LITMIR.BIZ

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orders. As soon as the waiter left, Rufus glanced at Nick and Julia. “So where and how did you two meet, since it had to have been after six this evening? And what’s this about protecting dogs?”

      “Mr. Ransome is a fast driver and a stray wandered in front of his car tonight in the parking lot,” Julia said, watching Nick. The minute their gazes locked, he inhaled and his pulse jumped. “I imagine Mr. Ransome is fast in many things he does. Am I right?”

      Nick could feel the friction that he had always experienced around Rufus extend to Julia, only it was different. Julia was a desirable woman and a challenge that he couldn’t ignore. “I would never tell a beautiful woman that she’s wrong,” Nick said smoothly, turning to Rufus. “You’re a scoundrel, Rufus, bringing your granddaughter, because you’re fully aware that all she has to do is bat her big blue eyes and she would tempt any man to give away the farm.”

      Nick knew his sexist remark would make both Holcombs bristle, particularly since Rufus was always ready to fight. Nick wondered what it was about Julia that made him want to needle her.

      “Julia is a vice president in our accounting department. As you’ll soon see, she’s an excellent employee to have at my side.”

      “Thank you, Granddad. I doubt if Mr. Ransome will share your opinion or be in a position to know what kind of employee I am,” she said, smiling at Nick. But it was another chilly smile that conveyed no friendliness, and nothing like the irresistible, warm smiles she had flashed when they had been in the parking lot. Her blond hair was pulled behind her head and tied with a black scarf; he wondered how she would look if it were unfastened and loose over her shoulders.

      “I’m sure your granddad is correct,” Nick replied. His emotions warred between competing with her and wanting to take her out and get to know her.

      They paused when the sommelier appeared to uncork a bottle of wine, pour some for Nick’s approval and then fill the wineglasses. As soon as he left them, Rufus picked up his menu. “I’m starving and it’s been a long day. Actually, I usually eat almost two hours earlier, so let’s get some food on the table.”

      “Fine,” Nick answered, knowing what he wanted because of his familiarity with the menu. He was eager to get on with the dinner that he expected would accomplish nothing except antagonize both the old man and his granddaughter further.

      There was a brief discussion of various selections before the waiter appeared to tell them about the specials and then to take orders.

      “I know you’ve got two splendid quarter horses you race out at that ranch of yours,” Rufus said. “How’re they doing this season?”

      “Still winning,” Nick answered.

      “Black Lightning won just last Saturday,” Julia said.

      “You go to the races?” Nick asked her.

      “No. I keep up with your horses. I think it’s wise to know your competitors,” she said.

      “What else do I do that you keep up with?” he asked, smiling at her.

      “You’ve been very successful. Your company has tripled in size in the past five years. You recently signed a deal to drill in Russia.”

      “You do know about us,” Nick said, surprised. Their green salads came and conversation went back to quarter horses and breeding stock. All the time they talked, whenever Nick and Julia’s gazes met, he could feel electricity crackle between them. To his consternation, he acknowledged to himself that it took his breath just to look at her. Her flawless skin looked silky and soft. He wanted to sink his fingers in her golden hair. Several times, he jerked his thoughts back to the conversation when they drifted to erotic images of her.

      Over thick, juicy steaks, their conversation went from Nick’s horses to Rufus’s hobby of sailing.

      “You could retire, Rufus, and spend all your time sailing since you enjoy it so much,” Nick remarked.

      Rufus’s mouth curled in a wolfish grin and he shook his head. “And let you steal my company? I don’t think so. No, I’ll continue like I am. Julia’s as good a sailor as I am. With her help, I expect to win the upcoming race, just as we intend to block you in a buyout.”

      “So sailing is in your blood, too,” Nick said to her, ignoring Rufus’s remarks about business.

      “Granddad’s been taking me sailing since I was five years old.”

      “She’s got her own sailboat and it’s a real beauty,” Rufus said.

      “What’s the name of your boat?” Nick asked. “I may have to come watch you race.”

      “Granddad is the one racing. I’ll be his crew,” she replied, ignoring Nick’s question.

      Their conversation remained neutral until coffee was served.

      “Do you really think that our lawyers can sit down together Friday and hash out anything?” Julia asked, toying with her Bavarian apple tart dessert. “We don’t see any point in having them meet,” she added, gazing at Nick. Grudgingly, he had to admire her poise, she looked and sounded as if she had the upper hand in this struggle.

      “If they meet, we might find common ground. And all of you can listen to my offer,” Nick replied.

      “You can keep your so-called offer,” Rufus snapped. “You’re trying to rob me of Holcomb Drilling.”

      “I have no intention of stealing your company,” Nick said. “The offer we’re going to bring to the table will be generous, cover your debts and give you an opportunity to retire and enjoy life.”

      “Granddad isn’t ready to retire,” Julia remarked.

      “Indeed, I’m not! Whatever your offer is, I’m turning it down. You might as well know that right now, Nick. As a matter of fact, you back off, damn quick, or I’ll ruin you in every way. You’ll regret going after Holcomb.”

      Hanging on to his temper, Nick sipped his water, setting down his glass. “Don’t threaten me, Rufus,” he remarked quietly. “I’m not a young, green rookie just starting in business anymore.”

      “Doesn’t matter. You back off if you know what’s good for you.”

      “Frankly, I want what you have and you’ve had some setbacks that have dealt Holcomb Drilling financial blows. If I don’t step in and take over, someone else will. It’s inevitable.”

      “It’s no such thing,” Julia answered quietly, and Nick met her gaze. She could play poker and not give anything away, he realized. She looked as impassive as if she were discussing the weather. Her granddad was not dealing as well with the conversation, Rufus’s face had reddened and his fists were clenched. “Don’t come after our company,” she said quietly. “It won’t be in your best interests if you do.”

      “So you, too, are threatening me,” Nick remarked, banking his anger but impressed by her confidence. He saw the flash of fire in the depths of her eyes. Would she play as dirty as her deceased father had and her granddad? “Is this why you wanted to get together—to threaten me?”

      Nick leaned toward her. “You want a fight, you’ll get a fight,” he said quietly. When she drew a deep breath, her breasts pushed against the black fabric of her dress. Nick let his gaze roam down and then up.

      “You’ll know you’ve been in a battle, too, Mr. Ransome,” she stated flatly. “Granddad,” Julia said, placing her hand over his, “let’s go. I don’t think Mr. Ransome has any intention of cooperating or listening. There’s no need in dragging out the evening.” She stood and all the men came to their feet.

      She looked up at Nick. “You’ll never acquire anything from us,” she said firmly. “You should spend your time taking care of what you have. And watching where you’re going.”

      He was caught and held by invisible bonds, gazing back down at her and feeling the air between them

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