THIS FEELING-LIKE-a-complete-prick thing was new to Gage. He sat quietly in the corner of the meeting room, resisting the urge to hunch his shoulders, and tried to shake it off. This was a business meeting.
With a man he’d watched leave the pussycat club in the arms of two women fifty years his junior because he knew sex would hook the guy’s vote.
And a woman who refused to look at him. One who was presently pretending he didn’t exist, even though she’d blown his mind, among other things, the previous night, who’d provided hour upon hour of the best sex of his life, and whom he’d left without a word that morning. Why? Because he’d got a text from his brother, letting him know their father had called yet another emergency meeting.
So instead of letting Hailey know he was leaving, he’d sneaked out with his shoes in his hands.
Yeah, he was a real prince of a prick, all right.
“As you both know, Cherry’s schedule has been somewhat in conflict with this little project. She’d hoped to make it here this morning, but had an unexpected doctor appointment.”
“Not that this hasn’t been fun,” Gage said, shaking off his odd hesitation and leaning forward to give Rudy a direct look. “But how long is this going to drag out? A decision was supposed to be made by today. I don’t know about Hailey, but I do know that I have a lot of other things on my schedule that need attention.”
Clearly not a fan of being pushed, even when it was to keep his own word, Rudy bristled.
“If you’d like to step out of the game, feel free. That’d make this entire decision much easier.”
Gage was tempted.
Dancing to the tune of an eccentric businessman with more power and money than manners was getting old.
And if he stepped off, Hailey would win the contract. Something that obviously meant a lot to her.
But he flashed back to that morning’s meeting. Just him, his brother, the old man and the board of directors. All fourteen of them. All wanting to take the New Year in a different direction. None of which Gage gave a damn about, and even more, none of which had required his input. He was marketing. But the old man wanted him there as another token Milano. A show of force. A pawn.
That was another game he’d like to step out of.
And he would. Just as soon as he could do it without giving up his shares in the company or his place at the family table. Although he was willing to negotiate the latter.
“I’m not stepping out,” Gage said, reluctantly giving way to the always-present nagging pressure of family obligations. “I’m simply suggesting we finalize this as quickly as possible.”
Rudy’s glower faded a little and he slowly nodded.
“I agree. But my arrangement with Cherry guarantees her final say in the designs she wears. If I back out, she very well might, too.”
Something Rudy looked to be very concerned about. Given that the woman had barely been present so far, he probably had reason to worry.
“As happy as I am to hear that Milano is still in the competition,” Hailey said in a tone that said the complete opposite, “I’d like to make sure you’re judging each of the lines fairly. After all, last night wasn’t a true test, seeing as you weren’t able to experience my presentation.”
For the first time since she’d walked in, Gage looked Hailey full in the face. Granted, he was staring in shock at her temerity.
But damn she looked good. Her dress was green, almost as vivid as her eyes. It wrapped around her curves like a lover, sweeping from shoulder to knee with deceptive modesty. He wanted to follow the flow of the fabric, to skim his fingers along the hem, then up under that skirt to touch her soft, warm flesh.
Of course, he’d probably get his hand chopped off if he tried. But that didn’t ease the need.
“What you’d have seen if you’d been present at either of our events, Mr. Rudolph, was a sharp contrast between messaging. Romance, which is all about love and happiness, promises not only fabulous sex, but of having it over and over again. That means a variety of lingerie options for each romantic fantasy.” She swept her hand through the air, as if waving to a dozen invisible fantasies dancing around their heads.
Gage frowned as Rudy’s eyes blurred, obviously taken in by her spiel and focusing on all his own happy fantasies.
“In comparison to the message of sex. Which, let’s face it, is impersonal and can be performed just as easily in the nude as in a six-hundred-dollar leather bustier.” She gave a tiny shrug, as if saying it wasn’t the cost that was a drawback, but the image. “Sex is a physical sensation. Love is an emotion. And while people might be satisfied with sex—they might even crave it—it’s the idea of romance and having someone worship them in a physical way that will sell you the most lingerie.”
