Page 56 of Tempest

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Friday Afternoon

Ivy, Ryan, and Colin walked into the bar of the Four Seasons Hotel and looked for a table. “What time is Stuart supposed to show up?” Ryan asked with little patience.

Ivy checked her phone. “He’ll be here in around ten minutes.” She directed the group over to a table in the corner and sat down with a thud. “I wonder what Stuart wants?”

Ryan sat with his back against the wall and studied the patrons. “Maybe his family company wants to buy Bellows Energy and he’s hoping to get ahead of the bidding process.”

Colin settled into the chair next to her and crossed his legs. “When Nelson confronted Daddy, I wondered if he had any money left after Barnett. He was pumping gas up there, and when prices crashed, he lost a lot.”

Ivy took Ryan’s hand and studied him. “What’s bothering you? You’ve got that death glare thing going, and I wonder how many bodies I’m going to be asked to help bury.”

“Probably just one body,” he replied stiffly. “Stuart may need to be eliminated.”

“Any specific reason, or is it just on general principle?” Ivy asked sweetly. “Is this because we went to a couple of dances in college?”

“Why would you go with someone you didn’t like?”

“Because she had a sorority dance to go to and was desperate for an escort,” Colin replied. “Ivy’s a late bloomer, and she didn’t date much in college.” He looked over the room.

“It’s true,” Ivy sighed. “Remember that unfortunate haircut I told you about? That wasn’t the only unfortunate decision I made. Let’s just say that I experimented with my looks in college, and a lot of them didn’t work out. I was far from the typical Texas co-ed with a carefully curated wardrobe from Neiman Marcus. There was no way that mama and I could afford that, so I took myself out of the game and became an original. I was obsessed with the Auntie Mame movie, and I modeled many of my fashion choices after her. All those things don’t add up to a lot of dates at the University of Texas.”

Ryan took Ivy’s hand and felt the tension in his neck ease. “All good news for me,” he replied, as the waitress approached and took their drink order. “Is he going to be surprised to see Colin and me?”

“Probably. When I confirmed the meeting, he didn’t ask if I was coming alone. The look on his face when he walks in is going to tell us if he’s up to no good.”

Ryan tightened his hold and smiled blankly. He’d bet good money that weasely son of a bitch also had the hots for Ivy and was hoping to get the girl and the company. Not happening.

An average-sized man with a five-hundred-dollar haircut and five-thousand-dollar suit to match was headed their way. His eyes were intent on Ivy, and Ryan figured it must be Stuart Reardon. As the man approached, Ryan stood, stretched to his full height, and crossed his arms with his feet planted wide. He heard Colin mutter “pissing contest” and decided to ignore him.

Stuart stood in front of Ryan and gave him a fake smile. “I had no idea Ivy invited everyone to our date.”

Shaking his head, Ryan grinned. What a crappy opening shot. It was so pathetic that he decided to ignore it. He put out his hand and pretended to play nice. This asshole was so far out of his league that he pitied him. “Ryan Cordell. Nice to meet you.” Ivy stood and looped her arm through his, and he kissed her head. In case you were wondering, asshole.

“Ryan is my boyfriend and he’s helping us with security at Bellows Energy.” Pointing over her shoulder, she introduced her brother. “I don’t know if you met my brother Colin at Daddy’s funeral. He and I own the company together. I thought whatever you had to say would be best said in front of these two.”

Stuart undid his jacket and slid his hands on his hips. “Of course, Ivy. I was hoping to mix a little business with pleasure when I asked to meet you, but this is fine.”

Ivy ignored the comment, sat down, and pulled Ryan with her. He sank into the chair and sat with his legs apart with his hands hanging loosely on his knees. Let the games begin, he said to himself.

“I’m assuming this is about business, so tell us what you have on your mind,” Ivy said.

Stuart looked around the group and shrugged. “Okay, I guess no foreplay.”

Colin sat up and threw Stuart a nasty look. “Is this about business, or do you have the hots for my sister? So far, you’ve suggested this was a date and then used the word pleasure and now foreplay. Either you have no manners or you’re seriously medicated. I can think of hundred things I’d rather be doing instead of sitting here with you. So either cut the shit or get out.” He drained his beer and signaled to the waitress. “Did you not notice that big man sitting across from you with a lethal gaze trained on your heart? Wake up, man.” The waitress approached, and Colin asked for water for the table. Stuart asked for a scotch, and they were left alone.

Stuart straightened his tie and leaned back. “The reason I asked to meet with you today is because my family company is interested in acquiring Bellows Energy. I have no idea if you both want to keep it or if you’re interested in selling. If you are, then I want to be the first to put a bid in.”

Ivy sat up and finished her drink. “We haven’t decided yet. If we do choose to put it up for sale, you’re welcome to enter the bidding process when it begins.”

“The energy business is complicated and volatile, and it’s not easy to understand,” Stuart responded smugly.

Colin nodded thoughtfully. “Well, it’s a good thing my sister and I are so damn smart.”

“A business degree isn’t going to be enough,” Stuart said as he crossed his legs.

Does this guy seriously think that he is helping himself? Ryan wondered, as he saw Ivy’s shoulders rise. He had a feeling that this would be the last person they would consider selling to. He was about to say something, but Ivy cleared her throat.

---