Page 38 of Charm

My assumption is proven correct as he walks to the other end of the table and faces me directly. His gaze finds mine, and he perks a brow as if he’s asking me a silent question.

Crossing my arms, I shake my head before I look to where Krista has taken the seat next to Jameson since Marc moved over one.

“You can join us down here, Greer!” Krista calls through her cupped hands, as if I’m a million miles away, and she needs her voice to carry over the distance.

“I’m fine right where I am,” I say in defiance, glancing at her.

I shift my gaze back to the man who blew my world apart just six weeks ago. He lowers himself into his chair, keeping his eyes locked on me the entire time. “I’m eager to make a deal. Tell me what it’s going to take to make that happen, Greer.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Holden

I’ve tried repeatedlyto drag Greer into this conversation about the potential sale of her business, but her partner is doing all of the talking…and I do meanall of the talking.

It became apparent in the very early moments of this meeting that Greer has zero interest in selling Sweet Indulgence to me, or more precisely, to my company.

When I mentioned our vision for both the company and the storefront they now inhabit, Greer shook her head. She was essentially cutting each of our ideas down with a single shake of her head. Every time it happened, I moved on to the next idea that Jameson and our marketing team had jotted down for me.

Nothing impressed Greer, including the smile I tried to dazzle her with. That resulted in a frown from her and what I think was a slight eye roll.

She’s pissed as hell.

I have no clue if it’s because she wants to retain control of her company.

There’s a damn good chance that she’s fuming because I’m not Joe Campbell.

Either way, I plan on grabbing a moment alone with her once this disaster of a meeting concludes.

“We need to get back to work,” Greer announces loudly.

“What?” Krista’s head snaps in her business partner’s direction. “We haven’t accepted their offer yet.”

Greer shoots her a look. “We’re not accepting anything.”

“Ever?” Krista jumps to her feet. “Please, Greer. Let’s talk about this.”

Greer stands, too, so I do the same. Jameson follows my lead.

“If you two need a moment to discuss the offer in private, we’ll give you the room,” my naïve brother says.

He has no idea I spent the better part of three days naked between Greer’s legs, and her rush to run out of here likely has a lot more to do with that than the offer we presented.

“Thank you, but we’re leaving.” Greer’s voice is strained. The frustration in her tone is unmistakable.

“Really?” Krista stomps her shoe against the floor.

The only response she gets from Greer is a blank stare.

Jameson looks to me for guidance, but I’ve got nothing to offer him other than a half-shrug of my shoulder. I have no fucking idea if this deal is salvageable or not, but my gut is telling me that approaching Greer right now is not what she needs.

“Thank you all for making time for us,” Krista says as she hurries over to where Greer is now standing near the closed door. “I’ll be in touch.”

Greer doesn’t back that up with anything other than a glance in my direction. Seconds later, both women have left the room with my brother chasing after them.

“It seems someone isn’t on board with selling their company to Carden.” Marc chuckles. “Do you think Jameson can change Greer’s mind?”

From what I just witnessed, I’d say no.

---