Page 8 of The Romance Library

‘I’ll be on my way to my meeting in Paris by then! Just tell me now, did you get it done?’

‘Like I said when I went to view the site last week, it definitely has a lot of potential, but I couldn’t get inside to see it properly.’

Sunshine Bay had a lot going for it with its sandy beach and quaint little shops. And the sea views weren’t the only thing that caught my eye.

Although I’d locked horns with that woman over that parking space, it hadn’t escaped my attention that she was incredibly attractive.

‘For God’s sake! Just call the vendor and set up a viewing!’ Father snapped, dragging my thoughts away from how those jeans she wore clung to her curves and how sexy she looked, even though she was annoyed with me.

And I’ll admit. She was right to be pissed off. When I walked away, I felt bad about being rude to her. Especially when I spotted the little old lady smiling at me from the passenger seat.

If it was any other day I would’ve gone back and given her the space. But I was in a bad mood. I’d just had another argument with my father, and he’d dumped a meeting on me at the last minute, which meant I was pushed for time. Hopefully she’d found another space quickly, though.

‘I already did,’ I huffed. I hated when he treated me like an idiot. ‘I’ve been calling him constantly, but he only just replied because he said he had strong interest from another buyer. I’ve set up a meeting for next week.’

‘Who cares if they have another offer? Just get the deal done! That building is in a prime location. Get it right and we could easily sell each apartment for a million. And the profit margins would be outstanding!’ His eyes brightened and he licked his lips with excitement.

Some people got their kicks from sex or alcohol. Father got his rocks off from making more money.

‘I’ll do my best.’ I took a swig of water and threw my towel in the laundry basket.

‘Your best isn’t good enough. Securing this site is the one and only option. You need to prove to me and the board that you’re ready to take over the reins. Make it happen. Understood?’

‘Got it.’

Now that the vendor had returned my call, I wasn’t worried about closing the deal. I’d done my research and he wasn’t some hard-nosed businessman, he was a retired teacher who was happy to sell without using a traditional estate agent. That would make my job even easier.

Eaves Enterprises, my father’s real estate company, had deep pockets, so the offer I planned to bring to the table would blow the other buyer’s bid out of the water.

Of course I’d start low, like Father always taught me. He might have money, but the reason he was so wealthy was because he preferred to spend as little of it as possible.

Just as I was about to get back on the treadmill, the doorbell rang.

‘I’d better get that,’ I said, leaving the room and exhaling. I didn’t know who was ringing this early, but I was grateful for the interruption.

‘Good morning, Mr Eaves!’ A tall blonde in a blouse and knee-length skirt grinned as I opened the door. When I saw her clutching a suit bag, I realised that she was from concierge. ‘I’ve brought your suit, which has been freshly dry cleaned as requested.’

‘Thanks.’ I lifted the top of my T-shirt up to wipe away the sweat running down my neck.

‘Oh, my!’ She blushed as her eyes fixated on my stomach.

‘You caught me in the middle of a workout,’ I said, hoping she’d take the hint and leave. She didn’t. ‘Anyway, thanks for this.’

‘You’re welcome! Will you be driving to the office this morning?’

‘Yes.’

‘Will you be using the Porsche, Ferrari or the Range Rover today, sir?’

‘The Porsche will be fine.’

‘Excellent! Please call down when you’re ready to leave and I’ll make sure it’s at the front waiting for you.’

‘Thank you.’ I started to close the door.

‘Oh!’ she jumped in, still not taking the hint. ‘I’ve arranged for the cleaner to come this afternoon, so the penthouse will be sparkling by the time you arrive home this evening.’

‘Fantastic, thank you.’ I plastered on a smile. ‘Now I really must go.’

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