Читать книгу: «Need You Now», страница 3

Chapter 3

Kayla knew what she had to do. On Monday, she scheduled a lunch meeting with Michael to discuss prospects.

“How’s the progress coming with finding investors?”

“Interest is definitely there,” Michael replied, closing the folder he was reading, “But as I indicated, the amount of shares you’re willing to sell is vital to any deal.”

“I need you to start setting up some meetings,” Kayla replied.

“What’s the rush?”

The rush was she didn’t want Graham International anywhere near Adams Cosmetics, or Ethan Graham anywhere near her. The easiest way to prevent a catastrophe from happening and having to grovel to him to save her company was to find another investor.

“The sooner we get moving on this, the better. I don’t want word spreading like wildfire.”

They were perusing their menus when Andrew Jackson and his stepdaughter, Monica Jackson, approached their table. Had they been lurking in the shadows listening to their conversation and smelled blood?

“Kayla Adams,” Andrew Jackson greeted her. “How are you, darling?”

Kayla hated Andrew’s fake country accent. It went right along with his smarmy slicked-back hair and cowboy boots. He towered over the table at six foot six, but he did not intimidate Kayla. Andrew Jackson owned Jax Cosmetics, which was one of their competitors. Up until the economy went bad, Adams Cosmetics had consistently beat Jax Cosmetics in sales in the Southeast.

Although a smaller operation than Adams Cosmetics, Jax Cosmetics was showing rapid signs of growth. If Andrew and his stepdaughter Monica, who ran the company, knew they were in trouble, who knew what shenanigans they would pull?

“I’m well, thank you, Andrew. Monica,” Kayla inclined her head to his stepdaughter standing beside him. Although she might seem mousy at five foot three in a black trouser suit with designer glasses and a simple ponytail, Monica was a she-devil. Kayla supposed she had to be aggressive given that Andrew had always wanted his son, Jasper, to run the company, so Monica constantly had to prove herself. Jasper wanted nothing to do with his father and his stepfamily and had gone to live with his mother when he was a young boy. No one had heard from or seen him since.

Kayla was thankful that her relationship with her father was totally different. “Can I do something for you, Andrew?” Kayla inquired.

“No.” Andrew shook his head. “I wanted to congratulate you. We weren’t able to make it to Tyler Perry’s premiere as we were in the South of France, but we heard that Adams Cosmetics might be starting a new fragrance line. That’s quite ambitious, given the state of the economy.”

“True, but with great risk comes the biggest reward,” Kayla responded.

“Good luck,” Monica replied. “You’ll need it.” She stalked away, and Andrew chuckled as he followed her to their table.

Kayla turned back around to face Michael. “See what we’re dealing with? They are waiting for us to fail. We have to strike now. I need you to set up those meetings immediately.”

“Will do.”

“Are you in a better mood than you were on Saturday?” Daniel asked when he ran into Ethan in the hallway of Graham International on Monday morning.

Ethan laughed. He had been rather perturbed about being interrupted when he was about to kiss Kayla. He’d been on the cusp of seeing exactly what it was he’d passed up all those years ago in the stables. Of course, now things were different. Kayla Adams was a grown woman, a woman that he desperately wanted in his bed.

“Yes, I am. Today is a new day.” As he’d drifted off to sleep, Ethan had determined to pull out all the stops to get Kayla.

“When you have that look in your eye, it’s usually one of two things—a business deal or a woman. Which is it?”

“It’s both,” Ethan answered. “I want Adams Cosmetics and I want Kayla Adams.”

“Since when?” Daniel asked. “As I recall, Kayla had a thing for you when she was younger, but I would imagine her schoolgirl crush is over.”

“I may not have given her the time of the day in the past, but I will now. And she is most definitely not a schoolgirl anymore,” Ethan replied, “which means she’s fair game.” Back then, he’d had to turn her down, because it wouldn’t have been right or legal, but now, there were no limits.

“So what are your plans?”

“Well, first I want you to place some calls and see how their quest to find potential investors is coming along, and then I want you to squash them. I want to be the only option, the only company that Adams Cosmetics can turn to.”

“You mean the only man Kayla can turn to.”

“That’s one and the same.”

“And how do you plan on breaking the ice between you and Ms. Adams?”

“I’m going to do what every man does when he’s trying to woo a woman. I’m going to ask her out on a date,” Ethan responded.