She didn’t look Gage’s way as she finished, but instead, Hailey gave a sharp nod, all but clapping her hands together. Her smile oozed satisfaction. As it should. Gage was ready to toss aside the leather and go for lace himself.
Then he remembered what was at stake.
“Are you saying romance equals love? You’re not really using that as your selling point, are you? Because we, and Rudolph’s audience, are savvier than that.”
Gage wasn’t proud of bashing her argument that way. But dammit, he had to get loose of Milano. He was so sick of playing his father’s puppet. He needed that year of freedom, and his chances of getting it were quickly slipping away.
Clearly as impressed with him as he was with himself, Hailey made a show of rolling her eyes.
“I’m saying romance makes people feel good. When they feel that good, they are much more willing to spend money—a lot of money—on keeping the feeling.”
She shifted her gaze to Rudy and tilted her head to one side. “Isn’t that the point? To not only present a strong visual that will create a trend, but to get people into your store to spend money?”
“Or is it to build an air of exclusivity, something that women will aspire toward and envy?”
Gage didn’t go as far as to claim that people—women especially—would pay more for the exclusive designer aura than for the feel-good romantic image.
Because from Hailey’s glare, and Rudy’s nod, he didn’t have to.
“The real question is, which line will better suit Cherry Bella’s image and enhance the message Rudolph department stores is trying to send?” Hailey put in quickly.
Rudy heaved a sigh, then watched his fingers tap the desk for a few seconds before he offered them both a grimace.
“Okay, I’m going to be honest with you both. I’m inclined to go with Milano, simply because I think the look is more cutting edge, high-fashion oriented.”
Yes! Other than a slight relaxing of his shoulders and tiny twitch of his lips, Gage managed to keep his triumph to himself. But in his mind, he was already packing his bags and heading for Tahoe.
His gaze slid to Hailey, wondering if she might be in the mood for a little snow for the holidays. He frowned. Her face was like porcelain. White, stiff and brittle-looking. Did she hate losing that much? How long would she hold a grudge? Maybe he should send a car for her next week instead.
“But,” Rudy continued, drawing out the word in a way that grated up and down Gage’s spine. “The decision isn’t mine alone.”
What? No. He was already on the highway, heading up the mountain. No buts, dammit.
“Of course it’s your decision,” Gage said quickly, adding a man-to-man smile. “Not that Cherry’s input isn’t important. But, let’s face it, she hasn’t been in attendance for much of these meetings. Her priorities are clearly elsewhere.”
The old guy pursed his lips. Gage knew that look. It was the screw-everyone, I-want-to-get-my-way-and-be-done-with-this look. He’d seen it on his father’s face a million times. Usually right before he waved away every reasonable, well-thought-out and time-intensively researched argument Gage waged.
Kinda like Rudy was about to do to Hailey.
Gage glanced over at her again. Her chin was high, her smile in place. But he could see the hurt and frustration in her eyes.
Crap.
Before Rudy could say anything, and before he could talk himself out of playing hero, Gage gestured to the six-foot mock-up of Cherry surrounded by items from the various lines already chosen.
“But you’ve put so much time and effort into building a launch around Cherry Bella, you don’t want to rock the boat,” he said quickly. “She said it herself—the lingerie line is her breaking point. Can’t ride roughshod over a woman’s choices. You know how that’ll come out if you do.”
Rudy’s grimace made it clear he’d paid the price for doing that a few times in his life. Big surprise.
“Okay, fine,” the older man finally said with a huff. “But no more of these clever scenarios. No more romance versus sex. The two of you put together a fashion show, pitch your best spring look. I guarantee, Cherry and I will both attend and the decision will be made within an hour. We need to get on with this.”
“When?” Hailey cleared her throat, then started over. “When will we need to do the show? What are the parameters? I mean, how many pieces will you want to see? The designs I pitched were exclusive, intended for your spring debut. I don’t have them on hand.”
