Книга - Miami After Hours

Miami After Hours
Yahrah St. John


The tycoon’s tender caressShe’s got sky-high ambitions to match the glamorous penthouses she shows, but real estate agent Angela Trainor keeps both feet firmly on the ground. Her attraction to her sexy boss Daniel Cobb needs to remain at bay, or it could derail her promising career. But when Daniel takes Angela under his wing, introducing her to clients at glamorous society events, mutual admiration becomes a sizzling physical connection.Daniel has turned his starter company into Miami’s most premier agency. In the process, he’s earned his place among the Millionaire Moguls—an elite and exclusive organization dedicated to paying success forward. He’s known for showering women with lavish gifts, attention…everything except commitment. Now the lovely Angela has discovered the pain in his past and is daring him to open up. But will it be in enough time to convince her that he wants so much more than just an unforgettable fling?







The tycoon’s tender caress

She’s got sky-high ambitions to match the glamorous penthouses she shows, but real estate agent Angela Trainor keeps both feet firmly on the ground. Her attraction to her sexy boss, Daniel Cobb, needs to remain at bay, or it could derail her promising career. But when Daniel takes Angela under his wing, introducing her to clients at society events, mutual admiration becomes a sizzling physical connection.

Daniel has turned his starter company into Miami’s premier agency. In the process, he’s earned his place among the Millionaire Moguls—an elite and exclusive organization dedicated to paying success forward. He’s known for showering women with lavish gifts, attention...everything except commitment. Now the lovely Angela has discovered the pain in his past and is daring him to open up. But will it be enough to convince her that he wants so much more than just an unforgettable fling?


She’d clouded his thoughts until he’d finally decided he had to do something about it. He was now determined to convince her that they needed to spend time together and figure out what was between them.

Daniel placed his wineglass on the cocktail table in front of him and reached for one of Angela’s hands. “Don’t deny yourself, deny us, because you’re scared. I know we’re in uncharted territory here, but there’s something between us. You must feel it like I do.”

He watched her bring her wineglass to her mouth for a sip and realized her hand was shaking. Daniel wished he were that glass. Wished he could take her lips with his and suck the sweet juices off them. But he didn’t want to come on too strong or she would pull away.

He released her hand and rose to his feet. “Think about it.”

“You’ve certainly given me a lot to consider,” she finally said.

“I know, but when I feel strongly about something, I go after it.”

“And you want me?”

Those beautiful brown eyes of hers looked up at him expectantly.


Dear Reader (#u944d82b8-863f-502e-a76f-1011129c0662),

Miami After Hours is the first book in the dynamic new Millionaire Moguls series featuring three heroes: Daniel Cobb, Joshua Delong and Ashton Rollins. In Miami After Hours, you’ll meet sexy millionaire Daniel Cobb. Daniel has been hurt in the past by unrequited love, but I infused him with just enough heart that he’s willing to risk an affair with our feisty heroine and his mentee, Angela Trainor. The chemistry between the pair is off the charts. Hope you enjoy all those steamy love scenes!

I’ve threaded a great subplot involving who will run the Miami Millionaire Moguls organization into the book. If you want to know how it will play out, you’ll need to read the next two installments in the series: A Miami Affair, Joshua’s story, and Secret Miami Nights, Ashton’s book.

Visit my website at www.yahrahstjohn.com (http://www.yahrahstjohn.com) to download my latest ebooks or write me at yahrah@yahrahstjohn.com for more info.

Enjoy,

Yahrah St. John


Miami After Hours

Yahrah St. John






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


YAHRAH ST. JOHN is author of twenty-two books. St. John is the recipient of the 2013 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Kimani Romance for her title A Chance with You. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances, she can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her fiancé. Or, this thrill junkie can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.

A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. She lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful, where there’s great weather all year round. For more information, please visit www.yahrahstjohn.com (http://www.yahrahstjohn.com).


To my bestie and sister, Dimitra Astwood,

for being strong in your darkest hour.


Contents

Cover (#ud8e1f0bc-d68a-5aa2-9ed1-cdd1cf041fd1)

Back Cover Text (#ude7934ab-1ddc-568f-8269-30bdbeeb944e)

Introduction (#u212aa5ff-7534-535a-a61b-2bdb21192df5)

Dear Reader (#u6970cd55-6d1b-5ce6-bb7b-c6bbe6a5bfee)

Title Page (#u5082e0e8-a639-5158-aaa3-1917078ea12a)

About the Author (#u7fbc3e08-6b2c-5dd6-9dea-ec8f24a30d2a)

Dedication (#ud4829f5a-d40d-5562-8da8-5baa3dd0d9ff)

Chapter 1 (#ub9d28e57-7980-5c04-a77b-a54dcab47d6b)

Chapter 2 (#ud00b3383-4227-52bb-b80e-898893353cf8)

Chapter 3 (#u658f7dde-b1c6-59d4-a129-4d25dfdda092)

Chapter 4 (#u442dcc67-9e92-5a82-add7-c836341be74b)

Chapter 5 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


Chapter 1 (#u944d82b8-863f-502e-a76f-1011129c0662)

Daniel Cobb strode through the glass doors of Cobb Luxury Real Estate, confident and poised in a custom Tom James suit and Ferragamo loafers. He’d started the company with the commissions he’d made while working with his father. Now he was the proud owner of his own thriving and highly sought-after real estate company.

Daniel only accepted wealthy clients looking for the most high-priced condominiums and homes in Miami. Anyone walking through the double glass doors of his agency knew what to expect. A skilled agent with expertise in the marketplace. As head broker, he’d hired only six other agents because he wanted to ensure that his clients received the most discriminating customer service.

Determined to make Cobb Luxury Real Estate the premier firm in Miami for luxury homes, he was at the office early in the morning and late into the night, reviewing numbers and overseeing staff. Along with his commitment to Prescott George, a men’s club he belonged to, that left very little time for play...or for women. Not that he was celibate. He had the odd date or two, which usually ended up with a beautiful female in his bed and a smile on his face. But he had no time for serious relationships.

He’d made sure of that after he’d foolishly fallen for Mia Landers back in college. She’d been petite and adorable, with dark doe eyes and a shy demeanor. Daniel had been instinctively protective of her, but Mia had been head over heels for Ashton Rollins, a fellow student of Daniel’s who paid her no attention. Daniel had thought if he bided his time, Mia would see the light. She hadn’t and had died in a tragic car accident later that year, leaving Daniel alone with his anger and regrets. And his guilt. If he’d managed to keep Mia away from Ashton, would she still be alive? Daniel would always wonder if he could have done more.

After that tragedy, he’d focused all his energy into building an empire. He wanted to own homes around the globe, and that required lots of money, especially if he wanted to travel.

Thanks to the phenomenal last few years, he’d added a penthouse in Key Biscayne to his portfolio. The building housed only three other units and was surrounded by nothing but glass. It was sleek, modern and sophisticated. Just like him.

“Good morning, Myrna,” he greeted the receptionist as he passed by.

“Good morning, Mr. Cobb.” Myrna smiled back at him as he made his way to his all-glass office facing downtown Miami.

Myrna was easy on the eyes, which was exactly what Daniel wanted to portray to prospective clients. However, he wasn’t fooled by the cool blue eyes, slick blond hair and slender figure. At twenty-five years old, Myrna was not only smart and capable, she was hungry for more. He could easily see her obtaining her Florida real estate license and becoming one of his agents. He recognized the drive; he had it himself.

Closing his office door behind him, Daniel walked over to the window and looked out over the bay. He’d always been driven to succeed, but it hadn’t been easy. Even though it appeared as if he came from rich parents, he’d been raised in a middle-class family. And once his parents had divorced, because of his father’s philandering ways, he’d been shuffled between two middle-income households.

Daniel grew up learning the business from his father, Kenneth Cobb, who had a small real estate company in Fort Lauderdale. He’d been required to man the phones during school breaks. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have gotten a chance to spend any time with his father, who, when he wasn’t working, was more concerned with the ladies than his only son.

Once he’d graduated from Nilson University with a degree in finance, he’d decided to open his own firm, except he would cater to a select niche of young, hip and most of all wealthy buyers and sellers. Cobb Luxury Real Estate was a frequent poster on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And thanks to meeting the illustrious Rollins family, a connection he’d made in college, the doors to the rich and famous had been opened to him. Too bad that connection had cost him the only woman he’d ever loved.

“Mr. Cobb,” his assistant, Mary’s voice echoed from his phone’s intercom. “The Archers are here to meet with you.”

