“I want you, Callie, and I’ll pay whatever it takes to get you.”

There it was. The offer she dreaded but knew she had to accept. Play it cool, she reminded herself. “I already have a job. One I love. With people I respect.”

To her surprise Josh Tremont laughed out loud, the sudden sound turning the heads of the diners around them.

“Oh, you’re good. It’s not everyone who tries to put me in my place so politely. C’mon, name your price.”

Callie lifted her gaze to meet his. Instantly she felt the power of his will behind his stare. Were she a weaker woman, she had no doubt she’d have capitulated.

“What if I don’t have one?” she finally replied.

“Everybody has a price, Callie,” he coaxed.