Good point. Gage pulled a face. He was sure that Milano was in the same boat, although he had a hunch Devon had probably already started producing the designs, figuring if Rudolph didn’t take them, someone else would.
“I have to get this nailed down,” Rudy said, his usually friendly face folding into a scowl. “I can wait a week, maximum. If we can’t settle this by then, I’ll simply run my spring show without lingerie.”
“A week it is,” Gage said, his tone quick and hearty. That was six days longer than he wanted, and probably a dozen less than Hailey preferred.
“Fine. The two of you hammer out the details and email me by the end of the day. I’ll green-light it then get hold of Cherry and see you in a week.”
With that, a clap of his hands and a nod goodbye, Rudy rose and strode from the room.
Gage waited for the man’s size sevens to cross the threshold before turning to offer Hailey a smile.
But purse in hand and black wool coat buttoned, she was already halfway to the door herself.
What the hell?
Wasn’t she going to thank him? He’d just given her another chance. Hell, he’d even gift wrapped it.
“Hailey?”
She didn’t slow down.
She didn’t look back.
And she definitely didn’t offer a thank-you.
Seriously?
“Hailey, wait.” Gage had to run to catch up with her since she wasn’t slowing one bit. How the hell did she move so fast in heels that high?
“Hold up,” he said, catching her arm halfway down the hallway. “I thought we’d go out, get something to eat. You know, nail down those details Rudy wants by the end of business.”
His charming smile and teasing tone earned him a chilly stare. Damn. He’d known she was one of those women who needed hand holding on the pillow the next morning.
“I’ve plans for the rest of the afternoon,” she said, pulling her arm out of his grasp. “We’ll have to settle the details separately.”
Awww, she was so cute.
“C’mon,” he said, leaning close with his most persuasive smile. “You’re just upset that I left when it was three to one in the taking-advantage department and you wanted another shot at me to even it out.”
Her eyes went wide, then narrowed in glass-green slivers of fury. Then, in a sweep of those lush lashes, her expression cleared to frosty disinterest.
“You think you were that good?” she asked, giving him an up-and-down look that indicated she was trying to see what he was so proud of.
Burying his irritation, telling himself she deserved to get in a couple of digs since she was hurt, he plastered on his most charming smile.
“Baby, I think we were that good.”
Her laugh put his charm in the fail column.
“Actually, it has nothing to do with missing out on the various delights you seem to think you are so good at,” she said. Her arch look was like a rock, pounding that dagger into his ego just a little deeper. “It has to do with basic manners. If you’re a guest at a party, do you walk out or do you take the time to find your host and say thank you for the good time?”
Gage tried to keep his expression smooth, but didn’t have much luck holding back the scowl. Was that all she saw it as? A good time? What the hell?
First off, it’d been great. Not good.
And second, she was pissed because he hadn’t minded his manners? He wanted to call bullshit on that, figuring it as a face-saving excuse.
But the chilly disdain in her eyes didn’t give way to any hint of hurt, no petulant rejection. Nope, just irritated dismissal.
He didn’t know how to deal with that.
“I didn’t want to wake you. If I did, I wouldn’t have been able to resist more.” He kept his voice low, but let all the heat he felt ring out, so his words were a little husky. Unable to resist, he risked losing a limb and reached out to trace one finger along the delicate curve of her cheek. “I knew we’d see each other today at the meeting and figured you’d appreciate some sleep.”
Lame. As soon as the words were out he wanted to snatch them back. He didn’t need to see her roll her eyes to know that was a suck-ass excuse.
What was it about Hailey that had him so off center? He’d never been this bad at talking to women, had never had any issue charming his way into or out of any situation that involved a female. Then again, he’d never encountered a business deal as weird and difficult to navigate as this one, either.
As the pretty little blonde glaring up at him was the common denominator, he had to figure it was her. Not him.
“Well, thank you so much for considering my needs. And now—” she shifted her arm out of his hold “—I’ve got an event to prepare for. I’ll pull together my notes and email them to you. You can add or adjust as you see fit, then we can send them to Rudy.”
