Page 7 of Taming the CEO

I fundamentally disagreed.

But why was he acting like I was out to get him in the first place? "You think I want more money from you?"

He put his elbows on the table, looking down at it for a brief second, then back up. "In my experience, that's mostly why people refuse to sell."

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe we just don't want to sell at all?"

"You came here tonight, which makes me think you do want to sell.”

Oh my God! I couldn't wait to tell my friend Miriam about this conversation. It was insane. "Actually, I promised my dad I’d keep an open mind. But I think even he couldn't fault me for our lack of progress.”

"It's you who keeps insulting me."

The corners of my mouth twitched. I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by. "I'm not insulting you. You asked me a question. I just responded honestly," I parroted his own reply as closely as I could remember.

Maddox started laughing. "You're good. I'll give you that."

I crossed my legs again. On accident, I bumped his under the table. A current of heat ran through me. It was so unexpected that I barely bit down a gasp.

I cast a glance down to the table, exhaling sharply. Maddox was completely still as well, and a few seconds later, he leaned farther across the table and poured water into our tall glasses.

"Cami."

I glanced up. Why is he suddenly using my first name? It felt too personal... and I liked it.

"We started on the wrong foot."

I didn't say anything, waiting to see where he was going with this. Oh, why did my body react to him like that?

"We can put our differences aside and discuss this like adults. There's no reason we can't have a pleasant dinner. I'm quite charming when I'm not being constantly attacked."

"That wasn’t my intention, I assure you.” For some reason, this man brought out the primal side in me, and I wasn’t like that.

"I promise, by the end of the evening... you'll like me." He glanced at my lips.

Could he pick up on my inexplicable reaction to him? I took in another sharp breath and averted my gaze, playing with the fork on the table to give my hand something to do.

"Later, if you want, we can grab after-dinner drinks.” He flashed me a smile, winking. "I’m very good at entertaining my guests. Maybe you’ll be more inclined to sell then."

I frowned. "Are you trying to flirt with me?" I clarified.

He’d definitely picked up on my reaction. But why on earth was he putting me on the spot? Even worse, was he trying to get me to sell by flirting? I didn’t like that at all.

He had a triumphant smile this time. "Is it working?"

I pushed my chair back, rising to my feet. "No, Mr. Whitley. It's not. I think this conversation is going nowhere."

"What?" He stood up from the table.

I tried to keep my voice calm and not make a scene because there were locals here, people I knew. "Have a good evening," I said before quickly exiting the restaurant.

There, Mr. Whitley. Negotiate that.

Chapter Three

Maddox

On Saturday evening, I went for dinner at my grandparents’ house. The whole family was attending. They lived in the Dorchester neighborhood in Boston.

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