“Tell them I’ll be with them in a moment.” Daniel stood up, straightening his tie and smoothing his designer suit even though nary a wrinkle could be found on it.

The Archers were new clients who had been referred to him by the Grants, a couple to whom he’d recently sold an amazing five-thousand-square-foot condo. He was grateful for the referral because the Archers’ price range was six to nine million dollars, which would mean a substantial commission for him.

Daniel swung open the doors and got started doing what he did best. Conquering the market.

* * *

Real estate agent Angela Trainor rolled her eyes as she watched her potential buyers, the Harrisons, nitpick the modern kitchen of an exclusive penthouse in Bal Harbour. Did they even know what a find this was? Homes like this rarely came on the market, and the fact that she’d found this for them should have been a feather in her cap. Instead they were finding anything that they could wrong with the luxurious condo.

“Do you see the handles on these kitchen cabinets?” Mrs. Harrison turned to her, and Angela immediately resumed her sales persona. “They’re ghastly.”

“Hardware is easily changeable to suit whatever design concept you desire,” Angela responded.

Mrs. Harrison shook her long straight black hair that hung down her back and fiddled with the diamond-studded bracelet on her thin wrist. The bracelet had to cost more than Angela made in a year! And that wasn’t the only expensive bauble she wore. The woman was draped in jewels, no doubt by her wealthy husband who appeared to be about thirty years her senior.

“I don’t know about this, darling,” Mrs. Harrison said, turning to her husband. “You know I want something move-in ready.”

“Move-in ready?” Mr. Harrison chuckled. “Julia, you know as soon as we purchase, you’ll be gung ho to have the entire space redesigned. I’m with Angela on this one. Surely the hardware is a little nuisance we can easily overcome?”

Angela moved in for the kill. “As you know, this neighborhood is considered the crème de la crème by Miami magazine.” She knew Mrs. Harrison was one of those women who cared about social standing among her peers. “And with the amenities like the twenty-four-hour concierge, gourmet market and state-of-the-art fitness center, you won’t find a place quite like this. Come, look at the view,” she said, motioning the couple toward the terrace so they could once again admire the panorama of Miami Beach.

“Give us a few minutes, Angela,” Mr. Harrison said.

Angela nodded and quietly left the terrace to give the couple privacy. With any luck, they’d agree to purchase the penthouse. Her stomach was in knots just thinking about the fifty-thousand-dollar commission that awaited her if the couple accepted the asking price.

She’d never sold a property as expensive as this one. With her earnings from this commission, she would be close enough to the amount she needed to buy her own luxury condo in a new building in Brickell near downtown. Meanwhile she was living modestly in a one-bedroom apartment in Coconut Grove.

The Brickell developer was known for its luxury appointments including gourmet kitchens and sumptuous master baths. Angela couldn’t wait to be the proud owner of one of the condos, which was what had prompted her move to Cobb. She’d known that selling $500,000 homes to middle-class clientele at the larger real estate firm where she’d worked for nearly three years wasn’t going to get her there. She needed the big commissions that she pulled down with Cobb Luxury Real Estate, and now she was finally moving in the right direction.

Of course she had to dress the part and had to upgrade her wardrobe to ensure that Daniel Cobb would take notice and consider her a good fit for his firm. He’d personally handpicked every agent who sold for him, and Angela had considered herself lucky when he’d agreed to hire her. He’d told her she needed some grooming and had vowed to take her under his wing. In the interim, Angela was trying her best to fit in.

Everyone in the office wore designer clothes, and Angela could be no different. She’d taken a portion from her savings and gotten a complete makeover. Her usual brown hair had been stylishly cut by a top hairstylist in Miami and highlighted with honey-blond streaks. She’d gotten a makeup lesson from an artist who worked on the rich and famous, and now Angela knew how to artfully do her makeup to make it appear as if she were barely wearing any.

Changing her clothes was easy, because Angela always had a love for fashion. She’d just had to raise the bar. And she had. She’d raided several designer boutiques until she now had a stylish array of suits, dresses, skirts and tops that bespoke her new role as a luxury real estate agent.

Today, to impress Mrs. Harrison, who would recognize a designer outfit a hundred feet away, Angela was wearing the latest Marc Jacobs dress along with a pair of Gucci sandals that had come on the market a month ago. The entire outfit had cost Angela a substantial chunk, but it would be worth it if she made this deal.

Suddenly the doors to the terrace slid open and the Harrisons walked in.

“Have you made a decision?”

“We’ll take it,” Mr. Harrison replied.

And just like that, all of Angela’s dreams for her future started to come true.

* * *

Daniel watched Angela Trainor drift past his line of vision. New to his office, she was under his tutelage and coming along rather nicely. He’d handed a plum client like the Harrisons over to her with faith that she could seal the deal. He hoped he hadn’t missed the mark.

Angela knocked on his door even though it was open and poked her head inside. “Are you busy? If so, I can come back another time.”

“No, c’mon in.” He motioned her forward.

As she approached, Daniel couldn’t help but admit she was a fine-looking woman, but then again he only hired the best. He had an image to protect. That’s not to say that he couldn’t appreciate a thing of beauty from a distance. And he certainly appreciated Angela.

She wore an elegant sheath that hugged all her curves, and her shoes were high enough to do wonders for her long, toned legs. Then there were her smooth tawny-colored skin, honey-blond hair that looked like it had been kissed by the sun and those lips that had Daniel thinking thoughts he shouldn’t.

He blinked rapidly, refocusing. “So? How’d it go?”

A large grin spread across her full lips, showing even white teeth. “Slam dunk,” she replied. “The Harrisons want to make an offer on the penthouse. I’m putting together a comparative market analysis so we can negotiate the price.”

“Excellent,” Daniel said. “I knew I made the right decision in hiring you.”

To some, he’d taken a risk. On paper, Angela Trainor was relatively green. With only one year of college and a varied work history, Angela might appear flighty to some. But since obtaining her Florida real estate associate’s license a few years ago, it seemed as though she’d found her calling. She was just the breath of fresh air he needed to ensure the firm stayed relevant.

“Was there ever any doubt?” she asked boldly.

He liked her confidence and tenacity. She would need it in this business. “Don’t get too cocky. This is only your third high-value sale.”

“But it won’t be my last.”

“Ambition is good,” Daniel returned. “You’ll need it because this business can be rather cutthroat, dog-eat-dog, if you know what I mean.”

“I do. This isn’t my first rodeo, Daniel,” Angela responded. “Working at one of the largest firms in the country taught me that I’ll have to make my own luck.”

“Good to hear,” Daniel said. “Now you just have to seal the deal and get to closing.” He knew that just because an offer had been made didn’t mean the sale was a foregone conclusion. Deals could fall apart before closing. Not that it ever happened to him. Daniel took every precaution to ensure that it didn’t.

“Of course.”

“Speaking of deals, I’ve recently signed a new client, a developer that has tasked me with selling out the eighty condos in his building in downtown Miami.”

Angela’s eyes grew large. “Sounds amazing.”

“It is, but it’s a challenge. The lower-end condos go for a thousand a square foot, and the penthouse is fifteen hundred a square foot.”

“Well, if anyone can do it, you can.”

Daniel appreciated her ego boost. “Thank you, but praise is not the reason I’m mentioning it.”

“No?” She quirked a brow and he couldn’t resist returning with a grin.

“I want you to work on the project with me.”

“You do?” Astonishment was evident in her voice.

“Why do you think I plucked you away from that other firm? It was to give you the opportunity to grow and to learn under my tutelage.”

“I’m ready for whatever you want to offer me.” She blushed as soon as she said the words, no doubt because he could certainly take it to mean something other than work. Something like what he could offer her in the bedroom.

Where had that thought come from?

It was his cardinal rule to never date any woman in the workplace. Angela would be no different. He didn’t mix business with pleasure.

He banished the thought and finally replied, “I’m sure you are.” Then he walked over to his desk, procured a folder and handed it to her. “Read this. It’ll fill you in on the development. Let’s plan on putting our heads together on a marketing strategy tomorrow after you’ve had time to digest it.”

Angela nodded and walked toward the door. “And, Daniel?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for the opportunity.”

* * *

When Angela returned to her desk, she was still on cloud nine despite Daniel Cobb’s stern warning not to get overly confident. This was her biggest sale and a chance to impress him.

