Need You Now

“And you think I’m your business?”

“Not yet, but you will be,” Ethan responded. “I’m here to discuss Adams Cosmetics.”

“I told you I was not interested in Graham International as a potential investor,” she countered icily.

“I think that would be a grave mistake. Why don’t you try treating me as you would any other investor? You might be surprised at what I have to offer you.”

“Fine.” She sighed. She was tired of fighting. “Have a seat.” She motioned to the chair in front of her large executive desk. “All right,” Kayla said, folding her arms across her chest. “Well, we have some great projects in the pipeline, but have run short of capital, as I’m sure you’re aware. If you’d like, I can contact Shane and bring him in to discuss some of the plans we have.” Kayla reached for the phone on her desk, but Ethan placed his large masculine hand over hers. His touch sent a tingling sensation shooting right through her core and she pulled her hand away suddenly.

“I don’t need Shane,” Ethan returned. “I only need you.” Kayla was chattering endlessly because he’d caught her off-guard, which was good. She wouldn’t expect what was coming next.

Kayla swallowed hard and suddenly became uncomfortable. Ethan was looking at her with the same intent gaze he’d had last night before he’d kissed her.

“What is it that you want, Ethan?”

“I want what you offered me seventeen years ago but I couldn’t collect on then.”

Kayla laughed falsely. “What are you talking about?”

Ethan smiled broadly, revealing a set of perfect white teeth behind his large succulent lips. “You know what I’m talking about.” He stared her directly in the eye and watched Kayla’s cheeks burn in acknowledgment of the memory.

“Are you kidding me? I was young and clearly out of mind when I came on to you. And I can’t believe you would dare to bring that up.”

Ethan popped out of his seat to lean across the desk. He gave her body a raking gaze. “I’ve been wanting you since that day, and we both know I’m used to getting what I want.”

Kayla’s eyes narrowed and she smirked. “Yes, we do.”

“You were too young for me to act on our mutual attraction, but we’re both adults now…”

Understanding started to dawn on Kayla. “Oh, I see, in exchange for a romp in the sack with me, you’ll invest in Adams Cosmetics. Get out of my office!”

Kayla hurried to the door to show him out, but with long purposeful strides, Ethan reached her in no time and grabbed her arm. “I’m offering you a darn good deal. Not only do you get me, but Graham International will pour millions into Adams Cosmetics and save it from bankruptcy.”

“There are no limits to your audacity, are there?” She snatched her arm away. “You have no right to come into my office, manhandle me and demand I sleep with you or else you won’t invest in my company. It’s despicable.”

“I have every right.” Ethan stepped closer to her and Kayla could smell his musky masculine scent. “You want a great deal of money to save this sinking ship, and it comes with a price.”

“Sleep with you or else?”

“No,” Ethan returned. “Marry me or else.”

Shane burst through her office door seconds later. “Sis, I heard Ethan Graham is in the building—” He stopped short, blinking in bafflement that he’d clearly interrupted a moment.

Ethan walked toward him and shook Shane’s hand warmly. “Shane, it’s good to see you again.”

“You, as well,” Shane responded and glanced over at his sister. “Kay, are you okay?” he asked, because all color had gone out of her face.

“I…I…” Kayla glanced at Ethan’s smug face and then back at her brother. She was experiencing a gamut of perplexing emotions. “I…I need a glass of water.” With leaden feet, she walked over to her wet bar and with trembling hands opened a bottled water. Marry Ethan or else? What the hell was he thinking? He was the last person she wanted to marry.

She brought the bottle to her lips and turned to face them.

“Are you here to talk about investing?” Shane inquired.

“More or less,” Ethan glanced at Kayla, whom he’d struck into silence with his bold offer. He’d thought long and hard and realized that Kayla was the only woman he’d ever known who shared his love of money and thrived on power. He’d spent years searching for someone who could hold her own with him, when Kayla had been that someone all along.