“I could kill you for the move you pulled at the premiere,” Kayla told Piper, plopping down on the bed in her best friend’s apartment after work. She’d arrived moments ago to help Piper pick out an outfit for her blind date after receiving an SOS text from Piper earlier that day.

“What move?” Piper asked innocently, even though she knew the move in question.

“You left me alone with Ethan Graham.”

“And?” Piper raised a brow and glanced at Kayla as she held up a pantsuit. “What was wrong with that? Didn’t you tell me years ago, after seeing the string of beautiful women Ethan dated, that you were over pining for him?”

“I know what I said. And I am not pining for him,” Kayla replied testily. “And that suit is godawful. This is a date, not a business meeting.” She snatched the ensemble out of Piper’s hand and handed her another option. “Try this on.”

Piper took the garment out of Kayla’s hand and slid it down her slender frame. “Are you saying you lied to your best friend of twenty years?” She held her chest as if crestfallen.

“No,” Kayla answered. She rose from the bed and zipped up the back of Piper’s dress. “It’s just that I thought I was over the man, but then…” Her voice trailed off as the image of Ethan’s lips slowly starting to descend on hers came to mind.

Piper turned around. “But what?”

Kayla plopped back down on the bed and was silent. She hated to admit it, but she had no choice. “He still gets to me.”

“Did something happen between you two when I left?”

Kayla nodded. “We almost kissed.”

“What do you mean almost?” Piper asked. “You either did or you didn’t.”

“Well…we were interrupted because another couple burst onto the terrace,” Kayla replied. “If they hadn’t, I would have acted like a teenager and made out with the man. I can’t believe this, Piper.” She jumped up. “Ethan was supposed to be in my past.”

“Sounds like you two have some unfinished business,” Piper mused. “Because clearly Ethan has tapped into some hidden desire you still have for him.”

“No!” Kayla shook her head. “I refuse to give in to some teenage fantasy. I’m a grown woman who is capable of controlling her emotions, and I have to do that.”

“Why?”

“Because…because I don’t trust Ethan Graham one bit. He knows Adams Cosmetics is in trouble and he’s ready to swoop in like the vulture his company is. I’ve heard what he’s done to smaller companies that have merged with Graham International. I refuse to let Adams Cosmetics be a casualty.”

“But don’t you need the capital Ethan could provide?”

“I need capital, but there are other investors,” Kayla replied. “And it’s just a matter of time before I convince one of them to invest in Adams Cosmetics.”

Kayla returned home to find the family had already gathered in the formal dining room for dinner.

“Kay, we didn’t think you were joining us, so we started without you,” her mother, Elizabeth, said as she entered.

“No worries, Mom.” Kayla kissed her cheek before taking a seat at the table next to Shane.

“Where were you?” Courtney asked.

“I was at Piper’s. She needed help choosing an outfit.”

“I’m surprised Piper would need help in that department.” Her father chuckled. “She seems to have a handle on…er…her personal sense of style.”

That was her father’s diplomatic way of saying Piper’s taste bordered on eccentric, but that was okay with Kayla. They’d been best friends for twenty years and there was no one she trusted more.

“It’s a blind date,” Kayla offered. “And she wanted to make a good impression.”

“You know I was surprised Andrew Jackson wasn’t at the premiere,” her father said. “He always did like a good show.”

A silence came over the table, as the Jackson family was persona non grata in the Adams household.

“I ran into him last week,” Kayla responded. “He was really interested in the fact that we were starting a new fragrance and mentioned that he just so happened to have been in France.”

“The fragrance capital of the world.” Shane rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Jackson could be up to something.

“Watch out for him,” Byron said. “He’s always been envious of our success.”

“Oh, trust me, Daddy, I’ve got an eye on him at all times,” Kayla said, laughing.

“That’s good to hear. You’ll need it,” her mother said. “Anyway, you received a dozen calla lilies. They are on the table in the foyer.”

“Really?” Kayla asked. She couldn’t fathom who might have sent them. “From whom?”

“That’s what we were wondering,” Shane responded. “Do you have a secret admirer?”

Kayla rose from the table, but Victor was already on it and bringing her the card from the flowers. When had he sneaked out of the room? “Thank you, Victor.”

“You’re welcome,” Victor said.

“So, who are they from?” Courtney inquired. “A new beau, perhaps?”

“Yeah, right. That’s the last thing I need right now,” Kayla said, pulling the card out of the envelope. She was surprised at the name on the card and had to read the message twice for fear she was hallucinating. The card stated, “Dinner. Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Will pick you up. Ethan.”