In other words, she didn’t want anything to do with him.
Pretty freaking insulting, considering she’d jumped his body and sexed him into an orgasmic puddle against her wall.
But if that was the way she wanted to play it?
Fine.
Without another word, not bothering to attempt an argument or another lame excuse, Gage stepped back and let her go.
Just as well. They were business rivals. One way or another, one of them—her, specifically—was going to lose. Better to let it go now, chalk it up to lust and some sexy lingerie and get his life back on track.
Still, Gage had to wonder how many times he was going to watch the sweet sway of her ass as she stormed away from him. And ponder why he liked the idea of seeing it a few hundred more times.
“HAILEY, HOW’D THE meetings go?”
“Did you wow Rudolph with your vision of romance?”
“Of course she did. Merry Widow designs sell themselves. All our Hailey had to do was show the guy the lineup, sweet-talk a little and bat those eyelashes, and boom. We’re in for a Christmas treat.” To emphasize that, Jackie did a little happy dance through the warehouse that sent the jingle bells on her hat, shoes and necklace a dingling.
Hailey forced a big smile on her face, sidestepped the questions and tried to make it to her office. She was waylaid again to approve a new design change, then a third time to admire the Christmas tree made of coat hangers and decorated with bras one of the team had set up in the corner.
They were all so excited.
Every face in the warehouse glowed, not unheard of on a Friday afternoon. Or with excitement over the anticipated Rudolph deal.
She’d trained them well.
Shoot for the stars, and never doubt you’ll have a happy landing.
What a bunch of crap.
“I’ve got some samples together for the spring-line photo shoot on Wednesday,” Jackie said, finally through with her dance. “I know you want to hold off to decide which pieces we’re offering until you know which ones Rudolph will make exclusive. But I figured it couldn’t hurt to be prepared. I’ve been shopping for accessories and props to go with it all.”
Jackie gestured to the variety of lingerie, jewelry, shoes and pretty accoutrements spread across a long, fabric-covered worktable. “I even picked up some little goodies that I thought would go well with our Christmas pieces, figuring maybe you might want to give Cherry a little gift for the holiday.”
Hailey had to blink fast to keep from bursting into tears.
Everyone was so excited. So sure they’d get this account.
Just like she’d been.
Swallowing hard to clear her throat, Hailey tried to figure out when she’d lost her hope.
“That’s a great idea,” she managed to say, offering a shaky smile. “Thanks for putting in the extra time.”
“Oh, believe me, it was my pleasure. This is going to be the best Christmas ever,” the younger woman said, all but clapping her hands together. “Don’t forget, you have to do the Secret Santa drawing today, too.”
“Right.” More Christmas cheer. Hailey kept her grin in place as the other woman danced away.
Ho, ho, freaking ho.
As soon as she hit the stairs leading to her office, Hailey let her cheery smile drop, along with her shoulders and her hopes.
“You’re late.” At the top of the stairs was a loft that spanned the length of the warehouse. Between the top step and Hailey’s office was what she often referred to as the dragon-guarded moat. In other words, Doris’s desk. Manned, as usual, by the beehive-haired dragon. “You were due here an hour ago.”
“You knew I had a meeting,” Hailey reminded her in a weary tone.
“You knew it was Friday. I work half days every Friday in December.”
Seriously? Knots ripped through her shoulders. On top of everything else, she needed this crap from a woman whose paycheck she signed?
“So leave,” Hailey snapped, waving her hand toward the steps and stomping past the huge desk to her own office.
She didn’t get any farther than tossing her bag on the chair and her coat on the floor before the dragon stormed in after her.
“You’re sure in a grump of a mood. I told you going to all that trouble to try and impress Rudolph was a stupid idea.”
Hailey’s glower covered Doris, the woman’s dour words and the entire day in general.
“I thought you were leaving. Half-day December, remember?”
