LITMIR.BIZ

      HE’S GOING TO GIVE IT TO ME.

      Olivia tingled with anticipation. Tony had been watching her, almost studying her, all evening. And there could only be one possible reason for that. The sense of impending victory thrilled her.

      His gaze held hers as she neared. There was that slight tilting of his mouth—an unaffected sensual look that she knew got all the single women and even the not-so-single women excited. But Olivia would only get excited if he gave her the news she wanted.

      Her business was her life, and she didn’t allow herself the time or the desire for anything else. She was certain he didn’t, either. At least, not with her.

      She was well aware of Tony’s reputation with other women, and it was the women building that reputation. They claimed he was a spectacular lover, though how many had firsthand knowledge she couldn’t guess. He appeared very circumspect to her. He never spoke of his relationships. In fact, he seemed oblivious to the talk.

      She tried to be oblivious as well; her only interest in him was business related. But she had to admit there were occasions when she couldn’t quite stop her mind from wandering…

      She stood mere inches from him and at five-eleven or so with her heels on she nearly looked him in the eye. They stood by the balcony doors, no one else within hearing distance, the ambience soft and intimate. Olivia dismissed her wayward thoughts and lifted her glass of soda to him in a mock salute. “Tony.”

      “Hello, Olivia.” His voice was deeper than usual, his gaze more intent. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

      He seemed almost watchful, and anticipatory, not wearing the cool persona he usually assumed in her company. She looked around at the newly decorated offices, pretending an interest she didn’t feel. This party was to launch the renovation of his massive downtown hotel, which had been standing for decades. With its new upscale furnishings and classy decor, it was positioned to compete with other hotels where price was no obstacle. “Everything is lovely, Tony. Why wouldn’t I enjoy myself?”

      His lazy smile deepened, his gaze became probing. “I don’t think you’re much for parties. You seem preoccupied.” He tilted his head slightly. “Anxious to get back to business matters?”

      Olivia swallowed her immediate response and the last sip in her glass. She allowed her gaze to follow a passing couple, then said, “I was wondering if you’d come to a decision, yet. Of course, a party isn’t exactly the place to discuss such things, but…” She looked back at him and caught him watching her closely. Again. “If you’d care to enlighten me?”

      Tony chuckled and ignored her question. He excelled at business games, but then, so did she. “Would you like something else to drink?”

      “No, thank you,” she replied.

      “Had too much already?”

      “Of soda? I think I can handle it. You however…” She circled his thick wrist with her fingers to bring his glass toward her and then she sniffed. But she didn’t detect the fumes of alcohol. She frowned.

      “I don’t drink, either. Too many of my associates do, and I think someone has to stay sober to oversee things.”

      Olivia didn’t want to show him her surprise, but she found herself doing just that. “So you never indulge?”

      “An occasional glass of wine with dinner. Very occasional.”

      “I’m

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