Page 20 of Taming the CEO

"What's so funny?" I asked, my guard going up again.

He turned to me. Damn, that smile is dazzling.

"Nothing. My grandmother just keeps surprising me."

I folded my arms over my chest. "Why exactly did you bring her? Thought she could change my mind?"

"She requested to come. I’d tell you the reasons she gave me, but I don't think she was being entirely truthful."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He waved his hand. "Nothing. Listen, Cami, I need to apologize for the last time we met."

"Yes, you really should."

His eyes flared, as did his nostrils. "You don't need to use that tone."

"Oh, really? What should I do? Fall all over you?

"Yes, I would prefer that very much."

"Are you for real?" I asked incredulously, dropping my hands.

He sucked in a breath and looked down at the ground, as if fighting to keep his temper under control.

"I can't believe it," I muttered. "Out of courtesy for Gabe, I didn't tell my father everything that went down between us at dinner. But I should fill him in so he’s aware of what kind of person you are."

"Which is what, exactly?" he asked, voice tight.

"Someone who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. What exactly did you think—that you could use sex to get me to sell the place?"

He tilted his head, trapping me with his gaze. "I hadn't thought that far, but it's interesting that you did. Maybe I’ll add that to my list of tactics to use from now on."

I swallowed hard. Maybe I'd crossed a line and offended him, but honestly, I just wanted him and his annoyingly sexy ass to leave the premises.

"Don't waste your time, Maddox. Dad is still waiting for my decision. And after I share everything with him, I’m certain he’ll agree with me.”

"You’d honestly keep your father from making the best deal he can and letting him enjoy retirement just because you don't like me?"

I bristled. "I want the best for my dad."

He squared his shoulders, appearing even taller. Then he opened the top button of his shirt before rolling his sleeves to his elbows. "It doesn't seem like it." His brisk, annoyed gestures betrayed his calm voice. "It seems like you’re just interested in having your way."

I bit the inside of my cheek and stepped closer, pointing at him. "You don't know how hard my dad worked to set up this place, to keep it running through the years, through—" I paused because my voice wavered. "—everything. I just don't want to see it go to someone like you.”

He didn't seem to have any respect whatsoever for legacy, or for doing the right thing.

"So there it is," he said.

"You're a very frustrating person."

"I could say the same about you." There was an edge to his voice now. He was coming undone. His self-control was wavering.

"Stop trying to sell this to me like you’re doing a favor for my dad.”

"No one would pay as much as we're offering. The business isn’t worth that. It’s a small-town adventure park that can’t be expanded or franchised."

"Yes, insulting my family's life's work is going to get you exactly what you want."

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