Page 21 of Our Cracked Pieces
A lot.
When Tana Acer, with Silver Images, Incorporated, had called to schedule a business meeting with me, I had researched the company and had found that its potential was worth a meeting. Cavanaugh Industries had its fingers in damn near everything, and marketing was one of those interests. So, when Ms. Acer had arranged this meeting, I had been interested in finding out more about Silver Images.
I wasn’t here to get my dick sucked.
Since Cavanaugh Industries’ conception, I have never mixed business with pleasure, and I sure as fuck wasn’t going to start now.
After graduating from Texas West A&M, I had returned to Chicago to start up my own business. With an MBA and my family’s name and money behind me, it hadn’t been that much of a hardship. Sure, I had paid my parents back as soon as I had been able, but that didn’t take away from the fact that I’d had help getting CI started. But six years later, my success was my own. I worked my ass off, and I spent more time in my office than I did my condo.
My sister, Molly, also moved back to Chicago after graduating from UC Berkeley, and she spent most of her time crusading for charities and women’s groups. Some might consider her a rich socialite, but that wasn’t her at all. Molly’s mission in life was deeper than anyone would ever know.
The problem with having money, good looks, and the last name Cavanaugh was that you had women like Tana Acer in the world who wouldn’t care if I clubbed baby seals every Friday night as long as she could be seen on my arm, have access to my bank accounts, and use my last name to help her climb the Chicago social ladder.
And don’t get me wrong. Had I met this woman in another time or place, I would have gladly let her suck my dick. But this was a business meeting. And even if I had met her in another time or place, I still wouldn’t be stupid enough not to see her for what she was. I would have let her suck my dick, then sent her on her way.
Pussy didn’t blind or control me.
No matter how good.
With walnut-colored hair, wide hazel eyes, a firm, ample rack, and legs for days, Tana probably wasn’t used to the word ‘no’, but she was going to hear it today. Besides, I found myself partial to blondes these days.
A blonde with brains, a body that won’t quit, and an attitude that made my dick hard.
“So, what do you think, Lorcan?” I had given her leave to use my first name when we had met and shaken hands, but now I wish I had reserved that privilege. “I think Silver Images and Cavanaugh Industries could accomplish great things if they got in bed together.” She leaned in closer to the table, full cleavage on display.
I gestured towards her presentation folders. “You’ve put together a very compelling presentation, Ms. Acer.” No way was I using her first name, though she had extended the same courtesy. “I will present it to my marketing division and have someone reach out to you later this week.”
Her face fell a bit. “Oh,” she muttered “I thought, well…I assumed you made these decisions, and I’d be hearing back from you.”
I leaned back in my seat and cocked my head to the side a bit. “Ms. Acer, I employee thousands of people, all who are at their top of their game,” I told her. “I have seventeen different divisions that make up Cavanaugh Industries. Do you honestly believe my head of marketing can’t handle this joint venture if we so choose to move forward with Silver Images?”
That pretty face of hers blushed. “No…I mean, of course. Of course, Silver Images has faith in every division of your company.”
“Good.” I gave her a sharp nod. “So, as previously stated, someone will be in touch.” I signaled the waiter.
“Oh…uhm, that’s it?”
I arched a brow. “Was there more?”
She quickly regained her composure. “Well, maybe we could talk about this some more,” she suggested. “Maybe over drinks.”
“It’s one in the afternoon, Ms. Acer,” I remarked drolly.
The waiter made his way over, and with a hefty tip and a ‘thank you’, I handed him my card, and prayed he’d be quick about it. While I had no interest in this woman, I also had no interest in being rude to her either. Or mean if she refused to take the hint.
She smiled, and she really was a beautiful woman, if a bit obvious. “How about after-dinner drinks?”
“As nice as that sounds, I don’t socialize personally with anyone connected to the business side of Cavanaugh Industries, Ms. Acer,” I informed coolly. “Besides, I work around the clock. I don’t have time for drinks.”
“Oh,” she let out softly, almost like she was thinking out loud. “I hadn’t realized…”
The waiter chose that moment to return with my card. I took it and stood up, forcing Ms. Acer to have to stand as well.
I reached out and shook her hand. “Thank you for the meeting,” I said. “You’ll hear from us soon.”
Her nod was unsure, but she was just probably not expecting to get rejected today. “Oh, okay,” she stammered a bit. “Thank you, Lorcan. I really appreciate your time.” I just nodded and headed for some fresh air.
Normally, I’d escort her from the restaurant, but I didn’t want to give the woman hope of any kind. Determined men had nothing on determined women.