“I came in to give you your messages,” the older woman said with a sniff, her sky-blue-tinted eyelids lowered in a sad puppy-dog look. “Thought they might be important. One from your date last night.”
Her heart tumbled, then bounced around her chest in excitement.
“Gage?”
Had he left it before or after the meeting?
Was it an apology for leaving her, naked and wanting, in her own bed?
Or another nagging reminder that they had to figure out their final pitch?
And why did she care so much?
Sure, he’d acted as if he was trying to make nice after his toss-under-the-bus attempt in today’s meeting. But she’d trusted him once. She’d got naked with him. And he’d left her.
“I don’t want to talk to him,” she announced. “If he calls back, tell him we’ll handle it by email.”
Doris’s pout disappeared into a look of speculation. “No. Mr. Rudolph. Isn’t that who you were out with? Him and the singer lady?”
Hardly.
But Hailey just shrugged and held out her hand for the messages.
Doris, of course, didn’t hand them over. Instead, she kept right on looking as though she was trying to figure out all of Hailey’s secrets.
What the hell was it with people inspecting her like this? Her face, her soul, her secrets, they were her business, dammit.
“Another call, too. This one from your mom.”
Like a cement block, Hailey’s hand dropped to her side. Disappointment settled deep and aching in her belly. She didn’t need to hear the message to know what was coming. The same thing as always.
“She said she’s sorry. She’s not gonna be able to do Christmas with you, after all. Turns out she got a part in a traveling theater troupe and needs to be ready to hit the road on January one.”
To her credit, Doris shared the news with a heavy dose of sympathy. Even her wrinkles seemed to empathize, all curving downward with her frown.
“Anything else?” Hailey asked, trying not to feel defeated by a morning determined to kick her ass.
Doris hesitated, then curled the messages into her fist and shook her head.
“Nope. That’s it.”
How was that for pathetic? The woman who regularly scorned Hailey’s rose-colored-glasses-wearing optimism was hiding bad news from her.
“Doris?”
The older woman’s sigh whooshed through the room and she gave a jerky shrug.
“Just those Phillips brats, checking to see if you’ve made arrangements to pay off the business.”
Hailey pushed her hand through her hair, wishing she could as easily shove away all the stress tying knots in her scalp. She wasn’t ready to throw in the towel, dammit. But, inch by inch, the towel was slipping out of her grasp.
“Maybe it’s time to call a meeting,” Doris murmured.
Clenching her jaw, Hailey stared at the workroom floor beneath her, clear through the plate-glass window that separated the loft-style office from the rest of the small warehouse.
Below, two desks were manned by her sales team, while her marketing guru was curled up in a beanbag in the corner, laptop in hand. She could see production just beyond the curtains, packaging up the smaller orders that were going out for the holidays.
Her tiny empire, a dozen people total including her and Doris. Wouldn’t calling them together for a “we’ve failed” meeting be tantamount to giving up? Didn’t she owe it to them, to herself, to see this through?
“Next week,” she said quietly, turning away to meet Doris’s oddly patient gaze. “Friday at our monthly meeting. I’ll either give them their holiday bonuses or give them as much severance pay as I can pull together.”
A week and a half to save her business. Hailey was damned if she’d give up before she had to. Chin high, she held the other woman’s gaze, waiting for the slap down.
Instead, after a few long seconds, Doris gave a jerky nod.
“I’ll take a look at the books, see what’s what. For the bonuses. Or just in case.”
Without another word, and with those vile messages still clutched in her talons, Doris clomped out of the room.
Just in case.
Hailey sighed, sinking into her chair and dropping her face to her desk.
Maybe everyone was right.
Maybe it was time she quit believing everything in life would work out if she just held on and had faith.
After all, what’d actually turned out that way for her?
Her father still didn’t consider her a part of his real family. Her mother blew her off with more ease than a five-year-old making a wish on a dandelion. And now her business, the one thing she’d figured she could count on because she’d built it herself, was imploding.
Tears slid, silent and painful over her cheeks.
And she couldn’t do a damned thing about any of it.