Why was Ethan sending her flowers? And did he think he could just order her to dinner and she would comply? “Anyway, it’s no one important.” She placed the card back in the envelope and slid it inside her purse.

“Hmm…if it’s no one important, you should tell us,” Shane said from her side.

Kayla glared at Shane before rising from the table. “Umm, I don’t think I’m hungry after all.” She grabbed her purse. “I’ll see you all later.” She quickly rushed out of the room. She had business to attend to, namely, setting Ethan Graham straight.

Ethan had just prepared himself an after-dinner cocktail and was relaxing in his living room when his doorbell rang. He had a loft in the city, but after living abroad the past few years while expanding Graham International, he much preferred his nine-bedroom, nine-bath mansion in Tuxedo Park.

He answered the door himself because he’d told the staff they could retire for the evening. So not only was the visitor shocked to see him answer the door, but he was equally shocked to see her. “Kayla!”

“Ethan.” Kayla pushed past him into the foyer. “I need to talk to you.” She stood in the hallway, then began pacing back and forth.

Ethan smiled. She must have received his flowers, and if the furious expression on Kayla’s face was any indication, she was not happy about it. “And this couldn’t wait until our dinner tomorrow night?”

“No.”

“Well, then, by all means let’s talk.” He motioned with his arm for Kayla to follow him. He led her down the hall to the study where he’d been reading.

Once in the study, Kayla let him have it. “You have no right to send me a summons.”

“A summons?” Ethan’s brow rose. “I believe you’re mistaken. It was an invitation to dinner.”

Kayla pulled the envelope from her purse. “This was not an invitation because you did not expect to be turned down.”

Ethan sat down with his decanter in hand and folded one leg over the other. He sipped before speaking. “And I presume you are here at this hour—” he looked at his Movado watch and it read eight o’clock “—to decline my invitation.”

“I will not be ordered around, especially by you.”

Ethan’s mouth formed an O. “Especially by me. Why is that, Kayla? What do you have against me? Correct me if I’m wrong—” he rubbed his beard thoughtfully “—but had we not been interrupted the other night, you and I would have finally shared that long-awaited kiss you’ve always wanted. So what exactly is so abhorrent about sharing dinner with me?”

“You’re wrong!” Kayla responded even though her face turned several shades of red.

“Am I?” Ethan rose from the chair. “I think it’s time we find out exactly what’s between us. Don’t you?”

Kayla took a step back. “I wouldn’t share a meal with you if I was dying of hunger.”

Ethan chuckled. “Well, fortunately, you’re not.”

“Which is why I’m declining.”

“I refuse to take no for an answer.”

“You may not be used to hearing the word no, Ethan, but I meant what I said the other night. I want no part of you or your company.”

“Those are mighty big words for a woman in a bind. I would think you’d be chomping at the bit to pitch your investment strategy to me personally, as I am Graham International.”

“I have been looking after my family’s company for a long time, Ethan, and I most certainly don’t need you to bail me out.”

Ethan placed the decanter on a side table and walked toward her. Kayla stood up ramrod straight. She refused to be bullied by Ethan and was determined to stand up to him, even though butterflies were jumping around in her stomach at his nearness. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

“No, I don’t imagine you need me just yet.” Ethan’s fierce brown eyes focused on hers, and Kayla found she couldn’t turn away from his piercing gaze that was drenched with hunger. “But you want me.”

Kayla swallowed hard.

“Oh, yes.” He watched Kayla nervously look downward. “You want me, but you’re afraid to show it. But that’s all right, I have no problem going for what I want.” Ethan grabbed Kayla by the shoulders and his mouth slammed down on hers, stealing her breath and fracturing her thoughts into a million pieces. Before she knew what was happening, he had her up against the bookshelves and was pressing his body against her. He cupped the back of her head as his mouth kissed her with fervor.

Kayla was unprepared for the onslaught of Ethan’s mouth on hers or the rush of excitement that coursed through her. She’d thought the kiss would be hard and fast but instead his lips were surprisingly gentle and soft as they searched hers. His tongue traced the outline of her lips and despite herself, she parted them, allowing him entry. His tongue slipped inside and he began plundering the inner recesses of her mouth. The kiss sent the pit of her stomach swirling and caused spirals of ecstasy to shoot straight through her. When he began sucking on her tongue voraciously, drawing her to him, Kayla gripped his arms and a moan escaped from her.