Over the last six months Angela had watched every move Daniel made. Though he was charming and suave on the outside, she knew he was cutthroat on the inside. He couldn’t have gotten to the top without being a little ruthless. She’d seen him pulverize buyers’ and sellers’ agents alike to get what he wanted. That’s why he was a transactional broker. He worked as a facilitator between the buyer and seller to close the transaction. He didn’t owe either party his undivided loyalty. Nonetheless, she’d seen him use the utmost skill, care and diligence in all his transactions, dealing honestly and fairly with all the clients he represented.

He was recently featured in Miami magazine as an industry star. Everyone knew who Daniel was, including lots of women. Since she’d arrived six months ago, Angela had seen lots of wannabes sashay into Cobb’s offices trying to meet Daniel or have him show them property personally. She was sure most of them were either in the market to be a Mrs. or looking for a good time, and Daniel certainly fit the bill.

Angela tried not to notice how handsome Daniel was, but she’d failed miserably. Not only was he irrepressibly charming, but he had killer features: chiseled cheekbones, a broad nose, a strong chin and sumptuously full lips. And those eyes...

His eyes dared any woman to look into them and not get burned by their dark brown intensity. Angela always made sure not to stare too closely at him for fear she’d get tangled in the web of attraction like so many women before her.

And then there was the body. She was sure there was a vast expanse of steel-toned chest, rock-hard abs and powerful thighs underneath those designer suits he wore. They were enough to make any woman’s knees wobbly at the prospect of a passionate encounter with the man. Angela shook her head. She mustn’t think that way.

Daniel was her boss and he would remain only her boss, even if he was wearing the heck out of a Tom James suit.

“Angela.” Myrna snapped her out of her musings.

“Yes?”

“You interested in going to lunch? Daisy will cover me while we go out.”

“I just got back to the office,” Angela responded.

“C’mon,” Myrna pleaded, “I’ve been stuck in here all day and I need a break. I can’t wait until the day when I can get out of the office and start showing houses.”

“All right,” Angela conceded, and grabbed the Prada purse that was hanging over her chair. She tossed it over her shoulder and followed the statuesque blonde out of the office, uncaring that she had the attention of the owner of the establishment.

* * *

Once they were seated at an open-air bistro facing the bay and enjoying the warm day in early May, Myrna wasted no time getting to the real reason she’d asked Angela to lunch.

“You have to tell me your secret,” Myrna stated.

“What secret?”

“How you got Daniel to notice you,” Myrna said, sipping on her iced green tea. “I’ve been trying for months, but he just looks right through me as though I’m not there.”

Angela laughed. “As if that were possible.” Myrna was gorgeous and she knew it. Every man sitting outside was giving her sideways glances. Was she really so disturbed that Daniel wasn’t one of them?

“It is,” Myrna said, pushing her Asian salad around on her plate. “I want to be an agent same as you one day, but the state test is god-awful. I’ve failed twice.”

“I’ve heard it can be difficult,” Angela responded, though it hadn’t been for her. She’d passed on her initial try and never looked back. Why? Because she’d finally found what she wanted to do in life after floundering in endless jobs for close to a decade. A career that would showcase her brain for business.

“You have no idea,” Myrna said. “And when I finally pass, I want Daniel to give me a shot, a real shot at working for him. To see me as something more than just a pretty face to wow clients when they walk through the door.”

“Do you really think that’s why he hired you?”

“C’mon, Angela,” Myrna stated, reaching for her bottle of Evian water. She unscrewed the top and drank liberally. “We both know my looks got me the job. But they won’t get me my dream job. You’re so lucky.”

“Yeah, I guess I am,” Angela replied. “But it wasn’t always this way.”

“What do you mean?”

Angela wasn’t about to share her story with Myrna, who was known to gossip in the office. She couldn’t tell her that her parents, both academics, saw Angela as a disappointment because she wasn’t more like her sister, Denise, who was working on her PhD. “I mean that sometimes you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.”

“Is that what you did?” Myrna snorted. “Yet somehow you caught Daniel’s eye.”

“Not in the way that you mean,” Angela said. “He has a new project that he wants me to work on with him.”

“And is that all he wants you to work on?”

Angela raised a brow. “What are you talking about?”

“C’mon, you must know Daniel Cobb has a reputation. He’s quite the ladies’ man, or so I’ve heard.”

“And from whom have you heard that?” Angela queried.

Myrna shrugged. “Around. People talk. And word on the street is that Daniel has an aversion to commitment. So all I’m saying is that I hope this venture is on the up-and-up and that you need to be on your guard. A man as suave and charming as Daniel Cobb just might sneak up on you.”

Angela sat back in her seat. She highly doubted that. She had her eye on the prize. Getting out of her small yet expensive apartment and into one of the luxurious condos she’d set her sights on two years ago when she’d begun saving. And no man, including Daniel Cobb, was going to get her off her game.


Chapter 2 (#u944d82b8-863f-502e-a76f-1011129c0662)

Daniel eased his red Ferrari up to the valet station outside a fifty-five-story tower in Brickell, Miami’s financial district, the following day.

A valet greeted him, relieving him of his keys, and Daniel strode inside the formidable tower to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor, where he was set to attend the monthly meeting for Prescott George.

Seven years ago, he’d been invited to join the illustrious men’s club by the president, Ashton Rollins. In the seventy-five-year history of the organization, no one actually called it Prescott George. They all referred to it as the Millionaire Moguls Club. Why? Because anyone who was anyone knew that the discreet and powerful club only invited old money and a handful of the nouveau riche to join them. That’s not to say the Millionaire Moguls didn’t give back.

Their motto was From Generation to Generation, Lifting Each Other Up. The club regularly gave college scholarships to needy students and funding to inner-city organizations. It’s why Daniel was here today. They were settling on the charity organization that would be the beneficiary of Prescott George’s upcoming annual fund-raising gala.

As he stood in the elevator, Daniel was sure there were going to be fireworks in today’s meeting between Joshua DeLong, the charity outreach and public relations chair, and Ashton. The two men were like oil and water; they didn’t mix. They had numerous differences, not the least of which was the source of their fortunes, and in that regard Daniel compared himself, as well. Ashton was a rich kid who’d been born into money, unlike Daniel, who’d earned his, and Joshua, who, rumor had it, had stolen his fortune. As a corporate raider, Joshua had a way of taking what he wanted, regardless of if it was from the misfortune of others. Still, he was a likable guy with loads of charisma.

And then there was Ashton.

Daniel wasn’t Ashton’s biggest fan, either, but his animosity went deeper, much deeper, and further back into their shared history.

The ding of the elevator indicated they’d reached the top level and Daniel exited. The doors opened into an old boys’ club. Or at least that’s how Daniel saw it. The wood-paneled walls and leather furniture were certainly of a bygone era and could use some updating. Daniel’s mission was to change that.

A beautifully stunning chocolate sister was at the mahogany receptionist desk and greeted him. “Good afternoon, Mr. Cobb. The meeting hasn’t yet convened in the conference room.” She nodded her head toward the corridor where the rest of the club was gathered.

“Thank you, Tiffany.”

“Can I get you anything to drink? A scotch, perhaps?”

Daniel never drank during the day. He liked to keep a cool head. “No, thank you.” As he strode down the corridor to the conference room, he noted the prominent portraits of George Rollins and Prescott Owens, the club founders, that lined the walls. Daniel was certain that was one of the reasons Joshua disliked Ashton—because he hadn’t earned his title of president. He’d inherited it from his grandfather George and his father, Alexander Rollins.

According to the history books, only a member of the Rollins or Owens families had ever served as its leader. And the old-timers were committed to keeping things that way. But Daniel and Joshua were new-school, nouveau riche and ready to bring the Millionaire Moguls into the twenty-first century.

And the Millionaire Moguls Club would do so kicking and screaming.

Daniel arrived at the conference room to find nearly everyone there. Ashton was at the head of the long rectangular table, and Joshua flanked him on his left, refusing to budge. Daniel smiled. He was sure Ashton would love some breathing room from his nemesis. Daniel took a seat, flanking Ashton to his right.

Comparatively, Ashton and Joshua couldn’t look any more different. Ashton appeared every bit the preppy in his Ralph Lauren suit and classic striped tie, while Joshua wore a navy blazer over a white T-shirt and dark jeans. Daniel knew Ashton hated when members didn’t look the part, and he suspected Joshua dressed intentionally to get under Ashton’s skin.

Ashton used his gavel to bring the meeting to order. Surprisingly, it went much smoother than Daniel had expected. They discussed old business, one item of which was Daniel’s. As chair for the anniversary gala it was his job to ensure that finances were in order for the event. Then there was new business. For once, the board members were all in agreement that this year’s beneficiary would be The Aunt Penny Foundation, especially after Joshua’s compelling pitch on its behalf.

