts walking towards a set of double doors. “Everyone is already inside. I’ll let Layla know you have arrived…” He is cut off by a soft, husky voice.
“Mr. Hendrix.” I hear her call my name from behind.
I keep walking, and thank fuck Christopher knows enough to keep walking with me.
“Cole. Can I have a moment of your time before we start?”
I feel my temperature start to rise.
My nostrils flare and I turn back toward the voice. There she stands. The most infuriatingly gorgeous woman to have ever walked the face of the earth.
Intelligent, bossy, arrogant, and fucking annoying as hell.
Layla Bancroft. She wanted to be my archnemesis. She’s going to get her wish. I’m sticking to the fucking plan.
I fake-smile. “Good morning, Ms. Bancroft. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to keep things on a professional level. It’s Mr. Hendrix.” Christopher coughs and covers his mouth to hide the smirk that I know is there. The receptionist wisely makes a beeline back to his desk, sensing all hell is about to break loose.
She grits her teeth. “Fine, Mr. Hendrix. A word before the meeting if you don’t mind? Please .”
I don’t have to wonder how hard that one word was for her. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t use it often. Too bad I don’t care.
I glance at my watch. “Actually, I do mind. I think we’ve already said all there is to say to each other. You made yourself crystal clear yesterday. Besides, we are on a tight schedule, and I have another meeting right after this one. As you can imagine, I have a lot of people’s lives to ruin and companies to take over today. So, if you don’t mind…”
I leave the words hanging as I turn on my heel and keep walking towards the boardroom.
“Make time,” she barks. All pleasantries have been tossed aside.
I pause and grind my molars together. What is her fucking problem now? I’m doing what she asked. Keeping to business. Why is she riding my ass? I don’t know how she does it, but somehow, she pushes every one of my fucking buttons.
Christopher leans over. “I’ll get things started.” Then he smirks and winks. “Looks like the plan is working, she can’t get enough of you. Go get her, tiger.” Then he steps inside and closes the door, leaving me at her mercy.
She turns on her pointy heel and marches her gorgeous ass down the hall to her office and opens the door in a rush. “I’ll be quick, I promise.” Her voice is now sweet and syrupy. How the fuck does she do that?
I swallow down my rage, Christopher’s words lingering. Stick to the plan, Hendrix , I growl inwardly. Outwardly, my voice is just as calm as hers is, although there is no sugar to it. “Of course, you will.” I fake a smile as I walk into her office. She doesn’t need to know what she does to me.
She sits down behind her desk. “Please, have a seat.”
Back to pleasantries. I’m getting fucking whiplash with this woman.
“No thank you, I’m fine standing. You’re being quick, remember?” She raises her eyebrow and I raise mine as I stare right back at her. “You had something to say,” I remind her when she doesn’t say anything.
She stands and huffs out a breath. “I just want to apologize for how we left things yesterday. I…”
“No need. Anything else?” I ask as I turn back towards the door.
“If you’ll just listen for a minute. I’m trying to apologize.” She puts her hands on her hips.
I pause and hide my smile as I slowly turn back to her. I even add an eye-roll for good measure. “You seem to be doing a lot of that since we met. Maybe anger management would help.”
She actually smiles at my joke. It’s a real smile this time and the room immediately fills with sunshine. It’s in that moment that I know I’m truly fucked. But then she opens her mouth and the clouds return, blocking the sun. “And don’t roll your eyes at me,” she huffs again.
This isn’t going to be easy for either one of us, but I’m determined to stay the course.
We stand and glare at each other. Neither of us seem to know what to say. I’m so fucking turned on I want to grab her and bend her over her desk so I can show her what she fucking does to me and how much she’d love it, but of course I don’t.
Knock, knock sounds at the door, breaking the tension between us.
“What?” she yells. Her dark eyes flash to the door, giving it a murderous glare. I’d feel sorry for the person who is behind it, but I know who it is, and his timing couldn’t be better. I can barely contain my smile.
Christopher comes into view, just like I knew he would. He’s always had an impeccable sense of timing. He smiles as he takes in the scene in front of him. “Cole, Layla, are you guys ready to get started? The masses are getting restless.”
“Yep, we’re finished here.” I turn towards the door. “I’ll make this easier for you, Ms. Bancroft. If you have anything further to discuss regarding this or any other file going forward, I suggest you take it up with John. If that doesn’t work, both Chris and Conner will be more than happy to help you.
“What?”
I’ve caught her off guard. She wasn’t expecting that. Good.
“Absolutely not! I won’t agree to that,” she snaps again. “You are the CEO. If I have any issues that need to be discussed, I will be taking them up with you directly, Mr. Hendrix .” The sugar is gone, the fire is back. I do love her sassy side.
And that is how you turn the tables, ladies and gentlemen. I secretly pat myself on the back as I hide my smirk and I glance at her over my shoulder. My heartbeat pounding in my ears. My cock a steel rod in my slacks.
“Ahh…Cole,” Christopher prompts me. “Maybe you should get to that next meeting. I’ll handle things here.”
I inhale sharply as I decide what I want to do next. Stick to the fucking plan, Hendrix. You are supposed to be the one getting under her skin .
“Cole,” Christopher prompts me again.
I take another deep breath. Then I smile wickedly. “As you wish, Ms. Bancroft. It’ll be just you and me from now on. I’ll see you in the boardroom.” I toss the words over my shoulder as I leave her office and stride down the hall to the boardroom at the end. Christopher is hot on my heels. Layla is still in her office, trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
An hour later, we exit the elevator and step out onto the street. We got most of the deal ironed out. John can handle the rest.
“Holy fuck. That woman pushes my buttons,” I growl irritably.
“If it makes you feel any better”—he smirks—“I’m pretty sure you are pushing just as many of hers, maybe more. You were pretty smooth back there.”
I loosen my tie with a hard jerk. “Good to hear. Is it too early for a Scotch?”
Christopher looks at his watch. “It’s ten fifteen in the morning.”
I inhale heavily as I try to calm myself down.
“Who fucking cares.”