Page 32 of Remembering Passion

“It was Julia’s idea. Luckily, she happens to be married to one of the smartest and business-savviest men I know. Julia also brought some high-power hitters to the Wade executive board. Do you recall Lena Montgomery?”

Ella shook her head. “I don’t recall her from when I worked here, but her name is familiar.”

“Let’s just say, she’s right up there in the business savviness. Van and Lena did the legwork, but without Julia’s idea, we’d all be worse off.”

“It seems unusually generous. I remember things in the pharmaceutical sphere being more cutthroat. There was an issue with the local university over the fight for a patent.”

I nodded at the memory. It had been a vicious fight. “That’s the thing about Julia—she’s as far from cutthroat as one could be. Honestly, she’s like you, good and kind. I’m not sure how Van convinced her that he deserved her.” I grinned. “I could ask for pointers.”

“Mr. Sinclair, you don’t need pointers. You do need restraint.”

“Oh?” I quirked an eyebrow. “I have some. Just not here.” I began to list my inventory. “Fur-lined handcuffs, silk ties, nipple clamps, blindfolds.” I grinned. “Those along with a few more toys are in a box in my closet.”

As a rosy hue filled her cheeks, Ella shook her head. “Restraint as in self-restraint in respecting other people’s boundaries. Like when being asked that you not make contact.”

“We’ve already established that you asked me not to call and I didn’t.” I looked at her nearly empty bowl. “Are you feeling better?”

Ella leaned back. “I am. Now that I understand the coalition, tell me about your idea for Beta Kappa Phi.”

A notification caused me to look down at my watch. As the words of an email I’d been awaiting scrolled across the screen, I noticed the time. “It’s nearly five. Johnathon has your badge, parking space, and office.”

“Office?”

I went on, “It will probably take him a little while to get you totally set.” I lifted my cheeks in a smile. “We can continue our meeting tonight at dinner.”

Ella shook her head. “Damien, I live in Carmel. I don’t have the energy to drive home and come back downtown.”

“I think you remember that I also live north. Since you just ate, after you meet with Johnathon, go home and rest. I’ll pick you up at seven thirty.”

“This is what I don’t want,” she said. “We can’t date.”

“Not a date, Ms. Crystal,” I explained. “There is simply more information to share and tomorrow my schedule is filled. The natural answer is to continue our meeting tonight.”

She sighed. “If I say no, will you contact Millie?”

“Only if it’s my last resort. I know what I want, and I want you here.”

She dropped her chin and lifted her gaze. “Tell me again why I need a Sinclair Corporate badge, parking space, and an office when I’m not working for Sinclair.”

“You, Ms. Crystal, are what we call an independent consultant. You will continue to be employed by Beta Kappa Phi. This structure is complicated. Logistically, it makes sense for you to work in this building. You will be privy to information that should not be accessed in another location.” Before she could argue, I went on. “My legal department has been working with Beta Kappa Phi’s throughout the day. I just received the notification that the agreement has been reached.”

“You’re impossible.”

I stood. “I prefer resourceful.” I offered Ella my hand. “Do we have a deal?”

Gabriella

Looking at Damien’s hand, I smiled and shook my head. “No, Mr. Sinclair.”

“No?”

“I’ve yet to hear the details of this proposal. I once had a friend who taught me better business skills than to agree too early.”

“You don’t trust the Beta Kappa Phi legal team?”

I trust them. “I don’t trust you.”

“Who did you learn your negotiating tactics from?”

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