Read Online Ruining Mr. Perfect (The McCauley Brothers) by Marie Harte - Free Book Online

when an attractive young woman looked right past him as she headed toward the back. He grimaced at his coffee, at a loss.
    What was a man to do when he’d spent his life trying to make his wife love and respect him, only to find it all for nothing?
    ***
    Vanessa had dreaded Friday’s approach. Though Cam had said he’d be at the hotel on business, she didn’t like the thought he’d come for her, because then she’d owe him for the help. Better for both of them when —not if —they eventually came together, that they entered the playing field on equal footing. And then there was John to consider.
    He’d called once to confirm their meeting in the hotel’s dining room. Where candlelight and views of Elliot Bay set such a professional atmosphere. She snorted. Yeah, right.
    Dressed in a black business suit with an A-line skirt that hit her at the knee and a stylish jacket over an ivory silk blouse and smoky hose, she thought she gave the right impression. She wore her hair pulled back in a severe bun, her heels high but not hooker-high, and walked smartly into the dining room of the hotel. After giving her name to the maître d’, she clutched her leather briefcase and called on her inner strength to take charge of the meeting.
    The head waiter took her to the table where John already sat. John stood and waited until she sat before seating himself once more. To her annoyed dismay, she hadn’t passed Cameron or seen him in the dining area. Not that she needed him there. Not to do her job.
    She pasted on a smile. “Hello.”
    She had to admit John wore a suit well. He had intelligence and an appealing aesthetic, if one were into pretty boys. Vanessa had never been into surface attraction, which made her fascination with Cameron all the more perplexing. Yet underneath that handsome veneer, she knew he had actual substance.
    But as she scanned the room, she noted he hadn’t seen fit to keep his word. He was nowhere in sight.
    Ignoring her inner whine, she made small talk with John and got right down to business. After a lovely meal, a glass of wine, and the rudiments of what she could do for Bellemy Tech, she sat back to see him staring at her.
    When he continued to say nothing, she bluntly asked, “What?”
    He smiled. “Such charm, Vanessa.”
    She chuckled. “I’m sorry. We’ve eaten, we’ve signed contracts. I thought we had your business.”
    “Pending gross negligence, you’ll be fine.”
    “Gee, thanks.”
    He grinned. “So what are your plans for the evening?”
    Talk about jumping in with both feet. “I was so busy concentrating on this meeting, after we conclude our business, I’m going home to get a good night’s rest.”
    “So I’ve been on your mind so much I’ve exhausted you? I’m flattered.”
    “Don’t be.” He appeared taken aback. “I meant that I give this kind of attention to all our clients. No one suffers for holidays or sick leave. We work weekends, holidays, whatever it takes to make the client happy.”
    He relaxed and toyed with the stem of his glass. “Whatever it takes?”
    Ugh. The sticky situation she’d known was coming. She wanted to be free to be herself and tell him point-blank, “No way in hell, Slick.” But this would be her first big client on her path to a partnership. Bill was counting on her.
    “Whatever it takes within reason , of course,” she smoothly added.
    “Let me be blunt, Vanessa.”
    Thank God. “Please do.”
    “I want you. You’re beautiful, smart, and I thought we had chemistry the last time we went out.” He paused. “Obviously something went wrong, because you never returned my calls.”
    “Not true. I messaged you back after that first text.”
    “You said Thank you for a nice night . Nothing else,” he said wryly.
    “Yes. Nothing else.”
    “Why?”
    Could the man be kidding? “Seriously?”
    “Yes. Why? I’ve got money, I’m handsome, and I’m good in bed.”
    She studied him, wondering if he could be that dense. “You