And on cue, Joshua couldn’t resist ruffling feathers before the meeting concluded. “I think we should give some thought as to how we capitalize on this for the club—you know, get a little name recognition.”

“Of course you would want to capitalize on another person’s misfortune,” Ashton replied.

Joshua glared at him sideways with those piercing blue eyes. Daniel suspected that with his curly fro, Joshua was of mixed race, but had never asked. “Perhaps capitalizing was the wrong word choice. But we need to take advantage of the positive press this could bring the Millionaire Moguls.”

Ashton pointed his finger at him. “First off, we’re called Prescott George,” he responded. “Second, we keep our charity activities private. We don’t give so we can get recognized for it.”

“I agree with Ashton,” another board member concurred. He was well into his fifties and of the old regime, who were staunchly against change. “We don’t give to get praised.”

“I’m with Ashton,” another member said. “It seems awfully disingenuous.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. Of course they all agreed, because no one wanted to go up against a Rollins. The Rollins family was well-established not only in their organization, but in the community. They were a Miami institution.

“Even if our efforts could help bring more donations to The Aunt Penny Foundation?” Joshua inquired. “Wouldn’t it be worth it?”

“Let’s table this discussion for another time,” Ashton said, effectively ending any further conversation on the matter. Because that’s what Ashton did. He was used to getting his way, as his father and his father’s father before him.

Daniel was tired of it, and as he glanced at Joshua, he recognized that he was, too. It was just a matter of time before the tensions between the two warring factions of old-timers and new blood came to a head.

* * *

Later that afternoon, Angela waited for Daniel’s return from his monthly meeting. She’d heard he was a member of the illustrious Millionaire Moguls, and she wasn’t surprised. According to Miami magazine, his net worth was upward of ten million, and with his flashy digs in Key Biscayne and his sporty Ferrari, she was sure he fit right in with the rich men of Miami.

She wanted to be just like him. And didn’t they say that imitation was the sincerest form of flattery? She didn’t need to be quite as flashy as Daniel, but she certainly wanted the freedom that came with being independently wealthy. And if she played her cards right, rubbing shoulders with Daniel Cobb just might do it for her.

As if his ears were burning, Daniel strode into the office with equal parts style and arrogance. She watched him check in with Myrna before glancing in her direction. He walked toward her desk purposefully.

“Did you have time to read the prospectus?”

“Yes—” She didn’t get another word in because he cut her off.

“Let’s go. We’re meeting the developer in thirty minutes, and with Miami traffic it’s going to be close.”

Angela quickly glanced around for her portfolio and purse, flustered as Daniel stared down at his Piaget watch, looking annoyed with her fumbling.

“Ticktock, Angela.”

Finding her portfolio underneath a pile of papers, she quickly grabbed it, tossed her purse over her shoulder and followed him out of the office. She gave Myrna a quick wave as they exited.

“Not much notice,” Angela replied.

Daniel turned to give her a sideward glance. “If you’re expecting our wealthy, overly indulged clients to care one iota about your time, then you’re in the wrong business.”

The elevator chimed, signaling its arrival. The cab was crowded, but with no time to spare they stepped inside. There was hardly any room so Angela’s backside was pressed against the hard wall of Daniel’s body. She was extremely uncomfortable with the close proximity and hated that the arresting scent of his cologne filled her senses.

Why did the man have to smell so good?

When one of the occupants from the rear came forward to get off at a lower floor, jostling her, Daniel’s muscled arm instantly reached out and circled her middle, preventing her from falling. Angela’s breath hitched in her throat at the contact. It was a shock to have Daniel’s hands anywhere on her body. When she righted herself, she glanced behind her.

“Th-thank you.”

He grinned as if he knew the devastating effect he had on women, including her. “You’re welcome.”

Angela was thankful when they arrived at the VIP level of the building’s garage and disembarked without incident. She followed Daniel to his Ferrari. It was gleaming and shiny and looked like just the kind of toy a playboy like Daniel would drive.

“Buckle up. We need to get to our destination in a hurry,” Daniel said as she tried to get into the low-slung car as femininely as possible.

Seconds later, all Angela heard was the screeching of the tires as he sped out of the parking space and zoomed out of the garage.

They arrived at their appointment with minutes to spare. Daniel quickly exited the car, then came around to open her car door and offer her a hand.

She slid hers inside his and noted how warm his hands felt. Would they feel that way on my body? Yikes, when had she gone down this path of thinking of Daniel as a man instead of her boss? Myrna. She was going to have to stop listening to the blonde’s flights of fancy.

They walked side by side into the building, but again Daniel was ever the gentleman, opening the glass door for her. He led her to the sales office that was next to the entrance. It was light and airy with lots of natural sunlight and bright colors, and it held a scale model of what the building and amenities would look like, including a rooftop deck, a fitness center with a sauna and even a Starbucks.

“Daniel! There you are.” A dark-haired Latino man rushed toward him. Similar to Daniel, he was stylishly dressed in a designer suit, and it was clear he had a good barber, because there wasn’t a hair out of place.

“Eduardo.” Daniel extended his hand. “Good to see you.”

Eduardo eyed Angela at his side. “And who did you bring with you? A buyer perhaps for my amazing condo?”

Angela smiled. She was glad she was wearing Dolce & Gabbana today and looked like she could afford to buy a place like this.

Daniel gave her a cursory glance. “Afraid not. Eduardo Torres, meet Angela Trainor, one of my agents I’m mentoring. Angela will be working with me on this project.”

Eduardo gave him a grin. “I can see why.” He eyed Angela from her stilettos to her face. “Eye candy will be good for business.”

Angela opened her mouth to tell Mr. Eduardo Torres a thing or two, but Daniel shook his head.

“Come, let’s talk.” Daniel placed his massive hand on Eduardo’s narrow shoulders and started walking toward the table that had the model of the building.

Angela had no choice but to follow behind them. She didn’t like how Eduardo made her feel, as if she were irrelevant and only there for show. She was a darn good real estate agent and getting better every day. She would have to assert herself so he saw her as something other than a pretty face.

“When are you going to have the marketing campaign ready?” Eduardo inquired. “It’s important that the project make a splash on the market and we maybe get some offers at the launch party.”

“Relax, Eduardo,” Daniel said in a soft tone to calm the highly charged man. “This isn’t my first rodeo.” He used Angela’s turn of phrase from earlier. “I’ve steered several projects toward full occupancy before the buildings were built.”

“But none of this size,” Eduardo responded quickly. “This building will have eighty units. That’s a lot to sell in eighteen months.”

“And I—correction, we—” Daniel glanced over at Angela and despite herself, her heart fluttered in her chest “—will sell out these units. You’ve come to the right firm, Eduardo. You just have to give us time to come up with the right plan to market to these hip millennials. Trust me, we’ll have this place filled in no time.”

After Eduardo departed, leaving them alone in the sales office, Daniel turned to her. “This project is a big deal for Cobb Luxury Real Estate.”

“And you’re going to do great,” Angela commented. “I mean, we’re going to do great.”

“You say that like you mean it.”

Angela’s brow furrowed. “I do mean it. I came here because of your reputation. Everyone’s talking about you, Daniel. They know you have your pulse on the real estate market in South Florida. Everyone wants to emulate you, be you.”

Daniel stood back and regarded her. “Including you?”

Angela locked eyes with his. “Of course. I would imagine you get a thrill out of having all of us lowly peons looking up to the great Daniel Cobb for advice and guidance.”

Daniel chuckled. “It’s not always easy being at the top. There’s a long fall to the bottom.”

“Ah, but you’re one of the Millionaire Moguls,” Angela responded. “With their backing behind you, I’m sure the members alone could buy up this place in a heartbeat.”

“So you’ve heard of us?” There was a smile in his voice.

“Who in Miami hasn’t? You’re synonymous with wealth and tradition.”

Daniel pointed his finger. “See, that’s the image I no longer want for the organization. It’s time to bring them forward to the new millennium.”

“And you’re just the man to do that?”

“One of them,” Daniel said. “Speaking of the Millionaire Moguls, I’d like you to join me for a dinner we’re having on Friday night.”

Angela cleared her throat. Had she heard him correctly? Was he asking her out? “Join you?”

“Yes,” Daniel replied, “I think it would be great for you to meet some of the influential members of the organization. Could be potential clients for you. What do you say?”

There was no way she was turning down an invitation to rub elbows with the rich and famous. She gave him her most dazzling smile. “Count me in.”

