Page 72 of Dangerous Temptation
It had already been a challenging day. ‘I’ve discovered I’m not a fan of helicopter rides.’
He pulled her over to the bar and took his place behind it. He searched briefly before finding another bottle of the white wine she liked so well.
He popped the cork like an expert. ‘You seemed to enjoy the flight.’
That part had been thrilling. She’d loved the views of the lake and the countryside and Bedford. Things had gotten a bit too exciting when they’d made it to the city. ‘The flying part is fine. It’s the landing I could do without.’
They’d used the East 34th Street heliport, which had the FDR overpass practically on top of it. The approach had been nerve-wracking, but once they were on the ground, the location was convenient. A limo had been waiting only steps away, and the drive to the penthouse had been short.
She took the glass he handed her and sipped. She looked at him over the edge of the flute. ‘How does it feel to be back?’
He unbuttoned his jacket and glanced around the place. As she watched, the line of his jaw hardened.
‘Like it’s about damn time.’
She recognised that cool, determined look, but she could appreciate it better now. ‘What are your plans?’
That sharp grey gaze landed on her. ‘Our plans.’
Warmth unfurled in her chest. She was glad he considered this a partnership, but she was definitely the weaker link. She wasn’t as brave as he was or as focused. People were still angry, and they had questions. His return would poke the hornets’ nest.
If anyone recognised her, that would only compound the problem.
‘Easy.’ Rounding the bar, he took her hand.
She didn’t know who needed the other’s support more right now.
Together, they walked back to take in the spectacular view.
The sky was heavy. Dark and moody. It was the same sky that hovered over the rural part of the state, but the feel of the city was entirely different. New York had an energy like no other. It was stimulating and scary. Everything was going in top gear. Part of Elena craved that energy and wanted to dive back into it.
Yet a bigger part of her wished she was in the peaceful, secluded confines of the lake house.
She sipped from her glass again, and he squeezed her hand.
‘Are you ready for the board meeting tomorrow?’ she asked.
‘I’ve read all the materials. It’s going to be contentious.’
Couldn’t anything be easy any more? She worried about him walking alone into that meeting, but she knew, if she went, it would only cause even more of a distraction. She’d read the materials, too, and the company was in chaos. Alex might not have any connection with Wolfe Financial on paper, but it had been in his family for over a hundred years. Someone needed to do something. The board itself had been floundering.
‘How are you going to reclaim your good name?’ She hoped he was going to step up. WF needed someone who knew how to take control and wasn’t afraid to make the tough decisions. Right now, the financial institution was leaderless.
He looked pensive as he swirled his drink. ‘There is no good Wolfe name any more.’
She breathed slowly. That was right. His grandfather was still out there, running from his responsibilities. Then again, the Bardot name had lost its lustre, too.
He tossed back a gulp of whiskey, gritted his teeth and put the empty glass on an end table. ‘I’m not going to fight it any more.’
Her hair swished as her head swung around. ‘Why not?’
She’d never considered him to be one who would just take the abuse and slander.
‘There’s no use looking back.’ He smiled harshly. ‘They say that the best revenge is living well.’
She frowned. ‘You don’t mean that.’
‘The hell I don’t.’ He waved his hand over the city. ‘I’m done hiding, and I’m not about to apologise.’
