Page 55 of Bachelor CEO

Like Leroy and his beloved Heidi, she andChase got on each other’s nerves because they were fighting for the same thing.They had connected in the most fundamental way possible, and the result hadbeen earth-shattering. But they were so busy proving who was better, warring tobe named McDaniel’s CEO, that they’d each missed the truth.

She was worth failing atest for, that was for sure. Besides, I was going to be a farmer.

The full meaning of Leroy’s words suddenlybecame clear. He’d stepped out of Heidi’s way. Was that what he thought sheshould do for his grandson—especially if she had fallen in love with him?

After what he’d said to Chase, Miranda wasn’tcertain of anything.

A knock sounded on her apartment door and shelooked out the peephole.

Chase.

“Come on, Miranda. I know you’re in therebecause your car is outside. We need to talk. Open up.” He paused. “Please.”

She slid the chain free and turned the knob.Chase’s hair was damp, as if he’d just climbed out of the pool or the shower.He wore shorts and a T-shirt and looked damn sexy.

She couldn’t love him. He was a cad. A jerk.An insensitive boor. Yet when they’d made love she’d felt complete for thefirst time. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“We have to find some common ground before Monday or the company is going to end up in civil war,” Chasesaid. “Please.”

“Okay.” She held the door open and let himstep through. Her apartment was basic, just a one bedroom unit in a small,four-building complex. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Do you mind? I really could use some water.I’ve just finished swimming.”

Her kitchen was visible, separated from theliving-dining area by a breakfast counter. While Chase took a seat on one ofthe bar stools, Miranda filled a glass from the water dispenser on therefrigerator. “Here.”

“Thanks.” He took a long sip. “My grandfatherwas pretty upset. You and I need to come to some sort of agreement.”

She squared her shoulders. “If you’re askingme to step down, I won’t.”

Chase sipped more water. “Well, I won’t,either.”

It figured. “Then we’re at an impasse.”Looking for a distraction she turned around and began straightening her kitchentowels.

“What is it for you? Why this particularcompany? I have lots of friends. I can find you a corporate job somewhere else,perhaps a start-up where you can get in from the very beginning if you want.Big or small, you name it.”

She whirled around, towel in hand. “You’retrying to buy me off?”

“It’s obvious from today that we can’t worktogether,” Chase stated. “If it’s about money, let me know. I have a trustfund. Name your price.”

“You can’t buy me. I’m not for sale.”

He ran a hand through his damp hair. “I stillthink you’re taking the situation personally. This is business. This is what I’ve wanted ever since I was little. I promisedmyself when my dad died that I would helm McDaniel and I would do a good job.You can’t take that from me.”

“What about what I want? This is also mychance. I want to fulfill my parents’ dreams, too.”

“You’ll have other chances. There are dozensof companies that would snatch you up. I’m a McDaniel. Where am I supposed togo? McDonald’s? Kraft? It’s not fitting.”

His argument was reasonable, but coupled withher own doubts, and the cryptic advice Leroy had given her, she couldn’t takeany more. Already her head was about to explode. “I really think you shouldleave now.”

He drained the water and stood. “Promise tothink about it.”

“I won’t promise you anything.”

He threw his arms up. “Look, I’m really sorrythings got this far. We never should have made love, and my grandfather nevershould have concocted this ridiculous idea. Unfortunately, we can’t takeanything back. Just think about my offer. And, please, don’t go see Leroyagain. He had to go back to bed after we left. I don’t want the situationbetween us to cause him grief.”

She couldn’t help herself. Chase had tried tobuy her off, and trashed the night they’d shared. He’d gone for the jugular,and she wouldn’t let him get away with it. “You’re the one causing him grief.You’re the one disappointing him.”

His eyes widened. “Me? Hardly.”

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