* * *

Why in the hell had he just asked Angela to join him at the Millionaire Moguls monthly dinner? It was usually reserved for members and their spouses or significant others, of which Angela was neither. Yet there was something about her that Daniel liked. She was smart and confident and spoke her mind. He liked that in a woman. Not to mention the fact that she was hot as hell.

Of course, he had no intention of going there with Angela. He was just curious to learn more about her. It had been a while since a woman had piqued his interest. Made him want to see what was under the hood rather than just admiring the package. And Lord knew, Angela was one helluva package.

Take today for instance. She’d shown poise and professionalism when Eduardo treated her disrespectfully by speaking solely to Daniel even though he’d told the Cuban that Angela would work on the project with him. Instead of reacting, she’d quietly stood by and when the moment was right, she’d interjected herself into the conversation with pointed information on the Miami market. Slowly, he’d seen Eduardo warm up to the notion that this beautiful woman had a head on her shoulders.

He, too, had admired the authority with which she spoke. It’s why he’d uncharacteristically asked out an employee, something he never did. But she didn’t need to know that. All she would think was that he was her mentor and showing her the ropes.

“Excellent,” Daniel commented on her acceptance of his offer. “I’ll swing by and pick you up at your place.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’ll just meet you at the office.”

He frowned. Even though she was his employee, he always liked to escort his women home. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” Angela smiled at him.

* * *

Once Angela made it to her apartment in Coconut Grove that evening, she kicked off her shoes at the door and plopped herself on the microsuede sofa. It had been a long day, made even longer by the fact that she’d been wearing four-inch heels. Lying back, Angela rubbed her aching feet and thought about her day.

She was thrilled that Daniel had finally taken her under his wing to assist him with selling this new development. She’d been waiting for the opportunity when she could show him that he hadn’t made a mistake in hiring her.

What she hadn’t been expecting was Daniel to ask her out. Oh sure, he disguised it as a business dinner, saying she was merely joining him at an event for an organization he was active in and it would broaden her contacts. But from all angles that she could see, it was a date. She would be his companion for the evening, when she was sure other men would be bringing their spouses or partners.

Should she be concerned that they were mixing work and pleasure? Angela didn’t think so, nor did she care. She wanted the chance to meet other affluent men and their wives who might need a real estate agent. If she played her cards right, the business that might come her way would be worth the time spent with Daniel.

Not that it would be a hardship to be his date for the evening. Daniel was a fine specimen. He was the type of man a woman could easily get addicted to if she let herself. But romance wasn’t on Angela’s agenda. Or so she told herself. She needed to wow. To impress.

Rising from the sofa, she knew just the outfit she’d wear.

It was a sleek one-shoulder black cocktail dress with a crossover skirt that gave a hint of side slit without being too revealing. She would pair it with some classic peep-toe black pumps and wear her hair in a loose chignon. She would be stylish and sophisticated and would fit in with the other women come Friday night.


Chapter 3 (#u944d82b8-863f-502e-a76f-1011129c0662)

On Friday evening, Daniel ventured upstairs to his office, opting to check a few emails while he waited for Angela. Although he liked to play hard and made time for extracurricular activities, he was a notorious workaholic. Plus, he was trying his best to not think of tonight as a date.

But as soon as he glanced up and saw Angela standing in the doorway, he knew he’d made a grave miscalculation. He was transfixed, staring at her with open admiration.

Tall and sleek, Angela looked radiant. Slightly tousled hair. Flawless skin with just a touch of blush. Warm brown eyes. Perfectly arched eyebrows. She was a vision in a black dress with one silky shoulder exposed to his view, along with a long expanse of leg that led to spiky heeled sandals.

He swallowed. “You clean up nice,” he managed to say, trying to find his footing in the situation.

Her brow furrowed. “Uh, thanks.”

Had she been expecting a different reaction? If he wasn’t her employer, he would have responded differently, but tonight he had to remember his hands-off policy when it came to employees.

But Angela was going to make that policy hard to follow.

He rose from his chair. “Ready to go?”

She motioned him forward. “Lead the way.”

Daniel walked toward her, and when he did he caught a hint of raspberry and...was that vanilla? The scent was fun and flirty and he couldn’t resist smiling. Or appreciating all her curves now that he was mere inches away from her.

“You look pretty good yourself,” she commented.

“Uh, thanks,” he said, mimicking her earlier response. He offered her his arm, which Angela accepted, and they headed for the elevator. He’d arranged for a driver to take them to the restaurant.

During the ride over, he hazarded a glance in Angela’s direction and caught sight of several inches of thigh, thanks to the way she’d positioned herself in the vehicle. He immediately turned his attention to the window to stare outside, reprimanding himself for looking at Angela like a beautiful woman.

Blessedly, the ride from Cobb’s offices to the restaurant was quick. Daniel didn’t have to worry what would happen if he touched her, because the valet was there to help her out of the car. He was thankful because despite the fact that they’d maintained a polite conversation on the ride, he found himself on edge. Daniel exited and joined Angela, leading her toward the private rooms the Millionaire Moguls had procured for the evening.

“Daniel.” Tyson Williams, another member, caught them outside the dining room. “And who is this lovely lady you’ve brought with you this evening?”

Before he could answer, Angela offered her hand. “Angela, Angela Trainor,” she responded. “Daniel and I work together at Cobb Luxury Real Estate.” She glanced at Daniel, giving him an arresting smile that was like a punch in his gut. Why was he having such a visceral physical response to this woman?

“Really, Cobb? You couldn’t find a date, so you asked out one of your own people?”

Daniel snorted. “Watch it, Tyson. Otherwise, I’ll beat you in another game of racquetball and have you wishing I’d shown you mercy.”

Tyson pointed at Daniel. “See this guy?” he asked Angela. “If I were you I’d be careful.”

* * *

Angela was well aware that she had to be extremely careful around Daniel, because he looked downright dangerous tonight. The man was every bit as dangerously sleek as a powerful panther.

When she’d arrived at the office to meet him earlier, she hadn’t been surprised to find him hunched over his computer tapping away at the keys. She had, however, been surprised at how attractive she’d found him as he’d walked toward her. His movements might have been smooth and relaxed, but there was an inherent strength and power in Daniel that Angela recognized and responded to.

She’d sucked in a deep breath when he’d slid past her in the doorway of his office, and all she’d been able to manage was, “You look pretty good yourself.”

Totally unoriginal.

But then again, who could blame her? She’d been face-to-face with the man, able to see all his features from his dark eyes to his extremely appealing mouth.

“Angela.” His smooth voice snagged her attention from her reverie and she looked at him beside her. He motioned her into a room that was already full of people. She estimated at least a dozen tables had been arranged for dinner. Angela instantly recognized several men, including the mayor and a city council member. “Come, I’d like to introduce you around.”

Daniel introduced her first to Ashton Rollins, the president of Prescott George. Angela wasn’t surprised a Rollins led the organization. They were well established in the community and had been for years. The Rollins estate on Fisher Island was even mentioned in the tour she’d taken when she decided to move here.

Surprisingly Ashton came alone.

Angela was shocked that some socialite hadn’t snagged a catch like him. She, however, wasn’t interested. Despite the appeal of his millions, he was a little too stiff for Angela’s taste. He wore a classic suit and silver tie, and didn’t have Daniel’s same pizzazz or style.

To her delight, Daniel introduced her to the governor and his wife, along with a few other affluent members of the community, before he eventually went off to talk to several of his friends, leaving Angela to fend for herself. She opted for a glass of wine and was standing in line at the open bar when a wife she’d encountered earlier commented from behind her.

“And how did you manage to land a playboy like Daniel?” the woman inquired.

Angela spun around. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, do tell,” the woman gushed. “It can’t have been easy gaining Daniel Cobb’s attention. Several of us—” she motioned to a group of at least half a dozen women who were gathered in a semicircle a short distance away “—have been trying to set him up for years with our girlfriends and have never been successful. What’s your secret?”

Of course they would assume she was his girlfriend, because that’s who wealthy men brought as their dinner dates to events such as these. But Angela had to clear the air. She didn’t want to be disingenuous. “Daniel and I aren’t dating.”

The woman touched her chest. “You aren’t?”

“No, we’re colleagues at his real estate firm.”

“So you’re single?”

The way she said it made Angela feel like it was a dirty word among these women.

“I had no idea,” the woman muttered and quickly rushed off to speak with the other women in the group.

“Ma’am, what would you like?” the bartender inquired. It was Angela’s turn to order.

“Chardonnay, please.”

Angela glanced toward the group of women and several of them were either outright glaring at her or giving her the stink eye. Was it really so horrible that she was single? What did they think she was going to do? Go after one of their husbands?

