Page 84 of For One Night

“What do you want to know that you haven’t already read? I was the CEO when the company began to fail. I couldn’t control it once it was rolling, and my brother stepped in and saved the day. Now, he’s ready to move on and wants me to take it over again.”

He faces me, brows pinched tight. “For what? So I can fail? I’ve already done that, and it wasn’t pleasant.”

Well, damn. That wasn’t at all what I was expecting.

“Well, I believe I’m here so you don’t make that same mistake twice.”

He wanders over to his desk, sitting. “I know what I’m doing when it comes to the day to day, but my problem is, I’m not business savvy.”

“You’re a people person. That’s why everyone I’ve spoken to so far likes you, Mister Daly.” His eyes move to mine, and a sly grin plays on his face.

“Lola, please, enough with the ‘Mister Daly’. We passed that point a week ago.” The look on his face elicits every indecent thought I’ve had about this man since meeting him. Heat radiates through my body, even in the places it shouldn’t.

I avert my eyes. “So we did.”

“Lachlan is bottom line. I’m assembly line.” He shrugs like it’s a bad thing. “I can keep it moving, but he knows how to sell it.”

“Then it’s clear”—I smirk—“we’ll sharpen those skills also.”

He laughs. “I’ve had the same classes, years of experience, and nothing has helped.”

“Are you challenging me?” I lift my brow.

“Maybe I am, but I’d have to be a fool to do that, wouldn’t I?”

“Probably.” I giggle. “I’ll regroup this weekend, and we’ll start fresh on Monday.”

“Just so you know, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to not let my family down again. It’s not about the money to me; it’s about finally making them proud.” His face falls, and so does my pride. I’m a terrible person.

“I have a feeling you already do, but we’ll make certain they are.” I stand, wanting to stay, but I get the feeling he wants me to go.

He glances up at me. “You have a good weekend.”

“You too.” I turn to leave. “Don’t work too hard, you’re doing a great job.”

He forces a smile, and I know it’s because I know his real one, and this isn’t it. Lennox has once again surprised me, and that’s damn hard to do.