“Do you really want to reject such an opportunity, Max?” Emily asked.

Zach grinned. “And I don’t even have to bribe Emily to recognize that.”

Emily chuckled and winked at him. “Though it would be nice if you sold me that antique desk you have.”

Zach raised an eyebrow. “The one I keep at my home?”

“The very same. You outbid me on that one at the last auction.”

“A little healthy competition hasn’t harmed anyone yet.”

“Can we get back to the subject at hand?” Leech interrupted.

Zach cleared his throat. “What exactly don’t you like about the deal, Chris? I’m happy to explain all the details to you. That’s the whole reason for this meeting today.”

“If you want our help to talk the other shareholders into voting for this project, then you’ll have to give us more information than what you put in the proposal. To be honest, the file threw up more doubts than I feel comfortable with.”

“Well, then let’s discuss it.” Zach motioned to one end of the long corridor. “Maybe over there. There’s a fabulous view I believe you’ll enjoy.”

Zach knew that Leech was an enthusiastic hobby photographer. The view from the other end of the building, looking out over the southern end of Manhattan would maybe get him into a better mood so Zach could dispel any doubts Leech had about the Russian project.

He needed Leech’s vote, just as he needed every vote he could get in order to land this deal and make the company even stronger than it already was. He lived for projects like these, for challenges like these.

9

Rochelle nervously tugged at her suit. She hadn’t changed after work, not wanting Zach to think that she considered this a date. She had no intention of giving him that impression. But now as she entered the elegant restaurant in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York and looked around, she had to admit that she would have felt more comfortable in an elegant dress. The women sitting at the tables were dressed to the nines, and in her strict gray suit with the pencil skirt she felt oddly out of place—and rather like a headmistress of a catholic girls school.

At least she’d left her hair open, allowing it to billow over her shoulders, softening her look.

The hostess at the entrance looked at her expectantly. Rochelle was about to ask for Zach’s table, when she spotted him. He had already seen her, and was walking toward her from his chair. A broad grin lay on his lips and he looked a lot more relaxed and less intimidating than in his office in the morning. Apparently his rage had simmered down. Relieved, Rochelle sighed and nodded to the hostess, who was now looking over her shoulder.

“Oh, you’re here with Mr. Ivers,” she said and gave her a saccharin-sweet smile that couldn’t disguise the fact that she was envious of Rochelle. “Have a nice evening.”

Rochelle simply nodded.

“I’m glad you came,” Zach greeted her and leaned in as if he wanted to kiss her.

She remained stiff and offered her hand for a shake. “It’s not like you left me a choice.”

He raised one eyebrow and reached for her arm, motioning to the table. “I hope you’re hungry. I ordered us the tasting menu.”

The six-course menu for which this restaurant was famous? This promised to be a long night, which was exactly the opposite of what she wanted.

“That was a little premature,” she said when he led her to the table. “I don’t intend to stay that long.”

Zach pulled the chair back for her and helped her sit down, then leaned over her from behind and whispered in her ear, “Yesterday you didn’t want to have dinner with me either. If you want to skip dinner and move this evening to a hotel, just let me know.”

Outraged by his brazenness, she huffed, while Zach took his seat opposite her. When she met his gaze, there was a triumphant sheen in his eyes.

“Don’t think you can escape so easily. We’ll be spending the evening together and you may choose if this evening takes place in a restaurant or a bed.” He smiled charmingly. “Now, enjoy your food. The cuisine here is excellent.”

Before she could come back with a retort, a waiter came to their table. “Ma’am, a glass of red wine?”

She nodded absentmindedly, while the waiter poured her a glass. After bowing briefly he left the table, and Zach raised his glass, looking into her eyes.

“To an exciting evening.”

Rochelle took her glass. “I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. This is not a date.”