She was not interested in being anyone’s side piece. For her, it was all or nothing.

* * *

“Who’s the vixen you brought with you?” Joshua DeLong asked Daniel when he finally escaped a torturous conversation with an older member of the organization.

Daniel raised a brow. “Vixen?” He didn’t like Joshua’s word choice, but at least his friend had deigned to dress appropriately for the evening in trousers and a suit jacket sans tie. But then again, had Daniel ever seen Joshua in a tie?

“Yeah,” Joshua said from his side. “She’s pretty hot and all the women here are green with envy. Look around.” He inclined his head to two distinctive groups of women that were staring at Angela as if she were a leopard about to steal their young.

But Daniel wasn’t worried. “She can handle herself. I wouldn’t have brought her to Cobb Luxury Real Estate if I thought some insecure socialites could get the better of her.”

“It’s like that, huh?”

“Yeah, she has some skills. Skills that just need some refinement.”

“And you’re just the man to do that?” Joshua queried.

“Get your head out of the gutter, my friend,” Daniel said. “Angela’s my employee, nothing more.” And with that, he moved in her direction.

But before he could make it there, Angela had already headed to one group of women who were giving her the evil eye. She didn’t seem in the least bit put off by their less-than-receptive greeting. He thought about going over to save her, but instead stood back and watched.

Five minutes later, Angela had the women laughing and talking and pretty much eating out of her hand. She’d handled their animosity and their concern that she might be a threat to any one of their marriages with gracefulness.

Daniel was proud not only to have her on his staff, but to have her on his arm tonight.

He walked toward them. “Ladies,” he said as he inclined his head toward the women. “Mind if I steal her away?”

“Certainly.” One of the other wives beamed at him.

Once they were away from the group, Daniel whispered in her ear. “You handled that marvelously.”

She gave him an incredulous look. “Did you doubt that I would?”

Daniel shook his head. “Not at all. You know how to handle people.”

“I do,” she replied. “You included.”

* * *

Angela didn’t know what made her say it, but she’d definitely been flirting. She’d let Daniel know in no uncertain terms that she could take him on any time of day. But was she really ready to do that? Theirs was a working relationship that tonight had crossed the line. Would there be any going back?

Since the dinner was about to begin and everyone was finding a seat, they did the same. Daniel and Angela sat at a table with eight other people. She hadn’t met the man immediately to her right and Daniel wasted no time introducing them.

“Angela, I’d like you to meet my good friend, Joshua DeLong. Joshua is a relatively new member to Prescott George.”

“Nice to meet you, Joshua.” Angela offered her hand, which Joshua pumped enthusiastically while looking her straight in the eye. She liked him and those blue eyes of his immediately.

Joshua DeLong was certainly the heartbreaker type with those baby blues, but at least he hadn’t sized her up like he wanted to take her to bed like some of the married men had tonight. A few wives had a right to be worried. If the wrong single woman had been here tonight and not Angela, there might have been some deals made that had nothing to do with business.

“Joshua is our charity outreach and public relations chair,” Daniel said.

“And what does that entail?” Angela inquired.

“Are you familiar with Prescott George?” Joshua asked.

“I am.”

“Every year we support a deserving foundation or charity, and they benefit from our fund-raising proceeds.”

“That’s wonderful,” Angela responded. “Do you already have this year’s recipient in mind?”

Her enthusiastic response to the project caused Joshua to smile. “Sure do. Ever heard of The Aunt Penny Foundation?”

“No, tell me about it.”

“The Aunt Penny Foundation provides mentoring and counseling to high school seniors who are in need of assistance. I’ll be meeting with their representative shortly to go over the details.”

“Sounds like an excellent organization to support,” Angela said.

Joshua jabbed his thumb in Daniel’s direction. “I like this girl. She’s a keeper.”

* * *

That’s exactly how Daniel felt. Even more so as the evening progressed. Since Angela had been at the firm, they’d rarely discussed anything personal. And with his laser focus on work, he hadn’t given her much thought other than recognizing she was a beautiful woman.

But tonight, it was like he was seeing her for the first time.

Throughout the four-course dinner, Daniel and Angela had their heads together in private conversation.

“So you’re from here?”

“No,” Angela replied, “my folks live here. My father, Eric Trainor, is a professor at University of Miami.”

“And your mother?”

“Ella, she’s a high school principal. And my sister, Denise, is in graduate school studying for her PhD in education. So as you can see, all the members of my family are academics. My parents wish I’d be more like my sister. They find it hard to believe that I can make a living being a real estate agent given my history.”

“Do tell,” Daniel said, leaning in closer.

Angela turned to face him. Sitting so close to Daniel, she could smell just a hint of his aftershave and it filled her senses. Daniel was impossible to ignore. He was the kind of man who drew attention, and that’s exactly what he was doing to her this very moment. She normally didn’t speak about her family to anyone, but tonight she was being more open than she had been in a long time.

“I’m sure I’m not the first teenager to want to take off for parts unknown, see the world.” She shrugged and reached for her wineglass, which somehow was refilled every time she sat it down.

She took a sip.

“Your parents didn’t approve?”

She shook her head. “No, they thought I should stay in college, but I wanted to live a little, see the world. And I did. I ended up bumming around Europe for a couple of years, working odd jobs, until finally coming back to the States.”

“But you didn’t ever go back to school?”

“No. I’d already seen what it was like to live on my own and didn’t want the regimented lifestyle that being in college required. And so I went from one job to the next, until I worked as a receptionist at a real estate agency.”

“Same as Myrna.”

“Indeed. I learned a lot and realized that I had what it took and I could make the same sort of commissions I helped the broker and agents make. So I signed up for real estate class immediately. Passed the state test on my first try because I think I was finally passionate about something other than men, clothes and shoes.”

A smile creased his face. “Are you a shopaholic?”

Angela held up her hand. “Guilty as charged, and I have the closet bursting at the seams to prove it. But I’ve since calmed down because there are some goals I want to achieve.”

Daniel leaned back. “Talk to me about them. What are your long-term plans?”

Angela beamed. “To not only become a successful agent, but to one day open my own agency, same as you.”

“Quite lofty goals.”

“But not impossible ones,” Angela responded quickly.

“You’re stuck in the twentieth century!” A loud voice boomed through the room, interrupting their conversation.

Daniel knew the owner of that voice.

Joshua.

He glanced behind him and saw that Joshua had indeed left the table. And Daniel didn’t need to guess who he was yelling at.

Ashton.

Daniel wiped his mouth with the napkin from his lap. “Excuse me for just a moment,” he said, and quickly left the private dining area.

He found Joshua and Ashton both standing outside the open doors. “Do you have any idea that everyone can hear you?” Daniel snapped, closing the double doors behind him.

“I’m trying to explain to this dinosaur that he’s stuck in the Stone Age,” Joshua replied. “We need to be capitalizing on all the positive press that a social media blitz and good press could do for The Aunt Penny Foundation. Hell, for us, too, but he refuses to see it.” Joshua paced back and forth as he ranted.

“There is no such thing as good publicity,” Ashton replied, calmly. “Not in this day and age. Are you so blinded by your animosity toward me that you can’t see that? Prescott George is about lifting people up. All the press knows how to do is bring people down. Furthermore, now isn’t the time to be discussing this.”

“You have to know how to spin publicity,” Joshua replied, “which clearly you don’t but I do. I’m a master puppeteer at getting the press to report exactly what I want them to.”

“Like the fact that you steal other people’s money?” Ashton said. “Did you give them that tidbit, too?”

Joshua steamed beside him and Daniel thought he might deck Ashton, but instead he turned to Daniel. “Tell him.” He pointed to Ashton. “Tell him I’m right.”

Both pairs of eyes turned to Daniel. He hated that Joshua was putting him on the spot like this.

“I think both of you are upset right now and need to let cooler heads prevail,” Daniel returned. “Ashton is right. Now isn’t the right time to discuss this.” He watched a smirk cross Ashton’s face. “But I think Joshua’s suggestion merits further discussion.”

“You’re agreeing with him?” Ashton wasn’t happy that Daniel wasn’t taking his side. It was clear that Ashton was not a fan of Joshua’s. Daniel had long since suspected that he thought Joshua was an interloper who’d smooth-talked his way into the organization. It certainly had been one of the younger members who’d invited Joshua to join Prescott George. If Ashton had his way, Daniel was sure there would be only legacy members. But it was a new dawn and a new day, and Ashton was soon going to realize that Prescott George had to change with the times.

