Having Fun with Mr. Wrong (26 page)

His horse breeding farms spanned the country from Washington to Colorado, Montana to Pennsylvania. He owned over sixteen hundred acres of valuable equestrian real estate, horseracing tracks in Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as polo-playing grounds in Florida.

He was well known in the industry. A horse bred and trained by Maddox Farms was a sure winner. He appeared frequently on the Palm Beach social scene and was a large contributor to various charitable organizations and community affairs.

Carmala arrived at Palm Beach at four thirty, and a man with a Maddox uniform stood holding a card with her name on it. She approached the man and introduced herself.

He gave a slight bow and took her bags. “Welcome to Palm Beach. My name is Todd, and I’ll be your driver for your stay.” He pulled a water bottle and towel from a small cooler he carried. “Some refreshment, madam?”

The scent of peppermint from the moist cloth filled her senses as she patted her face and forehead with it. She opened the water and swallowed a gulp, quenching her sudden thirst.

“Do you have any checked luggage?”

“No, I don’t.” Carmala drained the rest of the bottle.

Todd handed her another. “Okay, then we’ll go to the car.”

A long green stretch Cadillac limo waited for her outside the terminal. She climbed in. They soon crossed over a bridge onto Palm Beach Island. Carmala took in the amazing stretch of royal palm trees and large, stately buildings of major bank and investment firms.

Imagine working here.

The limo approached the turn-of-the-century building that housed the Palm Beach Garden Inn. Bellhops opened Carmala’s car door and took her luggage. They greeted Carmala by name and provided her with an envelope containing a welcome letter and her room key, having already prechecked her in. This Michael Maddox sure thought of everything.

Her five-inch heels sank into the thick oriental carpets in the front lobby as she marveled at the age-old tapestries on the twenty-five-foot-high walls. Marble columns ran down the hallway lobby area tiled with high-gloss porcelain. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the turquoise Atlantic Ocean.

Her suite included an ocean-view terrace, a living room, and a king-sized bed decorated in a paisley comforter with matching ceiling-to-floor drapes. Cold beverages and a fruit basket stood on a table. And there was a personally written note on Maddox letterhead from Michael.

Welcome, Carmala Rosa! I am excited to finally to meet in person to discuss the expansion of Maddox Industries. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon at the Palm Beach Garden Inn spa and pools. We’ve taken the liberty of arranging a Swedish massage for you at four thirty. Please meet me at the Ocean Bar at seven, and we’ll discuss the week’s plans over drinks and dinner.

Yours very truly,

Michael Maddox.

She could get used to this.

Carmala changed into her favorite red bikini with matching sarong and waterproof designer sandals, and packed her Michael Kors straw bag with a beach towel and book. She strolled down the hallway to the elevator.

She checked in at the spa and sank into the comfort of a plush white chair. A therapist, who introduced himself as Raul, led her into a treatment room. Soft New Age music played in the room. Flickering candles and the scent of lavender permeated her senses. Raul gave her a relaxing but invigorating massage. Afterward, Carmala used the Jacuzzi outside in the still warm sunlight.

At six, she reluctantly repacked her straw bag and treaded along the path to her room. She trembled as she dressed for her meeting. Normally she didn’t get
this
nervous before a client meeting. She applied her foundation, and while it dried, she selected several outfits from the closet and set them on the bed. It took changing her clothes three times before settling on a conservative but complimentary black knee-length cocktail dress and black kitten heels. She finished her eye makeup and inspected the results in the mirror. The look was simple, chic, and professional.

On the way to the bar, her confidence waned, although she hoped not visibly. She picked him out of a fairly crowded bar area—it had to be Michael Maddox. She set her eyes on what was clearly the most magnificent male creature she’d ever seen. He stood, and as she got closer to him, his dark eyes bore into her dancing with amusement. He greeted her with a dazzling, perfectly dimpled smile as he held his hand out to her.

“It is so good to finally meet the famous Carmala Rosa.”

“Not so famous, but it is me in the flesh.” She could feel her cheeks flush.

