Sinclair emerged in a strapless, jewel-blue, satin evening gown that revealed creamy cleavage on top and silver-strapped, sexy ankles on the bottom. Shed pinned her hair up in an ad hoc knot. As she moved gracefully toward him, the fabric rustled over her smooth calves, while her deep, coral lips curved into a satisfied smile.
Hunters body reacted with a lurch, but then his stomach went hollow when he realized he couldnt touch her.
Kristy had absolutely nothing to worry about. If anybody was getting their heart broken around here, it sure wasnt going to be Sinclair.
Sinclair knew shed be disappointed if Castlebay didnt work out. There was her job, her future, Hunters reputation at the company, the success of the Luscious Lavender product line all to consider. And shed reminded herself, shed lived through two letdowns already. Still, walking up the stone steps to the Castlebay Spas head office, she was determined to fight the butterflies in her stomach.
What should I focus on first? she asked Hunter, anxious to get her part right.
She was wearing a mini, tweed coat dress, with pushed up sleeves, large black buttons, black stockings and high-heeled ankle boots. Shed pulled her hair into a simple, tight bob, as Jeanette had advised, and put on a little extra makeup, especially around the eyes.
Leave the financial details to me. Give out product information only. If I brush your hand, stop talking. And, mostly importantly, walk, talk and act like a winner.
She gave him a swift nod.
Oh. And mention that youve tried the mousse.
She shot him a disgusted stare.
That was just to lighten you up. He pulled open the heavy brass and glass door. Relax.
She took a breath. Right.
They didnt talk in the elevator. And while they crossed the marble floor of the Castlebay lobby, Sinclair concentrated on her new shoes. She did not want to stumble.
We have an appointment with Seth Vanderkemp, Hunter said to the receptionist.
Sinclair caught the womans admiring look at her outfit, and she couldnt help but smile. Wouldnt the woman be surprised to find out she was staring at plain, old Sinclair Mahoney from Soho?
Mr. Vanderkemp is expecting you, said the woman. Right this way.
She stood and led them down a long hallway to an opulent meeting room. It had round beech-wood table, with a geometric, inlaid cherry pattern. There were four high-backed, burgundy leather chairs surrounding it. And the bank of windows overlooked the Seine.
Good morning, Mr. Osland. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Not at all, said Hunter. We just got here. And, please, call me Hunter. He turned to Sinclair. This is my associate, Sinclair Mahoney.
Seth, said the man, holding out his hand to Sinclair. Pleasure to meet you.
Sinclair shook. Sinclair, she confirmed.
Seth gestured to the round table. Shall we sit down?
Hunter pulled out a chair for Sinclair, then the men sat.
Osland Internationals latest acquisition, Hunter began, getting right to the point, is a boutique beauty-products company out of New York called Lush Beauty.
Ive heard of Lush, said Seth with a nod.
Sinclair thought that fact boded well for the discussions, but Hunters expression remained neutral.
Were in Paris for a few days, explained Hunter, looking for partners in the upcoming launch of a promising new line called Luscious Lavender.
Sinclair mentally prepared herself to talk about the products. Shed start with skin care, move to cosmetics, then introduce some of the specialty personal care items.
With Osland Internationals involvement, Hunter continued, were in a position to launch simultaneously in North America and Europe. A spa would naturally be an ideal outlet for us, and we believe Castlebays clientele are dead center for our target market.
Seth continued nodding, which Sinclair took to be a great sign.
Under normal circumstances, he said, I would agree with you. And Ive no doubt that Luscious Lavender would serve our client market well. But, theres a complication.
Sinclairs stomach sank.
Hunter waited.
Theres an offer on the table to purchase Castlebay Spas in its entirety.
What kind of an offer? asked Hunter.
Im sure you realize Im not in a position to discuss the particulars.
Hunter sat back in his chair. Let me put it another way.
This time Seth waited.
So did Sinclair.
What would it take to get the offer off the table?
Seth looked puzzled. In terms of
In terms of another offer to purchase.
Seths eyes narrowed. Are you empowered-
Im empowered.
Seth stood up, crossing to a telephone on a side table, and picked it up.
Sinclair stared at Hunter.
Seth asked, Do you mind if the head of my legal department joins us?
Not at all, replied Hunter. I assume you have a prospectus and some financials I could review?
Its all in order. Plus a full set of appraisals.
Thank you, said Hunter.
Then he turned to Sinclair, he penned a few words on a business card hed pulled from his pocket and handed it to her. Could you call Richard Franklin? Have him set up a meeting at our hotel this afternoon. Ill meet you there.
Sinclair palmed the card and quietly left the room.