Ethan didn’t stop at kissing her. His hands were everywhere, touching her, caressing her breasts over her trench coat and cupping her bottom firmly against him as he deepened the kiss, fusing their two tongues as one. He tantalized and teased her equally, leaving her weak with need.

It was a slow, drugging kiss and when it was over, Kayla was shocked by her eager response. She dragged her mouth away from his and stepped away, embarrassed by her own wantonness. Was he right? Had she been waiting, wanting this all along? Her heart was pounding and her body ached for fulfillment. What was wrong with her? Her senses were reeling as if short-circuited.

“Now that was a proper kiss,” Ethan said. “And long overdue.”

His response snapped Kayla out of her kiss-induced daze. “You just had to put your foot in your mouth, didn’t you?” He’d broken the intimate moment between them and made Kayla realize just how close she’d come to losing control. She reached for her purse that had somehow fallen on the floor in the kiss and headed toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Ethan asked.

Kayla spun around. “Did you think that the next logical step was for us to go upstairs to bed? Because if so, you were dead wrong. The kiss was pleasant enough, but if you think it’s enough to render me free of my faculties, then you had better think again. I am not easily seduced, either out of my clothes or out of my company. Consider this your notice that I am declining your invitation to dinner. Have a good night.” Kayla stalked out of the room with as much dignity as was possible after she’d so easily succumbed to his charms.

On the other side of the wall, Ethan was stunned. Kayla Adams was a spitfire. And he loved it. She’d set his body ablaze, which was why a certain member was straining in his trousers.

He’d only meant to have a little taste, but instead her full lips had released a passion that had been lying dormant, and her well-defined rear end had him horny as hell. He could only imagine what it would be like to make love to such a siren. Kayla was like a wild Arabian horse. But he would look forward to riding her, because to tame her would be no fun at all.

Tonight, she’d shown her hand. That kiss had told him everything he needed to know. Kayla wanted him as much as he wanted her, but she would not come to him of her own accord. She was determined to show she was unaffected, which meant he was going to have to up the seduction.

An idea suddenly began to form in his head. He’d secretly wanted Kayla for years, but the rift in their families had never given him a chance to spend much time with her. But the more he saw of her now, the more convinced he became that she was what he’d always been looking for. He was well overdue to settle down and start a family. He needed a woman by his side who would complement him, who understood the business but was passionate enough in the bedroom to make him forget about it. A woman he could respect and who would be an excellent mother to his children. A woman who was beautiful yet confident, strong, intelligent, stubborn and sexy as hell. Kayla Adams fit the bill perfectly. If this idea came to fruition, he could have Kayla and correct the mistake Carter had made years ago with Byron. Kayla would hate him for it, but Ethan had a proposition for her. One she wouldn’t be able to turn down if she wanted to save her family’s company.

Chapter 4

Kayla was still lying in the bed the next morning and it was well after seven. She knew she should be getting ready for work, but how could she? She’d slept fitfully the night before. Visions of Ethan and the sudden surge of lust he’d evoked had kept her awake.

She told herself it was just curiosity from finally having the object of her teenage infatuation. Or maybe it was because it had been a long time since a man had roused that kind of passion in her. But she knew better. The sexual chemistry between them was so strong it had consumed her and shattered her resolve to keep him at bay. She was furious with her body’s betrayal. In the cold light of day, it was impossible to ignore that every part of her had wanted Ethan last night. The question was, what was she going to do about it?

Kayla was anxious. The prospectus listing the shares of Adams Cosmetics had gone out confidentially to several private investors and companies, but it had been over a week and she hadn’t heard a thing. She was beginning to worry that their company could be going up in smoke when her assistant, Myra, poked her head in the door.

“Kayla, are you free?”

Kayla smiled warmly at Myra. She had come a long way in the past two years. She’d started out as a mousy mess, but now after working with Kayla she was poised and confident and had no problem calling her by her first name. “Yes, what is it?”

“Ethan Graham is here to see you.”

“Excuse me?” Kayla’s head popped up from the file she was reading. She hadn’t expected to hear that name so soon, especially after their encounter last night. Sure, she suspected they would reconnect at some point, but not so soon.

“Umm, umm,” Kayla stammered and began shuffling the file around to close it. Myra stared back at her, clearly stunned to see her boss at a loss for words. “Tell him I’ll be with him in a minute.”

“There will be no minute,” Ethan said from the door of her office. “We’ll talk now.”

