Page 14 of Bachelor CEO

Then he said, “As you know, I’m eighty.” Hepaused and waited out a few hoots and hollers. “But contrary to the rumors, I’mnot retiring. I’ve decided to stay until this time next year. Still, I want tostart easing my way out slowly.”

Leroy looked over the crowd, which consistedof business colleagues, friends, neighbors and family. “To achieve my objectiveand to make the transition smoother, I’ve decided to restructure the top ofMcDaniel Manufacturing. My good friend Walter Peters and I discussed idealcandidates for the new position I’m creating. It’ll be third in line, behind meand behind Chase, my grandson.”

Everyone glanced at Chase and he gave a shortnod. His face remained taut and impassive, even though Leroy smiled at him.

“In fact, it’s been so hush-hush that this isthe first time I’ve brought it up, even to Chase. However, since Iamthe CEO…” The few board members present laughed. Theywould rubber-stamp anything Leroy wanted.

“I’m calling this new spot a vice presidency,and the person I’ve hired to fill the position is here with us tonight.”

Walter touched Miranda’s arm in a show ofsupport. She needed it. Even though she wasn’t looking at Chase, she couldsense him watching her, and her skin heated.

“I’d like to introduce Miranda Craig as thenew second vice president of McDaniel Manufacturing,” Leroy continued, andsomehow she stood and briefly waved to the crowd.

Only after she sat down did she dare glance atChase. His grandfather continued to talk, but the speech faded into abackground hum as Chase and Miranda’s eyes connected.

With effort, she managed not to avert herhead. She hated what she read on his face. His initial shock had turned intoanger and the tight expression guaranteed payback. Since Leroy hadn’t toldChase anything about Miranda, he clearly thought she’d been coy andflirtatious. He thought she’d played him.

In a sense, maybe she had. She knew what manyothers in the room did not. Chase was going on forced sabbatical. She was theone who was going to take over his job. She was his grandfather’s choice forthe next CEO should Chase fail to return.

As she watched, Chase lifted his glass to herin a mock salute. A feeling of foreboding settled over her. He wasn’t offeringher good wishes. Miranda wasn’t that naive. Gone was the passion, replaced withsomething much deadlier. Chase wasn’t conceding an inch.

This was war.

Chapter Four

Chase had never thought of himself as thetype of person who would be able to commit murder. But as he stared at Miranda,he wanted nothing more than to wring her pretty little neck until she beggedfor mercy or at least apologized.

He’d kissed her! He’d flirted with the enemy.

He took a deep breath, calming himself asCecilia approached. “You okay?”

“Of course,” Chase replied through grittedteeth. How could he not have seen this? Easy. McDaniel had thousands ofemployees and there were always jobs open. Never in a million years would Chasehave expected his grandfather to create a second vice president position or tobring in an outsider to fill that niche.

His sister touched his cheek, and Chaseunclenched his jaw and forced a fake smile to his face.

“That’s better,” she said. She knew him fartoo well. “Gotta keep up appearances.”

“Yeah.” Chase gave a nod of acknowledgment toa passerby. He lifted his glass and saluted another.

After his one beer, he’d been drinking watermost of the evening. He hadn’t wanted anything dulling his senses.

“Here they come,” Ceciliawhispered, as Leroy led Miranda through the crowd.

Chase clenched his fists and tried to keep hissmile from slipping.

“Chase,” Leroy said in greeting a few momentslater. “I know you met Miranda earlier. There isn’t anyone more competent ormore suited to this position than her. She’ll start Tuesday. I expect you toshow her the ropes.”

Chase would like to show her a noose. Sure,most people would love to be in his position. As soon as Miranda took over,he’d be free to enjoy a life of leisure. He could collect his salary and, forone year, do whatever he wanted. How awesome was that? Trouble was, he alreadyhad six weeks vacation time annually, and hardly ever took any. He lovedMcDaniel and he loved his job. The last thing he wanted was some upstartreplacement coming in and messing with his company—no matter how gorgeous shewas.

“I’m sure Miranda and I will get along justfine,” he said evenly, hoping Leroy wouldn’t notice the frost in his voice.

“I hope that’s the case,” his grandfathersaid.

“I’m Cecilia,” his sister said suddenly, insertingherself into the conversation as a diversion.

“Miranda.” The two women shook hands. “Soyou’re a ballerina.”

“That’s right.” Cecilia steered her a few feetaway, to diffuse the tension.

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