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Simon hadn’t seen her yet.His back was to her as she walked up to the bar and took a seat next to him.The bartender was there in seconds to take her order.“Scotch on the rocks.Glenmorangie.”
Simon turned to look her over, and she caught his eye roaming over her body.She knew she should be flattered, but she was still annoyed that he’d manipulated her into coming out tonight even if she admired his cut-throat ethics.If it weren’t for the fact she wanted the deal, she would have left him hanging.
Simon turned in his seat to fully look at her, a wide grin spreading on his face.“I like a woman who appreciates a good drink.”
The bartender slid the drink in front of her.“Thanks, it’s on his tab.” She tilted her head toward Simon.
Simon didn’t contradict her.He lifted his glass, and she mirrored his actions.She didn’t know what was inside.It was tan-colored like hers.“To a new relationship.”
“Depends on the deal,” she clarified and clinked her glass against his, then took a sip and grimaced.Something wasn’t right about her drink.It didn’t taste right.It should be smooth, a bit sweet with a slight after-burn.This tasted flat, though that should be impossible.
“Touché.”
“So shall we talk here or are you going to leave and set up another date?”
“Is this a date?” he quipped with a raised eyebrow.
“A business meeting,” she corrected.
“No, I like date better.”
“I don’t date.” Not since Jameson.
“A beautiful woman such as yourself?” He reared back looking shocked.“I find that hard to believe.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere with me,” she mumbled.
“It’s not flattery.It’s the truth.You are a beautiful woman.”
“I think we should stick to business, Mr.Valentine,” she said, trying to keep this professional between them.Morgan didn’t want to give him a false illusion that she was interested in more.
“Back to formalities so quickly?”
“I believe in a professional client working relationship.”
“Then I’ll fire you and work with Gary.You think I’m joking,” he added when she didn’t reply right away.
“I don’t know what to think of you,” she answered honestly.For some reason, he set her on edge.Men weren’t this openly flirtatious with her.Especially after so many set downs.
Morgan knew she was attractive.She didn’t stare at herself in the mirror, but she knew she wasn’t homely.She tried to stay fit by walking to work every day, but she did like to sneak the occasional donut.
“Well, how about we sit down to dinner and talk about what I’m looking for, and you can make a better decision.”
“Very well.” She rose from her seat and reached for her glass.
“I’ll carry it for you,” he offered, already reaching for it.
Call it dating a cop for two years or paranoia, she didn’t trust strangers with her drinks.Distrusting or not, no one touched her drinks but her.“No, thanks.I can manage.” She held it out of reach.
Simon didn’t bat an eye.He led the way back to the seating hostess, who led them to a table for two near the window that faced the main street.A waiter appeared and filled the glasses on the table with water.
Morgan set down her glass before digging in her bag for her notebook and pen.“So tell me what you’re looking for, Mr.Valentine.”
“Simon, please,” He readjusted in his seat to lean closer to her.“And I’m in the market for property.A hunting lodge.”
She didn’t peg him for the hunter, but whatever, it was his money.“Alright, any particular area?”
“Up north in Phillips County.”