“I’m keeping the peace,” Daniel said. “As leaders of the organization, you both need to go back in that room and show them there is no friction.”

Ashton huffed, but opened the doors and walked back in while Joshua fumed outside.

“Why do you always try to play mediator?” he countered to Daniel. “Eventually you’ll have to choose sides. Mine or his.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “How about neither?” he responded, and turned on his heel and walked back into the room.

When he returned to the table, Angela asked, “Is everything okay?”

He nodded. “Yes, everything is fine. Just a difference of opinion. Sometimes we men get rather loud.”

But Daniel feared this wasn’t the end of Joshua’s beef with Ashton; he suspected that the stakes were about to get significantly higher.

* * *

His mind was elsewhere, Angela thought when Daniel returned to the table. She tried reengaging him in conversation, but it was clear that the night was over. She supposed she should be thankful that the electricity she’d been feeling earlier in the evening had cooled. She’d felt stirred by Daniel, and that would never do. He was her boss who’d asked her to accompany him to a business dinner. She mustn’t forget that.

As the evening came to a close, Angela and Daniel said their goodbyes, and shortly after they were seated back in the town car.

“Would you like us to drop you home?” he asked her.

“I left my car at the office, remember?”

“Oh, of course. I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I’ve been a bit distracted this evening.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not. It was incredibly rude of me. Allow me to make it up to you by following you home.”

“Follow me home?” Angela’s heart began hammering in her chest. “That’s not necessary. I’ve got it.”

They drifted into a comfortable silence until the driver eased the town car next to hers in the garage. Daniel requested he keep the engine idling and turned to face her. “I had a really good time tonight.”

“So did I. Thanks again.” Angela didn’t wait for his response and quickly opened the passenger door. She wasn’t sure what was going on between them, but she wasn’t sticking around to find out.

She was in her car within seconds and was about to pull out when she saw Daniel had rolled down the rear window and was motioning to her. Sighing, Angela lowered the window. “Yes?”

“I’m following you home.”

“I told you that’s not necessary. I’m a big girl.”

“You are, but I’d feel more comfortable, so we’re just going to follow behind you.”

Angela rolled her eyes. She didn’t want Daniel to see where she lived. Her apartment building was ordinary and certainly nothing like the luxury ones they sold. Now he would know that she was merely acting and dressing like she was one of them. He’d see she was a fraud. But she had no choice because he’d already raised his window.

When she arrived at her apartment building thirty minutes later, Daniel was still behind her in the town car. She sighed when he exited the vehicle and turned off the engine.

Oh Lord!

He came around to the driver’s side of her car and opened her door. She exited, but all she could do was stand there, holding on to the door. For what—support? Or to escape back inside so she wouldn’t be faced with the potent magnetism that exuded from Daniel’s every pore?

“You really didn’t have to do this,” she began, but he placed an index finger over her lips. Angela sucked in a deep breath at the light contact.

“I understand why you didn’t want me to come, Angela, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Daniel glanced up at the building. “Before my parents divorced, I grew up in a middle-class community. It was a far cry from where I live now.”

“Yeah, well, some of us can’t live as upscale as all that,” Angela responded.

“I know that. So be proud of who you are and where you come from.” He reached out and tucked a wayward curl behind her ear. Doing so brought his sensual mouth entirely too close to her own. “It’s made you who you are.”

She glanced up at him. And in that moment, she wanted him to kiss her. Oh, how she wanted it. She would instantly surrender if he tried.

Instead his hands moved from her hair to slide across her cheek. “Get inside safe and I’ll see you at the office on Monday. Nine o’clock sharp.”

All Angela could do was nod and walk with leaden feet to the door of her apartment building, feeling as if she’d been kissed even though he’d barely even touched her. And that could only mean one thing. Trouble.


Chapter 4 (#u944d82b8-863f-502e-a76f-1011129c0662)

On Monday Daniel was out of sorts. As much fun as he’d had with Angela on Friday, he wanted their return to the office to be business as usual, because he understood those parameters. However, that was hard to do because his mind kept wandering to how good Angela looked last night and how great she’d smelled when he’d been standing close to her after accompanying her home.

He’d wanted to kiss her. Badly.

His libido had even demanded it, straining in his trousers at just how fine the woman looked. And if he’d made just the slightest overture, turned on his signature charm, she could have been his.

But he hadn’t crossed the line.

If he went with his heart’s desire, which was to learn more about Angela, he risked problems at the office. But practicing restraint was a lot harder to do than preaching it, especially when Daniel had told Angela that he’d mentor her and that she could accompany him to high-level client meetings.

One of them was a new listing for an eight-bedroom, six-bath waterfront estate on Sunny Isles. The sellers were just the right mix of privileged wealth that Daniel knew Angela needed to be exposed to. In addition to co-brokering with him on the downtown Miami development, Angela would see in person what it would take to sell a large development from start to finish.

But he’d promised her he’d take her under his wing, and he was a man of his word.

* * *

After some off-site meetings, he returned to the office on Monday afternoon to pick up paperwork for his next appointment and made a beeline for Angela’s office. She waved him in, glancing up from her computer screen.

“Hey, there,” she said, “how are you? How’s your day been?”

Daniel was jolted by just how different Angela looked today. She was back to her usual work attire of a sleeveless fuchsia silk blouse tied at the neck and a black pencil skirt, but no less sexy than she’d been on Friday.

“Busy,” Daniel replied, “and about to get even busier. I have a listing appointment at four on Sunny Isles. Care to join me?”

“Sure, just give me a minute. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

A few minutes later, Daniel was leaning against the edge of the reception counter chatting with Myrna when Angela came toward him. He stood upright as she approached, desire instantly surging through him when he noticed her long, shapely legs emphasized by a pair of strappy heels. He willed the hard throb of his desire to disappear, but it didn’t. His attention was focused so entirely on her sleek body that he ignored Myrna. Instead, he headed swiftly to the door to open it and Angela slid right past him, allowing him to catch sight of her tight bottom as she walked ahead of him.

“So tell me about the estate and the seller,” Angela said when Daniel met her at the elevator bank just as the doors were opening. They both stepped inside, but when he opened his mouth to speak he realized just how close she was standing to him. His gaze traveled from the elegant line of her neck to the curve of her shoulders to the smooth, silky strands of hair that hung generously down her back. Angela had returned to the boundaries of their previous encounters, and that was just fine with him. He needed to get his head back on business.

He blinked rapidly and then finally answered her. “Well, it’s a seven-thousand-square-foot two-story home that sits on the water and has a private dock. Not to mention there’s a spa, a gym and a gorgeous infinity pool with a large outdoor entertaining area.”

She smiled. “Impressive. Have you determined a listing price?” Angela asked once he’d finished describing the house and they’d made it to the garage. This time she didn’t ask whether she should get in his sports car; she just slid in and buckled up.

“No, but I’m hoping to convince them that seven point five is the right price.” He roared the Ferrari to life and exited the garage.

“Are they thinking of more?”

Daniel nodded. “They would love eight million, but the comps in the market aren’t supporting it. So I’ll talk them off the ledge. They are motivated to sell and don’t want it to sit on the market.”

“Wise move.”

* * *

Angela did her best to keep the conversation focused on selling the Sunny Isles home, but it wasn’t easy. She hazarded a glance Daniel’s way when his eyes were on the road. He was dressed in a linen suit that was exquisitely cut and showed off the hard muscles she suspected were underneath it. She marveled at the size of his large masculine hands wrapped around the wheel. Sitting beside him right now, Angela was very aware of him.

She’d felt it Friday night, too. Felt the pull of desire between them, but had blown it off as the excitement of the evening. But now? Today? There was no excuse for the way she was feeling. Daniel was off-limits to her and she knew that. But that hadn’t stopped her mind from wondering what it would be like to feel his incredibly full lips on her.

Feel the heat of his skin.

Touch him all over.

Their short drive to Sunny Isles went faster than Angela expected, and she was happy to escape the confines of the sporty car. As she exited, Daniel was right there to grasp her hand.

“Thank you.” Angela managed to step out onto somewhat shaky legs. Because that’s exactly what Daniel’s touch did to her. It made her slightly weak in the knees.

They walked together to the impressive front door of the home and Daniel pressed the doorbell. An older woman with flaming red hair and a bright smile greeted them dressed in a colorful print tunic and flowing white pants.

“Daniel, darling,” she drawled with a hint of a Southern accent, “please come in.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Wilson,” Daniel replied as he stepped inside the foyer and Angela followed him. Once inside, he turned to her. “I’d like you to meet my associate Angela Trainor. She’ll be partnering with me on this listing.”