He pulled out a stool for her. “I’ve been following your work. Great job on the Smithinsons account. I hope you will provide equal insight into Maddox Industries.”

“You’ve got my promise on that. I’ve done a lot of research and am looking forward to sharing it with you.”

“I take it you enjoyed the spa?”

“It was fabulous. Nothing like getting the five-star treatment before I even started the job. Thank you for your generosity.”

He motioned to the bartender. “What’s your poison?” he asked Carmala.

“I’ll have what you’re having.”

The bartender stood in front of them. “Mr. Maddox?”

“This lovely lady is Carmala Rosa. Carmala, this is Brad. Carmala will be assisting us at the office for the next week, so I’d like you to take care of her whenever she comes to the bar.”

“No problem, Mr. Maddox. It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Rosa.” Brad nodded her way. “I hope to help make your stay a pleasurable one.”

“We’ll have two manhattans, straight up please.” Michael turned to Carmala. “Might as well celebrate New York’s finest beverage with New York’s finest!”

“Here, here!”

She stared at the amazing glass aquarium that formed the bar beneath her, bedazzled by the swimming fish, seahorses, and displays of coral reef. “I can see that no expense is spared here.”

The bar had a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the beach. She admired the view of burnt orange hues of the still setting sun glistening over the ocean.

“That is precisely my objective.”

His voice danced with promises, and his manner surprised her. Could he be flirting with her?

With his handsome smile, those sparkling pools of coal black eyes, and that full head of amazing salt-and-pepper hair, he brought a new definition of hot for a man in his forties. She could get lost in his gaze—it was captivating and entrancing.

She had to get a hold of herself. It was a business meeting. Nothing else. She peered at her manhattan, alarmed she’d already drained it. He ordered another one before she could protest.

“Mr. Maddox, we should probably get down to business. I’ve done a lot of research—”

“Oh no, you don’t. I insist you call me Michael.”

Her heart fluttered again. How would she maintain her composure?

“Okay, Michael, I’m anxious to share some schematics with you. I’ve brought my paperwork.” She opened her presentation portfolio. She didn’t need it, she had all the material memorized. But she didn’t trust her memory. Fortunately, the bartender placed a glass of water in front of her, along with her second manhattan. She took a long sip of the water, intent on keeping as sober as possible. “You’re currently looking to expand your business into a polo training school. I assume you’ll build it adjacent to your polo training grounds.”

She noticed his arched eyebrow and didn’t wait for an answer. “You’re seeking one-point-five million dollars in backing. I think we can get this money with a small group of private investors. Have you considered commercial financing?”

“I’m using a significant portion of my personal capital. I’m not interested in seeing the profits dwindle with interest payments.”

“Yes, but all borrowed money comes with some kind of fee.”

“I’d rather use my reputation to assure quick financing and show the investor that I’m serious about turning a quick dime. I understand that I need to pay
some
fees, but I don’t want to pay accumulated interest.”

“I see.” Despite his disarming charm, she realized he was going to be tough to deal with. “I believe that my pool of investors can offer you desirable terms. I would, however, need to review your financial plans and—”

“You’re very professional, I appreciate that. But we need to get to know each other on a more personal basis before I hand over all my records to you and give you unlimited access to my people. No?” He studied her, and she’d swear he was teasing her.

He finished his second drink. He looked at Carmala’s barely touched cocktail and motioned for the bartender. “Brad, I’ll have another drink. And let’s have an order of your fabulous conch fritters, the oysters Rockefeller, and a dozen clams on the half.”

“No problem, Mr. Maddox.”

Michael’s attention once again returned to her, but there was a silent pause.

She attempted to fill in the gap with more business talk. “With the erection of a brand new school for polo playing and horse riding…” She noticed the upward arch of his eyebrow at her choice of words, but she quickly recovered. “Given the amount you’re seeking, we might be better off with commercial financing.”

“I prefer not.” He paused to savor another sip of his manhattan. “As I said, I’m not interested in paying interest on the principle. I plan to repay the investor within eighteen months.”