Kayla’s eyes rose to meet his and when she did, she inhaled sharply. Ethan’s mesmerizingly dark, deep-set eyes, the ones she’d gotten lost in as a naive young girl, were directly on her.

“Kayla.” Ethan walked toward her, commanding her absolute attention from his six-foot-three presence.

Kayla managed to tear her eyes away from Ethan for a second to tell her starstruck assistant, who was also staring at Ethan, “That will be all, thank you.”

“Ethan.” Since they were in a professional setting, Kayla offered her hand as she rose, which Ethan shook.

“You’re looking good,” Ethan stated, standing back to admire her in the two-piece navy suit she was wearing. It was completely professional, showing little of what he knew to be a curvy body underneath all those clothes.

“Ethan!”

“I don’t believe in wasting time,” Ethan returned as he sat across from her. “I believe in getting down to business.”

“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.

“That’s great!” Shane said enthusiastically. “I’d be happy to show what I’m working on in the lab, if you’re interested.”

“Absolutely,” Ethan responded. With fluid strides he strode to the door with Shane, but stopped short. “Kayla, we’ll finish our discussion when I get back.”

Kayla rolled her eyes. There was no discussion. He was giving her an ultimatum. Marry him or risk losing her family business.

Ethan returned nearly an hour later and Kayla was no more ready for him than when he’d left. In fact, she was offended that he would think she was for sale.

“Have you thought about my offer?” Ethan inquired. He strolled to her chair and whirled her around to face him.

“Your offer? Is that what you would call it?” Kayla hissed.

“I think it’s very reasonable,” Ethan responded to her hostile tone. “In exchange for my investing millions in this company and putting my reputation on the line, you marry me. I see it as a win-win for the both of us. You get the capital you need and I get a sexy wife out of the arrangement.”

Kayla wasn’t about to let the compliment trip her up. “Your offer is far from reasonable. It’s disgusting.”

Ethan raised a brow. “Really? I didn’t feel your disgust when I was kissing you last night. In fact, I felt you come alive at my touch.” He leaned down and brushed his fingertips across her arm on the chair. “Come on, Kayla, don’t you think it’s time we finally explored the sexual tension that’s underneath the surface? Think about how much fun we’ll have exploring each other’s bodies.” He caressed her cheek softly.

Kayla was floored by the way he was speaking to her. No other man would have dared speak to her in such a manner, but then again, Ethan was like no other man she’d known. Was that why she could never let another man get close, because she was still holding on to the hope of one day having Ethan? She shook her head and quickly dismissed the idea. He was just tapping into some hidden desires because she’d been celibate for some time.

“Stop touching me.” Kayla moved away from him, her pulse spinning, and looked out of the window. “You’re trying to confuse me.” She was swimming through a haze of anger and desire.

“I’m not trying to confuse you, Kayla,” Ethan whispered softly in her ear as he came to stand next her. “I thought I was being quite clear. Marrying me will solidify this company and our families. Think about the power we’d have. We’d own this town. And I’ve always been part of the Adams family anyway, except now it’ll be official.”

“You think this is so cut-and-dried and tidy. Marry you and that’s it?” Kayla asked, facing him. “How do you know that I don’t have a man? And that I’m not sharing someone else’s bed?”

Ethan frowned. The report had been clear, Kayla was currently single. Had his investigator gotten it wrong? Kayla was his now, and he’d didn’t want any complications. “If you were sharing someone else’s bed, I doubt you would have responded to me as you did, but it doesn’t matter because it’s over now,” Ethan responded. “You’re mine.”

The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes startled her. “I am not something you can take possession of, Ethan Graham,” Kayla replied. “And there are other investors out there, so you can take your offer and shove it.”

“Those are bold words for someone who’s running out of options,” Ethan said. “But I can see that this has come as a shock to you, so I will give you some time to think over my offer. But trust me when I say that there is no escaping the inevitable, as I intend to have you, Kayla Adams.”

A short while later, after she’d had time to stop quivering with fury, Kayla went to Shane’s lab. “Can I come in?” Kayla asked, popping her head inside. She needed a dose of reality. What Ethan had proposed was ludicrous. She couldn’t possibly marry him.

“Of course. Has Ethan gone?” Shane asked as he fiddled with several vials on the counter that were cooling. He’d just finished heating up raw extracts of sandalwood, jasmine and vanilla to remove the essential oils. He needed the right combination of base, middle and top notes for the new fragrance.