“Emotionally preoccupied? You think I’m emotionally preoccupied with YOU? That’s a laugh! I think your problem is you need to get over YOURSELF! The fact is Mr. Tanner I just learned of your outrageous deceit the other day when I found out who you really are during the corporate meeting. Excuse me for being shocked! Bad enough you made a sneaky slimy getaway in the middle of the night, but using an alias like a common criminal…...that’s pretty damn low.” Dani’s eyes started to tear up but she was proud of the way she was handling herself. She was surprised when Shane didn’t immediately answer her but instead reached out and took her hand.
“Danielle what can I say? I was obviously a thoughtless jerk in my younger days. I had no idea my selfish actions had such an impact back then. I can’t tell you how terribly sorry I am. Please let me make it up to you? Be my date at the reception tomorrow tonight? I’d be honored to have a woman of your caliber on my arm.” Shane gazed deeply into her eyes and brought her fingertips up to his lips as he said, “You’re more beautiful than ever Danielle.”
Dani’s eyes widened with disbelief. She was floored by his enormous nerve and quickly yanked her hand back.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Do you really think you can waltz in here, sweet talk me, invite me to a party and sweep me off my feet? What world do you live in? Oh I know…..one where you think your money and good looks are enough to redeem your abysmal character.” Danielle stood up to signal it was time for him to leave.
Shane sighed and raised himself out of his chair. He knew there was no point in arguing with her. She was a woman scorned just like Margie said. Still, he remained undaunted. He was certain he would have her again and soon. He could still see a hint of a spark flickering for him in her eyes. Shane placed his palms down on Dani’s desk and leaned all the way in toward her as though he was about to kiss her.
“Danielle surely you remember how good we were together back in the day? Shit what am I saying? We were great for fuck’s sake! You can’t deny our chemistry; all those long hot summer nights we spent together….. It really wasn’t that long ago if you think about it. And now that you and I are going to be working together we could be an incredible team. I want to work closely with you.”
Dani could feel her body heat rising in response to his overt sexuality, causing her to take a step backward.
“That was a very long time ago and for the record I had that chemistry with Scott Turner, not with you. I don’t actually know you at all and you sure as hell don’t know me! So if you don’t mind I prefer to keep our relationship on a strictly business level Mr. Tanner. If you’ll please excuse me now I have work to do.”
Shane backed off. “Very well,” he said as he headed toward the door. “As always, it’s been a pleasure Ms. Kane.” Before leaving her office he turned to her and added, “By the way, anger becomes you. Your severe reprimand was smokin’ hot. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for another tongue lashing.” With that he smiled and walked out.
As soon as the door closed Dani could feel her knees almost give out from sheer weakness. She let herself drop backward into her chair as she let out an audible sigh. How in the world am I ever going to be able to work with that man? He’s obviously incorrigible….and unfortunately more sexy and handsome than ever. She had lied to him in order to appear strong but she knew she couldn’t lie to herself; she felt their chemistry alright and she did indeed want to give him a different kind of tongue lashing.
Out in the hotel corridor Shane had to admit to himself that the meeting hadn’t gone quite as smoothly as he had hoped. However, Danielle’s fiery rejection was more of a turn on to him than a deterrent. He was not the least bit concerned that he had possibly lost the first battle, after all there was a whole glorious war to wage in his effort to lure her back; a war that he fully intended to win.
Eight
“My my don’t you look handsome Paolo. Did Max come with you tonight?” Danielle asked her friend upon bumping into him on the hotel’s rooftop. Paolo was graciously greeting the guests as they milled around the reception area but his partner of five years was nowhere in sight.
“No he has a horrible head cold unfortunately, poor thing,” replied Paolo. “I’ve been calling him Rudolph, his nose is so bright red, and red is definitely not his color. How about you? You look absolutely stunning Dani. Turn around and let me see that dress.” He grabbed her hand and twirled her around like a ballerina. “Are you here with anyone sweetie?”
“I’m here with Earl from accounting,” Dani said sheepishly.
“Earl Wiggins?! No. No way, you did not come here with him. That wet blanket? He always smells like cured meats. And that horrible piece he wears! Is he for real with that cheap wig?” Paolo saw no reason to mask his true feelings regarding her choice of escort.
“I had to bring somebody. I don’t want that egotistical Tanner to think I couldn’t scare up a date.” Dani said defensively.
“I should think coming alone would have been preferable to bringing Earl Wiggins.” Paolo rolled his eyes comically as he said the name. “Where is your Prince Charming anyway?”
Danielle was clearly embarrassed but finally answered. “He’s in the mens’ room. He has a sensitive stomach. I think it was the oysters.”
“Oh my god Dani that’s priceless! I’m sure Shane Tanner will be seething with jealousy when he sees your date.” Paolo howled with laughter until he saw she wasn’t laughing with him. “Seriously Dani, would it really have been so bad to come here with Tanner tonight? You gotta admit he’s quite a piece of eye candy. And you have to make amends with him eventually. At least he’s making an attempt.”
“That’s just it. Making an attempt at what? What’s his game now? You can’t trust a snake in the grass…… A leopard doesn’t change its spots you know…... Once a rat always a rat…….”
Dani wasn’t finished yet but Paolo had to stop her. “Okay enough already. I get it; he’s a one-man zoo. Please try to enjoy the evening girlfriend. It’s a beautiful night out.”
Being the consummate host that he was, Paolo suddenly found himself distracted by something not to his liking. “W-T-F? Why is that waiter over there sitting down? I gotta see what’s going on. I’ll check back with you a little later sweetie.” Paolo blew her kiss before darting off into the sea of guests.
The crowded reception area was feeling a bit claustrophobic to Danielle. Her head was swimming from downing her vodka martini too quickly after she saw Earl sprinting off to the bathroom. She walked to a secluded corner of the rooftop and looked out into the starlit night. Paolo was right; it was a beautiful evening. The ocean waves roared in and out on the beach below, muting the sounds of the lavish affair that was going on around her. She decided he was also right about her ailing date, Earl Wiggins. Even his name made her cringe. How desperate am I anyway? Why did I come with him? In that instant her thoughts of regret were interrupted by the same smoldering voice as the day before.
“Ms. Kane are you enjoying the party so far?” She turned to see Shane Tanner holding a champagne flute in each hand. He offered her one of the glasses of gold sparkling liquid as his eyes surveyed her up and down with an almost tangible hunger. “You look positively good enough to eat. You can’t possibly be here by yourself, can you? Not in that stunning dress.”