“Do you expect to have revenue on the project that quickly?”

“Of course. With my contacts, I have no doubt that the school will be fully booked with a waiting list for the next season.”

“I like your confidence, and so will the investors. I could probably arrange this financing privately, with little cost, if you can guarantee a quick repayment schedule. Of course, I will need to review your building specs, costs of construction, and the building schedule.”

Brad put the appetizers in front of them. Carmala realized she was hungry.

“All of that can be arranged, I assure you. You have a full ten days to perform your due diligence.” Michael helped himself to an oyster. “Dig in.” He pointed to the appetizers. “You’ll have access to my administrative staff and department heads throughout the week. Come on, eat up, you must be hungry?”

She ate an oyster. The salty taste of the sea caused her taste buds to burst. “You’re too kind.”

“I only invest in the best, Carmala.” He studied her. “I’m impressed with the research you’ve done on my miniempire. I’d like to give you more details on my future vision for Maddox Industries.”

As he spoke, his face took on a quiet confidence she admired. And that intoxicating smile set free butterflies in her stomach. She needed to stop herself. God, what was wrong with her? She was a happily attached woman.

There was something oddly familiar about Michael. She had a distinct feeling of déjà vu. Even his hands. The way he held a fork. It all seemed strangely familiar. His hands were craggy—those of a hardworking man, rather than a business tycoon. He was missing the tip of the ring finger on his right hand.
Sexy.

Carmala took copious notes throughout the dinner. It was easy to hang on to his every word. He seemed flattered by her rapt attention. From a business perspective, he really
was
interesting, and she admired how he had single-handedly built his empire from humble beginnings.

After dinner, he walked her to the elevators.

“I’ll have Todd pick you up at nine in the morning.”

“Thanks, Michael. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The next morning, Carmala waited at the front of the hotel in her short-sleeved, two-piece suit with a scarf and bag in hand. Todd greeted her and opened the car door. He drove her to the Maddox offices on Royal Poinciana Way. Once in the office, Michael’s personal secretary greeted her with an offer of coffee.

Michael appeared a minute later. “Good morning. Welcome to Maddox Industries.”

The offices decor comprised equestrian and nautical themes. She supposed he was a boater. He introduced her to his staff, while giving her a tour of the offices, which spanned the entire four-floor building.

“As you can see, the building has the southeastern exposure so there are great views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach.” He pointed in the designated direction. “There’s North Bridge, which was the bridge you came over into the island yesterday.”

He showed her to her temporary office, which was complete with a computer and a beautiful view of the town. She met with his CFO, obtained the financial plans for the expansion, and buried herself in the paperwork.

At twelve thirty, Michael poked his head in. “Would you like to join me for lunch?”

“Oh no, I can’t. I need to make use of every hour I have here.”

“I’ll give you a key and the security code. Then you can come and go as you please. Todd will be available to take you to the hotel anytime. Or I could.”

His slow, dimpled smile ran chills down her spine.

She wished he would stop it…Well, not really.

“That’s fine.”

His secretary returned a few minutes later with the key and gave her instructions to work the security system. She was relieved that Michael didn’t bring it back. He was way too distracting and sexy for her peace of mind.

About six that night, Carmala was still immersed in financial reports, when Michael stopped by her office. “You can work whatever hours you want, but I insist you allow me to take you to dinner. There are many fine restaurants in this town, and I’d like to show you around.”

“If I have dinner with you every night, I won’t be able to get any work done.” She looked up, not really wanting to get caught in his penetrating gaze.

“Well, maybe at the end of the week, then?” He gave her a broad smile.

How could she resist? He
was
her client. She needed to be polite. But her real reason for saying yes was far more complicated than that.

“Sure, why not?”

“Okay, it’s settled. I’ll make plans. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, even if it’s late, don’t hesitate to call me.”

He reached over her desk and took a pen and slip of paper. His hand brushed hers, and an unexpected shock of electricity ran down her spine. “This is my cell number. I’m usually up late, so you can call anytime.”