“I know. But I can handle it, Tristan. Why can’t we take it slow and see what happens? We don’t have to tell anyone. It can be our secret.”
“Is that what you want?”
He held his breath. His head warned him if he took this road with her, everything could change. But something in his gut drove him forward: a need to dive deep and discover everything this woman had to give. He waited for her answer, swearing that if there was even a glint of wariness, he would let her go.
Slowly she raised her head and treated him to a sexy, sleepy smile. “What I want is for you to do that again.”
So he did.
“The parking garage is that way. We can walk to Carmine’s,” she said, interrupting his thoughts.
He got himself together. This was about business. Not stolen kisses in attics or hot memories of bringing her to climax as she sat sprawled on his lap. He needed to bring his A game to Cushman, and he didn’t intend to let his little head dictate the next couple of hours.
“Got it.” He parked. She climbed out of the car, hitching her purse over her shoulder and smoothing down her black skirt. They walked the few blocks to the popular Italian place, known for good Chianti, generous family-size portions of food, and solid service. He tried not to notice the way her skirt hugged her lush ass or the stretch of those muscled legs, flexing due to her high strappy heels. She’d put her hair up in a bun today, reminding him of a sexy librarian he ached to mess up.
He was sure she wouldn’t appreciate his thoughts.
They walked inside, where Adam was already seated. The dining room was richly decorated, from the glittering chandelier to the numerous portraits of celebrities and the sprawling wooden bar that took up half of the front room. Adam stood up to greet them. The man was a dynamo when it came to real estate, preferring to sweep up good property and trust builders and design teams to increase the value. “Adam, good to see you again,” Tristan said. They shook hands with mutual respect. “I’m so glad we’re able to work this deal together.”
“Me too. Sydney, you look wonderful as always.” He pressed a kiss to both of her cheeks in the European manner. With his neatly trimmed goatee, dark hair, and muscled body, he was known to turn a woman’s head, then keep her attention with his intelligent conversation. He’d already ordered a bottle of wine. “I started off with a red but can easily order a bottle of white if you prefer.”
Sydney smiled. “Red is perfect, thank you.”
They exchanged polite chitchat, then Adam swung the conversation to business. “I love that I finally got an investment property in Harrington. Lots of activity going on, especially after the Rosenthals moved there. You’re close to New York, near a marina, and have a pick of artsy stores. Plus there’s money. Everything I want to invest in.”
The Rosenthals were a celebrity couple who’d filmed a movie in Harrington and hired Morgan to build them a custom dream house. She’d done the job side by side with Cal and become an even bigger name in home design. Now Harrington seemed to be the new buzz city for the up-and-coming.
Tristan hated thinking about his small town getting overrun, but he also understood that if he helped with the design and locations, at least he had input. Sydney smoothly cut in. “It’s a great place to live,” she said. “Problem is good land is getting scarce, especially around the harbor. Buying up the Bakery block to renovate a string of custom houses that look upscale is a brilliant idea. Tristan and I already solidified the plans for the first three houses, and we’re ready to move forward. Were you able to go over the cost estimates we sent?”
Adam nodded. “Yes. I love the designs and being able to work with local suppliers. But I’m not sure if that’s going to work out. I’m thinking of going with the Builders Loft warehouse out in Jersey. They were able to offer a very competitive proposal.”
Tristan’s radar began to ping. He knew Cushman always threw a curveball, and this one was a biggie. He’d given them the sample, hooked them like a fish, then reeled Pierce Brothers in. Sydney wouldn’t have been prepared for such a strategy. New York had taught him about the ruthlessness and touch of greed within the property development segment.
The waiter dropped off platters of stuffed artichokes, calamari with marinara sauce, and salad, then smoothly retreated.
He decided to wait it out, hoping Syd would have time to wrap her mind around Adam’s challenge. Tristan hoped he wouldn’t have to dive in to save her, and be forced to engage in the main contest that all males knew best:
Who had the biggest dick.
Sydney filled her plate, nodding thoughtfully. “I understand why you’d be concerned, Adam. Working with an established warehouse definitely drives down costs, but then we’re missing out on the big picture and the true goal of this project. Hiring local brings in a unique perspective, product control, quality, and the loyalty of the town. Depending on one warehouse to complete all eight houses is risky.”
Hmm. Nice volley. He decided to play backup until she needed him to jump in and take the reins. “She’s right. You’ve already expressed reservations about the cookie-cutter products available. Our suppliers will give you houses with a custom feel, and that sells properties fast.”
Adam glanced back and forth, considering. He broke off a piece of bread, buttered it, and took a bite. Sydney took his lead and began to eat, not pressing him for a quick response. Damn, when had she learned the fine art of patience when negotiating? Many grown men weren’t able to stop talking to save a deal for their lives.
“Local suppliers are sometimes difficult to work with,” Adam finally commented. “I’m unsure if it will be worth it. How about this? I’ll give you the first three houses. The rest I’ll move to the warehouse and tweak the plans accordingly. It’s a win-win.”
Tristan admired his savvy, but he knew compromising on a half deal wasn’t the way to go. Splitting the jobs would bring chaos and resentment from the locals. It was a breeding ground for disaster. Pierce might need to walk away from the entire deal. He’d learned that not compromising sometimes led to better profits that he could make up in the future. Pierce wasn’t desperate. And beginning this relationship with Adam on an unbalanced foundation was unacceptable.
A flash of regret settled over him. He’d still try to save the deal, but he hoped Sydney wouldn’t be too disappointed.
Platters of chicken parmigiana and spaghetti were placed on the table. Water and wine were topped off. Sydney filled her plate, rotating her fork with deft expertise, seeming to relish the meal with no nerves. She dabbed at her lips with her white napkin.
“Sorry, Adam. Pierce won’t be able to compromise on that issue. I’m afraid this is an all-or-nothing deal.”
The businessman blinked, suddenly looking curious. “You’d give up three solid houses just for the other five? It doesn’t make good business sense. You’ll still be ahead with profit margins, and if this works out, I’ll consider a future deal.”
“This is the deal we need to close,” she said firmly. “I’m not screwing my suppliers, who already agreed to take a discount in order to meet your needs on this project. And please don’t forget the zoning in Harrington is extremely strict. Problematic, actually. Fortunately, Pierce Brothers is well-known and can smooth over a lot of bumps.”
Tristan tried not to gape like an idiot. Why didn’t she seem off balance? She’d threatened Cushman. Oh, it was subtle, but the consequences were clearly stated beneath the fluff. He was used to her glancing at him for support and following his lead. When he used to occasionally force her to meet clients, she’d duck her head, a lovely blush staining her cheeks. He’d nod in encouragement and help her through the discussion, then sit back and revel in her wide-open admiration of his skill.
Now he’d been neatly pushed to the sidelines.
She simply didn’t need him like that anymore.
Adam considered her words, swirling the wine around in his glass. “Interesting. I hadn’t expected any . . . problems in that area.”
She kept her smile flawless, as if she had no idea what he meant. Tristan bit back a chuckle. “Oh, you wouldn’t have any of those problems with Pierce. What did you think of the actual design plans for the remaining homes?”