A Win-Win Proposition by Cat Schield Page A

profits, often losing huge amounts of money in the process. Sebastian and Max preferred to use more structured methods when it came to growing Case Consolidated Holdings. Acquiring Lucas Smythe’s company was a perfect example of where they differed.
    The two brothers liked the conservatively run company and the way the acquisition would help diversify their mix of product offerings. Brandon wanted to spend their investment capital on something that might offer more growth potential, and he had an ally in his youngest son, Nathan. Problem was, to get to the big gains, it was often necessary to risk big losses.
    â€œDo you think he wants to sabotage the deal with Smythe?”
    â€œHe hasn’t had one good thing to say about the purchase. His showing up here means I have to keep an eye on him.”
    â€œWhat did you tell them about us?”
    â€œUs?” he echoed softly, the warning hiss of a cobra. “I didn’t tell them anything.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œIt’s none of their business.”
    â€œBut they’re bound to wonder. The contracts aren’t yet signed. What if Lucas decides not to sell you his company? You have to make some excuse why I was in your suite, wearing just your shirt.”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œYou could have told him I’d gotten something on my dress and needed to rinse it out.”
    â€œThat might have worked if you didn’t look like a woman who’s been thoroughly made love to.”
    She tingled all over, reacting not to his sarcastic tone, butto his choice of words. And his sizzling gaze. Her argument went numb.
    â€œAnd the fact that we’re sharing the suite.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are we sharing the suite, by the way?”
    â€œWe’re not sharing the suite. My room adjoins yours. The door between us has a lock.” That last bit sounded somewhat foolish. As if she didn’t trust him. As if he couldn’t persuade her to let him in. “You could have told them that I got drunk and quit. That I came on to you because I’ve had a thing for you for years.”
    His gaze rested heavily on her, weakening her knees.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDon’t be a…” She bit her lip before the rest of that sentence came out. Had she almost called the imposing Sebastian Case a fool? “What about the deal? Are you still going forward with the purchase of his company?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    Her breath caught. She scrutinized Sebastian’s impassive features, searching for anger, frustration, disappointment, but she saw nothing.
    â€œWhat do you mean, you don’t know?”
    â€œJust that.” His lashes lowered, giving him a sleepy look until you noticed the intensity of his watchful gray eyes.
    â€œYesterday, he was ready to sign the contract once one or two points were ironed out.”
    â€œSome things have come up since then.”
    â€œLike him thinking you make a habit out of seducing your employees?” Missy couldn’t believe how angry she was at the moment. Angry with herself for lingering in Sebastian’s suite because of some silly romantic hope that maybe last night had been the start of something. Angry with his father for showing up this morning with Lucas Smythe. But most of all, angry with Sebastian for his stubborn refusal to make explanations. “You need to tell him the truth. And if you don’t, I will.”
    His fingers wrapped around her upper arms and bit deep. “Stay out of it.”
    Eyes blazing, he pulled her onto her toes and bent down until inches separated his mouth from hers. Memories of their night together swamped her. Her fingers loosened their grip on the towel, ready to discard it if he showed the slightest hint of wanting to pick up where they’d left off in the wee hours of the morning.
    He must have read her thoughts because he lowered his head still farther. Missy closed her eyes in