LITMIR.BIZ

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wasn’t sure why the thought of repeating his name, even minus that sensual Spanish intonation she had no hope of mimicking, sent a shiver of awareness through her. ‘I... Okay.’

      ‘The chef has prepared dinner for us. Come. We’ll talk some more while we eat.’

      She followed him out of his office to a set of smoked-glass doors, which swung open to reveal a small twelve-seater dining room. At the head of the table and directly adjacent, two places had been set, complete with silver tableware and glasses that indicated this was a multi-course meal.

      They sat, and the chef walked in bearing two platters. Elise chose the chicken ravioli starter and almost groaned with pleasure as the delicate tastes melted on her tongue.

      ‘Okay, I take it back. Given the choice of going outside for fresh air and a sandwich or this, I’ll choose this every time.’

      The chef, who was almost at the door, grinned at her compliment. Smiling in return, she turned back to her place and noticed Alejandro’s scowl.

      Her smile dimmed. ‘Um, in case you missed it, I’m conceding that I was wrong before. No need to give me the evil eye.’

      His eyes narrowed on the shutting door before returning to hers. ‘Do you make a habit of flirting with every man you come into contact with?’

      Elise froze in the act of lifting her fork. ‘I don’t flirt,’ she bit out, her insides congealing at the accusation that struck a direct hit and dredged up haunting memories. No matter how many times she’d told herself the assault hadn’t been her fault, a part of her always wondered if she’d emitted the very vibes she’d striven to avoid her whole life.

      Her parents might have chosen to use their God-given looks and charm as weapons, and Marsha Jameson might have advised Elise to exploit her sexuality to her advantage, but Elise had vowed never to follow in their footsteps.

      Unfortunately, that rigid belief had proven to be an irresistible challenge for Brian Grey...

      Hastily shoving aside bitter memories, she pushed the chair back and surged to her feet.

      Her wrist was captured before she’d taken a single step. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

      ‘I don’t like the tone of this conversation. Perhaps I was too hasty in taking back the benefits of getting my own meal. I don’t flirt,’ she reiterated, the need to reassure herself that what had happened a year ago hadn’t been her fault pumping through her blood. ‘But I have manners. And if someone does something nice for me, I thank them.’

      He regarded her intensely for far too long. ‘Sit down, Elise. We’re not done.’

      She shook her head. ‘I’ve lost my appetite. Besides, it’s seven in the evening. I didn’t sign up to work all hours.’

      ‘But you committed yourself to working reasonable work hours. Are you calling this an unreasonable hour?’

      ‘I’ll re-evaluate if I’m not subjected to unfounded allegations,’ she challenged. She looked pointedly at the hand manacling her wrist.

      He waited a beat, then released her. ‘You were enjoying your food a few minutes ago. I’ll refrain from ruining our meal with...touchy subjects.’

      Elise eyed her plate, then the door. She knew her outburst had flared brightly on Alejandro’s radar, but walking out at this stage would be counterproductive. She sat back down.

      ‘While you’re doing that, perhaps you’d like to remember that I haven’t flirted with you. Unless you count yourself above men?’ It was a cheap shot, regretted the moment she uttered the words.

      One corner of his mouth quirked. ‘We’ll leave that debate alone, shall we?’

      Her face reddened slightly, and for the rest of the first course they didn’t speak.

      Once the second course of roast beef and vegetable medley had been served, he held up the bottle of expensive red. ‘Wine?’

      About to refuse, she sprung for a little Dutch courage to see her through and nodded. ‘I’m not much of a wine drinker, or a drinker at all, so don’t hold it against me if I don’t appreciate the vintage.’

      He filled her glass, then his. ‘I prefer honesty to a pretentious diatribe on non-existent flavours and bouquets.’

      Despite the residual sting of his earlier accusation, a smile tugged at her lips. ‘Score one for me.’

      Sharp eyes met hers. ‘Remain straight with me in all things, and you’ll score a lot more.’

      For some reason the statement produced equal amounts of dread and anticipation. Anticipation of what, she had no idea. They were halfway through their main course before he spoke again.

      ‘So, in light of what you’ve discovered, what would Jameson PR advise?’

      She knew her parents would advise him to go for the usurper’s jugular. Setting a bloodhound on the trail of salacious gossip and secrets to discredit was a favourite tactic her father relished.

      ‘A charm offensive. And a reminder of everything they have to gain by merging with you.’

      ‘Not a declaration of war on my competitor?’

      Her mouth soured. ‘You can take that route if you want to, I guess.’

      ‘Which route would you take?’

      ‘Not that. Blood and gore turn my stomach.’

      ‘Perhaps you need a stronger disposition,’ he mocked.

      Choosing not to take the bait, she sipped her wine, a little surprised when it slipped down smoothly. ‘The looking-into-the-whites-of-their-eyes approach works, Alejandro. Nothing beats a personal touch. How many times have you met the Ishikawa brothers face to face since deciding to pursue this merger?’

      He swirled his wine glass. ‘Twice.’

      ‘After you had your team investigate their viability and profit margins?’

      ‘Of course.’

      ‘I’m guessing both times were here in the States where you wined and dined them at the best restaurant in town?’

      ‘Their every wish was catered to. They left happy.’

      ‘In your opinion.’

      His gaze probed hers. ‘What’s your point?’

      ‘I’m willing to bet my sizeable manga collection that you didn’t divulge a single personal detail about yourself.’

      ‘At the risk of repeating myself, I don’t do—’

      ‘Touchy-feely. Yes, I’m aware. But letting them see you as remotely...human may have prevented this from happening.’

      ‘That might work for the average Mom and Pop ice-cream-parlour business. If they can’t see their way past those...feelings to a multibillion-dollar merger, then perhaps I’m dealing with the wrong business.’

      She sent him a droll look. ‘We both know this isn’t a mistake. The Ishikawa Corporation’s business record is outstanding. So is SNV’s. A successful merger would be the stuff of breaking news headlines and serious accolades. All you’ll need to do is...bend a little.’

      ‘Is that what you’d do in my shoes? Bare your life to strangers in order to secure a deal?’

      She lifted her glass and took a healthy gulp, relishing the warmth that blanketed her insides. ‘We’re not talking about me here.’

      ‘You’re fond of hypotheticals. So let’s have it. Would you give yourself the same advice, were you in my position?’

      ‘Maybe.’ She bore his intense scrutiny for a minute before she sighed. ‘Yes, I would.’

      ‘And what would you tell

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