Read Online A Sweet Deal (Crimson Romance) by Monica Tillery - Free Book Online Page A

passion for the family business was unexpected. She had him pegged as a savvy businessman, someone who protected his wealth, but this went further than money. Sussing out his true motivation made her job even harder. Saffron had nothing besides money to offer, and it was becoming clear to her that Richard Morgan was not a man who could be bought.
    “If Saffron acquired your confections division, I would do my best to maintain the standards of quality and innovation your brand is known for. With Saffron’s funding and focus behind the line, it could only get better. I can absolutely promise you that I’d do everything in my power to make it as painless as possible for you to let it go.” It was a small concession, but it was all she could offer. Her mission wouldn’t change just because she understood his hesitation.
    “I plan to do everything in my power to prevent ever having to rely on that promise.” Richard was calm, pleasant enough, but the steely look in his eyes told her she’d be in for a fight if she moved forward. “Once we land, it’s back to business as usual as far as I’m concerned.”
    “So we’ll go our separate ways and pretend this weekend never happened?” It would be a shame to never again find her way into Richard’s bed, but it was for the best.
    “I don’t see any way around it. We want different things and as appealing as I find you,” he swept an open gaze up and down the length of her body, “we have to keep our distance. That’s all there is to it.”
    “Well, then it was fun while it lasted. Just know that I’m not going to stop trying to get what I want.” Her determination was rock-solid, but she softened her tone with a smile. “I’m sure you understand.”
    “I do, and I’m sure you understand that I won’t give an inch on this.”
    She finished her drink and gave him a cool smile. “Then I guess we’re on the same page.”

Chapter Five
    Her acquisitions team sat around a mahogany conference table, the air conditioning whirring softly in the background and very nearly lulling Yvette to sleep. Nothing had been the same since that one crazy night three weeks ago. Anything could set her imagination off, the mention of Las Vegas, seeing Morgan Confectioners candies on store shelves, catching the scent of soap. Soap. If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel his hands on her, sliding over her curves, covering every inch of her body in that shower. Steam floated around them as hot water pelted her back, exotic fragrances swirled around them in the thick air.
    “Yvette?” Her department head’s voice drifted into her consciousness, clearing the steam and toppling her out of her little fantasy. The woman at the head of the table stared at her over the tops of her eyeglasses, an annoyed look on her face.
    Had she fallen asleep? Was she drooling? Did she make an embarrassing noise? She refilled her glass with ice water and took a long drink, determined to wake up and focus. She straightened her charcoal pencil skirt over her thighs and sat up straight as she turned her attention to the table.
    Clearing her throat, she attempted her most professional, competent tone. “I’m sorry. What was that?”
    Her co-workers tittered, and a hot flush crept into her cheeks. A quick swipe across her face assured her that she hadn’t been drooling. Summoning her inner professional, she faced the department head and listened intently. “Yvette, I was just asking you for an update on the Morgan Confectioners progress. The last time you briefed us, you’d met with Michael Morgan, but that was before the conference. Anything new to report? Have you made any headway?”
    Anything new? You could say that. “I was able to meet Richard Morgan informally in Vegas, but he’s adamantly opposed to our proposal. I believe that he has a great deal of influence over his father’s decision-making, but ultimately, Michael Morgan still has the final say. At this point, we might consider