On the way across the lobby, heart pounding, mouth dry, she flipped over the card. On the back was Richards name, his number and the phrase NO ONE ELSE.
Six
When Hunter reached the ground floor of the office building that housed Castlebay Spas, Sinclair was waiting on a bench near the exit.
She jumped to her feet as he neared. I couldnt wait, she said.
Apparently.
If you came down with anyone else, I was going to hide.
Hunter couldnt help but grin.
What happened?
Looks like we may be buying ourselves some spas.
Richard would have to review the contract, but Hunter was satisfied with the price. And, the combination of Lush Beauty and Castlebay Spas was going to be dynamite. His grandfather insisted Hunter run Lush Beauty Products? He was damn well going to run Lush Beauty Products.
Just like that? asked Sinclair, with a snap of her fingers.
Just like that, echoed Hunter.
I cant believe it. She skipped a step to keep pace with him. So we can use Luscious Lavender in the spas?
That would be the point.
How much- She stopped. Never mind. She shook her head. None of my business.
Lots, said Hunter. Hed drained the available cash in the Osland investment account, and put up a manufacturing plant as collateral to secure low ratio interest.
How many spas? she asked.
Twelve. I have a list if you want it.
They started down the steps.
You bet. Her face nearly burst with a grin. So, what do we do now?
Who is Richard sending to the hotel?
Miles something
We drop the papers off with Miles something for review. Then we carry on with your makeover.
Do we celebrate?
As soon as the deal is approved, Hunter answered as they turned onto the sidewalk. The financing has to be put in place first. And we need to get the signatures on the contracts.
She nodded eagerly.
And, until then, we carry on as normal. He hesitated over the wording of the next part. And we dont tell anyone about it.
She squinted up at him. Anyone being?
Anyone. Including Kristy and Jack.
But, why-
Convention. Hunter shrugged with feigned unconcern. We investigate things like this all the time. No point in cluttering up everyones desk over it until theres something concrete.
It wasnt exactly a lie, but it wasnt the whole truth, either. The deal was somewhat larger than Hunter would normally undertake on his own. And he hadnt yet figured out exactly how to tell Jack and his grandfather. He knew theyd be worried, and theyd definitely come at him with accusations that he was being reckless and impulsive. But he didnt have time for his grandfathers plodding approach to due diligence, which had taken weeks, even when hed rushed the Lush deal.
Still, Hunter was fully confident in his decision. And he was fully confident time would prove it to be an excellent investment. But, for the short term, he needed a few days to work up to an explanation.
In the meantime, all the reasons for Sinclairs makeover remained.
Jewelry store? he asked her.
She laughed and unexpectedly captured his hand. You are in a spending mood.
I am, he agreed, kissing her knuckles and pointing to a five-story, stone-arched jewelry store across the street.
They dashed across the traffic and entered to discover the building decorated for Valentines Day. Golden hearts, red ribbons and bows hung from the ceiling. Massive bouquets of red roses covered every surface. And tiny, heart-shaped boxes of truffles were being handed out to the ladies as they exited.
Hunter scanned the glass cases and the stairway leading to the second floor. Then he looked down at their clasped hands.
You with me on this? he asked.
She nodded.
He rubbed a finger across her nose. No complaints now.
She took in the festive scene. Im not complaining.
I may buy you something expensive.
Just so long as you take it back when were finished.
He frowned. Take it back?
Save the box, she said. Or you can give it to a girlfriend in the future.
Hunter had no intention of taking anything back, or giving it to some future girlfriend. But he didnt see any point in sharing that with Sinclair.
Sure, he agreed.
Sinclair smiled and turned her attention to the display cases.
Convinced she was buying for some other mythical girlfriend-who Hunter could not remotely picture at the moment-Sinclair plunged right into the game.
She selected a sapphire-and-diamond choker, a pair of emerald-and-gold hooped earrings, teardrop diamonds, delicate sapphire studs, a ruby pendant that Hunter was positive she thought was an imitation stone, and a whimsical little bracelet with one ruby-and one diamond-encrusted goldfish dangling from the platinum chain.
Hunter bought them all, clipping the bracelet on her wrist so she could wear it back to the hotel.
Then they walked to a nice restaurant, taking seats overlooking the river. The maître d brought them a bottle of merlot and some warm French rolls.
Sinclair jangled her bracelet. Youre very good at this.
I have a mom and a sister.
Nice answer, she nodded approvingly, lifting her long-stemmed glass. Never buy for girlfriends?
Why do you keep setting me up? He didnt want to talk to Sinclair about his former girlfriends. Tossing out questions I cant answer without being a jerk?