The woman’s brow rose. “Partner? I thought you would be representing us.”

“And I will be,” Daniel responded softly. “I’m mentoring Angela on larger listings such as yours. Let me assure you, you will have my expertise at the helm.”

A smile returned to her face and Angela tried not to be offended. She knew she wasn’t as experienced as Daniel, but the disappointment on Mrs. Wilson’s face made it clear that she expected Daniel, and nothing less than the best would do.

“Come, let me show you around,” Mrs. Wilson said as she began walking down the corridor.

“And where is Mr. Wilson?” Daniel asked.

“Oh, he’ll be joining us as soon as he finishes his business call.”

“Of course, lead the way.”

Mrs. Wilson showed them the main level of the home, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The Mediterranean home with its whitewashed walls and red tile roof felt open and spacious. Then again, Angela should have known that Daniel represented only exclusive listings.

Eventually, Mrs. Wilson left them to their own devices and Daniel and Angela were able to walk the grounds at their leisure. Their first stop was the private dock.

“What are your thoughts on marketing strategy?” Angela inquired. She could already see the wheels in his mind turning.

Daniel rubbed his square chin. “I’ll bring in Elyse to handle staging. Then we’ll have to get some new photos of the property showcasing this.” He opened his arms, motioning to the stunning water view.

“And the opening?”

“Has to be big,” Daniel said. “It has to make a splash. Out here on the terrace with nothing but the best food and drink. Then I’m thinking maybe even some kind of entertainment, like a well-known artist.”

Angela’s eyes grew wide. “Really? You have that kind of pull?”

“The name Prescott George does.”

“A private concert will certainly get attention.”

Daniel pointed to her. “That’s exactly what we need.”

Later, after they’d said goodbye to Mrs. Wilson—since her husband never materialized—Daniel threw her a curveball.

“Would you be interested in attending a Heat game with me on Friday? I have floor seats to the playoff game against the Charlotte Hornets,” Daniel said. “I’m taking a buyer I’ve been trying to woo.”

“That must have cost you a mint,” Angela murmured. And the minute she said it, she wished she could take it back. It wasn’t her place to comment on Daniel’s finances or how he chose to run his business.

Instead of saying anything to her, he laughed. “Yeah, it did.” Then he told her about the client, Alejandro Rivera. “I’ve been trying to get his business for some time. He owns homes in Chicago, New York, Dallas and LA. Basically every major metropolitan area. Every time he’s in town, I always try to meet up with him for drinks, dinner, tennis, whatever opportunity I can find to get myself in the door. Yet his business has escaped me.”

“He’s playing hard to get.”

“Yes, which is why Friday night is very important. I’m hoping to finally convince him to sign with Cobb.”

“And you’re hoping a little eye candy will help seal the deal?” Angela mused aloud. She wasn’t unaware of her appearance. Men found her attractive. Desired her, even. She’d seen it. Felt it. Except Daniel was doing his best to dismiss his attraction. If he found it so easy to play cool and unaffected, so could she. At least that’s what she told herself.

“You’re a fantastic agent,” Daniel commented, looking sideways at her.

“But it can’t hurt to have a pair of legs with you.”

Her words caused Daniel’s eyes to momentarily stray from the road and travel from her feet, up her legs and her thighs. From his half smile she could tell he liked everything he saw. His heated perusal caused Angela’s pulse to throb, and her breasts thrust forward in the satin bra she wore, making her nipples scream to be touched. Did Daniel even know how hot he was making her with just one glance? Had he noticed her nipples pucker at his gaze?

“No, it can’t, and you have one mighty fine pair,” he finally murmured.

* * *

He shouldn’t have said that. But how could he not? Angela had a killer pair of smooth, sexy legs that went on for miles, and he was not as oblivious to her as he was letting on. He wanted her. His gaze had caught the tiny peaks of her nipples against her blouse, and he wished like hell that he could tongue them. His policy of not cavorting with his employees prevented him from acting on his desire.

“Why, thank you, Daniel,” Angela replied with a grin. “I didn’t think you’d noticed.”

“Oh, I noticed,” he answered honestly just as he pulled his vehicle into the parking spot inside their office building. He’d noticed everything about her, from the curve of her hips to how long her legs were. He kept the engine idling, but shifted in his seat to face her. Her lips were parted. For what? His kiss?

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Angela said, opening her door. “Oh, and Friday. Where shall I meet you? At the arena?”

“No. I’ve arranged for a limo service for the evening, so I’ll pick you up at your place,” Daniel stated, opening the driver’s-side door.

“Th-that’s really not necessary. I can meet you there.”

He raised his eyes to hers. “It’s no trouble. I’ll pick you up at six. We’ll have dinner at the arena before the game.”

“All right.” Before he could get out another word, she was exiting the passenger seat.

Daniel was happy for it. He’d had a hard time focusing on driving thanks to the view of her legs in that skirt. Just thinking of how the material stretched over her tight bottom had caused his erection to spring forward in his trousers. But it wasn’t all one-sided. Angela did flirt with him. He suspected the attraction simmering between them was about to bubble over.

* * *

Angela stared at her backside in the cheval mirror in her bedroom on Friday night. She knew it was a bold move, but she loved how the red leather skinny jeans made her bum look. And would Daniel love it, as well? Though she would never admit if questioned, she had dressed with him in mind tonight. She’d opted for sexy without trying too hard by covering the leather jeans with a white silk button-down shirt and black pointy-toed heels. She jazzed up her outfit with dangling gold chains around her neck, gold hoops adorning her ears and chunky bangles around her wrists.

Overall, she was pleased with the results. Daniel would be able to see she had curves, but they weren’t all on display. She was just swiping some lip gloss on when her cell phone rang.

It was her mother.

Angela sighed. She wasn’t in the mood for a parental chat right now, but she answered brightly anyway. “Hi, Mama. I was just running out.”

“Surely you have time for your mother.”

Guilt. Why did her mother always have that effect on her? She hadn’t lived at home since she was nineteen and had struck out to travel abroad in Europe. So why did she always feel she was letting her mother down?

“Of course, Mama. We can talk while I finish getting ready.” Angela tucked the phone in the crook of her ear and began applying a thick coat of mascara to her eyelashes.

“Where are you headed to at this hour? I would think you’d be winding down after a long week.”

“Not tonight. I’m going to a Miami Heat game for work.”

Her mother chuckled. “Sounds less like work and more like play.”

Angela disliked the disapproving tone in her mother’s voice, but she wasn’t surprised by it. The Trainors thought that Angela’s career as a real estate agent wasn’t a real job. How could she be successful by showing homes all day?

“It’s a little bit of both. My boss and I are taking a prospective client out for dinner and a game. He’s hoping to wine and dine him so he’ll sign with our firm.”

“I’m sure that’s how the game is played in big business. One hand greases another,” her mother replied.

Her mother just couldn’t resist a put-down.

“Did you want something, Mama?”

“Your sister is going to be coming home in a week for the summer while she’s working on her PhD. I thought it would be a great idea if we planned a welcome-home dinner.”

“Denise hasn’t been gone that long.” Five months, if Angela recalled.

“I know, but we haven’t seen her all year. And it’s not like we see you much now since you started this new position.”

Angela glanced in the mirror. Her eyes said it all. She’d used her new job as an excuse to avoid visiting her family. She just hadn’t wanted to hear that she didn’t measure up to her educated baby sister.

“Mama, I told you how dog-eat-dog it is in the real estate business. I have to stay focused and get my name out there.”

“I know that, Angela, but your dad and I miss you girls. And we would love to have the entire family together.”

“All right, all right. Just tell me where and when.”

After getting the details and finally hanging up with her mother, Angela barely had time to grab her clutch purse and throw a few items in before her buzzer was ringing. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was 6:00 p.m. Daniel was on time.

When she arrived downstairs, a chauffeur was waiting beside the limousine. Angela didn’t think the display of wealth was necessary, but she didn’t mind enjoying the benefits tonight.

“Good evening, ma’am.” The driver tipped his hat to her as he opened the door.

Angela climbed inside and was greeted by the sight of Daniel lounging on the backseat. “Hello,” she said.

“Hello, yourself. Have a seat.” There wasn’t much room for her as his large frame took up most of the seat, but he patted the cushion beside him.

It was going to be impossible to ignore Daniel with him sitting so close. He was the kind of man who dominated his surroundings no matter where he was. In the confines of a car, he could be devastating. But what could she do? Reluctantly, Angela slid in next to him. “Where’s Alejandro?”





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